Gilbert City Guide

The food scene includes Sonoran-style Mexican food and a good mix of international options from Italian to Asian. Vegetarian and vegan choices are widely available. Late-night options are limited to fast food and some diners.

Nightlife is relaxed, with casual bars, breweries, and family spots like the Heritage District. Live music and sports bars are available but scene is quieter than in bigger cities.

Good mix of chain and local specialty coffee shops focusing on quality and community.

Tipping is expected for most services. Restaurants usually 15-20%, taxis and rideshares 15-20%, hair and nail services 15-20%.

SIM cards are available at carrier stores (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) and electronics retailers. Verizon and AT&T offer the best coverage. eSIMs are also widely supported. ID is needed for post-paid plans; pre-paid plans require basic info.

Gilbert is generally very clean with well-kept public spaces and reliable waste and recycling services.

Some pharmacies and convenience stores open 24/7. Urgent care clinics have extended hours but no widespread 24/7 clinics besides hospital ERs.

Large supermarkets carry international items, especially Mexican and Asian ingredients. Stores like Fry's, Safeway, Sprouts, Whole Foods, and Albertsons are common. Hours usually run from early morning to late evening, open on Sundays and holidays with some reduced hours.

Most places accept credit or debit cards. Cash is rarely needed but handy for small vendors or tipping.

ATMs are easy to find at banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo, plus major grocery and convenience stores. Out-of-network fees range from $2.50 to $5.00 per use.

Gilbert Public Schools and Chandler Unified School District serve the area and are highly rated. Instruction is mainly in English. Enrollment starts in spring; some schools have waitlists.

The nomad scene is small but growing, centered around coworking spaces and local business groups. Some networking happens in Phoenix-area meetups.

Extensive parks and the Riparian Preserve provide good green space and shaded walking areas. Great for running and outdoor activities.

Lots of safe running paths and trails with scenic loops. Local running clubs and events are active.

Plenty of gyms with classes, personal training, and full equipment.

Many public and private tennis courts in parks and clubs. Coaching and memberships offered.

Padel courts are newer and less common but growing in number.

Several yoga studios with various styles and English-speaking instructors. Drop-in and memberships available.

Many gyms offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing, Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, and MMA with English-speaking instructors.

No ski resorts nearby. Closest are 3-4 hours away in northern Arizona with good snow in season.

Lakes nearby offer kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating. Rentals and guided tours are available, best in cooler months.

No natural surfing spots nearby. Artificial wave parks in the Phoenix area exist but don’t offer traditional surfing.

No natural diving or snorkeling sites near Gilbert.

Gilbert has quality public and private healthcare with English-speaking staff. Hospitals include Mercy Gilbert Medical Center and Banner Gateway Medical Center. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens stock common OTC meds and offer advice.

Tap water meets all federal and state standards and is safe to drink.

Gilbert offers many parks with playgrounds, family-friendly cafés, and attractions like Freestone Park and Riparian Preserve. Baby supplies are easy to find at major stores.

Generally accepting with inclusive venues. Bigger LGBTQ+ community activities are mostly in Phoenix. Legal protections exist statewide.

Gilbert is pet-friendly with off-leash dog parks, many pet services, and pet-friendly accommodations and patios.