It's a veritable oasis in the desert… The Islands, a master planned community in Gilbert, Arizona offers amenities many are surprised to find here in the middle of the Sonoran Desert. The Gilbert real estate market is home to a few communities like this, but their existence never ceases to surprise people — including some long term residents.

Bounded (roughly) by Elliot Road and Warner Road to the north and south, and McQueen Road and Cooper Road to the West and East, the Islands is ideally located in the heart of Gilbert with convenient access to all the major East Valley freeways.

Homes in The Islands range from condos to large water front properties. It's difficult to get an exact count of the currently available listings because there are a large number of neighborhoods that compose The Islands – "sub-subdivisions" if you will. Agents tend to specify all these neighborhoods in different ways, clouding the ability to get a true listing count. Like most of the Phoenix real estate market, there is a significant amount of inventory available — at least 65 homes, and probably more. Generally, single family homes are priced in the $270K – $600K range.

Amenities abound in The Islands. Parks, trails and of course water activities that range from fishing to boating (no wakes allowed). The highly regarded Gilbert Independent School district serves The Islands with Islands Elementary, Mesquite Jr. High and Mesquite High School. Shopping of all varieties and golf are very close by.

Everyone I've ever talked to that lives in The Islands tells me it is a close-knit community, but they welcome new residents with open arms. Drive through the neighborhoods on any given day and you'll see people walking the trails, sitting on benches by the lakes, or chatting in a neighbor's driveway.

If you enjoy the water and "resort style" everyday living, you may want to consider a community like The Islands in Gilbert. Check out Val Vista Lakes while you are at it — it's a similar lake front oasis also located in the booming Gilbert real estate market. As always, we're here to help in any way we can!

[tags]The Islands, Gilbert Real Estate, Val Vista Lakes[/tags]