Let the numbers do the talking.
Gilbert, AZ vs Tucson, AZ
Gilbert, AZ vs Tucson, AZ: What the data shows
Gilbert, AZ is in Gilbert, AZ while Tucson, AZ is in Tucson, AZ — both in the same state. On home prices, Tucson, AZ is the more affordable option at $291,400 median — $149,900 less than Gilbert, AZ's $441,300. WYLT rates Gilbert, AZ as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Tucson, AZ as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Gilbert, AZ has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Tucson, AZ has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Gilbert, AZ has Low flood risk and Tucson, AZ has Low flood risk.
Gilbert, AZ is the more walkable neighborhood. Gilbert, AZ scores 7/100 (car-dependent) versus Tucson, AZ's 2/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Gilbert, AZ has the higher school rating — Gilbert, AZ rates 7.4/10 and Tucson, AZ rates 7.1/10.
| Category | Gilbert, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Think twice |
| Median Price | $441K | $291K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $2K | $984 ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $111K ✓ Higher income | $64K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 7/100 ✓ More walkable | 2/100 |
| Transit Score | 14/100 ✓ Better transit | Minimal transit |
| Bike Score | 51/100 ✓ More bikeable | 18/100 |
| Commute | 32 min ✓ Shorter commute | 123 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good ✓ Cleaner air | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.4/10 ✓ Better schools | 7.1/10 |
| Best for | Families with school‑age kidsCommuters to PhoenixCollege students who can share a place | Families with school-age childrenStudents attending nearby universitiesBudget-conscious buyers |
Bottom line
If a young professional or single person is looking for a balance of schools and amenities, think twice about both Gilbert and Tucson. For families with school-age kids, however, one neighborhood may lean slightly more in their favor due to its lower commute time to Phoenix and the presence of a downtown area that's actually walkable. Overall, Gilbert edges out Tucson by about 10 minutes of commute time each way for its better-connected location to the city, but both neighborhoods come with their own trade-offs.
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