Darla and Scott were looking for the right house in the right neighborhood. They envisioned their kids spending lots of time outside, but close to home. They found it with Jake's Ranch.

Jake's Ranch is a popular neighborhood in Gilbert, AZ for a number of reasons. First the location: just two miles from the freeway, three miles from the new mall, Costco, as well as the new hospital and numerous school options in the surrounding area. Second, the design of the neighborhood makes it popular as well. Many cul-de-sacs, mature green trees, and gates.

Why a gated neighborhood in the Phoenix area's safest city? Darla says it greatly reduces the traffic. That results in a safer, quieter community. The final reason Jake's Ranch is one of the best neighborhoods in the Phoenix area is that all of homes are single level. This offers an unparalled amount of privacy for a master-planned community.

Darla and Scott's family enjoy hours of outdoor fun. Pick up games right outside in the cul-de-sac, hours of basketball on the community courts, tons of tennis games on those courts, not to mention the neighborhod softball tournaments.

I asked if it always feels safe, say at 10 o'clock at night? Darla responded that's when she and her husband go for their nightly bike ride together! It's relaxing and cool (for the summer) and a great way to spend time together.

The number one reason Darla and her family love their neighborhood is for their friendly neighbors. She has developed wonderful friendships with them. The HOA holds an annual fall festival with a fully catered dinner, games, train rides, and face painting for the kids. It has been a great way to foster community unity throughout the years.

To see an example of one of the homes in Jake's Ranch, click below.