Gilbert Apartments and Rentals

If you're looking for a suburban haven not too far from a major city, then Gilbert may be for you. More than 208,000 people called the town home as of 2010, and fans of sunny skies are likely to feel a particular affinity for the area, as its average annual rainfall is less than eight inches.

The town's proximity to both Phoenix (which is about a half-hour drive away) and stunning natural landmarks, such as Camelback Mountain, means those looking for Gilbert apartments for rent can find the perfect balance.

The town of Gilbert dates back to 1902, when the Arizona Eastern Railroad asked for donations of land in order to construct a rail line between Phoenix and the city of Florence, which is approximately 60 miles away. Local landowner William Gilbert stepped up to the plate, and the rest, as they say, is history. In its early days, Gilbert was primarily agricultural, which earned it the moniker "Hay Capital of the World." It wasn't until the mid-1980s that the town began to metamorphose into the economically diverse community it is today.

Those interested in Gilbert apartments will no doubt be pleased to hear that the town ranked 36th on CNNMoney's Best Places to Live list in 2010. It was also named the 17th safest city in the country by CQ Press the same year. (It's worth noting that despite its size, Gilbert is still officially considered a town, although many believe its status should be upgraded.)

Mercy Gilbert Medical Center is one of the town's largest employers, and made the Phoenix Business Journal's shortlist of Best Places to Work in the Valley in 2010. The facility is part of the Dignity Health system, which was the 15th biggest employer in the state in 2012, according to the Arizona Republic. Gilbert is also home to a large call center for internet domain registrar GoDaddy.com.

As far as institutions of higher education, Chandler-Gilbert Community College is located nearby in Chandler and  Arizona State University - based in nearby Tempe - is only about 20 minutes away.

City-Data.com put the median gross rent for apartments in Gilbert at $1,235 in 2009. However, in keeping with the fact that the town supports a number of high-wage jobs across a wide range of sectors, there are considerably higher-priced luxury apartments available as well. That said, living in Gilbert doesn't have to break the bank. City-Data's March 2012 cost of living index gave the town a ranking of 93.4 - below the U.S. average of 100.

Every September, Gilbert residents celebrate Constitution Week with a family-friendly fair featuring fireworks, live performers (one recent guest, David Archuleta of "American Idol" fame, was a particular hit with the area's Mormon community) and a fine art competition. Those who enjoy a slower pace can tee off at Western Skies Golf Club or the Seville Golf and Country Club, while people looking for a taste of adventure can hike up Camelback Mountain, named for its telltale hump.

For fans of winter sports, Gilbert is just a couple of hours from the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort in Flagstaff. In the warmer months, the resort's Scenic Skyride offers great opportunities to take photographs and view wildlife. Take in an aerial view of downtown Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon, and enjoy live music at the summit at select days and times.

To find a Gilbert apartment or rental, check out our apartment listings. Rent.com® is happy to help you find your next home.