If you’re considering a move to the Phoenix area, Scottsdale, Gilbert and Chandler are probably going to come up in the conversation.
They’re all popular places to live. They all have great neighborhoods, restaurants, shopping and plenty to do. And depending on where you’re coming from, they may not seem all that different at first.
But spend some time in each one, and they definitely have their own personalities.
So which one is right for you?
That depends a lot less on which city someone tells you is “best” and a lot more on how you actually want to live.
Scottsdale: Finding the Neighborhood That Fits the Way You Live
Scottsdale is probably the most recognizable of the three, but even saying “I want to live in Scottsdale” doesn’t narrow things down as much as you might think.
Scottsdale stretches more than 30 miles from north to south, so where you live within the city can make a big difference in your experience.
Old Town gives you restaurants, shopping, galleries, nightlife and a more energetic, walkable environment. Head north and things start to feel very different, with larger properties, quieter neighborhoods and much more of the Sonoran Desert surrounding you.
North Scottsdale is also known for its country club communities, where golf, tennis, pickleball, dining and social activities can be as much a part of everyday life as the home itself. For buyers looking for that lifestyle, choosing the right community can be just as important as choosing the right house.
Whether you’re drawn to Old Town’s energy, the country club lifestyle or a quieter desert setting, Scottsdale offers some very different ways to live.
That’s why I’d want to know which Scottsdale lifestyle you have in mind before we start looking at homes.
Gilbert: Suburban, Social and Still Growing
Gilbert has grown tremendously from its agricultural roots, but it has managed to hold onto a strong sense of community along the way. Today it offers established neighborhoods, newer development and a downtown that has become a destination of its own.
The Heritage District gives Gilbert a central gathering place for restaurants, shops and entertainment, while places like the Riparian Preserve and SanTan Village offer very different ways to spend a weekend.
For buyers who want a suburban feel but still like having plenty happening close to home, Gilbert often deserves a look.
And just like Scottsdale, Gilbert isn’t one type of neighborhood. Some areas feel established and tucked away, while others put you closer to newer shopping, restaurants and development.
Chandler: Established Neighborhoods Meet a Major Employment Hub
Chandler has its own mix of established neighborhoods, newer communities, shopping, dining and entertainment, but one thing that particularly distinguishes it is its employment base.
The city has evolved from its agricultural beginnings into a major technology and business hub, which can make location especially important if your move is tied to work.
Downtown Chandler also gives the city a walkable restaurant and entertainment district, while other parts of Chandler feel decidedly suburban.
For some buyers, Chandler puts work, home and the things they do every day in a really convenient radius. For others, Gilbert or Scottsdale may put them closer to the lifestyle they want.
That’s exactly why I don’t start with a city name.
Start With How You Want to Live
When someone tells me they’re deciding between Scottsdale, Gilbert and Chandler, I want to know what’s behind the question.
Where will you be working? How much does your commute matter? Do you want to walk to restaurants or would you rather have a quieter neighborhood and more space? Are trails and outdoor recreation important? What do you actually want your Saturday morning to look like?
Those answers can tell us a lot more than a list of city rankings ever will.
You may start out convinced that you want Scottsdale and realize Gilbert feels more like you. You may think Gilbert is the obvious choice until we find a Chandler neighborhood that puts everything you need within a few minutes. Or Scottsdale may be exactly what you pictured, but in a completely different part of the city than you expected.
That’s part of the process.
You Don’t Have to Know Before We Start
You don’t need to arrive with the perfect neighborhood already picked out.
In fact, if you’re relocating to the Phoenix area, I’d rather we talk about what matters to you first. Then I can help you compare communities based on the way you actually plan to live, not just what you’ve read about them online.
Scottsdale, Gilbert and Chandler all have something different to offer. Let’s figure out which one makes sense for you.