Designed to bring a sense of community and walkability to Gilbert, the master-planned community of Agritopia started when local farmer Joe Johnston purchased a farm and built a house, planning to raise his family there. They grew cotton and wheat while the family enjoyed living off the land. Suburban development and rapid expansion began as early as the 1990s and the family began to brainstorm on how to incorporate what they experienced into a full-fledged community. 

As a way of encouraging and promoting agriculture for the average family home, Johnston partnered with a land planner, architects, community developers, and the town of Gilbert to incorporate a living village that honored farming traditions. Agritopia then sprouted into a full-fledged community. The 166-acre plot of land turned into a neighborhood of 452 home lots, a full-working farm, two on-site restaurants, a farm store to purchase goods, and a set of buildings dubbed ‘Barnone’ for the purpose of artisanal craftsmen showcasing their goods.

Situated in southeast Gilbert, the community has received multiple awards, including Neighborhood of the Year and the Senior Housing News Design and Architecture Award for innovative senior living in their on-site retirement home. It also helped kicked off the trend of “Agrihoods,” farm-focused communities that arenow popular with young families and millennials

The Location

The entrance to the sustainable master-planned community Agritopia in Phoenix, AZ 

Located within the Phoenix Metro Area and part of Maricopa County, Agritopia is in the southeast section of Gilbert. Conveniently located near the The Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, the town is primarily served by Loop 202. Gilbert also has access in the north section, to US Route 60. Just 20 miles from Phoenix, residents also have a short commute to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Gilbert is zoned for four school districts with the majority zoned for Gilbert Public Schools and the remainder zoned for Chandler Unified School District, Mesa Public Schools, and Higley Unified School District. There is also the private school Gilbert Christian Schools, which has a location at Agritopia for Pre K-12 grades.

Area Attractions

The Farm Grill is only one amenity offered at Agritopia in Phoenix, AZ 

Agritopia has expanded to include businesses of its own but also encourages home-based businesses to strengthen families and reduce the need for childcare, reduce commuting, and to encourage employment within Gilbert. Joe’s Farm Grill, the former Johnston family home, receives rave reviews for their local grown farm-to-table fare, while The Coffee House, a converted tractor shed turned cafe, offers garden seating and specializes in baked goods. 

Their community center houses a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a putting green, while providing space for community events and meetings. Also on the property is Gilbert Christian School, a private pre K-12 school for up to 470 students. Agritopia Senior Living, the senior housing community, provides 118 units and includes a private kitchen and dining area.

Future plans include a town square, which will provide a retail center and access to pastures and gardens. With convenient access to major transport Loop 202, residents have easy access to a number of local attractions throughout Gilbert like the San Tan Mountains, Riperian Preserve at Water Ranch, multiple parks, and outdoor trails for cycling and equestrian uses. There is also the Hale Centre Theatre—the longest continually running privately owned theater in the U.S.—and family hotspot and entertainment center, Topgolf, while beyond the borders of Gilbert exist numerous options for activities throughout the greater Phoenix Metro Area. 

The Homes

Aerial view of homes in the Agritopia neighborhood in Phoenix, AZ
Courtesy of Agritopia

“Connected existence,” is a common theme for Agritopia and the homes styles, placement, and price points reflect that. With designs that mimic the homes of Downtown Gilbert and historic Phoenix neighborhoods like Encanto and Coronado, Craftsman, California Bungalow, Spanish Eclectic, Tudor, French Revival, and Arizona Territorial styles can be found scattered throughout.

To limit the footprint of each home, BSB Design created 11 floor plans between 1,300 and 3,200 square feet — more for those with basements— with lots between 2,500 square feet for smaller cottages and between 7,000 and 10,000 square feet for larger homes. Homes offer multiple levels for living spaces with the upper floor utilizing roof trusses to minimize heights. 

Neighborhood socialization is encouraged by low fences, front porches, and narrow streets that reduce traffic velocity and cater to pedestrians and cyclists. Sidewalks are separated by tree-lined streets while the street system has individual streetscapes to allow for interaction. And though smaller units or bungalows can be rented out, the association does not allow rental of full homes, which has been embraced by the community. Prices range between $279,500 and $649,000.

About Gilbert

An aerial view of Gilbert, AZ

What hasn’t been said about Gilbert lately? The town that began with deep-seeded agricultural roots has expanded into a suburban melting pot for all kinds of residents. Gilbert is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., and outpacing population growth three times that of the national average. 

Just 20 miles southeast of Phoenix, the town provides ease of transit to nearby Mesa, Chandler, and Tempe,  bestowing numerous opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Commitment to urban expansion while remaining steadfast to it’s farming roots has led the town to place on a variety of “top” lists including:

"Most Affordable"

"Best City for Veterans"

"Most Prosperous"

"Best Place to Raise a Family"

The future of Gilbert remains bright as officials have recently turned their interests toward tourism. Constantly looking at ways to excel economically, promote an agricultural lifestyle, and reinforce growth, this town is a favorite and has something for everyone.