The Islands Gilbert AZ — What Locals Actually Know About Living Here

By Wes & Lisa Bender | Bender Group AZ at Real Broker

Lake living in the desert sounds like a contradiction. Until you see The Islands.

We've been bringing buyers to this community for years, and the reaction is almost always the same. You pull in, you see the water, the walking paths along the edge of the lakes, the homes set back with water views — and something clicks. This isn't what people picture when they think of Gilbert. Which is exactly why it holds its value the way it does.

We're Wes and Lisa Bender, a husband and wife real estate team who have lived in the East Valley our entire lives and sold real estate here for 14 years. The Islands is one of those Gilbert communities that doesn't get talked about as loudly as Agritopia or Morrison Ranch — but deserves to. Here's the honest version of what it's like.

What a Perfect Saturday Looks Like in The Islands

Morning is a stroll along the lake paths inside the community — water on one side, mature landscaping on the other, the occasional duck, no agenda. Then a drive north for coffee at a local shop on Gilbert or Baseline before continuing to Freestone Park or Riparian Preserve for a longer walk with real trail distance.

Midday you head into the Heritage District — small businesses, boutiques, the Gilbert Farmers Market if it's the right Saturday — and a casual lunch at a spot that's been around long enough to earn its reputation. Early afternoon back toward home, stopping by a small grocery or market on the way.

Evening is dinner in the Heritage District or along Gilbert Road, then dessert — gelato, ice cream, something worth the stop — before the short drive back to the lakes. Twilight on the water from your back patio is the kind of thing that never stops being a good reason to live where you live.

Question 1: Are the lakes in The Islands private and can residents use them for watercraft?

The lakes in The Islands are one of the most frequently asked-about features of the community — and the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. The community does have man-made lakes with walking paths and water views throughout, and in certain sections, non-motorized watercraft such as paddle boards, kayaks, and electric boats may be permitted.

However — and this matters — watercraft rules vary by section and are subject to HOA guidelines that can change. We always recommend that buyers who are specifically interested in lake access and watercraft use verify the current rules directly with the HOA before making an offer. Don't assume — ask. It's the kind of detail that makes a big difference in how you experience the property.

What doesn't vary is the visual impact. Waterfront living in the desert is genuinely rare, and the lake views in The Islands create a lifestyle distinction that the market consistently prices. Whether or not you're putting anything in the water, living on the water in Gilbert is a different experience than living anywhere else in the city.

• Man-made lakes with walking paths and water views run throughout the community
• Non-motorized watercraft may be permitted in certain sections — verify current HOA rules before purchasing if this is a priority
• Waterfront homes carry a meaningful price premium that the market has consistently supported over time

Question 2: What's the difference between gated and non-gated sections of The Islands?

The Islands includes both gated and non-gated sections — and understanding the difference matters for both lifestyle and price point. Gated pockets within the community offer controlled access, added privacy, and a prestige factor that typically carries a premium in price. Non-gated areas still enjoy full access to the lakes, walking paths, and community amenities with a more open, accessible feel.

For most buyers, the choice between gated and non-gated comes down to how much they value controlled access and privacy versus budget and neighborhood openness. The gated sections tend to attract buyers for whom security and exclusivity are meaningful considerations. The non-gated sections tend to appeal to buyers who want the lake lifestyle and community amenities at a lower entry price point.

Both sections participate in the same community identity and share the same visual appeal. The difference is more about feel and access control than about fundamental lifestyle quality. We walk buyers through both and help them figure out which fits better based on what they actually care about day to day.

• Gated pockets offer controlled access, added privacy, and prestige — with price premiums that reflect it
• Non-gated sections provide lake access and community amenities at lower price points with a more open neighborhood feel
• The right choice depends on how much buyers value controlled access versus budget flexibility — worth visiting both before deciding

Question 3: What are typical home prices and which sections have road noise to consider?

The Islands covers a range of price points depending on gated vs. non-gated, lakefront vs. interior, and size. Entry-level homes typically start in the low to mid $400,000s, with mid-range properties in the $500,000 to $700,000 range, and waterfront or gated premium homes reaching well above that.

One thing worth discussing honestly — because it comes up in buyer conversations — is road noise. Some sections of The Islands sit closer to Gilbert Road or Warner Road, which are both meaningful arterial streets. Homes in those sections trade convenience and proximity for more ambient traffic noise than the interior streets experience. It's not a deal-breaker for most buyers, but it's worth knowing which lots are closer to the roads before you make an offer.

The interior streets are typically quiet and residential. The paths along the lakes are genuinely peaceful. For buyers who prioritize the visual of lake views and the calm of interior streets, the community has strong options — it just takes knowing where to look.

• Home prices range from the low $400Ks to well above $700K for gated or waterfront properties
• Sections near Gilbert or Warner Road experience more traffic noise than interior streets — worth evaluating lot position before purchasing
• Interior streets and lake paths are quiet and residential — the community has genuinely calm pockets worth finding

Want Current Listings, School Data, and Full Neighborhood Info?

For active listings, school ratings, boundary maps, demographics, and local business data specific to The Islands — visit our dedicated community page.

→ CLICK HERE to visit our full The Islands Gilbert AZ Community Page

About Wes & Lisa Bender

We're a husband and wife real estate team and we've lived in the East Valley our entire lives. Between us we have 14 years of experience as licensed agents in this market.

Follow us at @GilbertWithTheBenders on Instagram and YouTube for weekly East Valley market updates, neighborhood guides, home tours, local business spotlights, and more.

Want to Learn Before You Buy, Sell, or Rent?

Lisa Bender spent 30 years in business, adult learning, and instructional design for one of the largest financial firms in the world before becoming a real estate agent. She built three micro-learning courses to make you genuinely strategic in your next real estate move.

The Strategic Home Buyer · The Strategic Home Renter · The Strategic Home Seller

Ready to Talk About The Islands?

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