- Privacy
- Terms
- Stay Connected
Nestled in the southeastern corner of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Gilbert has transformed from a humble agricultural community once known as the “Hay Shipping Capital of the World” into one of Arizona’s most vibrant and fastest-growing towns. With its palm-lined streets, master-planned communities, and a revitalized Heritage District, Gilbert perfectly balances small-town charm with modern suburban convenience. Home to approximately 270,000 residents, Gilbert boasts a unique demographic blend of young families, professionals, and retirees who enjoy the town’s high quality of life, top-rated schools, and abundant sunshine. What truly distinguishes Gilbert from its neighboring communities is its remarkable journey from agricultural roots to a thriving economic center while deliberately preserving elements of its heritage through thoughtful development, community involvement, and a commitment to maintaining the warmth of a close-knit community despite its impressive growth.
Today, Gilbert honors its history through the HD South (home of the Gilbert Historical Museum), the preservation of historical buildings in the Heritage District, and annual events that celebrate the town’s agricultural beginnings. The Gilbert Historical Society actively collects oral histories from longtime residents, ensuring that personal stories of Gilbert’s development are preserved for future generations.
The land now known as Gilbert has been home to indigenous peoples for thousands of years, particularly the Hohokam, who created sophisticated irrigation systems that laid the groundwork for future agricultural development in the region. Their canals, some of which are still in use today, demonstrate the ingenuity of these early inhabitants who made the desert bloom.
The modern history of Gilbert began in 1902 when William “Bobby” Gilbert provided land for the Arizona Eastern Railway to build a rail line between Phoenix and Florence. The rail siding that developed became known as “Gilbert’s Siding,” eventually shortened to Gilbert. The town’s founding is inextricably linked to agriculture, particularly alfalfa, cotton, and dairy farming. Early Mormon settlers played a significant role in developing the area’s agricultural economy.
A pivotal moment in Gilbert’s history came in 1912 when the construction of Roosevelt Dam brought reliable irrigation water to the area, transforming the desert landscape into fertile farmland. By the 1920s, Gilbert had earned its reputation as the “Hay Shipping Capital of the World,” with its alfalfa feeding livestock across the country.
Notable historical figures include Bobby Gilbert himself; the Morrison family, whose farming operations helped establish the town’s agricultural prominence; and Dale Hallock, a former mayor and dedicated town historian who has worked tirelessly to preserve Gilbert’s stories and artifacts.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Southeastern Phoenix metropolitan area |
| County | Maricopa County |
| Founded | 1902 |
| Incorporated | 1920 |
| Population | Approximately 273,000 (2023 estimate) |
| Area | 76.0 square miles (196.9 km²) |
| Elevation | 1,237 feet (377 m) |
| Climate | Hot desert climate (Köppen BWh) |
| Major Industries | Healthcare, education, retail, technology, financial services |
| Notable Landmarks | Gilbert Heritage District, Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, Gilbert Temple (LDS) |
| Transportation | Loop 202, US-60 (nearby), Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (nearby) |
| Education | Gilbert Public Schools, Higley Unified School District, Charter schools |
| Annual Events | Gilbert Days, Global Village Festival, Gilbert Art Walk |
| Named After | William “Bobby” Gilbert (provided land for rail line) |
| Nearby Cities | Mesa (adjacent north), Chandler (adjacent west), Queen Creek (adjacent southeast) |
Gilbert’s cultural identity has been shaped by several distinct influences, creating a unique tapestry of traditions. The town’s earliest settlers brought a blend of Anglo-American and Mormon cultural traditions that emphasized community cooperation, education, and agricultural innovation. Hispanic influences have long been part of Gilbert’s cultural landscape, with Mexican and Mexican-American families contributing to the town’s farming traditions, culinary scene, and cultural celebrations.
As Gilbert has grown, it has become increasingly diverse, with vibrant Asian American, African American, and Pacific Islander communities adding new dimensions to the town’s cultural identity. This diversity is reflected in places of worship across Gilbert, from historic churches to newer temples and mosques serving various faith communities.
The town has made conscious efforts to preserve its cultural heritage while embracing change. The Gilbert Historical Society maintains archives documenting the stories of different cultural groups, while the HD South hosts exhibits highlighting diverse community contributions. Programs like “Gilbert Speaks” capture oral histories from longtime residents representing different cultural backgrounds.
While English remains the primary language, Spanish is widely spoken, and community events often incorporate bilingual elements. Local expressions still reflect Gilbert’s agricultural past, with longtime residents occasionally referring to directions based on old canal roads or farm boundaries rather than current street names.
The most significant cultural shift in Gilbert has been its rapid transition from a farming community to a suburban town. This evolution has brought tensions between preserving rural character and embracing urban amenities, but it has also created a distinctive culture that values both innovation and tradition. Today’s Gilbert seamlessly blends farmers’ markets and urban farm initiatives with high-tech businesses and modern cultural institutions.
Gilbert’s artistic identity has flourished in recent decades, emerging from its agricultural roots into a distinct creative ecosystem that celebrates both heritage and innovation. The town’s artistic expression often incorporates themes of desert landscapes, agricultural history, and community connections, seen in public art installations like “The Centennial Monument” at the Heritage District’s water tower plaza.
Notable artists with Gilbert connections include painter Ed Mell, whose dramatic southwestern landscapes capture the region’s distinctive light and topography; muralist Lauren Lee, whose vibrant public artworks appear throughout the town; and photographer Kevin Caron, who documents the changing face of Gilbert through his powerful images of development and preservation.
Art spaces have multiplied as Gilbert has grown. Art Intersection in the Heritage District provides exhibition space, workshops, and community programs focused on photography and visual arts. The Gallery at HD South showcases work by local artists and hosts rotating exhibitions that often explore themes related to Gilbert’s history and culture. The town’s investment in public art is evident throughout Gilbert, with sculptures, murals, and installations incorporated into parks, public buildings, and commercial developments.
Art education thrives through programs at Gilbert Public Schools, which have strong visual and performing arts curricula, and through community classes offered at the Gilbert Community Center and through Gilbert Parks and Recreation. The annual Gilbert Global Village Festival includes hands-on art activities representing different cultural traditions.
The natural environment profoundly influences local artistic expression. The dramatic desert light, mountain vistas visible from Gilbert, and the agricultural patterns that once dominated the landscape appear repeatedly in local artwork. Even contemporary artists working in modern styles often reference the grid patterns of former farm fields or incorporate materials like cotton and hay in mixed-media pieces, connecting present artistic production to Gilbert’s agricultural past.
Gilbert’s community calendar reflects both its heritage and its evolution, with events that bring residents together to celebrate shared identity and values. These gatherings serve as cultural touchstones, reinforcing community bonds and introducing newcomers to Gilbert’s unique character.
Gilbert Days celebrates the town’s western and agricultural heritage each November. Originating in the 1950s as a small community gathering, it has evolved into a multi-day celebration featuring a parade through the Heritage District with horse-drawn carriages, community floats, and marching bands. The rodeo component honors Gilbert’s ranching traditions, while the Gilbert Days 5K Run draws participants of all ages. Local schools participate through special history projects, and longtime farming families often serve as parade grand marshals, connecting present-day residents to the town’s agricultural roots.
This springtime celebration embraces Gilbert’s growing diversity through cultural performances, international cuisine, and educational exhibits. Visitors can experience traditional dances from around the world, sample foods representing dozens of cultures, and participate in hands-on cultural activities. Local cultural organizations collaborate to create authentic representations of their heritage. Originally a small multicultural fair started in 2004, the festival has grown to attract thousands of attendees, reflecting Gilbert’s evolution from a predominantly Anglo farming community to a diverse suburban town with global connections.
Held on the first and third Saturdays from October through March, the Art Walk transforms downtown Gilbert into an open-air gallery. Local artists display paintings, photography, sculpture, and crafts along the sidewalks of Gilbert Road, while musicians perform at various locations. The event showcases Gilbert’s growing artistic community and provides economic support for creative entrepreneurs. Restaurants in the Heritage District offer special “Art Walk” menus, creating a festive atmosphere that has helped revitalize downtown Gilbert and establish it as a regional cultural destination.
This community-wide day of service unites residents in volunteer projects across Gilbert each April. Founded in 2008 by a coalition of faith communities, the event now involves thousands of volunteers working on projects ranging from neighborhood cleanups to food drives for local pantries. Schools, businesses, and community organizations participate by organizing specific service projects that address local needs. The day reflects Gilbert’s strong tradition of volunteerism and has collectively provided over 100,000 volunteer hours since its inception, embodying the community’s commitment to taking care of its own.
This contemporary food truck festival showcases Gilbert’s emergence as a culinary destination. Established in 2012 as the town’s dining scene began to flourish, the monthly event brings dozens of food trucks to the Heritage District, offering cuisine ranging from gourmet tacos to artisanal desserts. Live music, craft beverages, and family activities create a festive atmosphere. The Feastival reflects Gilbert’s newer identity as a food-centric community and attracts visitors from throughout the Phoenix metro area. It particularly appeals to younger residents and has helped establish Gilbert as a destination for innovative dining experiences.
Gilbert proudly embraces several nicknames that reflect its evolution, including the historical “Hay Capital of the World” and the more recent “Most Prosperous City in America,” a title bestowed by Economic Innovation Group in 2020. Many residents affectionately call their community “The Birthplace of the Original Arizona,” referencing its agricultural heritage and traditional values.
The town’s unofficial motto, “Community of Excellence,” reflects the shared values residents consistently identify: family-centricity, educational achievement, volunteer spirit, and civic pride. Gilbert residents describe their community as combining “big city amenities with small town heart,” emphasizing the balance of sophistication and neighborliness that defines the town’s character.
Architecturally, Gilbert displays its historical layers. The Heritage District features early 20th century structures with western and agricultural influences, including the iconic water tower. Mid-century neighborhoods showcase ranch-style homes with desert landscaping, while newer master-planned communities like Power Ranch and Morrison Ranch incorporate neo-traditional design elements while paying homage to Gilbert’s agricultural past through street names, common areas, and preserved farm features.
When describing their community to outsiders, residents often emphasize the quality of life Gilbert offers—excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, abundant parks, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Longtime residents point to the way Gilbert has managed growth while maintaining community connections, while newer arrivals highlight the town’s perfect combination of suburban comfort and urban amenities. Across demographics, Gilbert residents express pride in their community’s cleanliness, organization, and the sense that people look out for one another—values that have remained constant even as the town has transformed from rural outpost to suburban hub.
Gilbert operates under a council-manager form of government, with a directly elected mayor and six council members who set policy for the town. Day-to-day operations are managed by a professional town manager. This structure has provided stability during Gilbert’s rapid growth while allowing for responsive governance.
The town is known for its high level of citizen engagement, with numerous boards and commissions offering residents opportunities to shape policies on issues ranging from planning and zoning to parks and recreation. The “Gilbert Citizens Academy” provides residents with in-depth education about town operations and encourages civic participation.
Key community organizations that shape Gilbert include the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, which advocates for local businesses while organizing leadership development programs; the Gilbert Leadership program, which has graduated over 400 community leaders who have gone on to serve in various capacities; and faith-based organizations that provide social services and organize volunteer efforts.
Citizen involvement in decision-making is facilitated through town hall meetings, digital engagement platforms, and neighborhood outreach. Gilbert was among the first communities in Arizona to implement a digital town hall platform that allows residents to provide input on issues from the convenience of their homes.
Community-led initiatives have tackled significant local challenges. The “Gilbert Cares” program, started by residents to assist seniors with home maintenance, has evolved into a town-supported initiative. The “Volunteer Income Tax Assistance” program, organized by community volunteers, helps low-income residents with tax preparation. Perhaps most notably, the revitalization of the Heritage District was driven by a coalition of business owners, residents, and preservationists who envisioned a vibrant downtown that honored Gilbert’s past while embracing its future.
Gilbert’s economy has undergone a remarkable transformation from its agricultural foundations. While farming dominated until the 1970s, today’s Gilbert boasts a diverse economic base with strengths in healthcare, education, technology, and retail.
Banner Health and Dignity Health have established major medical centers in Gilbert, creating thousands of jobs and making healthcare a cornerstone of the local economy. The town’s excellent schools have attracted educational institutions, including a campus of Chandler-Gilbert Community College and satellite locations for several universities.
Technology and innovation have become increasingly important, with companies like GoDaddy maintaining operations in Gilbert. The town has actively courted businesses in targeted industries through its “Office of Economic Development,” which provides resources for businesses considering relocation or expansion in Gilbert.
Small businesses remain vital to Gilbert’s economy and community character. The Heritage District showcases this entrepreneurial spirit with locally owned restaurants, boutiques, and service businesses. The town supports these enterprises through programs like “Shop Gilbert” and a small business resource center that provides training and networking opportunities.
Economic challenges include managing growth sustainably and ensuring affordable housing remains available as property values rise. Competition with neighboring communities for business attraction also presents ongoing challenges.
Products unique to Gilbert include specialty foods that reference its agricultural heritage, such as local honey from urban beekeeping operations and artisanal cheeses from small dairy producers. Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company, founded in Gilbert, creates beers using local ingredients and has gained national recognition. Local craftspeople produce items ranging from western-inspired leather goods to contemporary jewelry, often sold at the weekly farmers’ market at the Agriculture Center.
Gilbert Public Schools and Higley Unified School District serve most of Gilbert’s students, with both districts consistently rated among Arizona’s best. The town also has numerous charter and private schools offering specialized programs, providing families with extensive educational choices.
Educational innovation thrives in Gilbert schools, with programs like Gilbert Classical Academy offering rigorous college preparatory curriculum, and Campo Verde High School’s agricultural program connecting students to the town’s farming heritage. STEM initiatives are prominent throughout Gilbert schools, reflecting the community’s focus on preparing students for technology-focused careers.
Local history and culture are woven throughout the educational experience. Third-graders in Gilbert schools study local history, often visiting the Gilbert Historical Museum as part of their curriculum. High school students can participate in programs like “Gilbert Youth Leadership,” which includes sessions on community history and civic engagement.
Community education extends beyond traditional schools. The Southeast Regional Library, one of Maricopa County’s busiest branches, offers extensive programming for all ages. The Gilbert Historical Society provides community lectures and workshops on topics ranging from desert gardening to local archaeology. The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension offers programs at the Gilbert Agricultural Center, maintaining connections to the town’s farming traditions while teaching sustainable practices for urban living.
Despite urbanization, Gilbert maintains a strong connection to its natural environment. The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch exemplifies this relationship, protecting a vital wetland habitat while providing residents with recreational opportunities including bird watching, fishing, and hiking. This 110-acre preserve has documented over 200 bird species and serves as both a recreational facility and an ecological education center.
The distinctive Sonoran Desert landscape influences daily life in Gilbert through architectural styles, landscaping choices, and outdoor activities. Traditional uses of desert plants continue, with prickly pear cactus harvested for food and desert plants incorporated into landscaping. Agricultural traditions persist through community gardens and the Gilbert Farmers Market, where locally grown produce connects current residents to the town’s farming heritage.
Conservation efforts include Gilbert’s water reclamation program, which helps maintain the Riparian Preserve while demonstrating sustainable water use in a desert environment. The town’s xeriscape ordinances encourage water-conscious landscaping, and volunteer cleanup events at parks and waterways reflect community commitment to environmental stewardship.
Outdoor recreation has evolved from agricultural work to planned activities. Equestrian traditions remain strong, with horse properties still found in parts of Gilbert and events like Gilbert Days Rodeo celebrating western heritage. Cycling has become increasingly popular, with an extensive trail system connecting parks and neighborhoods. The Cosmo Dog Park, regularly rated among the nation’s best dog parks, demonstrates Gilbert’s commitment to creating innovative outdoor spaces that foster community connections.
Gilbert’s food culture reflects both its agricultural heritage and its growing diversity. Traditional dishes with historical significance include Sonoran-style Mexican food brought by Hispanic farm workers, Mormon pioneer recipes like scones and funeral potatoes that reflect early settler heritage, and farm-to-table traditions that showcase fresh, local ingredients.
The Heritage District has emerged as a culinary destination, with restaurants like Joe’s Farm Grill and Liberty Market incorporating ingredients from local farms and showcasing the region’s agricultural bounty. Innovative chefs have created a contemporary food scene that honors tradition while embracing new influences.
Seasonal food celebrations include the annual Gilbert Farmers Market Peach Festival, celebrating the harvest from nearby orchards, and the Agritopia Farm Dinner Series, which features multi-course meals served in the fields where many ingredients are grown. These events connect residents to agricultural cycles and local food producers.
Unique local ingredients include Sonoran white wheat, a heritage grain being revived by local farmers; desert honey with distinctive flavors from mesquite and cactus blossoms; and dates, which have been cultivated in the region since the early 20th century. The Agritopia farm community maintains an urban farm producing dozens of crop varieties that supply local restaurants and the community farmers’ market, demonstrating how agricultural traditions can adapt to suburban settings.
The Water Tower Plaza in the Heritage District serves as Gilbert’s iconic gathering place, a symbol of the town’s agricultural past now surrounded by restaurants and shops. Community events from concerts to art festivals center around this landmark, which has become the heart of Gilbert’s revitalized downtown.
Parks play a crucial role in community life, with Freestone Park serving generations of Gilbert families through its recreational facilities, picnic areas, and special events. The Riparian Preserve combines nature appreciation with community gathering through educational programs and volunteer opportunities that bring residents together around environmental stewardship.
Informal meeting places beloved by residents include the Coffee Shop at Agritopia, where neighbors gather in a setting that overlooks working farmland, creating a connection between Gilbert’s agricultural past and suburban present. The Southeast Regional Library serves as an intellectual hub, with spaces designed for community meetings, educational programs, and quiet contemplation.
Religious institutions have historically served as important community anchors, with churches offering not just spiritual services but also community programs, volunteer opportunities, and gathering spaces for various groups.
These gathering places hold special significance for residents because they facilitate the human connections that define Gilbert’s character. Longtime residents share stories of celebrating milestones at the American Legion Hall or attending community dances at the former Clement Grain Elevator. Newer residents create fresh memories at events like Food Truck Fridays at the Civic Center or concerts at the Higley Center for the Performing Arts. Across generations, these spaces transform a growing suburb into a true community with shared experiences and collective memories.
Gilbert has faced numerous challenges throughout its history, from agricultural crises to rapid growth pressures, demonstrating remarkable resilience in each instance. During the Great Depression, farmers struggled with falling prices and drought, yet the community established cooperative marketing associations that helped many farms survive. When urbanization threatened to completely erase Gilbert’s agricultural character in the 1970s and 1980s, community leaders implemented planning strategies that preserved open spaces and agricultural elements while accommodating inevitable growth.
Water scarcity, a perpetual challenge in the desert Southwest, has inspired innovative conservation approaches. Gilbert has become a leader in water reclamation and xeriscaping, turning environmental necessity into a community value that shapes development patterns and individual behavior.
The economic recession of 2008 hit Gilbert’s construction-dependent economy particularly hard, with development stalling and foreclosures mounting. The community responded by diversifying its economic base, supporting small businesses, and using the slowdown as an opportunity to plan more sustainable growth patterns.
Stories of personal resilience abound in Gilbert. Longtime farming families like the Morrisons adapted to changing conditions by developing land thoughtfully while preserving agricultural elements. Small business owners in the Heritage District weathered economic downturns through community support and adaptive business models. These individual stories reflect Gilbert’s collective capacity to face challenges with innovation, cooperation, and unwavering community spirit.
Gilbert’s approach to balancing preservation with progress is evident in its careful development of the Heritage District, where historic buildings stand alongside new construction designed to complement traditional architectural styles. The town’s preservation ordinance protects significant structures while allowing for adaptive reuse that keeps historic areas economically viable.
Community planning explicitly incorporates historical awareness through design guidelines that reference Gilbert’s agricultural and western heritage. Agritopia exemplifies this approach—a master-planned community built on a former family farm that preserves agricultural elements through an urban farm, fruit orchards in common areas, and architectural details that reference the property’s farming history.
The “Gilbert Historical Preservation Committee” works to document historic structures and sites, creating resources that inform development decisions. Digital preservation efforts include the “Gilbert Memory Project,” which collects oral histories and photographs documenting the town’s evolution.
Residents’ hopes for Gilbert’s future reflect a desire to maintain the community qualities that make the town special—safety, excellent schools, community connections—while addressing challenges like traffic, housing affordability, and sustainable growth. Across demographics, Gilbert residents express the desire to remain a community where families can flourish, where neighbors know one another, and where the rapid pace of development never completely erases the small-town spirit that has defined Gilbert from its beginnings.
Long-time resident Maria Hernandez, whose grandparents worked Gilbert’s fields in the 1940s, captures the essence of the community: “Gilbert has always been a place where people work hard, help their neighbors, and take pride in what they build together. That hasn’t changed, even as cotton fields have given way to cul-de-sacs.”
High school teacher James Wilson, who moved to Gilbert in 2010, describes the intangible quality that attracted his family: “There’s an optimism here, a sense that this is a community that gets things right—from schools to parks to public safety. People don’t just live in Gilbert; they believe in Gilbert.”
This shared belief in community, this collective investment in creating a place that honors its past while embracing its future, defines Gilbert’s soul. It’s evident in the careful preservation of historical buildings, in the continued celebration of agricultural traditions through farmers’ markets and community gardens, and in the volunteer spirit that animates organizations throughout the town.
As Gilbert continues to evolve, this sense of shared purpose and community pride provides continuity amid change. The hay fields that once defined Gilbert have largely disappeared, but the values of the farming families who built this community—hard work, cooperation, stewardship of resources, and care for neighbors—remain embedded in Gilbert’s character. These enduring values, more than any physical landmark, constitute the true heritage of Gilbert, Arizona—a heritage that continues to shape the community’s present and future.
