Phoenix

In your quest for Phoenix lake communities that have waterfronthomes, any search would be incomplete if you didn’t consider the eight waterfront communities in Gilbert.  I’m not counting  subdivisions that have a community lake at the entrance or near the clubhouse.  These are communities in which some of the homes are on waterfront lots.  Specifically, these Gilbert waterfront lake communities are Val Vista Lakes, The Islands, Crystal Point, Santan Lakeside Estates, Playa del Rey,  Lago Estancia, Stonebridge Estates, and Wind Drift.

**

Few think of lake communities in Phoenix Arizona

When home buyers think of  Phoenix Arizona real estate, the last thing that comes to mind is a home on a lake.  Admittedly, they are man made lakes.  A common request is a waterfront lot on one of the reserviors around Phoenix on the Salt and Verde rivers. These  do not have any private land,  and  are critical components of the watershed system managed by SRP.  In fact they are also man made, starting with Roosevelt Dam and Lake in 1911.

Lake communities in Gilbert offer variety – Community Overview

Each lake community offers a dimension of variety to offset the perception that all Phoenix communities that tend to look the same.

Val Vista Lakes is one of the largest Gilbert waterfront communities in the east valley. The 900 acre development offers 24 residential subdivisions and one of the best community clubhouses and recreation centers in the valley.  This amenity-rich community has repeatedly been awarded the Neighborhood of the Year Award by the Town of Gilbert.  It is also home to Val Vista Lakes Elementary, conveniently located within the development.  Residential options range from townhouses in Beach Club Village to luxury waterfront homes in gated West Lake Estates.

Val Vista Lake Homes for Sale

View of Val Vista Lakes

Val Vista Lakes is located nearby many favorite Gilbert attractions such as Dana Park Village Square, Santan Village, Big League Dreams, Joe’s Farmhouse Grill, Cosmo Dog Park, and the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch.

The Islands Lake Community, located in southwest Gilbert features homes built between 1987 and 1995, with a range of properties from townhouses to luxury waterfront homes.  The mature landscaping that lines the streets and lakes gives the community a lush green feel appreciated by all residents. The Islands, approximately 800 acres, is make up of popular floorplans by builders such as UDC, Blandford, Continental, Hunter, and US Homes as well as custom and semi-custom homes.

Homes for Sale in The Islands

Satellite View of The Islands

Only minutes away is  McQueen Park to the north. Also nearby is Historic Downtown Gilbert and Hale Centre Theatre.

Lago Estancia, is a short distance to the east of The Islands, and one of the smaller Gilbert lake communities with around 100 waterfront homes.  A distinguishing characteristic of the subdivision is the generous number of walking paths around the lake. Most of the waterfront homes are separated from the lake by a view fence.

Homes for Sale in Lago Estancia

View of Lago Estancia

The smaller community with the walking paths around much of the lake perimeter gives this waterfront community a close knit feel and the opportunity for all to enjoy the lake community atmosphere.

Stonebridge Lakes is made up of two subdivisions, Stonebridge Lakes Estates and Stonebridge Lakes Manor.  Stonebridge Lakes Manor includes front yard landscaping as part of the HOA fee.  This lake community features houses built mostly in the early 1990’s.  It is located almost directly across from Freestone Park.  The Gilbert Heritage Trail, a favorite jogging and riding path passes right by Stonebridge Lakes. Stonebridge Lakes also offers it’s residents the choice of two community pools.

Satellite View of Stonebridge Lakes

Homes for sale in Stonebridge Lakes

Wind Drift has the fewest lakefront lots in it’s subdivision, approximately 50. Wind Drift is definitely in the middle of what’s happening in Gilbert.  Gilbert High is almost directly across the street and Freestone Park is it’s neighbor to the north.

Homes for Sale in Wind Drift

Satellite view of Wind Drift

Gilbert’s Waterski Lake Communities

Unique to Gilbert are it’s water ski lake communities.  Of the 6 in the valley, 3 are in Gilbert.

Playa del Rey Estates has the most waterfront ski lake properties of the three.  There are approximately 130 homes in Playa del Rey and all have access to the lake.  Shorter than a slalom ski lake, the length is around 1,150 ft. long with a island in the middle, perfect for family water skiing or wakeboarding.

Homes for sale in Playa del Rey Estates

Satellite view of Playa del Rey Estates

Crystal Point Estates is the most established competition ski lake in Gilbert.  18 luxury homes surround the 2,250 ft. length lake.  Crystal Point is a short 20 minute drive to the airport and convenient to many Gilbert amenities, yet secluded within the gated community which offers practically year round skiing and a lifestyle for those who love water skiing.

Crystal Point Homes for Sale

View of Crystal Point Estates

Santan Lakeside Estates is located in south Gilbert with luxury homes that enjoy a water ski lake at the foot of the San Tan mountains.  The one acre lots at Santan Lakeside Estates provide 235 feet of lakeside waterfront.  About half of the 20 lot subdivision is built out.  Make sure to check out this video of Santan Lakeside Estates waterskiing.

Santan Lakeside Luxury Homes for Sale

View of Santan Lakeside Estates

As you can see, there are many options available for those who wish to call Gilbert home and do it in a peaceful lake community or waterfront lot.  For more details, don’t hesitate to call or e-mail me.

Stonebridge Estates – Gilbert Waterfront Homes

Almost directly across the street from Freestone Park, you’ll find Stonebridge Lakes Estates and Manor, a moderate sized 150 acre Gilbert lake community.  With over 370 homes of which 115 are lakefront, this low-traffic community also enjoys good access to freeways, jogging paths, Freestone Park, and has 2 community pools.

Heritage Trail

A jogging/biking/walking path alongside the consolidated canal provides a safe environment for those looking for looking for a convenient jogging path.  It intersects and passed through the subdivision and extends into Mesa and Chandler.  Literally across the street you’ll find the amenity rich Freestone Park. About two miles to the east is the unique Riparian Preserve which borders the Gilbet Library.  Some of Gilbert’s favorite eating places in the Historic District such as Joes Real Barbeque, Oregano’s, and Liberty Market are less than a mile away.

Stonebridge Lakes Estates and Manor both have a $40/month HOA fee which provides access to the two community pools.  Stonebridge Lakes Manor has an additional $82/month fee which covers front yard maintenance.  Nearly all of the homes were built by UDC, who was also a builder in The Islands, Lago Estancia and North Shore. Most of the homes were built between 1988 and 1994.  The corresponding schools are Burk Elementary, Gilbert Jr. High and Gilbert High School.  Gilbert Mercy Hospital is the closest hospital at Val Vista and the 202 freeway, approximately 5 – 6 miles away.

Stonebridge Lakes Estates and Manor offers a rare combination of community amenities with the two pools, access to Heritage trail, and unequaled proximity to Freestone Park, Gilbert Library, Riparian Preserve, the Historic District and the newer commerical developments to the southeast.

If you would like more information on this Gilbert waterfront community or the town of Gilbert, please feel free to e-mail or call.

Google earth view of Stonebridge Lakes