Retiring in Gilbert, AZ: Is It the Right Match for Your Retirement Plans?

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5 minute read Maybe you have friends who have retired in Arizona—and they moved specifically to Gilbert, a beautiful town located just southeast of Phoenix. And maybe you wonder, “Is Gilbert, Arizona, a good place to live?” From the cost of living to recreation opportunities, let’s dive into what you should know about this city….

Sunset at Tucson Mountain Park near Gilbert Ray Campground in Arizona.

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    Maybe you have friends who have retired in Arizona—and they moved specifically to Gilbert, a beautiful town located just southeast of Phoenix. And maybe you wonder, “Is Gilbert, Arizona, a good place to live?”

    From the cost of living to recreation opportunities, let’s dive into what you should know about this city. We’ll also give you a look at a popular 55+ community in Gilbert so you can get a feel for your options. Let’s see if Gilbert is a good fit for your retirement plans.

    Aerial view of Downtown Phoenix, Arizona at sunset.

    Phoenix Homebuying Guide

    Want to retire in Phoenix, Arizona? Our guide can help you take the first step.

    Climate

    Aerial view of Gilbert, Arizona.

    Many people want to know, “What is Gilbert, Arizona, known for?” While it was known as the “Hay Capital of the World” until the 1920s, this city is now mostly known for its dry, sunny climate.

    If you’re looking to escape snowy locales, Gilbert is a good place to check out. The city gets virtually no snow each year and sees about 300 days of sunshine annually. Summers are typically hot and dry, while winters are mild. December tends to be the coldest month in Gilbert, with temperatures ranging from 42 to 66 degrees.

    Outdoor Recreation Options

    A beautiful pond and scenery at Power Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona.

    Is Gilbert a good place to live if you like spending time outdoors? Yes. The city contains six major parks and a tapestry of specialty parks. Bring your furry friends to Cosmo Dog Park. It’s the nation’s fourth-best dog park with a lake where dogs can swim and two dog wash stations for cleaning up after playtime.

    Gilbert is also a bicycle-friendly community. It offers a central trail system with 135 miles of marked bike trails. Many of them connect to pocket parks, making it easy to stop for some shade or a sip from a drinking fountain.

    Cost of Living

    The water tower in Downtown Gilbert, Arizona.

    The cost of living in Gilbert, Arizona is higher than the national average. However, the cost of goods and services in Gilbert is lower than the national average. Residents also pay less than average for health care and groceries.

    Taxes

    If you’re thinking about retiring in Gilbert, you can have peace of mind knowing that Arizona doesn’t tax Social Security. If you retire from the military, your retirement earnings will also be tax-free.

    Health Care Facilities

    A happy 55+ woman in a spring or summer forest park with open arms.

    Gilbert is home to seven hospital facilities. Although, you can also benefit from many other facilities in neighboring cities like Phoenix. At Banner Gateway Medical Center in the heart of Gilbert, patients have access to world-class medical personnel and an emergency department with 43 private treatment rooms.

    Restaurants and Shopping

    Two smiling 55+ women meeting for a meal in restaurant.

    Gilbert, Arizona boasts a diverse and eclectic culinary scene. Here, you can dine in delis, sip local wines at a wine bar, or tuck into hearty dishes at your favorite establishments.  

    One local favorite is Liberty Market, which offers breakfast, pizza, and American fare along with espresso, beer, wine, and cocktails. Another favorite among Gilbert residents is Backyard Taco, a modern eatery serving street-style tacos and mesquite-grilled meats.

    When it comes to shopping, don’t miss the Gilbert Farmers Market. This open-air market in Downtown Gilbert runs every Saturday and features artisanal food products and local, organic produce. For clothing, jewelry, housewares, gifts, and more, spend some time browsing SanTan Village, an open-air lifestyle center.  

    A prickly pear cactus with a flower.

    There are all kinds of things to do and experience in Gilbert, Arizona. Whether you’re into birdwatching, golfing, admiring art, or touring museums, you’ll always find something new to discover.

    Gather some friends for a night out at FatCats Recline and Dine Entertainment Center, which offers bowling, glow-in-the-dark golfing, an arcade, and a movie theater. You can also get tickets to see a show at the Hale Centre Theatre. Or, if you’re in the mood for some laughs, JP’s Comedy Club is a hit among the locals.

    Living in Gilbert

    The community sign for Trilogy at Power Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona.

    Looking for Gilbert homes for sale? Active adult homebuyers can choose from a wide variety of single-family homes within Trilogy at Power Ranch, a 55+ community in Gilbert. Read on to learn more about this active lifestyle community.

    Trilogy at Power Ranch

    Low $400ks – High $700ks

    Trilogy at Power Ranch was established between 1999 and 2008. This gated, active adult community contains more than 2,000 single-family homes available in six model collections. Residences range from 1,100 to more than 2,500 square feet, with each model collection featuring numerous distinct floor plans. Additionally, some of these low-maintenance models offer a den, which active adults can use as office space, a workout room, or guest quarters.  

    Living in Trilogy at Power Ranch gives active adults access to a robust array of amenities, including the 18-hole Power Ranch Golf Club, which sprawls more than 6,900 yards and was designed by Dick Bailey.

    Additional amenities at the community clubhouse include a multipurpose room, a billiards area, a library, a computer room, and a wellness and fitness center. Outdoors, residents can go for walks and jogs along the community’s scenic trails, or join neighbors at the horseshoe pits, tennis courts, or bocce ball courts. Also, active adults who enjoy being creative can take advantage of a stained-glass studio, a ceramics studio, and quilting and scrapbooking rooms.

    In addition to the onsite amenities, residents can access everything they need at local pharmacies, grocery stores, and restaurants. Trilogy at Power Ranch is also located near several health care providers, including Banner Heart Hospital, Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, and Arizona General Hospital.

    Plan Your Move to Gilbert, Arizona

    If it sounds like Gilbert, Arizona is a great match for your retirement plans, take the first step in making your move to the Grand Canyon State. Let 55places.com help you find the perfect active adult community!

    Discover what’s next.

    To learn more information or connect with a real estate expert, contact us today.

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    Audrey Sellers
    Audrey Sellers is a Southern California-based contributor to 55places, offering insights into the vibrant communities that cater to active adults. With a diverse background including writing for Coldwell Banker and residing in dynamic cities like Houston and Dallas, Audrey brings over 20 years of expertise in publishing, journalism, and marketing to her work. Her passion for storytelling and keen understanding of real estate trends make her a trusted voice in the industry, providing readers with valuable information to make informed decisions about their next chapter in life. View all authors

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