One of the Phoenix metro's rarest real estate gems — a true lakefront master-planned community built around miles of interconnected man-made lakes in the heart of Gilbert, AZ. Waterfront homes, private docks, fishing, kayaking, and top-rated GUSD schools: The Islands is an East Valley destination unlike anything else in the valley.
Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and electric (trolling motor) boats are permitted on the community lakes. Scenic lake living without the noise and wake of gas-powered boats.
Bass, catfish, tilapia, and carp populate the interconnected lakes. AZ Game & Fish periodic stocking. Private dock access for lakefront homeowners.
No new lakefront lots will ever be created in The Islands — the community is fully built out. This hard supply cap makes lakefront homes one of the valley's strongest long-term holds.
In a metro area defined by dry desert terrain, The Islands stands apart. Developed primarily from the mid-1980s through the late 1990s by Davidson Communities and various other builders, The Islands (often called "The Islands at Val Vista") is Gilbert's most distinctive neighborhood — a sprawling lakefront master-plan centered on a series of interconnected man-made lakes along the Val Vista Drive corridor in the 85234 ZIP code.
The community's defining feature is its water. The lakes are not decorative retention basins — they are active recreational assets. Residents kayak, fish, paddleboard, and cruise in electric boats on the same water that borders their backyards. Lakefront homes often feature private boat docks with lifts. Walking paths ring the entire lake system, creating miles of scenic waterfront trail for morning runs, evening strolls, and dog walks that feel utterly unlike any other Phoenix-area neighborhood.
The location compounds the appeal. The Islands sits at roughly Val Vista Drive and Guadalupe Road — a central Gilbert address that provides quick freeway access to both the US-60 (Superstition Freeway) and the Loop 202 (Santan Freeway). Intel's massive Chandler fab complex is roughly 20 minutes west. The State Farm Stadium is 30 minutes west. Gilbert's downtown Heritage District, with its acclaimed restaurant row and vibrant small business scene, is under 5 miles south.
What makes The Islands a particularly compelling real estate story in 2026 is the math of scarcity. This community is fully built out — every lot is developed, every lakefront parcel is already occupied. No new waterfront lots are being created. As Gilbert's desirability continues to rise (it has consistently ranked among the safest and most livable cities in the United States), the premium attached to The Islands' rarest asset — direct lakefront access — has only grown. For buyers who understand real estate supply dynamics, The Islands represents one of the clearest scarcity plays in the entire Phoenix metro.
Location: Val Vista Drive corridor, Gilbert, AZ 85234
Development era: Mid-1980s through late 1990s (fully built out)
Total homes: Approximately 1,600+ single-family residences
Lakes: Multiple interconnected man-made lakes spanning 220+ acres of water and lakeside open space
School district: Gilbert Unified School District (GUSD)
HOA: The Islands Community Association; fees vary by sub-community
Nearest freeway: US-60 Superstition Freeway (~5 min); Loop 202 (~8 min)
Intel Chandler commute: ~20 minutes
Phoenix Sky Harbor: ~30 minutes
Want current listings? The Islands resale market moves quickly — especially lakefront homes, which can have very short days-on-market. Ryan Moxley maintains active awareness of on- and off-market Islands inventory.
The Islands is not a monolithic community — it's a collection of sub-neighborhoods, each offering a different relationship to the lake and a different price point. Understanding these tiers is essential to buying or selling successfully in The Islands. Ryan Moxley has negotiated dozens of transactions throughout The Islands and knows the nuances of each sub-section.
The crown jewel of The Islands. Homes with direct lake frontage, typically featuring rear yards that open to the water's edge, private docks, and boat lifts for electric watercraft. Lot widths at the waterline vary significantly — wider water frontage commands a substantial premium over narrower lots. Square footage typically ranges 1,800–3,500+ sq ft. Price range: $600K–$1.1M+.
Homes with views of the lake but without direct water frontage — either across a road, through a greenbelt strip, or from an elevated position. These offer the visual amenity of lake living at a meaningful price discount to true lakefront. Great balance of lifestyle premium and value. Price range: $480K–$700K.
Homes within The Islands master-plan without direct lake views from the home — but with full access to the community lakes, walking paths, and HOA amenities via common access points. These offer the Gilbert location, GUSD schools, and Islands brand at the lowest entry point. Price range: $380K–$550K.
Across all three tiers, The Islands offers architectural variety typical of late-1980s and 1990s-era Arizona construction: single-story and two-story plans, desert contemporary designs, stucco exterior finishes, tile roofs, and the generous lot sizes that characterize Gilbert's pre-dense-infill era. Many homes have been significantly updated with modern kitchens, primary suite renovations, and pool/spa additions — making pre-purchase inspection particularly important in this era of construction.
One important note for buyers: The Islands homes were built primarily in an era when post-tension slabs were commonly used in Arizona construction. Post-tension slabs contain steel cables under high tension — they must never be cut or drilled into without licensed structural engineering approval. This is standard in The Islands but should be disclosed and understood by any buyer planning renovations or additions.
The following table compares the key residential tiers within The Islands community, providing a framework for understanding relative value, lifestyle differences, and investment characteristics across the three primary lot types.
| Lot / Home Type | Price Range | Typical Sq Ft | Water Access | Private Dock | Lot Size (est.) | HOA Est. / Mo | Days on Market | Appreciation vs. Gilbert Avg | Best For | Ryan's Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakefront — Wide Frontage | $800K–$1.1M+ | 2,200–3,500 sq ft | Direct / Private | Yes — wide dock | 8,500–14,000 sq ft | $150–$250 | 7–21 days | +15–22% premium | Lifestyle buyers; long-hold investors | 10/10 |
| Lakefront — Narrow Frontage | $600K–$800K | 1,800–2,800 sq ft | Direct / Private | Yes — narrower dock | 6,000–9,000 sq ft | $150–$250 | 10–25 days | +10–16% premium | Value lakefront entry; investors | 9/10 |
| Water-View — Direct Sightline | $560K–$700K | 1,700–2,600 sq ft | Community paths | No — community launch | 6,500–10,000 sq ft | $130–$200 | 15–35 days | +5–10% premium | Lifestyle + value balance | 8/10 |
| Water-View — Partial / Greenbelt | $480K–$560K | 1,500–2,400 sq ft | Community paths | No | 5,500–8,500 sq ft | $120–$190 | 20–40 days | +2–6% premium | Buyers seeking Islands prestige at mid-price | 7/10 |
| Interior — Larger Lot | $440K–$550K | 1,600–2,800 sq ft | Community paths / launches | No | 7,000–12,000 sq ft | $110–$180 | 25–45 days | Inline with Gilbert avg | Families prioritizing schools & lot size | 7/10 |
| Interior — Standard Lot | $380K–$440K | 1,200–2,200 sq ft | Community paths / launches | No | 5,000–7,500 sq ft | $100–$170 | 30–55 days | Inline with Gilbert avg | First-time buyers; entry to Islands lifestyle | 6/10 |
| Updated / Renovated (any tier) | Varies by lot type + 8–18% | — | Depends on lot | Depends on lot | — | — | 8–20 days | Outperforms | Move-in ready buyers; minimal-work investors | 9/10 |
Price ranges and days-on-market are estimates based on 2025–2026 East Valley market data. Individual home conditions, lot widths, view quality, update levels, and specific micro-location within the community will affect actual value. Contact Ryan Moxley for a precise Comparative Market Analysis on any specific property.
How does The Islands stack up against other popular Gilbert, Mesa, and Chandler master-planned communities? This comparison helps buyers evaluate the trade-offs between waterfront lifestyle, price, school district, and commute when considering East Valley options.
| Community | City / ZIP | Price Range (SFR) | HOA Est. / Mo | Water Feature | School District | Intel Chandler (min) | US-60 Access | New Construction | Gated Option | Built-Out? | Ryan's Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Islands Gilbert | Gilbert 85234 | $380K–$1.1M+ | $100–$250 | ★ Lakefront / lakes | GUSD | ~20 min | ~5 min | No (resale only) | No | Yes | 10/10 |
| Layton Lakes Gilbert | Gilbert 85233 | $430K–$850K | $100–$200 | Community lakes | GUSD | ~18 min | ~6 min | No (resale only) | No | Yes | 9/10 |
| Val Vista Lakes Gilbert | Gilbert 85234 | $380K–$750K | $100–$200 | Community lakes | GUSD | ~20 min | ~5 min | No (resale only) | No | Yes | 9/10 |
| Power Ranch Gilbert | Gilbert 85297 | $420K–$800K | $130–$230 | Ponds / greenbelts | GUSD / Higley USD | ~22 min | ~10 min | No (resale only) | No | Yes | 8/10 |
| Agritopia Gilbert | Gilbert 85296 | $550K–$1.2M+ | $150–$280 | None (urban farm) | GUSD | ~18 min | ~6 min | Very limited | No | Near built-out | 9/10 |
| Cooley Station Gilbert | Gilbert 85295 | $390K–$700K | $90–$170 | None | GUSD | ~15 min | ~6 min | Limited | No | Near built-out | 7/10 |
| Eastmark Mesa | Mesa 85212 | $380K–$850K | $130–$220 | Feature lake | MUSD | ~25 min | ~8 min | Very limited | No | Near built-out | 8/10 |
| Johnson Ranch Queen Creek | Queen Creek 85142 | $380K–$700K | $90–$160 | Ponds | QCUSD | ~35 min | ~15 min | No (resale only) | No | Yes | 7/10 |
| Ocotillo Chandler | Chandler 85248 | $450K–$1.2M+ | $130–$280 | ★ Lakes (larger) | Chandler USD | ~10 min | ~12 min | No (resale only) | Some sections | Yes | 9/10 |
| Cadence at Gateway Mesa | Mesa 85212 | $370K–$800K+ | $100–$200 | Feature lake (planned) | MUSD | ~30 min | ~12 min via 202 | Yes (active building) | No | No (active) | 8/10 |
HOA figures are estimates; verify current dues with each community's HOA directly. Commute times are peak-hour estimates. School district assignments should be verified by address through the respective district. Ryan's rating reflects a composite assessment of lifestyle, value, investment potential, and community quality relative to similar price points.
The Islands lifestyle is genuinely different from any other Gilbert neighborhood. The water is omnipresent — in the morning light off the lake, in the sounds of Canada geese and great blue herons that call the lakes home, in the weekend ritual of launching a kayak from your backyard dock. Here's what life actually looks like for Islands residents:
Miles of paved paths ring the lake system, making The Islands a beloved spot for morning runners, dog walkers, and cyclists. The flat, waterfront route is shaded by mature trees in many sections and offers consistently pleasant views regardless of the time of year. Unlike much of Phoenix's street-based walking options, the Islands paths feel genuinely park-like — a meaningful quality-of-life differentiator.
Residents launch kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards from community access points or private docks. The interconnected lakes allow extended paddling routes within the community. Morning paddles before work are common. The calm, non-motorized water is also ideal for stand-up paddleboard yoga and meditation — a surprising desert luxury that Islands residents don't take for granted.
The lakes support largemouth bass, channel catfish, tilapia, and common carp populations. Arizona Game & Fish periodically stocks the lakes. Many lakefront homeowners fish from their private docks year-round. A valid Arizona fishing license is required (AZ Game & Fish regulations apply even on private community lakes). Bass fishing particularly picks up in the cooler months of October through April.
The islands lakes attract a remarkable variety of desert waterbirds. Canada geese, great blue herons, great egrets, snowy egrets, cormorants, grebes, ducks, coots, and moorhens all make appearances on the lakes year-round. Osprey and bald eagles make seasonal visits during winter months. For desert residents, the year-round presence of waterbirds adds a genuine natural richness to daily life.
Gilbert's award-winning Heritage District restaurant row is under 5 miles south — a 10-minute drive or a viable bike ride. Joe's Farm Grill, The Herb Box, Liberty Market, Barrio Queen, and dozens of other acclaimed restaurants make Gilbert one of the Phoenix metro's most dynamic dining destinations. The proximity to this restaurant scene is a meaningful quality-of-life factor for Islands residents.
The Val Vista Drive corridor surrounding The Islands offers Fry's Food, AJ's Fine Foods, Sprouts, and multiple grocery options. The San Tan Village regional mall (Loop 202 and Williams Field Rd) is approximately 10 minutes southeast. The Santan Freeway provides quick access to Chandler Fashion Center, Ikea, Costco, and the full corridor of eastern Valley retail. Daily errands are genuinely convenient from The Islands.
The Islands itself doesn't have a golf course, but the East Valley's golf density is remarkable. Greenfield Lakes Golf Course is immediately adjacent. San Tan Golf Group operates several courses nearby. The broader Chandler-Gilbert corridor has 12+ public and semi-private courses within 20 minutes. For golfers who also want the lake lifestyle, The Islands offers easy access to both — a rare combination.
The Islands has community amenities including pools and recreation areas (varies by sub-community and HOA). The broader Val Vista Drive corridor has multiple fitness options including Life Time Fitness, Orange Theory, F45, and Gold's Gym within a short drive. The Southeast Regional Library is nearby. Gilbert has consistently high marks for parks, trails, and outdoor recreation infrastructure across the city.
The Islands sits at one of Gilbert's most central and connected addresses — the Val Vista Drive and Guadalupe Road corridor, providing rapid freeway access in multiple directions and an impressive commute profile for the East Valley's major employment centers.
The US-60 Superstition Freeway is approximately 5 minutes north on Val Vista, providing an east-west artery connecting to Mesa, Tempe, Phoenix, and the West Valley. The Loop 202 Santan Freeway is approximately 8 minutes south, completing the east-valley loop road and providing direct access to Chandler, Gilbert's southern employment corridor, and quick routes north toward Scottsdale and Phoenix.
For the most common East Valley employment scenario — Intel in Chandler — The Islands offers approximately a 20-minute drive during peak hours via the Val Vista/Dobson/Warner corridor or US-60 west to the Chandler employment zone. For jobs at the East Valley medical corridor (Banner Gateway, Banner Desert), the commute is 15–20 minutes. For the growing Rio Salado/Tempe employment corridor, it's 25–30 minutes via US-60.
Gilbert's continued economic growth as a city also means more employment is arriving locally. The Gilbert employment base includes healthcare (Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, Valleywise Health, Banner), education (GUSD employs thousands), technology, and retail — many Islands residents work within Gilbert itself.
US-60 On-Ramp: ~5 min north on Val Vista Dr
Loop 202 On-Ramp: ~8 min south
Intel Chandler Campus: ~20 min via US-60/Dobson
Banner Gateway Medical: ~15 min via Val Vista
Rivulon Gilbert (USAA, Deloitte): ~12 min
Chandler Fashion Center: ~18 min
Gilbert Heritage District: ~8 min
Tempe / ASU: ~25 min via US-60
Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport: ~30 min via US-60/I-10
Scottsdale Quarter / Old Town: ~30 min via Loop 202/101
Downtown Phoenix: ~35 min via US-60/I-10
Mesa Gateway Airport: ~20 min
Tucson I-10 (start): ~90 min via US-60/I-10
The Islands falls within Gilbert Unified School District (GUSD) — consistently ranked among Arizona's top public school districts and regularly cited nationally for academic performance, extracurricular programs, and overall school quality. For families, GUSD is one of the most compelling reasons to prioritize The Islands and the broader Gilbert community.
Serves much of The Islands community. Strong academic performance within GUSD. Focus on STEM integration and character development programs. Morning lake-view walks from school to community paths — a unique elementary school setting.
Depending on specific home address within The Islands, students may be zoned to different GUSD elementaries. Always verify current school assignment directly with GUSD enrollment office at gilbertschools.net before purchasing.
GUSD middle schools serve The Islands area. Gilbert Junior High and South Valley Junior High are the primary feeders depending on home location. Both feature comprehensive elective programs, athletics, arts, and academic achievement.
The primary high school serving much of the Islands community. A top-performing GUSD high school with strong AP/IB program options, athletics, performing arts, and post-secondary preparation. Highland has produced National Merit Scholars and carries strong college placement rates.
Gilbert has excellent charter school options: Basis Gilbert (rigorous STEM/liberal arts), Great Hearts Anthem Prep (classical education), Benjamin Franklin Charter School. All have independent enrollment processes and lottery/waitlist systems.
Arizona State University (Tempe main campus) is ~25 min. Mesa Community College and Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) are within 20 minutes. The nearby East Valley provides a strong pipeline for working adult learners.
GUSD periodically updates attendance boundaries as the district grows and shifts. The school assignments described here are general guidance — they may have changed since this was written. Before making a purchasing decision based on a specific school, always verify current assignment directly with the Gilbert Unified School District enrollment office using the exact property address. GUSD provides a free address-lookup tool at gilbertschools.net. Ryan Moxley strongly recommends every buyer complete this verification step before submitting an offer on any Islands property.
The Islands resale market moves quickly — especially for lakefront homes. Buyers who wait for a "deal" on a lakefront home in this community often wait years. Serious interest requires serious preparation.
Call Ryan: (480) 227-9143Real estate investment is ultimately about supply and demand. The Islands presents one of the cleanest supply-demand stories in the entire Phoenix metro — a finite, desirable, irreproducible asset in an appreciating market. Here's the investment thesis in detail:
The Islands is fully built out. Every lakefront lot is developed. There is no land to add new waterfront homes. This is a fundamentally different supply situation from new-construction alternatives like Cadence Mesa, Eastmark, or Cooley Station — where builders can add inventory as demand rises, which caps price appreciation. In The Islands, supply is fixed at its current level permanently.
Meanwhile, demand for lakefront living in the desert grows with the metro population. As Phoenix adds hundreds of thousands of new residents, the pool of buyers who would prize a true waterfront home expands continuously. This is a classic supply-demand dynamic that strongly favors patient lakefront holders.
Lakefront homes in The Islands have historically outperformed the Gilbert market average in percentage appreciation — particularly during the 2020–2023 price surge, when water-feature communities saw additional premium expansion. The trend is structural, not cyclical: it will persist as long as Phoenix continues to grow.
Any investment in The Islands is amplified by Gilbert's overall trajectory. Gilbert has consistently ranked among the safest cities in the United States, one of the best places to raise a family, and one of the top destinations for corporate relocation in the Southwest. The Intel Chandler fab — 12,000+ employees, $20B+ investment — continues to drive high-income job growth in the East Valley, many of whom settle in Gilbert.
Rivulon, the 1.2 million square foot Class A office development at Williams Field and Gilbert Road, has brought USAA, Deloitte, Santander Consumer USA, and other major employers to Gilbert itself. As more white-collar employment arrives in the immediate East Valley, The Islands' central position within that growth zone becomes more valuable, not less.
Gilbert's city government is well-run and fiscally conservative — a meaningful factor for long-term investors who value infrastructure quality, public services, and city competence as determinants of neighborhood desirability over time.
Buying in The Islands comes with the usual Arizona transaction nuances plus some community-specific considerations. Ryan Moxley walks every buyer through these before submitting an offer.
The Islands operates under a community HOA structure. Buyers should request and thoroughly review the following before removing inspection contingencies:
Arizona's favorable tax environment is a real benefit for buyers choosing The Islands:
Buying in The Islands is different from buying in an active-construction master-plan — this is a 100% resale market, inventory is limited, and the best homes move quickly. Here's Ryan's process for Islands buyers:
The Islands resale market moves quickly, especially for lakefront homes. You need a fully underwritten pre-approval letter (not just pre-qualification) before making offers. Know your maximum budget including HOA fees, property taxes, and any anticipated renovation costs. The 2026 conforming loan limit for Maricopa County is $806,500 — most Islands homes fall within conventional loan territory.
Are you buying for the lakefront lifestyle (private dock essential), for GUSD schools (any Islands location works), for investment appreciation (lakefront most defensible), or for value relative to Gilbert's market? Your priority ranking determines which lot type to target and your competitiveness strategy. Ryan helps buyers clarify this before searching.
At any given time, there may be fewer than 10 active listings across all of The Islands — and lakefront listings may number 1–3. Buyers who aren't flexible on timing or willing to move quickly when the right home appears will be frustrated. Ryan also maintains awareness of potential off-market listings from his network in the community.
The Islands' 1980s-90s construction era means inspection is critical. Budget for a full general inspection ($400–$600), plus a pool/spa inspection ($100–$200) if applicable, plus a dock/bulkhead inspection for lakefront homes ($200–$400). HVAC age, electrical panel type, post-tension slab confirmation, and stucco condition are all high-priority items.
Per ARS §33-1806, the seller must provide HOA documents within 5 days of contract execution. Don't sign off on the inspection period without reviewing the financials, reserve study, pending special assessments, and the complete CC&Rs — particularly the lake and dock use rules if you're buying lakefront.
Arizona is a dry funding state — closing day is move-in day. Ryan coordinates the timeline to ensure all parties are ready, the title company has everything they need, and you get keys at the moment recording completes. For lakefront buyers, Ryan also connects you with dock service companies, fishing equipment recommendations, and the Islands community resources to make your first year on the water exceptional.
Selling in The Islands requires a fundamentally different approach than selling a standard Gilbert resale. The lakefront premium is real — but capturing it requires skilled representation, precise pricing, and marketing that communicates the lifestyle to the right buyer pool. Ryan Moxley's approach to Islands listings:
The most common pricing mistake Islands sellers make is either under-pricing (leaving money on the table by not quantifying the waterfront premium relative to comparables) or over-pricing (assuming the lake premium is larger than the market data supports, leading to extended days-on-market that erode eventual sale price).
Ryan builds Islands CMAs from the ground up — comparing lakefront to lakefront, water-view to water-view, and controlling for water frontage footage, lot width, dock configuration, home size, condition, and recency of updates. This granular approach identifies the true market value for each specific property, not a generalized neighborhood average.
In the Islands, condition and updates matter disproportionately. A lakefront home with an updated kitchen, renovated primary bath, resurfaced pool, and new dock can command 15–25% more than an equivalent lakefront home in original condition. Ryan helps sellers identify which pre-listing improvements generate positive ROI versus which are neutral or negative before spending money on preparation.
Standard real estate photos undersell lakefront homes — they can't capture the experience of watching a heron land on your dock at sunrise. Ryan's Islands listing marketing includes professional photography, drone aerial photography of the water and property from above (which powerfully communicates the lakefront position), and video walkthroughs that show the water, the dock, the lifestyle, and the interior together as a cohesive story.
The buyer for an Islands lakefront is often not actively browsing generic MLS feeds — they're looking specifically for waterfront homes in the Phoenix metro. Ryan's marketing targets this niche: Google search, social media targeting (Facebook/Instagram), email outreach to his buyer network, and personal outreach to agents who have buyer clients seeking unique lifestyle properties.
Ryan also advises Islands sellers on timing: lake-adjacent lifestyle homes often show and sell best in spring (February–May) when the water is beautiful, temperatures are ideal for showing the outdoor spaces, and buyers can envision the full season of lake enjoyment. List in February if your life circumstances allow it.
The Phoenix metro has a small handful of true lake communities. Each has distinct characteristics. Here's how The Islands compares to its closest competitors:
Ocotillo in Chandler is probably The Islands' most direct East Valley competitor — a lakefront master-plan with a similar water-centric identity. Ocotillo's lakes are somewhat larger and include the Ocotillo Golf Club, giving it a resort-like ambiance that The Islands lacks. Ocotillo prices run slightly higher at the top end ($600K–$1.3M for lakefront). The key differentiator: Ocotillo is served by the Chandler Unified School District (considered strong but generally ranked slightly below GUSD) versus The Islands' GUSD assignment. Intel Chandler commuters find Ocotillo slightly closer. The Islands buyers who prioritize GUSD specifically often prefer Islands over Ocotillo.
Val Vista Lakes is a neighboring lake community on Val Vista Drive, literally adjacent to The Islands in Gilbert 85234. The communities share similar vintage, GUSD schools, and proximity. Val Vista Lakes prices are generally comparable to The Islands for similar lot types. Some buyers view Val Vista Lakes as offering slightly more community amenity infrastructure (a clubhouse, tennis courts, more organized HOA recreation programming). The two communities are functionally interchangeable for most buyers — Ryan has expertise in both.
Layton Lakes is a newer Gilbert lake community (2000s-2010s vintage) on the Gilbert/Mesa border. Layton Lakes has more contemporary architecture, slightly newer infrastructure, and a similarly water-centric identity. However, Layton Lakes homes are generally interior-facing toward smaller man-made lakes rather than the expansive interconnected lake system of The Islands. Layton Lakes pricing is similar for interior lots; truly lakefront Layton Lakes homes are less common. The Islands is seen as the more "established" and architecturally diverse community.
Tempe Town Lake (on the Salt River in Tempe) offers a very different but also water-adjacent lifestyle — high-density condos and townhomes (Edgewater at Hayden Ferry, etc.) with urban Lake views, proximity to ASU, light rail, and downtown Tempe. Price range is similar but the product type and lifestyle are dramatically different: walkable/urban vs. suburban lakefront. They serve entirely different buyer profiles. Islands buyers prioritize single-family living, GUSD schools, and boat dock access — Tempe Town Lake buyers prioritize urban amenity and commute convenience.
The Islands' origins tell a quintessentially Arizona story. In the early-to-mid 1980s, Gilbert was still a small agricultural town — one of the many East Valley communities beginning to transform from farmland into suburban development as metro Phoenix expanded. The land that would become The Islands was part of this transition zone, and a developer saw an unusual opportunity: the Salt River Project's canal infrastructure and the region's irrigation system made it technically feasible to create and maintain large man-made lakes in the desert.
The concept was ambitious for its era — an entirely water-centric master-plan in the middle of the Sonoran Desert, a place where summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F. But Arizona's relationship with engineered water goes back to the ancient Hohokam civilization's 500-mile canal network, later adopted and expanded by the Salt River Project when the Roosevelt Dam was completed in 1911. Water in the desert isn't an impossibility in Arizona — it's an engineered achievement with a century-long tradition.
Davidson Communities and the various builders who developed The Islands over its multi-phase development through the 1990s created a product that found an enthusiastic market from day one. The novelty of waterfront living — private docks, lake fishing, waterbird watching, sunset reflections off the water — resonated deeply with buyers who came from lake-country backgrounds and with Arizona natives who understood exactly how rare and precious the water experience was.
Today, four decades after the first homes were built, The Islands has matured into one of Gilbert's most established and recognizable neighborhoods. The trees have grown tall; the community has developed a genuine identity and sense of place; the original homeowners have in many cases passed their homes to a second generation. The lakes themselves have mellowed into an ecosystem — the herons and egrets know this is home, and the bass have been growing in these waters for decades.
This maturity is part of the appeal. In a Phoenix metro defined by newness and constant construction, The Islands offers something different: a sense of permanence, of community, of ecological establishment that simply cannot be replicated by any new master-plan, however ambitious.
The lakes, the paths, the wildlife, and the fundamental lifestyle of The Islands are unchanged from the community's peak years — and that continuity is a feature, not a limitation. What has changed: many homes have been significantly updated or renovated, bringing interiors current with modern kitchen and bathroom standards. The surrounding Gilbert infrastructure has grown enormously — the Heritage District, the Intel presence, the Rivulon office complex, the Loop 202 extension — all of which make The Islands' location dramatically more valuable than it was when the community was first built.
Buyers today are purchasing not just into a mature lake community but into the convergence of that maturity with Gilbert's explosive growth trajectory. That combination — established, irreplaceable community + rapidly improving surrounding metro context — is what makes The Islands one of the most compelling long-term holds in the Phoenix metro in 2026.
Not every agent understands the nuances of lake community real estate. The Islands requires knowledge of dock inspection protocols, waterfront lot valuation methodology, HOA water-use rules, AZ post-tension slab renovation limitations, and the specific buyer psychology that drives lakefront purchasing decisions. Ryan Moxley brings all of these to every Islands transaction.
Ryan provides Islands buyers with proactive listing alerts (on-MLS and off-market), precise lot-type comparison analysis, pre-offer market intelligence on current valuation, strategic offer structuring to win in a low-inventory market, and thorough post-contract guidance through inspection, HOA review, and closing. Islands lakefront homes require more due diligence than a standard Gilbert resale — Ryan makes sure nothing gets missed.
Ryan's first-time Islands buyer service includes a community walkthrough (literally walking the lake paths) before offer submission so buyers viscerally understand what they're buying into, not just what the photos show. Many buyers say this walk sealed their commitment to The Islands more than any amount of online research.
Ryan provides Islands sellers with a precise, data-driven CMA that accounts for lot type, water frontage footage, dock configuration, update level, and recent comparable sales within the community — not just a neighborhood-level average. He builds a custom marketing plan that leads with the water, the lifestyle, and the scarcity narrative that drives Islands buyer decisions.
Ryan's photography, drone footage, and video tour approach to Islands listings consistently produces significantly more engagement than standard MLS photos — which is crucial in a low-inventory environment where each listing may have only one shot at reaching the right buyer. The goal is always maximum competitive tension and minimum days-on-market at maximum net price.
The Islands Gilbert is one of the East Valley's only lakefront master-planned communities, built around a series of interconnected man-made lakes in Gilbert, AZ (ZIP 85234). Developed primarily in the 1980s and 1990s near Val Vista Drive and the US-60/Loop 202 corridor, The Islands features over 1,600 homes ranging from lakefront estates with private docks to water-view lots and interior homes with community lake access. The community is defined by its lakes — non-motorized boating (kayaks, paddleboards, electric boats), fishing, walking paths along the shoreline, and the rare sense of waterfront living in the desert. It's one of a small handful of lake communities in the entire Phoenix metro that offers true waterfront-lot homes at scale.
Home prices in The Islands Gilbert vary significantly based on lot type and water access. In 2026, interior lots (no lake frontage) typically range from $380,000 to $550,000 for 1,500–2,500 sq ft homes. Water-view lots (lake visible but no private dock) run $480,000 to $700,000. True lakefront homes with private dock access command $600,000 to $1,100,000+ depending on lot width, water frontage footage, and home size. The community has seen consistent appreciation driven by the scarcity of lakefront inventory — there are no new lakefront lots being created, making existing waterfront homes particularly strong long-term holds. Call Ryan Moxley at (480) 227-9143 for current active listings and off-market opportunities.
Yes — The Islands lakes permit non-motorized watercraft including kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and electric (trolling motor) boats. Gas-powered motorized boats are not permitted on the community lakes, which keeps the water clean and quiet while still allowing active lake recreation. Fishing is popular throughout the lakes — bass, catfish, tilapia, and carp are common catches. Arizona Game & Fish stocking periodically supplements the lake population. Many lakefront homes feature private docks with boat lifts for storing electric watercraft. The walking and jogging paths that ring the lakes are heavily used by residents and create a rare 'lakefront lifestyle' feel that's almost unique in the Phoenix desert environment.
The Islands Gilbert is served by Gilbert Unified School District (GUSD) — consistently ranked among Arizona's top school districts. Elementary schools serving the community include Val Vista Lakes Elementary and similar schools in the Val Vista/Islands corridor. Gilbert Junior High and Highland Junior High serve middle school grades. Highland High School is the primary high school feeder for the Islands area and is one of GUSD's top-performing schools. Gilbert also has strong charter school options nearby including Basis Gilbert, Great Hearts Anthem Prep, and Benjamin Franklin Charter School. Always verify current school assignments directly with GUSD by address, as attendance boundaries are occasionally redrawn as the district grows.
The Islands Gilbert is one of the strongest micro-market investment cases in the entire Phoenix metro. The core thesis: no new lakefront inventory will ever be created (the lakes and surrounding lots are fully built out), Gilbert's overall desirability continues to rise driven by job growth, Intel Chandler proximity, and top-tier schools, and the 'water in the desert' scarcity premium only grows as metro Phoenix heats up. Lakefront homes in The Islands have outperformed the Gilbert market average in appreciation over the last decade. Interior lots are also solid — they share the community's amenities, brand recognition, and GUSD schools at a meaningful discount to lakefront pricing. For buyers planning a 5+ year hold, The Islands represents one of the valley's best scarcity-backed investment opportunities. Contact Ryan Moxley at (480) 227-9143 to discuss current market conditions and investment strategy.
Ryan Moxley is a top 1% REALTOR® serving the entire Phoenix metro area with specialty expertise in East Valley lake communities, new construction master-plans, and luxury resale. With deep knowledge of The Islands, Val Vista Lakes, Layton Lakes, Ocotillo, and the broader Gilbert and Chandler markets, Ryan brings data-driven pricing, skilled negotiation, and genuine local expertise to every transaction.
Ryan is licensed with My Home Group, one of Arizona's fastest-growing independent brokerages. He represents buyers and sellers across Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Queen Creek, Peoria, Glendale, Goodyear, Surprise, Buckeye, and all Phoenix metro communities.
The Islands Gilbert is one of the valley's most distinctive and sought-after communities — and its low inventory means timing matters. Whether you're looking for your first lake home, upgrading to a lakefront property, or ready to sell, Ryan Moxley brings the Islands expertise to get you to the right outcome.
Reach Ryan directly by phone, email, or the form to the right. For lakefront buyers, Ryan recommends starting the conversation as early as possible — the best Islands homes are often spoken for before they hit public search platforms.
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