Why This Neighborhood Stands Out
The Islands is a waterfront community sitting on the Gilbert-Chandler border, built around three man-made lakes that give the neighborhood its distinctive character. Spanish-style homes with tile roofs and stucco exteriors line the lakefront streets, and the whole community has an established, mature feel that you just cannot manufacture with a new build. If you want the waterfront lifestyle without the $2M price tag, The Islands delivers.
Quick Facts
Location
- Gilbert, AZ | East Valley
Zip Code(s)
- 5234
Community Type
- Lakeside Community (Spanish-style architecture on 3 man-made lakes)
Builder(s)
- Established community; primarily resale homes; multiple builders from original development
Year Established
- Late 1980s – 1990s
Price Range
- 450,000 – $750,000 (median ~$527,000–$598,000)
Home Sizes
- 1,200 – 3,800 sq ft
Lot Sizes
- 4,000 – 10,000 sq ft | Lakefront lots at upper end
HOA Fee
- ~$100–$150/month | Includes clubhouse, pool, fitness center, parks, and lake access
School District
- Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) and Gilbert Public Schools (GPS) — varies by street
Multi-Gen Floor Plans
- Limited; primarily traditional floor plans; some larger homes can accommodate
⚑ Verify: Verify current pricing, HOA fees, and school assignments at qcusd.org / gilbertschools.net / higusd.org
The Lifestyle Here
Life in The Islands centers around the lakes — morning walks on the lakeside paths, fishing from the community dock, paddleboarding on the water, evenings at the clubhouse pool. Islands Park is a popular gathering spot with basketball, bocce ball, sand volleyball, a full exercise track, and a community dock. The community is quieter and more established than the newer master-planned neighborhoods, which is exactly what many buyers are looking for.
Amenities at a Glance
- Three man-made lakes with fishing, boating, and water recreation
- Community clubhouse and fitness center
- Oversized pool and spa
- Islands Park: basketball, bocce ball, sand volleyball, full exercise track
- Community dock for fishing and launching small watercraft
- Picnic pavilions
- Walking and biking paths along lakes
- Playgrounds and tot lots
Schools Serving The Area
Elementary
- Islands Elementary School (GPS) — within the community; B+ rated
Middle School
- Mesquite Junior High School (GPS) — B+ rated
High School
- Mesquite High School (GPS) — B rated
Note
- Some streets fall under Chandler Unified — verify your specific address
School district assignment in The Islands can vary by street since the community sits on the Gilbert-Chandler border. Always verify your specific home’s school assignment before purchasing.
For Luxury Buyers
The lakefront homes in The Islands are the most prestigious addresses in the community — Spanish-style estates with water views, private boat docks, and spacious lots. These command $650K–$750K+ and rarely hit the market without generating immediate interest.
Multi-Generational Living
Multi-generational floor plans are not a typical feature of The Islands. The community was built primarily in the late 1980s–1990s with traditional family floor plans. Some of the larger lakefront homes have enough space to adapt for multi-gen living.
Relocating to The Area?
The Islands is one of the East Valley’s best-kept secrets for relocating buyers looking for waterfront living without Scottsdale pricing. The lakeside lifestyle is immediately apparent on a tour and hard to walk away from.
Relocation Snapshot
- ~30 min to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport via US-60
- ~20 min to Downtown Mesa
- ~25 min to Downtown Scottsdale via Loop 101
- Chandler Fashion Center — 10 min
- Downtown Gilbert Heritage District — 15 min
- Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert — 10 min
Current Market Snapshot
⚑ Verify: Update this section every 3-4 months. Data current as of May 2026
Median Sale Price
- ~$527,000–$598,000 overall | Lakefront $650K–$750K+
Price per Sq Ft
- ~$200–$280 depending on lake access
Days on Market
- Typically 20–35 days; lakefront homes faster
Inventory
- Low; established community with limited turnover
Appreciation Trend
- Stable; lake lifestyle sustains demand
Buyer Profile
- Lifestyle buyers, downsizers, families, out-of-state buyers from lake regions
The Islands offers waterfront living at price points well below what you would pay in Scottsdale or the West Valley for a comparable lifestyle. The community is mature and well-established, which keeps demand steady.
What's Nearby
Dining & Shopping
- Downtown Gilbert Heritage District — 15 min (restaurants, boutiques, nightlife)
- Chandler Fashion Center — 10 min
- Sprouts, Fry's, Target — within 10 min
- San Tan Village — 15 min
- Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center — 10 min
- Multiple lakeside restaurants within 15 min
Ready to Explore The Area?
I know The Islands well, and I have helped buyers find exactly the right home in this community. Whether you are relocating from out of state, looking for a multi-generational floor plan, or searching for the right neighborhood for your family — I would love to help.
Cheri Smith | eXp Realty
Serving Gilbert, Queen Creek & the East Valley