Review of Gilbert, Arizona


Living in Gilbert is not for kids!
Star Rating - 7/20/2009
I have lived in Arizona for 12 years now. I have 2 kids, and HATE the fact that I have to raise them here (due to job and economic conditions, it is nearly impossible to sell my house, find a job practically anywhere else and move)
The summers are simply way too hot to do anything but sit at home and watch TV. It is unbearable to even drive to the movies or a mall to beat the heat...The spring, fall and winter are not as hot, but, face it, this is the desert, so everything is dusty, sandy and brown, so unless you are really into hiking,even hiking is not fun.
Because of the heat, or maybe the fact that most people living here are not originally from Arizona, people tend to keep to themselves, so you will almost never see kids playing even on a quiet cul de sac.
If you are into gardening, forget it--although it rarely ever freezes here, it is soooooo hot and dry for most of the year that cacti are the only plants you can grow around here. Since I am an avid gardener, I try to grow vegetables every year with very poor results--most vegetables literally cook on the vine before you get a chance to harvest them.
If you are the type that likes daytrips, don't bother, cause most places that are a couple of hours away look the same, and the drive is incredibly boring.
This is a great place if you are retired, can sleep all day, and spend all night gambling at nearby casinos. If you have pets, kids, hobbies or plan to have them, save yourself the agony and find somewhere else to live.
Bp | Gilbert, AZ
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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
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