How Does Gilbert, AZ Compare to Chandler, AZ?
Gilbert vs. Chandler. Which of these Southeast Valley communities is right for you? It's the places, people, amenities, and activities that are important to you that make a location the right fit for you. From exciting downtowns, local culture and the arts, shopping and dining options, quality of schools, new and established neighborhoods, parks and outdoor recreation opportunities to everyday conveniences, each locale offers its own unique flavor, personality, and appeal. Chandler and Gilbert are both prominent Southeast Valley communities offering world-class amenities, fantastic housing choices, and overall exceptional living that appeals to young professionals, couples, families with children, and retirees alike. Let’s compare Chandler and Gilbert and you can determine for yourself which of these communities is the right fit for your individual lifestyle and needs.
Chandler VS Gilbert - Economy
Located in the Southeast Valley of the Phoenix metro area, both Chandler and Gilbert are homes to some of the Valley’s biggest employers in the information technology and software, advanced manufacturing, aerospace and aviation, and construction industries. Fueled by a strong economy, both cities offer an abundance of high paying jobs and high-quality living, making them a great place to put down roots and raise a family. Check out the comprehensive breakdown below of each city’s top industries and employers.
Chandler's corporate-friendly environment, world-class labor force, and market reach have made it an attractive location for businesses of all sizes and industries. One of the many reasons why successful companies choose Chandler is due to its well-educated and talented workforce, with a huge focus on technology. Known as the innovation and technology hub of the Southwest, Chandler’s Price Road Corridor employment center has become a hotbed for leading-edge companies such as Intel, Orbital Sciences Corp., Infuisionsoft, Paypal, Verizon, and many others. Top employers in Chandler include Intel (two campuses), Chandler Unified School District, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Verizon Wireless.
Gilbert has been named one of the Best Cities to Find a Job, the Most Prosperous City in the Country, Top 5 Safest Cities to Build your Startup, and One of the Nation’s Most Livable Cities. Gilbert’s economic development is focused on creating job growth in all science, technology, engineering, and math industries. Top employers in Gilbert include Gilbert Public Schools, Banner Health, Walmart/Sams Club, GoDaddy.com, and Dignity health. While Gilbert is incorporated as a “town” and Chandler is a “city," both have consistently been among the fastest-growing municipalities in the U.S.
Chandler VS Gilbert - Schools
For parents with school-age children, both Chandler and Gilbert are part of School Choice Arizona, which was created to help parents in Arizona navigate the many educational opportunities available to their children as they progress through grade school and beyond. Arizona allows students to apply for admission to any public school, based on available classroom space. Chandler and Gilbert are both home to four highly regarded school districts filled with top-rated elementary, middle, and high schools.
The A-rated Chandler Unified School District includes 30 elementary, 8 middle, and 6 high schools. The nationally-recognized Gilbert Public Schools includes 27 elementary, 8 middle, and 7 high schools; the award-winning Kyrene School District includes 18 elementary, 6 middle, and one K-8; and the highly-acclaimed Higley Unified School District includes 9 elementary, 2 middle, and 2 high schools. Gilbert and Chandler both offer additional educational options including private schools and charter schools. Chandler schools spend 6,893 per student compared to Gilbert’s $6,891 per student. 91.41% of students in Chandler graduate from high school compared to Gilbert students at 95.52%.
The Southeast Valley is also home to several outstanding post-secondary educational options. Students living in Gilbert and Chandler can attend Chandler-Gilbert Community College located in Chandler, which offers two-year degrees and comprehensive certificate programs. Arizona State University is located in nearby Tempe along with several colleges located in the East Valley within easy driving distance.
Chandler VS Gilbert - Amenities
When it comes to exciting downtown neighborhoods, culture and the arts, shopping and dining, and outdoor recreation, both Chandler and Gilbert offer outstanding amenities for quality living.
Downtown Neighborhoods:
The vibrant and historic Downtown Chandler is a walkable destination featuring eclectic shops, enticing restaurants, and exciting events held throughout the year. The architecture of the downtown area includes original buildings from the early 1900s to the award-winning, modern City Hall. From fine art to popular breweries, you can find it all in Downtown Chandler. Gilbert's vibrant Heritage District is brimming with locally-owned stores, restaurants, the Hale Theater offering Broadway shows, exciting nightlife venues, and home to Water Tower Plaza, a gathering place for community events such as the Downtown Concert Series and the Gilbert Art Walk. Gilbert’s 135-mile bike path system connects the Heritage District to parks and attractions throughout town.
Arts and Culture:
Chandler offers a mix of art and culture activities for all ages. The Chandler Center for the Arts, Vision Gallery, and Chandler Museum. There are also private galleries, museums, festivals and organizations that add to the vibrant culture in Downtown Chandler and beyond. Gilbert Art Walk is a bi-weekly art gathering in Gilbert from October – March, offering an array of artistic styles for exhibition and sale. Gilbert is also home to Art Intersection., which features three galleries showcasing art from emerging and established artists. Gilbert Historical Museum has been at the heart of the Gilbert community since 1982.
Shopping & Dining:
Chandler Fashion Center is a regional shopping center located in Chandler and the second-largest mall in the Phoenix metro area. The upscale mall is anchored by Nordstrom, Dillard's, Macy's and Harkins Theatres with over 180 stores, restaurants, eateries, and more. Gilbert’s Santan Village is an outdoor lifestyle destination featuring major retailers such as Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Dillard’s, Macy’s, and specialty stores such as Apple, Barnes & Noble, Charming Charlies, Coach, and many others.
Chandler’s exciting restaurant scene reflects its cosmopolitan flair where you can enjoy delicious local flavors, ethnic specialties, and national and regional chains. Consistently named among the best “foodie” towns in the Phoenix metro area, Gilbert has a number of delicious restaurants and eateries to select from. Chandler has 104 fast-food eateries, 44 causal dining eateries, and 2 fine dining restaurants compared to Gilbert’s 91 fast-food eateries, 22 causal dining eateries, and 1 fine dining restaurant.
Outdoor Recreation:
Chandler offers endless opportunities for spending quality time outdoors with over 60 neighborhood and community parks, soccer and softball fields, sports courts for tennis, volleyball, racquetball, and basketball, miles of walking trails, two lakes, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, aquatic centers, a skate park, four dog parks, and a BMX bike park. Major parks include Paseo Vista Recreation Area, Veterans Oasis Park, Desert Breeze Park, and Tumbleweed Park. Golfers have their pick of seven top-rated golf courses located in chandler including San Marcos Golf Resort located in historic downtown Chandler, the stunning Ocotillo Golf Club, Springfield Golf Resort, Sunbird Golf Club, Lone Tree Golf Club, and Ironwood Golf Club.
Gilbert residents enjoy multiple parks offering a vast array of amenities. Major parks include Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, Crossroads District Park, Discovery District Park, and Freestone District Park, just to name few. Golfers can choose from several top-rated courses such as Seville Golf & Country Club Course, Greenfield Lakes Golf Course, Kokopelli Golf Course, Trilogy Golf Course, and Western Skies Golf Club Course.
Chandler and Gilbert Real Estate
Homebuyers will find a wide range of homes to choose from in both Chandler and Gilbert. Whether you're interested in low maintenance condos/townhomes, cozy villas on the golf course, single-family homes in quiet neighborhoods, homes in exclusive waterfront communities, semi-rural horse properties, or sprawling luxury estates, you're certain to find the home of your dreams in one of these exceptional communities with the help of a qualified local agent.
Cathy Carter is the highest rated REALTOR® in East Valley. For more information on the thriving Southeast Valley communities of Chandler and Gilbert and how I can help you in your next real estate transaction, visit us on our website at https://www.realestatechandler.com/ or give me a call at 480-459-8488 today!
CATHY CARTER, ABR, CRS, CDPE
Alliance Group
725 W. Elliot Rd., Suite 111
Gilbert, AZ. 85233
Cell: 480-459-8488
Toll-Free: 800-519-5578
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