Why Gilbert, AZ Is Being Called the “New Florida”

Gilbert, Arizona used to be known for hay fields, dairy farms and a small-town vibe. Today it’s a fast-growing, amenity-rich suburb southeast of Phoenix that’s drawing year-round transplants, seasonal “snowbirds,” young families, and retirees alike. In some recent coverage you may have seen Gilbert described as the “new Florida” — shorthand for a place that’s attracting the same mix of seasonal residents, warm-weather retirees, and out-of-state movers who historically flocked to Florida. That label is catchy, but there’s a lot more behind it: demographics, climate, jobs, housing, and lifestyle all play a role.

Modern relocators and seasonal buyers don’t move just for weather; they move for lifestyle. Gilbert has leaned into lifestyle amenities that make it feel less like a bedroom suburb and more like a year-round destination.

Local agents report similar themes across the East Valley: steady inbound demand from out-of-state buyers, strong interest in move-in-ready homes near parks and schools, and heightened attention to lifestyle features (small-yard low-maintenance landscaping, proximity to healthcare, walkable dining). While every neighborhood differs, agents emphasize that buyers who act quickly on well-priced listings still win, and sellers who present a lifestyle (not just square footage) fetch better outcomes.

This deep-dive explains why Gilbert is gaining this reputation, examines the real estate implications, and gives practical takeaways for buyers, sellers and investors considering Gilbert and the surrounding East Valley (Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek).

Heritage District and downtown revitalization

Gilbert’s Heritage District — with dining, breweries, events and a pedestrian-friendly main street — is a draw for people who want a walkable town center. Downtown activation matters to both retirees (who want easy access to dining and health care) and younger buyers (who want entertainment and convenience).

Parks, trails and outdoor recreation

• Gilbert has invested in parks, the Riparian Preserve and walking/biking corridors. These green spaces are critical selling points for families and health-minded buyers and provide recreational assets for seasonal visitors.

New attractions and lifestyle investments

• The area has seen investments in entertainment and leisure (community events, golf, and other outdoor amenities). When developers advertise resort-style living or active adult communities, they’re tapping the same preferences that used to favor Florida: outdoor living, social programming, and health-oriented amenities. 

Collectively, these features strengthen Gilbert’s appeal for both permanent relocation and seasonal stays, especially among buyers who want a low-maintenance, amenity-rich environment.

Quick snapshot: 

• Population: Gilbert’s population has grown rapidly in recent decades and now sits in the high-200,000s (estimates vary by source and year). Local planning and data sources put Gilbert among Arizona’s largest municipalities and project continued growth through the end of the decade. 
• Median household characteristics: Gilbert’s median age is relatively young compared with many retirement destinations (mid-30s range), and household incomes are higher than many peer suburbs in the Phoenix metro area — a signal that Gilbert attracts both families and professionals. 
• Housing: Home value indices from Zillow and market dashboards show Gilbert’s typical home values in the mid-$500Ks to low-$600Ks range in 2024–2025, with pricing and inventory dynamics shifting alongside the broader Phoenix metro market.
• Seasonal visitors: Gilbert is frequently listed among popular winter destinations (snowbird magnets) inside Maricopa County; that seasonal population bump — combined with retirees choosing to relocate permanently — helps explain the “New Florida” comparisons. 

Those facts and figures don’t tell the whole story, but they frame what we’ll unpack next: why people are choosing Gilbert, how that’s reshaping the local housing market.

Why the “New Florida” tag? The drivers behind the nickname

Calling Gilbert the “new Florida” is shorthand for a cluster of trends that, when combined, make the town attractive to seasonal and permanent migrants:

1. Climate and lifestyle — warm winters, lots to do

Arizona’s draw for seasonal residents is straightforward: mild, dry winters and abundant sunshine. Gilbert sits in the Sonoran Desert but offers suburban amenities — parks, trails, golf, a lively downtown and community events — that appeal to people escaping colder climates. That mix of predictable good weather plus walkable downtowns and recreation mirrors the appeal that drew so many residents to Florida over past decades. (AZCentral)

2. Affordability relative to some coastal markets

While Gilbert isn’t the cheapest suburb in the country, for many buyers coming from high-cost cities/states (California, Seattle, Boston, etc.) the cost of living and housing still represent a value play: larger homes, newer construction and favorable property tax environments can look attractive compared with many coastal metros. That out-migration from high-cost states is a big source of Arizona’s growth and helps explain why suburbs like Gilbert are expanding.

3. Family-friendly infrastructure and a “built for community” design

Gilbert has invested heavily in parks, schools, and a revitalized Heritage District. The town’s emphasis on community events, a walkable downtown, and family-oriented amenities attracts young families — which keeps the median age lower than in many traditional retirement hubs — while also providing the type of lifestyle retirees appreciate. That combination of family and retiree appeal is an important part of the “new Florida” narrative: it isn’t just retirees, it’s a multi-generational destination. 

4. Strong local economy and job growth

Gilbert’s proximity to Phoenix plus local employment centers (technology, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, healthcare) make it attractive to working professionals who want suburban living with reasonable commutes to job centers. A strong local economy supports both housing demand and services that draw seasonal residents as well. 

5. A surge in second-home and seasonal interest

Recent reporting and local real-estate feedback show interest from seasonal residents and “snowbirds” searching for new-build and resale options in east-valley suburbs — including Gilbert. While the traditional snowbird demographic has shifted in recent years (fewer Canadian snowbirds in some years, for example), many Americans seeking warm-winter options are still choosing Arizona towns like Gilbert. 

Put together, these trends explain why Gilbert is being compared to Florida: people are moving or spending winter months there for the same reasons they historically moved to Florida — climate, lifestyle, community and cost considerations — but with a distinct Arizona flavor.

Deep dive: Who’s moving to Gilbert 

It’s easy to assume that a “snowbird hotspot” equals retirees, but Gilbert’s demographic profile complicates that picture. Let’s look at who’s moving and why.

Young families and professionals

• Median age in Gilbert is roughly mid-30s, and the town reports a large share of residents under 45 — a sign that families and career professionals are a core part of the population. That helps explain strong school enrollment, active community programming, and demand for single-family housing with yards and multi-bedroom layouts. 

Remote workers and location-agnostics

• The rise of remote work has given many professionals flexibility to relocate somewhere with better weather, lower commute stress and improved quality of life. Gilbert’s suburban planning — newer neighborhoods, parks, and community amenities — makes it attractive to remote workers who want space and lifestyle without sacrificing access to Phoenix’s job markets. 

Seasonal residents (“snowbirds”)

• Snowbirds remain a visible presence in Arizona, though the composition and origin of that group have evolved. Historically it included many Canadian and northern U.S. visitors; more recently, Americans from colder U.S. states and retirees from higher-cost regions are also contributing to seasonal demand. Gilbert gets cited among the Phoenix-area places popular with seasonal residents, in part because of its suburban comforts and easy access to health care and services. 

Out-of-state buyers

• Major sources of inbound migration to the Phoenix metro continue to be California, Texas and Colorado. Buyers relocating from those states often prioritize value (bigger homes for the money), climate, and tax considerations — all areas where Gilbert competes well. 

This mixture — families, remote professionals, seasonal residents and out-of-state buyers — creates a diversified demand base. That diversity reduces single-market risk (e.g., too dependent on retirees alone) and supports a broad range of housing product types: entry and move-up single family, age-restricted communities, and higher-end new builds.

Housing market snapshot: what recent data shows

Understanding Gilbert’s housing market means watching prices, inventory, days on market, and the type of product being built.

Recent pricing and inventory

• National and regional platforms report Gilbert’s typical home values in the mid-$500Ks (Zillow gives a citywide home value index in the mid-$500K range in 2024–2025). Redfin market snapshots track similar medians and show fluctuations in months when inventory increases or demand softens. These numbers are consistent with a well-priced, in-demand suburban market in a major metro area. (Zillow)

Market dynamics

• The Phoenix-area market has seen a shift from the frantic multiple-offer market of 2020–2022 toward more balanced conditions: more listings stay on the market longer, and buyers have somewhat more negotiating power in many segments. For Gilbert, that means sellers must price accurately and stage listings to stand out; buyers can be more selective but still face competition in well-priced neighborhoods. (Axios)

New construction and land constraints

• Gilbert experienced a major expansion of new-home communities in the past two decades. However, many parts of the East Valley are approaching build-out constraints, meaning opportunities for infill, renovation and replacement projects become more valuable. For buyers wanting brand-new builds, quick action is often necessary when prime lots reach the market. Municipal growth planning shows Gilbert nearing capacity in some areas, with projections for future population and build-out timelines. (Gilbert Arizona)

What’s selling

• In Gilbert, single-family homes with community amenities (pools, parks, walkability), energy-efficient features, and proximity to quality schools continue to perform well. For investors, short-term rental demand exists but is regulated more tightly in some neighborhoods and towns; long-term rental demand is strong in family neighborhoods near schools and employment corridors. (Gilbert Arizona)

Tax, regulation and quality-of-life 

One reason some buyers compare Gilbert to Florida is taxation and government environment. Two of the key considerations for out-of-state buyers are state income tax and property tax differences:

• Arizona does have state income tax, unlike Florida. That can be a consideration for high-income retirees comparing the two states. But local cost advantages (home prices in many Phoenix suburbs vs. coastal Florida metros) and lifestyle preferences can offset taxation differences for many buyers. 
• Property taxes in Arizona vary by county and municipality; overall tax burden considerations (sales tax, property tax, state income tax) are part of the buyer calculus. For many buyers from very high-tax states (California, New York), moving to Gilbert still represents a meaningful tax and cost advantage even with Arizona income tax. We recommend consulting a tax advisor when evaluating a cross-state move.

Implications for different circumstances

Below I break down what Gilbert’s “new Florida” momentum means for buyers, sellers and investors — with practical, actionable guidance.

For buyers (first-time, move-up, retirees)

• First-time buyers: Expect competition in affordable pockets but more inventory than a few years ago.
• Move-up buyers: Look for neighborhoods offering growth potential (infrastructure upgrades, planned amenities). If you plan to rent your previous house, research local rental demand and regulations.
• Retirees and seasonal buyers: Consider proximity to health care, walkability of downtown areas, and HOA rules for seasonal residents. If you plan on renting a property when you’re not in town, check regulations for short-term rentals.

For sellers

• Price competitively and stage for a lifestyle sale: highlight proximity to parks, Heritage District, and health care. In a market where buyers can be choosier, differentiate with a seasoned real estate agent, smart repairs, and clear move-in readiness.

For investors

• Short-term rental investors should assess local rules and HOA restrictions — many Phoenix suburbs regulate STRs more tightly than pure vacation destinations. Pay attention to new build supply: if major developments are completing inventory nearby, that can temporarily blunt rental yield growth. (Gilbert Arizona)

Neighborhoods and micro-markets in Gilbert to watch

Gilbert is not monolithic — it contains distinct micro-markets. Here are a few types of neighborhoods to watch: 

• Heritage District / Downtown Gilbert: Walkable, cultural, with restaurants and events. Good for buyers who want urban-style living in a suburban setting.
• Planned communities (e.g., Agritopia, Cooley Station): These offer master-planned amenities, community events and newer construction — attractive to families and those seeking turnkey living.
• Established neighborhoods: Older subdivisions with large lots and mature landscaping. Strong long-term rental demand and resale appeal for move-up buyers.
• Approaching infill/tear-down opportunities: Central parcels with redevelopment potential. As land becomes scarce, these pockets can see premium appreciation for modern replacement homes.

Spotlight on Local Favorites: Hidden Gems & Must-Try Spots

To bring the neighborhoods to life, here are some local favorites and “hidden” places that residents and visitors love — beyond the big headline venues.

• Romeo’s Euro Café: A cozy European-style café in (or very near) Heritage. According to Reddit users, it’s a “secret find” with great food. 
• Sotol / The White Rabbit: Two cocktail destinations in/around Heritage — Sotol with rooftop vibes and local agave-inspired drinks, and The White Rabbit with its speakeasy ambiance.
• Barnone Market (Agritopia): More than just a marketplace — this artisan hub includes local makers, shops, and gathering spaces. 
• The Farm Store: For those who want to buy locally grown produce, handcrafted goods, or seasonal items — an Agritopia staple. 
• Gilbert Farmers Market: Held every Saturday in the Heritage District, under the water tower. Up to 100 vendors. 

A Deeper Dive on Neighborhood Hotspots and Vibes in Gilbert, AZ

Gilbert isn't a monolith — its personality is defined by distinct neighborhoods, each with its own flavor. Below are some of the hottest and most talked-about areas in Gilbert and what makes them special.

1. Heritage District (Downtown Gilbert)

Overview & Character
The Heritage District is Gilbert’s historic downtown — the heart of its culture, nightlife, dining, retail, and community events. It’s a walkable, thoughtfully designed area that blends charm, history, and local flair. This district hosts the weekly Gilbert Farmers Market under its iconic water tower, drawing locals and visitors alike. 

Restaurants & Nightlife
Here are some standout places to eat and drink in the Heritage District:

• • Liberty Market
    A neighborhood staple, Liberty Market occupies a renovated historic grocery store. It’s known for its wood-fired pizzas, espresso bar, and an all-day café menu. 
•  
  • Joe’s Real BBQ
    A comfort-food favorite, this spot offers slow-smoked meats, classic sides, and a friendly, laid-back vibe. 
•  
  • Postino East
    This wine café is housed in a restored 1940s building. It’s beloved for its bruschetta boards, wine list, and casual but refined ambiance. 
•  
  • The White Rabbit
    A 1920s–style speakeasy with a hidden entrance and a throwback vibe. According to long-time residents, it’s a go-to for cocktails and an intimate night out. 
•  
  • O.H.S.O. Brewery + Distillery
    A dog-friendly brewery in Gilbert, with a big patio, lawn games, and house-made brews. 
•  
  • Sotol Modern Cocktail Kitchen
    For a rooftop bar experience, Sotol is hard to beat. The menu leans into agave-forward cocktails and flavors inspired by local ingredients like citrus and prickly pear. 

Shops & Cultural Spots

• • The Heritage District is packed with locally owned boutiques selling everything from furniture and art to curated gifts.
  • Art lovers will enjoy the public art installations, mural-clad walls, and the Gilbert Public Art Map, which guides you through local murals and installations. 
  • The Hale Centre Theatre brings Broadway-style shows and local productions to downtown Gilbert. 
  • Water Tower Plaza, a central gathering spot, is often animated with live events and weekend markets. 

Neighborhood Vibe

People who love Heritage District often highlight its walkability, cultural energy, and pet-friendly patios. 

2. Agritopia / Epicenter

Overview & Character

Agritopia is a truly distinctive neighborhood: a farm-centered planned community with preserved farmland, community gardens, and a strong sense of agrarian roots. At its core is a working organic farm, and surrounding it are homes, walkable streets, and shared green spaces. The Epicenter is the mixed-use commercial and retail hub within Agritopia, bringing restaurants, shops, and gathering places to the community. 

Restaurants & Cafés

Some of Agritopia / Epicenter’s culinary highlights are deeply rooted in local, farm-driven philosophy:

• • Joe’s Farm Grill
    A converted ranch home is now a beloved farm-to-table restaurant. They use produce from Agritopia’s gardens, and the menu includes burgers, salads, and comfort fare. 
•  
  • The Coffee Shop
    A community favorite. Located next to Joe’s Farm Grill, it's a cozy espresso bar with pastries, cupcakes, and a shaded patio under mature trees. 
•  
  • Fire & Brimstone
    Located in Barnone, the artisan marketplace inside Agritopia, it serves wood-fired pizzas in a rustic setting — perfect for relaxed dinners. 
•  
  • Buck & Rider
    Found in the Epicenter, Buck & Rider brings coastal seafood flavor — think oysters, shucked seafood, and craft cocktails — in a refined but relaxed space. 
•  
  • Source
    This fast-casual Mediterranean concept is a gem in Epicenter: salads, rice dishes, sandwiches, pizza, and natural wines. 
•  
  • Hayden Flour Mills / Bakery
    Agritopia hosts Hayden Flour Mills, which mills heirloom grains. Their Gilbert kitchen and retail location offer fresh breads, baked goods, and more. 
•  
  • Salt & Straw
    Yes — the famous inventive ice cream chain opened its first Arizona location in Gilbert’s Epicenter. Fans love their creative flavors like Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper.

Shops & Community

• • Barnone: This is Agritopia’s artisan marketplace. Beyond restaurants like Fire & Brimstone, Barnone has local makers, boutiques, artisanal goods, and a very walkable, community-oriented feel. 
•  
  • The Farm Store at Agritopia: Here, you can buy produce, seasonal goods, handcrafted items, and gifts, all rooted in the local farm’s harvest. 
•  
  • Hayden Flour Mills Retail: Their retail kitchen sells milled grains, specialty breads, bagels (including Sonoran white wheat bagels), and more. 

Neighborhood Vibe

Agritopia is beloved for its “small-town in the city” feel. The front-porch homes, sidewalks, mature shade trees, and shared farms foster real neighbor interaction. One resident wrote: “you can walk or bike down to The Coffee Shop for a morning pick-up … very relaxing, very local.”

3. SanTan Village / Verde at Cooley Station

Overview & Character

• • SanTan Village is Gilbert’s premier open-air lifestyle shopping center. It’s a large regional hub with big-box retailers, premium stores, dining, entertainment, and more. 
•  
  • Verde at Cooley Station is a more boutique-style shopping and retail district in Gilbert. According to the Town of Gilbert’s “Shop Gilbert” guide, it’s an area with a curated mix of boutiques and local businesses. 

Shopping Highlights

• • SanTan Village has over 100 stores. Anchor tenants include Macy’s, Dillard’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Barnes & Noble, and more. 
•  
  • The center also offers restaurants, entertainment (like Harkins Theatres), and easy outdoor, walkable retail experiences.
•  
  • At Verde at Cooley Station, you’ll find boutique boutiques, specialty shops, and local makers — per the local retail guide. 

Dining & Local Spots

While many of the big national brands are at SanTan Village, the area also supports local dining and mixed-use experiences. Some smaller retailers and restaurants embed in the lifestyle center, combining convenience and community feel. Cooley Station (near Verde) is increasingly referenced by residents as a “cute, fun spot” with restaurants, splash pads, and green community spaces. According to user comments, it's becoming a lively neighborhood hub. 

Neighborhood Vibe

SanTan Village is ideal for people who want a “retail destination feel” — lots of shopping, big brands, and convenient dining. Verde at Cooley Station offers a more boutique, local-retail feel with a tight community design: walkable, stylish, and with growing amenities. Locals appreciate the mix of national names and indie shops.

One Redditor described living near Cooley Station as “10/10 … you’re about 5 minutes from the SanTan Village area … 5 minutes from Agritopia … the little Verde area is so cute and fun.” 

Why These Neighborhoods Matter for Real Estate

Understanding Gilbert’s neighborhood landscape is crucial for anyone looking to buy, sell, or invest, because the micro-markets vary significantly. Here’s how:

• Differentiated Demand
• The Heritage District draws people who want walkable, lifestyle-rich living — these buyers may pay a premium for proximity to shops, dining, and cultural events.
• Agritopia appeals to buyers who value community, sustainability, and local‐food culture. Homes here may command value not just for their design but for their embedded lifestyle.
• Areas around SanTan Village benefit from high foot traffic and convenience, making them attractive for resale and possibly for mixed-use or commercial investments.

• Resale & Appreciation Potential
• Heritage homes may be older but also historic or unique; their walkability and downtown appeal can drive long-term demand.
• In Agritopia, scarcity of farm-adjacent lots and the uniqueness of the agrihood may support premium pricing.
• Retail-adjacent residential near SanTan Village or Cooley Station can benefit from infrastructure, visibility, and walkability.

• Quality of Life Checklist for Buyers
• If walkability is high on your list, Heritage and Agritopia shine.
• For convenience and one-stop shopping, SanTan Village is tough to beat.
• If you want community engagement, local events, and a farm-to-table lifestyle, Agritopia offers a rare combination.

Bringing It All Together:

Why These Neighborhoods Reinforce Gilbert’s “New Florida” Narrative

• The Heritage District embodies the social and cultural vibrancy that one might associate with Florida’s tourism and downtown-beach hybrid towns — but without the coastal risk.
• Agritopia brings a green, agrarian, community-first philosophy that resonates with people looking for a slower, more meaningful way of life, similar to some farm-centric or eco-communities in Florida.
• SanTan Village / Cooley Station give the suburb a modern retail infrastructure — a place to shop, dine, and live in convenience, much like many lifestyle centers in Florida suburbs.

Combined, these neighborhoods create a multi-dimensional Gilbert that draws seasonal visitors, long-term residents, and new transplants. The “new Florida” label works in part because of the climate, but it holds up even more when you look at the strength of Gilbert’s community design and neighborhood differentiation.

The big picture: is Gilbert the future of Arizona growth?

Gilbert’s story reflects a larger trend: Sun Belt suburbs that combine climate, lifestyle and economic opportunity are increasingly attractive to a wide range of buyers. Calling Gilbert the “new Florida” captures the surface similarity — warm weather and seasonal living — but misses the nuance: Gilbert’s growth is driven by its residents, professionals, and a diversified local economy as much as by retirees. That diversified demand makes the town resilient and gives the local real-estate market multiple engines of support.

From a real-estate perspective, the key takeaways are:

• Demand is diversified.
• Inventory & pricing are stabilizing.
• Lifestyle amenities matter.

Is Gilbert your next move?

Gilbert, Arizona isn’t just growing — it’s evolving into one of the most desirable and dynamic suburbs in the Phoenix East Valley. While many people call it the “new Florida” because of its warm climate, its appeal goes far beyond sunshine. Gilbert is thriving because of its neighborhoods: walkable downtown, farm-centered communities, modern mixed-use hubs, and suburban lifestyle districts.

If you value warm winters, a strong suburban lifestyle, and proximity to Phoenix’s job centers — and if you’re attracted to a town with a walkable downtown and family-friendly amenities — Gilbert deserves a close look. The “new Florida” label captures part of the appeal (seasonal visitors and retirees), but Gilbert’s economic base and family orientation mean it’s more than a seasonal playground: it’s a year-round community that’s growing into its own identity.

If you’re thinking of buying, selling or investing in Gilbert, start with solid local data. Call Jeff Barchi with REMAX Fine Properties to speak with a local agent who knows the micro-neighborhoods, and build scenarios that account for long term investment values, interest-rate shifts, seasonal visitor trends, and summer operating costs. With those pieces in place, you can decide whether Gilbert fits your lifestyle — and whether it belongs on your short list for the next home or investment.