Taking a Look at Arizona's Desert Jewel
As the economy shifts and markets are altered, the price of homes becomes more affordable for buyers. Although new home sales have fallen off as a result of the economy, builders are making available very attractive incentives to home buyers across the country.
Furthermore, foreclosed homes and bank owned properties are a great investment for anyone looking to purchase a first home or get into an investment property at a reasonable price. One hot spot is the attractive housing market surrounding Mesa, Arizona.
The fastest growing area of the state is within the township of Gilbert, where the predominately Republican neighborhoods foster family values. Homes in Gilbert have attracted many new residents over the past few years, due to the close proximity to Phoenix's International Airport, a meager twenty-five minute drive away. But despite the most appealing thing about Gilbert is the wide variety of recreation, restaurants, shopping centers, schools and sports facilities.
There is something for everyone in Gilbert and always something happening, quite remarkable for a town that still gives you a community feel away from the bustling suburbs of nearby Mesa and Phoenix.
Gilbert was recently named among the most desirable places to live in the United States ranking 28 of the top 100 cities to live in. Plans are well underway for the continued development of the area including a new shopping mall and recreation center. But not everything is new in Gilbert. In keeping with tradition, Gilbert's town center, known as the Heritage District, remains a quaint and historic heart of the community and is home to many unique shops, restaurants and offices.
Founded in 1920 as a rail stop along the Arizona Eastern Railway, Gilbert was known as the hay capital of the world. Much has changed since the early settlers of Gilbert first named the town after William Bobby Gilbert, who was the original owner of the land the rail stop was on.
But each November the city honors Gilbert Days, a three-day celebration that marks the paving of Gilbert Road through downtown. Gilbert Days provides fun-filled activities for the entire family including the Gilbert Days 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Run, a farewell through downtown, and IPRA Rodeo action and carnival that takes places at Gilbert Rodeo Park.
Within close proximity to Mesa, Chandler, Ahwatukee and Phoenix, Gilbert offers the best of two worlds; First the relaxed family friendly lifestyle of the quiet neighborhoods and second, the adventurous outdoor recreation with parks, trails and bird sanctuaries.
The residents of Gilbert enjoy the ease and convenience of the sprawling metropolis as the backdrop to this quaint southwestern community.