We are from Ohio and moved our family out to Gilbert this year. We moved here because it is a family community. I agree the summers are way to hot. But that goes for the whole phoenix valley. We do go up north to Prescott alot to escape the heat. We take day trips either there or Sedona. The drive to Prescott takes a couple hours and the drive is anything but boring. Part of the fun is the drive. Everything looks different up there. Such beauty and SHADE. I don't think I'd try a veggie garden in the desert myself. A little frustrating. But there are plenty of other plants besides cactus that will grow in the valley. As far as free stuff they're isn't much to do in the summer unless you want to spend money. But I think as far as living in the phoenix valley you can't beat Gilbert for raising a family. If got one of the safest cities award. Great schools. One thing that does rub me the wrong way is the constant new schools popping up and then they change the bounderies of which school your child will attend. But all in all I'm pleased. Hopefully the market will pick up and you'll be able to sell your house and move.
kim | Gilbert, AZ | Report Abuse

You should have seen my garden this year! Understandably it is different from back east, it IS the desert. But you can figure it out. You should have seen our crops of watermelon, squash, eggplant, lettuce, carrots, radishes, herbs, green onion etc. Plus our flourishing peach, green apple, apricot, plum and citrus trees. BEAUTIFUL. Also, I was born and raised here. I do not know what neighborhood you live in, but kids play outside in front of my home all day everyday. I have two children who have had more friends here than anywhere else we have ever lived, and as far as going outside goes, really it is a trade off. When I lived in Utah, you spend the winters inside for three months. Here, either get a pool or spend three months of summer inside. It isn't so bad. My high school where I attended was awarded the National Merit scholar award for being rated the #1 high school in the country in 2004, and gilbert has great programs for sports, music, arts, dance, etc. The shopping here is beyond most rural areas, and there is a fantastic array of dining within a 30 min driving radius. Driving to the snow only takes 1 1/2 hours in the winter time, and then my kids get to get out and play in the fun white stuff. If you enjoy cultural arts, gamage auditorium is a short drive away where they often hold a host of wonderful events, and there is a fun theater in downtown gilbert as well as different museums around which my kids love to visit.
Bp | Gilbert, AZ | Report Abuse

You should have seen my garden this year! Understandably it is different from back east, it IS the desert. But you can figure it out. You should have seen our crops of watermelon, squash, eggplant, lettuce, carrots, radishes, herbs, green onion etc. Plus our flourishing peach, green apple, apricot, plum and citrus trees. BEAUTIFUL. Also, I was born and raised here. I do not know what neighborhood you live in, but kids play outside in front of my home all day everyday. I have two children who have had more friends here than anywhere else we have ever lived, and as far as going outside goes, really it is a trade off. When I lived in Utah, you spend the winters inside for three months. Here, either get a pool or spend three months of summer inside. It isn't so bad. My high school where I attended was awarded the National Merit scholar award for being rated the #1 high school in the country in 2004, and gilbert has great programs for sports, music, arts, dance, etc. The shopping here is beyond most rural areas, and there is a fantastic array of dining within a 30 min driving radius. Driving to the snow only takes 1 1/2 hours in the winter time, and then my kids get to get out and play in the fun white stuff. If you enjoy cultural arts, gamage auditorium is a short drive away where they often hold a host of wonderful events, and there is a fun theater in downtown gilbert as well as different museums around which my kids love to visit.
Bp | Gilbert, AZ | Report Abuse

You folks live in paradise compared to the rat-hole I live in, here in Yuma. I couldn't give my house away! Still, if I could I would trade my place for your place in a flash! Personally, I'd rather have the climate of Prescott but the services of the valley. Clearly, there isn't a bed of roses anyway in the USA. Every place is going to have perks and quirks.
Dan | Yuma, AZ | Report Abuse