Originally called the “Hay Shipping Capital of the World,” today Gilbert AZ has become a fast growing community that focuses on families. Located to the southeast of Phoenix, the city has transitioned from a large agricultural community to a suburban community that is economically diverse and thriving. The high quality of community life offers a great place for young families, and the excellent education system is another attraction to families as well. In fact, surveys show that 95% of surveyed residents feel the city is an excellent place to raise a family. Here’s a closer look at Gilbert demographics, culture, quality of life, and more.
Source: wikimedia.org
Census data shows that Gilbert AZ had a population of 229,972 as of 2013, and the population in the city had gone up more than 109% since 2000. Of that population, approximately 50.8% of the population is males, while 49.2% of the population is females. The median resident age in Gilbert is 33.2 years old, which is younger than the median age in Arizona. The population within the city breaks down into 73.5% white, 13.8% Hispanic, 7.7% Asian, 2.3% black, 2.3% two or more races, and 0.3% American Indian.
Within the city of Gilbert, approximately 68% of the population above age 15 is married, 20% has never been married, 8% are divorced, and 2% are widowed. The population is young, with more than 37% of the population under the age of 21. Only 5% of the population in the city is over the age of 65.
Source: wikimedia.org
Originally, the culture in Gilbert was based around an agriculture lifestyle. The city was first incorporated in 1920, although the beginnings of the town traces to William Gilbert, who was responsible for Providing Arizona Eastern Railway with land I 1902, which allowed them to create a rail line that ran between Florence and Phoenix, Arizona.
Although Gilbert AZ had humble beginnings and started as a city based around agriculture, it quickly turned into a thriving, growing suburban city. Within the past thirty years, the city saw explosive growth. With such a young population and a focus on families, Gilbert offers a family atmosphere, with many of the city’s events designed for young families.
For families looking for a city that offers great quality of life, Gilbert is an excellent choice. The average household income in 2009 was estimated to be over $109,000, which is significantly higher than the state or national average. Only 2.28% of the families located in Gilbert are considered to be below poverty level. According to a news article in the Arizona Republic, Gilbert has the country’s highest median income, another reason the quality of life is so excellent in this city.
The quality school systems in Gilbert AZ also increase the area’s quality of life, with a nationally ranked education that includes charter schools, magnet schools, and public schools. The graduation rate is 90%, and almost 40% of residents in the city have at least a bachelor’s degree. Crime is low in Gilbert as well, and it’s previously been ranked as the 2nd Safest City to live in within the United States. Quality of life indexes show that the city scores especially high in amusement, culture, education, medical care, and restaurants. The overall quality of life index for Gilbert is 197, significantly higher than the average quality of life index in the United States.
Source: wikimedia.org
Gilbert is best known for being an excellent place for families, and that’s reflected in the many family friendly special events that are held within the city. One of the family-friendly events the city is well-known for is the Gilbert’s Global Village Festival, which is held at the Gilbert Civic Center North Campus. The festival is designed to celebrate multiple cultures, highlighting arts and crafts, children’s activities, dance, ethnic foods, and music from many different countries.
The city is also known for the Riparian at Water Ranch, which is one of the most popular and largest wildlife preserves in the area. It offers equestrian trails and hiking trails that the entire community can enjoy. Locals enjoy watching birds and wildlife, and nearly 250 different species of birds have been sighted here. Campsites, a dinosaur dig site, and covered picnic areas are also available. An astronomy observatory is located at the preserve and is generally open to the public on Friday and Saturday evenings.
The gorgeous weather in the city makes it a top location for golfers, and Gilbert AZ offers multiple golf courses for golfers to enjoy. Some of the available golf courses in Gilbert include the Greenfield Lakes Golf Course, the Seville Golf & Country Club, the Kokopelli Golf Course, Western Skies Golf Club, and Trilogy Golf Club at Power Ranch. Not only can golfers enjoy lovely weather, these golf courses also offer incredible views, which is why they are attractive to both locals and visitors.
The Water Tower at Gilbert’s Heritage District Water Tower Park is another spot the city is well known for, and the water tower was originally built back in 1927. Today it’s considered a town icon, and many community events are held in the Water Tower Park, such as the Gilbert Art Walk and the yearly Downtown Concert Series. Blow the tower outdoor seating and a splash pad is available for locals to enjoy.
