Locals have known all along what the national press has just begun to share: Gilbert is arguably the best city in the country to live in. Incredible public schools, affordable healthcare, low crime rates, and, of course, endlessly sunny skies. Once a closely held secret, the notion has been spread far and wide since CNN Money awarded Gilbert a coveted spot on it’s “Best Places to Live” list.

South Gilbert consists of family-friendly neighborhoods set in a community that caters to people who enjoy active lifestyles. Residents take full advantage of the awesome community events, convenient shopping, and outdoor activates in sports complexes, golf-courses, and world-class public parks. The area is also known for hosting incredible public, family-based events. One of the more prominent annual celebrations lights up the skies every Christmas with a hot air balloon display, creating a magical and unique holiday tradition that ignites kids’ imaginations.

Year round, the South Gilbert community of Agritopia – a modern-day village featuring 400 charming, seemingly-historic homes along tree-lined, narrow streets – is home to community gardens, homegrown restauranteurs, bodegas, and local shops. Among them, Joe’s Farm Grill, a favorite of Food Network, features all the American classics, done naturally and deliciously.

South Gilbert / SanTan takes advantage of being located within the Gilbert Public School District. For over 100 years, GPSD has offered academic distinction that set them apart from others. They’ve achieved a record number of awards, recognitions, and accomplishments, including an A+ rating from the Arizona Department of Education. They employ over 50 nationally board-certified educators. A record 37% of their teachers hold masters degrees in their field and have an average tenure of nearly 15 years. They take pride in honing in on student interests with varying curricular focuses, including agricultural science, automative, business, culinary, STEM, fine art, journalism, JROTC, and more.

Furthermore, Gilbert has a wide array of private and charter school options, should you decide to go that route. One of Gilbert’s most prominent private schools is, surprisingly, a preschool. The Goddard School is nationally known for their ability to help foster brilliance within children and is one of the few Nationally Accredited preschools in the state of Arizona.

Gilbert ranks #1 nationally, across a surprisingly large swath of statistics. One of the most telling? The city is ranked number one in the country for “wallet wellness”. Meaning residents in the southeast of the Valley are simply the best in the nation at fiscal responsibility. This attitude and intelligent approach to finance bleeds into many aspects of day-to-day life in Gilbert. Just under 50% of the residents here hold at least a bachelor’s degrees in their field. The median household income is $90,000, coupled with the overall low cost of living. That’s impressively high. Furthermore, the housing industry here is absolutely booming, with some of the highest value growth and new-build construction happening statewide. With a targeted focus in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math industries (STEM), Gilbert is home to many companies with focuses in Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace and Defense, Bio-Technology, Clean Technology and Renewable Energy. As such, a highly innovative and increasingly younger generation of Arizonans is relocating to this commerce hub.

In the heart of Gilbert – one of the fastest growing cities in America – you’ll find SanTan Village, an open-air, regional lifestyle center. Here, an expertly curated blend of retail, entertainment, upscale dining, nightlife, and more awaits residents and visitors. In recent years, this area has become Gilbert’s new commercial hub. From boutique to big-box retailers, from fast food to five-star steakhouses, from book stores to beauty stores – there’s something for everyone at SanTan.

Even better, the area features numerous, incredible public parks. These have become hotspots for residents in this fast-growing, family-centric community. Most notable among them: Cosmo Dog Park, Discovery Park, and Crossroads Park. The area is also known among athletes and outdoors enthusiasts for it’s Central Trail system, which features over 135 miles of running, biking, and equestrian trails.