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The Islands

The Islands

$550,636 Average Value
$291 Average Price per Sq Ft
42 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

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

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

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

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

The Islands Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$530,000
Median Sale Price
$515,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$539,999
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$321,250
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
202
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
0%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$291

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
5,637
Number of Homes for Sale
42
Median Year Built
1992
Months of Supply
2.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,091
Above the national average
1,929
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,242
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
870
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,969

Open Houses

  • Monday, Dec 15
    8am - 7pm

    413 S Lake Mirage Dr, Gilbert, AZ 85233

    $627,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,946 Sq Ft
    • 413 S Lake Mirage Dr

    Welcome to this updated waterfront home in the Islands community in Gilbert! Great eat-in kitchen with gorgeous views of the lake and features stainless steel appliances, an accent backsplash, a center island. The neutral color paint scheme and fresh interior paint provide a modern and clean feel. The living room features a cozy fireplace, perfect for relaxing evenings. The primary bedroom boasts

    Tara Jones Opendoor Brokerage, LLC

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  • Monday, Dec 15
    8am - 7pm

    1601 N Saba St Unit 271, Chandler, AZ 85225

    $288,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1,122 Sq Ft
    • 1601 N Saba St
    • Unit 271

    Welcome to this beautifully updated property. The home features a neutral color paint scheme that provides a calming atmosphere and complements any decor. The kitchen is a standout with an accent backsplash that adds a touch of elegance. Fresh interior paint throughout the home gives it a clean and new feel. Partial flooring replacement has been done, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the

    Tara Jones Opendoor Brokerage, LLC

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

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
$79,601
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
64.9%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

58 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

50 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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