By Parker Leavitt The Republic | azcentral.com
Against a backdrop of suburban sprawl and sameness, Gilbert’s booming downtown doesn’t just look different — it feels different.
The once-sleepy historical area has blossomed in recent years as a dining destination, drawing “foodies” from well beyond town borders to an eclectic mix of locally owned eateries.
Neon signs lining Gilbert Road give the district a distinct glow at night, and Saturday mornings bring dozens of vendors to a thriving farmers market. A splash pad under the town’s iconic water tower is a popular spot for young children.
Gilbert’s Heritage District is one of a few East Valley spots with a true “sense of place” that comes from being different, memorable and desirable, real-estate expert Mark Stapp said.
On a much-larger scale, New York City features distinct neighborhoods like Chelsea and SoHo, magnets for artists and tourists. Denver has LoDo, a revitalized downtown neighborhood full of restaurants, boutiques and nightlife.
Related: The changing landscape of Gilbert’s earliest properties/The Arizona Republic
