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The Islands

The Islands

$551,986 Average Value
$295 Average Price per Sq Ft
15 Homes For Sale

An oasis in the Arizona desert

An oasis in the desert, The Islands feels more Florida than Arizona. Located around three man-made lakes on the border of Gilbert and Chandler in the East Valley, the planned community was originally surrounded by empty fields. With the rapid growth of the Phoenix area through the 1990s and 2000s, it’s now in the middle of the action. “People don’t normally think of lakes in Arizona,” says Lorraine Moller, Realtor with Keller Williams Realty East Valley who has lived in The Islands for more than 20 years. “But it’s nice now being able to be on the water and also so close to downtown Gilbert and Chandler.”

The Islands is a truly unique neighborhood in the heart of the Sonoran Desert.
The Islands is a truly unique neighborhood in the heart of the Sonoran Desert.
Many homes in The Islands have lakefront views.
Many homes in The Islands have lakefront views.
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Lakefront homes, both moderate and majestic

Along the lakes on the interior of the neighborhood, the serpentine coves extend to ensure as many homes as possible are waterfront. A relatively unified design aesthetic unifies the neighborhood, as Spanish-style architecture dominates the area with tile roofs, stone ornamentation and stucco exteriors, although some ranches are found outside of The Islands community. Houses can be found for as low as the upper $300,000s, but the majority push closer to the mid-$600,000s. For luxurious lakeside mansions, homebuyers can pay north of $1.4 million. The neighborhood is administered by The Islands Community Association and requires fees, which came out to around $700 in 2023.

The Islands neighborhood feels more like a tropical destination and less like a desert.
The Islands neighborhood feels more like a tropical destination and less like a desert.
This beautiful Spanish style home is one of many lakeside homes in The Islands.
This beautiful Spanish style home is one of many lakeside homes in The Islands.
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Highly rated school systems

Split between the municipalities of Gilbert and Chandler, The Islands utilizes two separate school districts. The northern half of the neighborhood resides in the Gilbert Public Schools district, while the Chandler Unified School District takes the southern portion of the neighborhood. Both systems are ranked highly; the Chandler system is ranked as the top school district in Arizona by Niche, and the Gilbert schools come in eighth. Students may attend Islands Elementary School and Mesquite Junior High School, which each received a B-plus grade from Niche, followed by Mesquite High School, which earned a B.

An artistic mural decorates the entrance at Islands Elementary School in Gilbert.
An artistic mural decorates the entrance at Islands Elementary School in Gilbert.
Mesquite High School is a Gilbert public school.
Mesquite High School is a Gilbert public school.
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Lakeside recreation in The Islands

The Islands community takes full advantage of its lakefront status, as many residents own boats. “Getting out on the water is a nice evening activity,” Moller says. “A lot of times, when I get home from work, my husband and I take some time to relax on the lake.” Even the recreation on dry land is enhanced by the lakes, as Islands Park sits beside the water, surrounded by palm trees. The private park includes a basketball court, a playground and charcoal grills for parkgoers to host their own cookout. Those looking for a public green space can visit Provinces Park on the south side of the neighborhood.

Many residents in The Islands have boats for fishing and leisure.
Many residents in The Islands have boats for fishing and leisure.
The Islands residents have a variety of walking paths to enjoy throughout the neighborhood.
The Islands residents have a variety of walking paths to enjoy throughout the neighborhood.
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The Islands Community Park features a boat dock for residents with boats.
The Islands Community Park features a boat dock for residents with boats.

The Islands Community Association events

Residents of The Islands have plenty of community events to attend, thanks to The Islands Community Association. Holiday celebrations like a boat parade bring the neighborhood together, while the community hosts concerts at Islands Park for outdoor fun on a warm night. For sports fans, spring training baseball comes to the area every year. The training facilities for the Oakland A’s, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Angels are each less than a 15-minute drive from The Islands.

In the middle of the Chandler and Gilbert action

When it’s time to go out for a drink or a bite to eat, The Islands’ location lends it plenty of options. On a typical weekend, a resident might visit Boba Cutea Bubble Tea Cafe for a fun treat before heading across town to Chandler to visit DC Steakhouse. Just east of The Islands is Gilbert Town Square, with a variety of retail and entertainment options including a Regal Cinemas and a Bowlero. To catch a game and grab a nightcap, Catching Flights Bar and Grille is a local favorite with a stage for live music. Shopping centers with grocery stores such as Safeway flank the neighborhood, so essentials are never far.

The whole family will have a great experience at American Way Smokehouse and Market near The Isl
The whole family will have a great experience at American Way Smokehouse and Market near The Isl
Head over to Regal Cinemas 14 near The Islands to see the latest Hollywood flicks.
Head over to Regal Cinemas 14 near The Islands to see the latest Hollywood flicks.
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Commuting to downtown Phoenix

20 miles from Phoenix, residents can easily commute from The Islands to downtown or anywhere across the area. “It’s very convenient to the 60 or the 101, which can get you anywhere you need to go in the East Valley,” says Moller. While the Valley Metro transportation system has stops on both the north and south side of the neighborhood, residents still drive their own cars for the vast majority of their transportation. For longer trips, American Airlines utilizes the local Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport as a hub, making it easier to travel across the country.

Bus service is available on the northern end of The Islands.
Bus service is available on the northern end of The Islands.
The Islands is located near several highways, giving access to the greater valley.
The Islands is located near several highways, giving access to the greater valley.
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Bill Jennings
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Bill Jennings

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Mary Jo Santistevan, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway

21 min drive

Bus

Elliot Rd & Island Dr

Bus

Ray Rd & Jackson St

Bus

Ray Rd & Cooper Rd

Bus

Ray Rd & Velero St

Bus

Elliot Rd & William Dillard Dr

Bus

Ray Rd & Mcqueen Rd

Bus

Ray Rd & Senate St

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime The Islands US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

The Islands Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$385,995
Median Sale Price
$480,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$480,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$360,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$305,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
Last 12 months Home Sales
171
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
42%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$295

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
5,628
Number of Homes for Sale
15
Median Year Built
1992
Months of Supply
1.10
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,110
Above the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,243
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
870
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,969

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Aug 3
    10am - 1pm

    1414 W Coral Reef Dr, Gilbert, AZ 85233

    $635,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,545 Sq Ft
    • 1414 W Coral Reef Dr

    WATERFRONT IN THE ISLANDS! This well cared for home is the ultimate opportunity in the neighborhood! Well built with 2x6 construction, and well cared for with a new AC unit in 2023, modern baths, luxury finishes and tons of space, you'll feel right at home! Enjoy a den and private bath downstairs and 3 large bedrooms upstairs.The gourmet kitchen opens to the family room with

    Chelsea Anderson Keller Williams Realty East Valley

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  • Wednesday, Aug 6
    1 - 5pm

    1410 W Sandpiper Dr, Gilbert, AZ 85233

    $1,295,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 4,172 Sq Ft
    • 1410 W Sandpiper Dr

    Stunning Lakefront Oasis in The Islands a 5 Bed, 3.5 Bath with a Private Dock, Pool & Spa.Tucked away at the end of a peaceful cul-de-sac in the highly sought-after community of The Islands in Gilbert, this remarkable lakefront home is the epitome of Arizona waterfront living. Situated on a rare oversized lot with breathtaking panoramic views, this property offers luxury, comfort, and

    Mickey Galbraith Real Broker

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  • Sunday, Aug 3
    1 - 4pm

    869 W Emerald Island Dr, Gilbert, AZ 85233

    $739,900

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,414 Sq Ft
    • 869 W Emerald Island Dr

    Fall in love with this stunning, fully remodeled home featuring a 3-car garage, brand-new roof, fresh paint, and over $100K in luxury upgrades! Step inside to soaring vaulted ceilings, stylish wood-look floor, and a one-of-a-kind fireplace in the great room. The chef's kitchen shines with granite counters, SS appliances, a custom island & sunny bay-window nook. The spacious primary suite offers a

    Gagan Saluja Century 21 Northwest

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Mary Jo Santistevan, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
16,463
Median Age
39
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$94,687
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$115,120

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.2%
College Graduates
41.1%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
15.7%
% Population in Labor Force
72.5%
Above the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
9''
Average Winter Low Temperature
39°F
Average Summer High Temperature
104°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

56 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

44 / 100

Minimal Transit

Transit Score®

0 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
The Islands