I recently came across an interesting blog post, in which a woman who is relocating from New York to Arizona wanted to know the difference between living in Gilbert and Chandler. Her inquiry prompted me to find a fuller answer to her question. I decided to go and ask some local residents what they thought. I would like to thank the generous people who contributed their opinions and time. Your thoughts and insight will help future home buyers looking to buy in these areas. I’ve also added my “two cents” to complete the picture.

“I lived in Mesa and Gilbert and currently reside in Tempe. After 15 years in Arizona, I’ve seen the growth in the Valley of the Sun. I think the difference between Chandler and Gilbert is Chandler is closer to Phoenix, and there are more major business corporations. Chandler’s population is more diverse. Gilbert, on the other hand, is newer and with more choices for a safe community. Gilbert is more like a bedroom community for those working in Phoenix or Chandler.”

– Willi of Tempe

“Chandler is a city, whereas Gilbert is a town. There are three hospitals in Gilbert versus one in Chandler. Many commercial and industrial corporations are located in Chandler than Gilbert. The Chandler-Gilbert Community College is located in Chandler.”

Kathleen of Gilbert

“Chandler and Gilbert are similar communities. The style of homes and pricing are comparable. The real estate market in these areas move together as opposed to Queen Creek or Maricopa City.
Chandler has a stronger and balanced economic base. There are major industrial and commercial businesses in Chandler such as Intel Corp. and Motorola. The City of Chandler is developing Downtown Chandler and the Chandler Air Park to provide better quality of life and quality jobs for the City. On the other hand, Gilbert is newer and have nice communities throughout while Chandler has nicer homes in the South and not as well-kept homes in North Chandler.”

Bob of Chandler

“Chandler has more corporate businesses around. My daughter goes to Gilbert’s Neeley Traditional Elementary School and I find it to be a very good school. There are lots of parks in Gilbert.”

– Yi Bin of Gilbert

From my perspective as a Realtor, both the Chandler and Gilbert areas are comparable in home values and are holding their property values stronger than the Northwest or Southwest areas of Maricopa County. Foreclosed homes are not as prominent in Chandler and Gilbert, therefore home values here are not in a steep decline. Most home buyers who are thinking of Chandler as their next home also look at Gilbert or vice-versa because of the comparable quality of life and affordability.

Chandler is closer to Phoenix and minutes from Tempe. Both are close to amenities and offer excellent school systems. NorthWest Chandler boast Kyrene School District which has gained a reputation for effective teaching methods and consistent high school rankings. Chandler residents voted last week to continue the override for the budget of the Chandler school district which confirms the residents’ support for education. Community service and quality of life are well provided to residents of different age groups. Gilbert has one active adult community at Trilogy in Power Ranch, built by reknowned master plan designer Del Webb. Chandler has three active adult communities: Sun Lakes, Sunbird and Springfield Solera. All offer golf privileges, club houses, health and recreation facilities. All three active-adult communities are located in the quiet and low-crime area of South Chandler.

The town of Gilbert landed in the list of the nation’s top 10 fastest growing cities/towns from the period of 2000 to 2007. Meanwhile, since 2005, Chandler has been voted three times as among the top 100 places to live for younger people.

The Tumbleweed Recreation Center, located at 745 Germann Rd., provides fitness and recreation to Chandler families and friends. The Freestone Recreation Center located at 1141 E. Guadalupe Rd. is a family-friendly multipurpose facility offering fitness classes, rock climbing, child care and more for the town of Gilbert. Chandler boasts five outstanding and inexpensive water park facilities while Gilbert recently added two swimming facilities to total five aquatic centers offering swimming and diving lessons.

The rental tax in both Gilbert and Chandler is 1.5% of the monthly rent. As of Nov. 5, 2008, Chandler has 399 homes for rent while Gilbert has 333 rental homes available. The rental market in Chandler and Gilbert has been pretty steady, averaging 45 days to rent. There are 1,978 homes for sale and 874 sold in the last 30 days in Chandler, while Gilbert has 2,103 homes for sale, 990 sold in the last 30 days.

Both areas offer private neighborhood lakes. Ocotillo Lakes in South Chandler and Val Vista Lakes and El Dorado Lakes in Gilbert are popular communities for many home buyers. Chandler recently opened at Veterans Oasis Park at the corner of Val Vista and Chandler Heights. The lake is open for public fishing. The city has stocked the lake with 500 catfish and will stock it with trout this month. Phoenix, AZ, is the golf capital of America. So, you’ll find golf courses everywhere in Metro Phoenix, including both Gilbert and Chandler. The Chandler Fashion Mall is an indoor shopping mall located west of Chandler Blvd and Price Rd. while Gilbert opened in 2007 the San Tan Village Outdoor Regional Mall on Williams Field Rd and Loop 202. Ice skating is available at the Polar Ice Skating Arena located at 7225 W Harrison St in Chandler and Gilbert on Knox and Greenfield Rd.

In summary, what difference Chandler has from Gilbert is Chandler’s proximity to Phoenix and Tempe. It has a stronger economic base attributed to major businesses in the area and it’s vision to develop Downtown Chandler, the Chandler Air Park and bring transportation into South Chandler. Gilbert on the other hand maintains a friendly suburban feel with nice communities. And continues to bring quality jobs for its residents. Both areas offer great quality of life at an affordable price.

If you are looking to purchase or rent a home in Chandler and Gilbert or have any questions. You know where to find me. Click on the links below to view the Chandler and Gilbert websites.

http://www.ci.gilbert.az.us

http://www.chandleraz.gov