Gilbert, AZ 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Gilbert is a large suburb of Phoenix. With consistently warm, Arizona weather, easy access to metropolitan Phoenix, and the charm of a smaller town, it’s no wonder 55+ communities in Gilbert are in-demand. Residents can enjoy local shops, restaurants, and nearby parks in year round sunshine.

Gilbert Climate & Geography

Located in southern Central Arizona, Gilbert is a sprawling former agricultural town just outside Phoenix. Like much of the state, Gilbert has a desert climate with hot and dry summers and mild winters. There is very little rain overall, as well as an average of 296 days of sun each year.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment in Gilbert

Gilbert is a popular retirement destination for those looking for a quieter city. A bit closer to nature, retirees can experience the peaceful outdoors at the Riparian Preserve Water Ranch. Residents can hike, picnic, and birdwatch during the weekly Family Bird Walk. Also in the park is the Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory for stargazing.

Other popular activities include shopping at the year round Saturday Farmers Market in downtown Gilbert, attending shows at the Hale Centre Theater, and exploring history in the Gilbert Historical Museum. The Water Tower Plaza offers family-fun recreation with an outdoor amphitheater, splash pad, and picnic benches.

Gilbert Cost of Living & Taxes

The cost of living in Gilbert is above both the state and national average, mostly due to the cost of housing. Transportation is also above average, whereas utilities and health care match the rest of the U.S. and groceries are below average.

Arizona has variable taxes for retirees. Social Security benefits are not taxed, but incomes from IRAs and 401(k)s are taxed as regular income. Pensions, both public and private, are eligible for deduction. Property taxes in the state are lower than the national average, but sales taxes in Gilbert are higher than the average at 7.8 percent.

Health Care in Gilbert

Residents of 55+ communities in Gilbert are part of the Phoenix metropolitan area which consistently scores well on Gallup’s Well-Being Index. Most recently, it ranked among the top 50 communities in the country.

Phoenix has three nationally ranked hospitals, including the No. 18 hospital in the country, the Mayo Clinic-Phoenix. Gilbert itself has one high performing hospital according to U.S. News, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, which is also the No. 8 hospital in Arizona. Other nearby high performing hospitals are the Arizona Spine and Joint Hospital, Banner Gateway Medical Center, Chandler Regional Medical Center, and Banner Baywood Medical Center.