This little-known Arizona suburb has become a surprising hot spot for transplants fleeing winter hell

Move over, Scottsdale — there’s a new hot spot in town. Once a sleepy agricultural community, Gilbert, Arizona, is now one of the fastest-growing destinations for homebuyers and seasonal visitors looking to escape the brutal winters of the Midwest and East Coast. The former dairy-farming hub has exploded, skyrocketing from a mere 5,700 residents in 1980 to more than 275,000 today. While its growth has been rapid, Gilbert has managed to maintain its small-town charm while adding an impressive array of modern amenities that make it an increasingly attractive alternative to its pricier neighbor, Scottsdale. “It’s got a small-town feel with some big-city flare that’s coming in,” Jen Felker, an agent with Compass, told Mansion Global.“It’s very popular for all different age groups, and it offers something for everybody.” That appeal draws snowbirds looking for mild winters and an active lifestyle, and Gilbert delivers with top-tier golf courses, scenic walking and biking trails, and a lively downtown filled with restaurants, boutique shops and a bustling farmer’s market.  For homebuyers, Gilbert’s biggest draw is its affordability compared to Scottsdale. The median home price hovers around $550,000 — far less than Scottsdale’s $892,000 — but the town isn’t just for budget-conscious buyers. Luxury real estate is booming, with upscale custom homes ranging from $3 million to $25 million. “Moral of the story is [that] the money is here and people are spending it,” Michael Steck of RETSY told the outlet of the custom-home push.

Steck and his wife, Heather, currently hold the town’s most expensive listing: a sprawling,g 4.4-acre estate featuring a 10,000-square-foot main house, a private spa, a go-kart track and a massive entertainment pavilion — all for a cool $19.95 million. For those seeking waterfront views in the middle of the desert, Gilbert actually delivers.Exclusive communities like West Lake Estates offer scenic man...