The Islands

The Islands, Gilbert AZ: An Honest Community Overview

The Islands is a lake community about five minutes southwest of downtown Gilbert, around Warner Road and Islands Drive. It covers roughly 2.5 square miles and is built around three man-made lakes, with about 400 waterfront homes and many more nearby on streets with nautical names like Sailfish and Port A Sail. Homes were built mostly from the mid-1980s through the 1990s by a mix of builders, including Continental, UDC, Hunter, Superstition Homes, U.S. Home, and Blandford, plus a few custom builders. The appeal is lakefront living with low master HOA dues in a central location. Thing to consider: most homes here are 30 to 40 years old, lakes are expensive to maintain over time, and the community is split between two school districts.

The Homes

The Islands has a wide range of housing:

• Single-family homes from about 1,300 to over 4,000 square feet, many on larger lots than you’ll find in newer Gilbert neighborhoods
• Townhomes and gated lakefront enclaves, such as Coral Pointe and The Falls, with their own pools and spas on the water
• Lakefront homes, which carry a significant premium; recent waterfront listings run from the high $500,000s to the mid-$700,000s, and non-waterfront homes sell for less

Because most homes were built in the 1980s and early 1990s, many need updated roofs, HVAC, plumbing, and windows unless a seller has remodeled. Remodeled lakefront homes are priced accordingly. Get a full inspection and ask what’s been replaced.

HOA Dues

The Islands has a master association, and many homes also belong to a sub-association. Recent listings show master dues of about $400 every six months, or roughly $67 a month, with sub-association dues adding several hundred dollars a year, more in gated lakefront enclaves. Overall, the cost is low for a lake community. Confirm both amounts for the specific home.

The Lakes

The lakes are the reason to live here. Residents can boat, fish catch-and-release, and use a community dock. Each lake offers over half a mile of water, and many lakefront homes look across 200-plus feet of open water.

What to know:

• Boating is limited. The lakes are for small boats, not ski boats. Expect non-motorized boats and small electric craft. Check the current rules before buying a boat.
• Lakes are a long-term cost. Man-made lakes need ongoing water treatment, algae control, pumps, and eventually liner and seawall repairs. Those costs fall on the HOA, and if reserves fall short, on homeowners through special assessments. Ask the HOA for its reserve study and any history of lake-related assessments.

Other Amenities

Beyond the lakes, residents get a clubhouse, a private park, greenbelts, a community pool, and soccer, bocce, and basketball courts. McQueen Park and Activity Center is less than a mile north.

Schools: Split District

This trips up a lot of buyers. Homes south of Warner Road are in Gilbert Public Schools, including Islands Elementary, Mesquite Junior High, and Mesquite High School. Homes north of Warner can fall into Chandler Unified boundaries. Verify the school assignment for the exact address you're interested in (it should be in the listing).

Location

Location is a major strength. The Islands sits roughly equidistant from the US-60, Loop 202, and Loop 101, and Sky Harbor is about 20-25 minutes away. Downtown Gilbert’s restaurants and Downtown Chandler are both a short drive.

Who It’s Best For

The Islands is a great fit for buyers who want lakefront living in a central Gilbert location without paying for a newer, higher-priced lake community. It’s ideal for paddlers, anglers, and anyone who wants water views. It’s probably a second choice for buyers who want newer construction or a guaranteed Gilbert school assignment.