Gilbert, within the state of Arizona is situated in the states Maricopa County. The city is located just southeast of Phoenix and is part of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Gilbert encompasses around 197 km2 or 76 square miles. It has made the fast transformation in recent years from being an agriculture based community to a suburban centre which is economically diverse.
The city of Gilbert has increased it population fairly significantly in the past few decades. The 1980 population of Gilbert was 5,717 people, growing to a huge 208,453 inhabitants, based on 2010 census numbers. The community has become a highly affluent and highly educated area supporting high-wage jobs in life science and health services, high technology and renewable and clean energy. It has likewise developed into the corporate and regional headquarters and offices in numerous advanced business services.
The city owes its beginning to William "Bobby" Gilbert. He provided land during 1902 to the Arizona Eastern Railway. This allowed them to construct a rail line between Florence and Phoenix Arizona. In the year 1912, due to the actions of Pancho Villa's forces, lots of Mormans who had fled the Morman colonies within Mexico opted to settle within Gilbert. In 1915, they started holding church meetings at the Gilbert Elementary School and by the year 1918 they had organized themselves to become the Gilbert Ward.
During much of the early 20th century, Gilbert was known as the "Hay Capital of the World". The city's economy has continued to depend on agriculture in recent years. On par with the population growth in the town, Gilbert has rapidly transitioned to its present status as being a modern suburb within the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.
Each year in late November, the city of Gilbert is home to an annual "Gilbert Days" celebration. This 3 day festival is in observance of the full paving of Gilbert Road throughout the town. Other well-known events in the city comprise the Raparian Institute, the Hale Centre Theatre, Deer Valley Rock Art Center, Cave Creek, Freestone Park, the Gilbert Historical Museum and the Heritage District.
There are various recreational facilities within the city of Gilbert like for example 14 parks, 2 municipal swimming pools and 2 community centers. One of the parks has been dedicated as a skateboard park.
The Gilbert community is diverse and thriving, offer an abundance of genuine quality of life. Gilbert offers a lively variety of experiences intended to showcase its natural beauty as well as its cultural diversity and modern and historical amenities.
The Heritage District within the downtown core of Gilbert features an award winning theatre, a distinctive shopping area and many dining opportunities. One more popular attraction is the Gilbert Historical Museum. The Higley Center for the Performing Arts brings a theatrical and artistic flair to the city of Gilbert also. The city of Gilbert offers open-air entertainment pavilions and shopping such as SanTan Village which is complete with live concerts and nationally recognized restaurants.