Gilbert, Arizona is set in Arizona’s “Valley of the Sun,” just a short drive from Phoenix. This 76 square mile city was named as one of the fastest-growing municipalities in the United States, and for good reason. Many refer to Gilbert as a small town with big city appeal, and it certainly lives up to that description. Gilbert is also home to several universities, tech companies, medical institutions, and many other businesses, and it also has a thriving arts and culture scene. Even better, it is a city with a smaller, but vibrant LGBTQ community, where all can feel welcome and at home.
A Look at the History of Gilbert
Gilbert was initially founded by and named for William Gilbert, who offered his land to the Arizona Eastern Railway in 1902, to build a rail line between Phoenix, and nearby Florence, Arizona. Shortly after the railroad came through, businesses and additional settlers began arriving in the area, and it became an important center of agriculture as well, eventually becoming known as the "Hay Capital of the World." Since the time of its founding, Gilbert has grown steadily, and in addition to being an important center of agriculture, it is now a thriving center of business, industry, and education as well. For so many reasons, Gilbert would make a wonderful place to call home!
A Few Fun Facts About Gilbert
Read more fun facts about Gilbert here.
Gilbert’s LGBTQ Community
Gilbert is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
PFLAG Phoenix is Gilbert’s closest local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.
One n Ten is a center for LGBTQ youth and young adults serving the greater Phoenix area. Its mission is to serve LGBTQ youth and young adults ages 11-24 and to enhance the lives of the youth it serves by providing empowering and engaging social service programs that promote the development of leadership skills, self-expression, and healthy life choices.
What's the Weather Like in Gilbert?
Gilbert has a desert-type climate, which generally means that it receives little annual rainfall and has low relative humidity. Temperatures during the day are typically high throughout the summer, usually reaching an average high of around 105ºF. Winters are generally mild, with temperatures dropping to around 40ºF in January. Fall and spring are generally pleasant, and also full of plenty of sunshine. Gilbert receives around 9 inches of rainfall each year and no snow.
Can’t-Miss Events in Gilbert
Phoenix Pride is one celebration that is well worth the short drive from Gilbert each year. The Phoenix Pride Festival has been organizing marches, rallies, parades, educational events, and outreach projects to celebrate the Phoenix LGBTQ+ community for 40 years. The Pride festival is a two-day celebration designed to bring the LGBTQ+ and allied communities together in camaraderie and celebration while also raising funds for the Phoenix Pride Community Programs and providing education to the greater Phoenix community about LGBTQ issues, and all that the LGBTQ community adds to the city.
The Best Neighborhoods in Gilbert
Unlike some larger cities, Gilbert doesn’t have one specific “gayborhood,” or area where most of the LGBTQ population lives. Instead, many gays and lesbians live throughout the area. One beautiful aspect of Gilbert is its intact Art Deco and depression-era buildings that are still in evidence everywhere in the city. There are beautiful old silver water towers, many old neon signs, and wonderful public Art Deco buildings. Many of the homes have these unique characteristics as well, although there are a wide variety of home styles in different price ranges available.
Finding the home and neighborhood that is right for you will largely be a matter of budget and personal preference, and as a result, it can be very helpful and important to find a Gilbert LGBTQ realtor who knows and loves the city, and who can point you toward homes that might be a good fit. The median list price of homes currently for sale in Gilbert is around $550,000.
Arts and Entertainment
Known as Gilbert’s premiere theatre company, Hale Theatre presents a wide variety of excellent performances throughout the year in its beautiful, 350-seat theatre-in-the-round. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy one of these wonderful performances for yourself.
Gilbert is well-known for its Heritage District that features many high-end boutiques and shops, as well as a variety of excellent restaurants and bars. It’s a wonderful place to spend a day out in Gilbert, where everyone can find something they enjoy.
Parks and Recreation
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is a unique, beautiful, and innovative preserve in Gilbert. Despite its location in a desert climate, it is an oasis of sorts, featuring seven aquifers, which attract a diversity of birds and other wildlife. The preserve offers nearly five miles of trails that are perfect for hiking, running, biking, horseback riding, or simply strolling and relaxing on a beautiful Gilbert day.
The Gilbert Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday, and it features more than 60 vendors serving a wide variety of local produce, foods, and crafter. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a beautiful morning in Gilbert, while also picking up a few delicious treats!
Gilbert Nightlife
Pat O’s, located only a short drive away in Phoenix is one stop that everyone should put on their list for a fun night out. This very popular LGBTQ nightspot has a sort of neighborhood “Cheers” like feel – welcoming to all, with a great jukebox that still plays quietly enough for patrons to have a conversation over a game of darts or a drink. Pat’s offers regular theme nights like “Dart Night”, “Bear-E-oke”, and “Disco Night” among others, and it is a great place to meet up with old friends or make new ones.
Contact a Gilbert Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Gilbert, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Gilbert, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Gilbert gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
