Elena Thurston, Family Real Estate Specialist

My college roommate and I went through all the big stuff together; college life and graduation, marriage, even our first babies were both boys and born about seven months apart. When her son was diagnosed with autism, it was another life changing experience for us. It was shock for me but for many parents of autistic kids, it was kind of a relief for her. She's an incredible woman (who happens to have a medical background) so once she had a diagnosis, she dove into research of every kind and learned everything she could to help her child. S

he immediately started to think about therapy and schools. She was then living on the west side of the Valley and slowly started to realize that there were nowhere near the resources her son needed. The question came "Do we move the entire family to help our one child, or stick it out and do the best we can?"

After much thought and prayer, they decided to move. According to her, and many other parents of autistic children that I have spoken with, there are two top school districts in the Phoenix area that give the most support to autistic children, both prior to elementary school and during. Now, I do not claim to be an expert of any kind, but in my small circle of friends and family, I have more than ten friends with autistic children and they all say the same things, so I'm just repeating what I've heard.

Michelle, my college friend, her research showed that Scottsdale School District and Gilbert School District have the very best resources in the Valley for autistic students. She chose Scottsdale as it is much close to her husband's work than Gilbert. Unfortunately because of the high prices in Scottsdale, their family needed to rent. They are very happy with their decision and her son is doing absolutely wonderfully.

The rest of the parents that I know all chose Gilbert School District. I get one or two families a year that decide to relocate to Gilbert, just for the autistic services.

One family down the street, her son started receiving in home therapy twice a week starting at age 3, then went into the Amancer preschool program at age 4. By kindergarten he was enrolled in a "cope" classroom that allowed him to be in a classroom with other special needs kids and a 2-to-1 ratio for teachers and students. Their goal is that by second grade, he will have developed the skills he needs to be in a regular classroom but will probably still have his aid.

The school that he is zoned for, had the preschool program but not the Cope Classroom for his grade. So Gilbert School District sends a bus to his front door to bring him to the nearest school that does have it.

Now I know there is a huge spectrum of autistic disorders, from barely noticeable to hugely life altering. It's just that after speaking with literally dozens of parents in Gilbert of autistic kids, I've heard over and over again that Gilbert Schools has just the resources they need.

I think there is one more aspect of living in Gilbert that appeals to these parents. Because the schools attract the families, they have a network of support even outside of school. It's easy for parents to get together for support groups, or even just playdates. And it seems like children are used to having other kids with support aides, as well as behavioral issues. My son has a boy with Aspergers in his Sunday School class and it doesn't feel weird or hard to deal with, because it's not uncommon.

Anyway, I hope I haven't said anything stupid and offended someone with this post. I've just been thinking about how hard it would be if a family with an autistic child had to move to a brand new area. Relocating to Gilbert AZ maybe just got a little easier for someone.

Recently I had a client contact me about buying a home in Gilbert. We talked about what she wanted, her priorities, etc. One of the things she mentioned is a strong distaste for the massive power lines that run East/West about half way between Guadalupe and Elliot Roads. Let's not forget the large power substation that is located at Val Vista Rd and Warner Rd. Large power lines run North/South between Val Vista and Greenfield.

Now some people really don't mind the power lines, as long as they're not ridiculously close to their house (bad for resale value). Running underneath the power lines are well maintained green spaces perfect for running, walking dogs, biking, or riding horses. The popular Freestone Park is included in this instance.

This client and I had to get clear, some people just don't want to see the power lines, but she didn't want to be within a mile of them. Which takes out a decent chunk of Gilbert. Especially since she still wanted a family friendly neighborhood, great schools, and a good commute for her husband who works in downtown Phoenix.

I thought other buyers looking on the internet might want some advice in that area as well, since you might be searching for homes for sale online, without really knowing where the power lines are. So here's some popular neighborhoods you might have to avoid.

Along the East/West route, if you want to be at least a mile away you will definitely have to steer clear of Higley Groves and Morrison Ranch. Also Val Vista Lakes and many of the custom Circle G neighborhoods.

On the North/South route, the nicest neighborhood is Finley Farms, also Cottonwood Crossing and more custom home areas. If you're really sticking to the " one mile clearance", you'll have to eliminate Western Skies Golf Estates, as well as Neely Commons.

All of those neighborhoods mentioned are really wonderful family friendly communities. So if it's okay to be 1/4 or a 1/2 mile away from the power lines, these neighborhoods are really worth checking out.

So, let's put our thinking caps on. Given the criteria of decent commute, friendly neighborhood, good schools, with a mile clearance given to Power Lines, that leaves us with...

You could go for the north end of Val Vista Lakes. I really love the friendly feel of that neighborhood, the lakes are pretty, the recreation club is fantastic, and the school is quite noteworthy. Plus, you don't get a better location for Gilbert's commute to downtown Phoenix.

If custom homes are your thing there is a great pocket of Circle G customs, south of Baseline Rd, just west of Power. Not too many people know about them and it's a really excellent location with a great elementary school.

Heading south (and away from the freeway), you take out a whole big chunk for the power lines and you end up with the South Gilbert communities. Jakes Ranch, Agritopia, Gateway Village, Spectrum, Ahsland Ranch, Vintage Ranch...there really are so many family oriented neighborhoods in Gilbert, all with excellent schools.

To search for homes in a particular neighborhood, just click "Search for Homes" above, and enter in the community name under "Subdivision". You'll be well on your way to your dream home in some of the best neighborhoods!!

November was a great month for Agritopia.  5 homes accepted offers and are now Pending, 3 homes closed escrow, and 13 homes are actively for sale.

You can get into the infamous Agritopia right now, with a 4 bedroom cottage offered at $189k.  The best deal that I've seen is a 3700 sq. ft, 4 bedroom, 3 bath, full basement home for only $329k.  It's not as upgraded inside as some houses for sale in Agritopia, but for that price you could add your own upgrades. 

For more information regarding the family friendly community of Agritopia, and other Phoenix area neighborhoods, check out Finding Phoenix Neighborhoods.com.

I have a confession. There is a fiction author out there that writes these cute little books, all centered around these wonderful (fictional) small Americana-type towns. The plots are cheesy, the characters predictable, and yet I keep coming back for more.

I think it's because I am so drawn to small towns, good neighbors, places where people look out for one another. Gilbert Arizona is not really a small town, by any means. At last count, over 200,000 people reside in this suburb of Phoenix. But once a year, we get to be reminded that not too long ago, Gilbert was a small, farming community of friends.

November 8-23 is the annual Gilbert Days celebration, a week-long series of events and activities that pay tribute to Gilbert's western heritage. The parade commemorates the original paving of Gilbert Road.

Don't miss:

Gilbert Days Parade: Saturday, November 15, 9 a.m. Floats, equestrian teams, antique cars, and marching bands. Through downtown Gilbert and ends at Gilbert Town Center, site of the After Parade Party from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Pony Express Kickoff: Friday, November 14, 8 a.m. The opening ceremony is held at the post office east of Gilbert and Elliot Roads.

Jackpot Roping: Wednesday, November 19, 7 pm. Fun for the family, Rodeo Park, 1777 S. Val Vista Drive.

Gilbert Days Classic 5-D Barrel Race: Thursday, November 20, 7pm. Rodeo Park, 1777 S. Val Vista Dr.

Gilbert Days 5K and 1-mile Fun Run: Friday, November 21, 4:45 pm, Freestone Park, 1045 E. Juniper Rd.

Gilbert Days Carnival: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 21-23, Rodeo Park, 1777 S. Val Vista Dr.

Lil'Dudes Rodeo: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 21-23. Opportunities for children to show off their rodeo skills at Rodeo Park, 1777 S. Val Vista Dr.

Gilbert Days Rodeo: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 21-23. One of the largest pro rodeos in the country takes place at Rodeo Park, 1777 S. Val Vista Dr.

19th Annual Gilbert Softball Tournament: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 21-23. Includes men's, women's, and co-recreational teams in various skill levels. Takes place at Big League Dreams and Freestone Parks in Gilbert, and Red Mountain Softball Complex in Mesa. Information: 480-503-6200.

Saturday Night Dance: Saturday, November 22, 8:30 pm at the Gilbert Rodeo Park, 1777 S. Val Vista Dr. Only for those 21 and over.

Get even more information at www.GilbertDays.com

This Saturday, November 8, from 5 to 8 pm, the town of Gilbert Arizona will celebrate its past. Gilbert is an "old" town for Arizona, dating back to the 1800s. In the 1920s, when the great majority of Arizona was still empty, Gilbert built a tall water tower for a reliable source of water for fighting fires.

The structure was recently repainted, showing off the town name to welcome visitors to the historic Heritage District. Lights will illuminate the tower and make it visible for miles. What a great landmark for us!

The Water Tower Park has been planned as a place for families to gather and enjoy. There will be several water fountains, including one that shoots streams of water in the air, all of which will be lighted at night. The most interesting feature might be the granite ball. Water will cascade on the ball, which will float on a thin sheet of water so visitors can push the 19,000-lb ball and make it spin. My boys will love that!

Opening night is Saturday, November 8, starting at 5 pm and it is free. See you there!