Overall City Sentiment Score
What’s it really like to live in Gilbert, Arizona? How do locals feel about the city’s overall vibe and livability? In 2023, Gilbert’s sentiment score falls between 75-85 out of 100, influenced by a strong sense of community pride, highly-rated schools, and a family-friendly atmosphere. However, some residents express concerns about rising housing costs and increasing traffic congestion as the city grows.
Key factors shaping Gilbert’s overall sentiment include:
- A tight-knit community feel with friendly neighbors
- Highly-regarded public schools and youth programs
- Low crime rates and a prevailing sense of safety
- Ample parks, trails and recreational amenities
- A growing downtown district with local businesses
- Rising home prices and cost of living concerns
Social Media Buzz in Gilbert
On local Facebook groups like “Gilbert Word of Mouth” and subreddits like r/Gilbert, residents frequently share their love for the city’s family-oriented vibe, community events, and well-maintained neighborhoods. Many praise the quality of the school system and appreciate the abundance of kid-friendly parks and activities.
However, social media discussions also reveal some growing pains. Long-time Gilbertans occasionally lament the loss of the town’s former rural feel amidst ongoing development. Others express frustration with increasing traffic, especially along main corridors during rush hour. Rising housing costs are another concern, particularly for young families and first-time homebuyers.
Here’s a sampling of local sentiment:
- “We’ve lived in Gilbert for 12 years and still love it. Great schools, friendly neighbors, and so many community events. It’s a wonderful place to raise a family.” – Melissa R.
- “Gilbert is nice overall but definitely getting more crowded and expensive. Traffic can be a nightmare and it feels like they’re building new homes on every corner.” – James T.
- “As a young professional, I appreciate Gilbert’s safety and amenities but worry about affording a house here long-term. Rents keep climbing too.” – Lauren M.
Local News Tone
Gilbert’s local news outlets generally strike an optimistic and community-focused tone. Human interest stories highlight the city’s high quality of life, from spotlights on outstanding students to features on popular community events like the Gilbert Days Parade or Concerts in the Park series.
However, local journalists also address challenges facing the growing city. Headlines like “Gilbert Grapples with Affordable Housing Shortage” and “Traffic Woes Mount as Gilbert’s Population Booms” reflect very real concerns. The overall media tone might be described as hopeful but pragmatic – celebrating Gilbert’s strengths while acknowledging areas for improvement.
Review-Based Public Perception
On review platforms like Niche and Nextdoor, Gilbert consistently earns high marks for its public schools, safety, family-friendliness, and overall quality of life. Many reviewers praise the city’s clean, well-kept neighborhoods and ample community amenities.
However, ratings dip slightly in the affordability category, with some noting that Gilbert’s cost of living has risen considerably in recent years. A few also point out that the city’s suburban lifestyle may feel a bit limiting for young single professionals.
Neighborhood nuances also emerge in reviews. Downtown Gilbert garners enthusiasm for its growing roster of local businesses and walkable vibe. In contrast, some residents in the city’s further-flung subdivisions express wishes for more nearby dining and entertainment options.
Comparison to Nearby Cities
| City | Sentiment Score | Key Strengths | Key Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gilbert | 80 | Family-friendliness, safety, schools | Rising costs, increasing traffic |
| Chandler | 78 | Job opportunities, diversity, amenities | Crowding, some older neighborhoods |
| Mesa | 72 | Affordability, outdoor recreation | Crime in some areas, fewer amenities |
Compared to nearby Chandler and Mesa, Gilbert stands out for its top-notch schools, low crime rates, and family-oriented atmosphere. Chandler earns points for its strong job market and diverse amenities, but some note it feels more crowded and hectic than Gilbert. Mesa offers more affordable living and ample outdoor recreation, but its schools and safety are more hit-or-miss.
What Locals Are Saying
To paint a fuller picture of living in Gilbert, it’s helpful to hear from a range of local voices:
- “As a mom of three, I couldn’t ask for a better place to raise my kids. The schools are fantastic, there’s a park on every corner, and I always feel safe letting my children play outside with the neighbor kids. Gilbert just has this wonderful family-friendly energy.” – Karen S., stay-at-home mom
- “I’ve watched Gilbert evolve over the 20 years I’ve lived here. While I miss some of the small-town charm, I’m mostly impressed by how the city has grown. We have a vibrant downtown now with great local restaurants, and the sense of community is still strong. Traffic can be annoying and housing costs are high, but overall I feel incredibly fortunate to call Gilbert home.” – Thomas J., engineer and long-time resident
- “I relocated to Gilbert for a job and it’s been an adjustment. Coming from a bigger city, the vibe here feels pretty suburban and family-focused. It’s undeniably safe and well-maintained, but as a young single person, I do find myself heading into Tempe or Scottsdale on weekends for more nightlife options. Gilbert’s great, but maybe a better fit for families or retirees than 20-somethings.” – Priya N., software developer
Conclusion: Is Gilbert a Happy City?
So, is Gilbert a happy place to live? For many locals, the answer is a resounding yes. The city’s strong sense of community, excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and abundant amenities make it an attractive choice, particularly for families. Residents take pride in Gilbert’s friendly atmosphere and appreciate the city’s efforts to foster a tight-knit community feel.
However, Gilbert’s contentment isn’t without caveats. As the city has grown, so too have concerns about rising costs of living, increasing traffic, and preservation of Gilbert’s character. Happiness here often means embracing the city’s family-focused suburban lifestyle – a dream for some, but perhaps a less ideal fit for others.
Ultimately, Gilbert’s overall positive sentiment score reflects a city that is thriving in many ways, even as it grapples with the challenges of growth. For those considering a move to Gilbert, diving deeper into factors like housing costs, lifestyle needs, and typical monthly budgets can help determine if this community’s vibe aligns with their vision of happiness.