Home Back

The sleepy American town ranked among the Top 10 to raise kids

Daily Mail Online 1 day ago
The city of Gilbert, Arizona, has been ranked among the top ten places in the U.S. to raise children. The small town, essentially a wealthy suburb of Phoenix, is home to 290,000 residents where almost one third of the population are under the age of 18. A survey by Wallethub ranked Gilbert as the 6th best place in the country to raise a family in 2024.
The city of Gilbert, Arizona, has been ranked among the top ten places in the U.S. to raise children. The small town, essentially a wealthy suburb of Phoenix, is home to 290,000 residents where almost one third of the population are under the age of 18. A survey by Wallethub ranked Gilbert as the 6th best place in the country to raise a family in 2024.
The site looked at more than 180 cities across the nation using 45 key metrics deemed important for raising a family including housing costs, healthcare, the quality of its schools and recreational activities. But the city holds a dark secret, with a young gang running rampant in the area.
The site looked at more than 180 cities across the nation using 45 key metrics deemed important for raising a family including housing costs, healthcare, the quality of its schools and recreational activities. But the city holds a dark secret, with a young gang running rampant in the area.
Once billed as the country's second-safest city, Gilbert has been in national news for all the wrong reasons with teen delinquents who have been terrorizing the community since 2022. The Gilbert Goons are known for recording blitz-style attacks in parks, parking garages, outside fast-food restaurants and at house parties.
Once billed as the country's second-safest city, Gilbert has been in national news for all the wrong reasons with teen delinquents who have been terrorizing the community since 2022. The Gilbert Goons are known for recording blitz-style attacks in parks, parking garages, outside fast-food restaurants and at house parties.
After carrying out the attacks on unsuspecting people, they then post the videos on social media. Victims and residents in the area have described the group as mostly white, upper-middle-class teenagers from multiple East Valley high schools. Their assaults appeared unmotivated and were often recorded and shared by the attackers themselves.
After carrying out the attacks on unsuspecting people, they then post the videos on social media. Victims and residents in the area have described the group as mostly white, upper-middle-class teenagers from multiple East Valley high schools. Their assaults appeared unmotivated and were often recorded and shared by the attackers themselves.
Several lawsuits have been filed claiming that law enforcement and school officials allowed the Goons to continue unleashing their violence since as least 2022. Last month, the group of young men who have been terrorizing Phoenix suburbs, were finally been designated as a criminal street gang.
Several lawsuits have been filed claiming that law enforcement and school officials allowed the Goons to continue unleashing their violence since as least 2022. Last month, the group of young men who have been terrorizing Phoenix suburbs, were finally been designated as a criminal street gang.
The teens' reign of violence, which allegedly included armed robberies and dozens of assaults at parties and in parking lots - several with brass knuckles - culminated with the fatal beating of 16-year-old Preston Lord (pictured) at a Halloween party last year.
The teens' reign of violence, which allegedly included armed robberies and dozens of assaults at parties and in parking lots - several with brass knuckles - culminated with the fatal beating of 16-year-old Preston Lord (pictured) at a Halloween party last year.
Following a months-long investigation into the gang, embattled Gilbert police chief Michael Soelberg confirmed that the group functions as an organized criminal entity. The city's police chief explained the Goons were classified as a 'hybrid gang,' because of their reliance on social media, its members are not of the same race and it has a 'lax or absent' code of conduct. According to police, the Goons lack aspects of a traditional gang, including defined leadership and rules, specific use of symbols and colors, and lifelong commitments.
Following a months-long investigation into the gang, embattled Gilbert police chief Michael Soelberg confirmed that the group functions as an organized criminal entity. The city's police chief explained the Goons were classified as a 'hybrid gang,' because of their reliance on social media, its members are not of the same race and it has a 'lax or absent' code of conduct. According to police, the Goons lack aspects of a traditional gang, including defined leadership and rules, specific use of symbols and colors, and lifelong commitments.
The Goons have been involved in at least 95 assaults in 18 attacks, most in Gilbert, as reported by the Arizona Republic. Police Chief Michael Soelberg previously told DailyMail.com his department has made 29 arrests in connection to attacks. Despite national news about teen violence in Gilbert, in May Chief Soelberg denied teen violence was particularly bad in the area.
The Goons have been involved in at least 95 assaults in 18 attacks, most in Gilbert, as reported by the Arizona Republic. Police Chief Michael Soelberg previously told DailyMail.com his department has made 29 arrests in connection to attacks. Despite national news about teen violence in Gilbert, in May Chief Soelberg denied teen violence was particularly bad in the area.
He said: 'Overall, Gilbert is a safe community, but we're not immune to the problems that we've seen throughout the country, so we're no different than anybody else. We're a large community with nearly 300,000 people, and within our community we have 80,000 teenagers and younger. And so when you have that many kids, you're bound to have some conflict amongst teens and that's what we see nationwide.'
He said: 'Overall, Gilbert is a safe community, but we're not immune to the problems that we've seen throughout the country, so we're no different than anybody else. We're a large community with nearly 300,000 people, and within our community we have 80,000 teenagers and younger. And so when you have that many kids, you're bound to have some conflict amongst teens and that's what we see nationwide.'
But more videos of teen attacks and claims made by alleged victims about the Goons reign of terror were shared with police following the fatal beating of Lord, at a Halloween party in October in nearby Queen Creek. Seven teens and young men, including several Goons suspects, have been charged with his murder, sparking accusations from some in the community who believe the alleged killers should have been removed from the streets long ago.
But more videos of teen attacks and claims made by alleged victims about the Goons reign of terror were shared with police following the fatal beating of Lord, at a Halloween party in October in nearby Queen Creek. Seven teens and young men, including several Goons suspects, have been charged with his murder, sparking accusations from some in the community who believe the alleged killers should have been removed from the streets long ago.
Want more stories like this from the Daily Mail? Hit the follow button above for more of the news you need.
Want more stories like this from the Daily Mail? Hit the follow button above for more of the news you need.

Don't Miss

  • EXCLUSIVETaylor Swift's new girl squad! Singer parties with Kate Moss, Cara Delevingne, Phoebe Waller Bridge and Lena Dunham in Notting Hill
  • Angel Strawbridge breaks her silence on bitter feud with Escape To The Chateau producer as she admits she will NOT apologise for how she reacted
  • Matty Healy, 35, and new girlfriend Gabbriette Bechtel, 26, are 'engaged!' Model flashes £10,000  ring on her finger - after nine month romance
  • Heartbreaking footage of Celine Dion emerges as Stiff-Person Syndrome took hold before she admits 'I'm atree and my branches are starting to fall'
  • Love Island sends TWO stars home in savage twist as brutal dumping leaves 'contestants in tears'
  • Chip, chip, hurrah! As the UK celebrates National Fish & Chip Day, here's your guide to preparing the BEST chippy tea Ad Feature
  • EastEnders' Tamzin Outhwaite tries to fly under the radar in hat and shades as she 'struggles to flog T-shirts and posters of herself at car boot sale'
  • 'Loving William in his statesman era': Fans praise Prince of Wales as he steps up royal duties amid King Charles' cancer treatment
  • Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin shock split and reconciliation! Actress, 34, and Coldplay rocker, 47, are 'back on' after 'ups and downs'
  • Is YOUR hair summer ready? From SPF for your locks to nourishing each strand from within and the ultimate anti-frizz hack, we have you covered Ad Feature
  • Annabel Croft admits she 'she now feels unsafe' after being mugged by a phone snatcher as she speaks out about 'terrifying' ordeal
  • EXCLUSIVE'We have resolved our differences': Rory McIlroy calls off divorce from wife of seven years Erica Stoll on eve of US Open
  • Demi Moore supports Bruce Willis' daughter Mabel, 12, at her elementary school graduation as she joins actor's wife Emma Herring at ceremony
  • EXCLUSIVEBobby Davro confesses he got caught in bed with Les Dennis following a very drunken night out
  • Calling all beauty lovers! THIS new launch from the UK's No.1 mascara brand is set to be iconic - here's why! Ad Feature
  • Did Gwyneth Paltrow help Chris Martin and Dakota Johnson consciously recouple? How the Coldplay singer's ex became a close ally of love rival
  • EXCLUSIVEDancing his troubles away after missing out on Euro 2024! Marcus Rashford enjoys night out at  Cannes restaurant and 'spent nearly £4,000'
  • Return of the budgie smugglers! Mike Tindall dons tiny swimming trunks as he joins his rugby pals on the beach in Australia
  • Russell Crowe reveals what he REALLY thinks about upcoming Gladiator sequel
  • 'It has made me excited to move!': Celeb property guru Tayo Oguntonade moves one couple into a downsized home - so will they take the plunge? Ad Feature
  • Jessica Alba looks chic in a lace corset top as she celebrates after the screening of her upcoming Netflix film Trigger Warning
  • 'The nasty version': Britney Spears shows off her raunchy moves in a sheer sequin dress as she dances to ex Justin Timberlake's song
  • Amy Dowden's father Richard admits her breast cancer diagnosis was 'every parent's worst nightmare' as he pays emotional tribute to his 'brave' daughter
  • Sophie Piper shows off her toned torso in a ruched yellow bikini as she jets of to Croatia for a swimwear shoot with Pretty Little Thing
  • Escape the ordinary: Top 10 irresistible spring travel tips, from sun-kissed shores to hair-raising experiences Ad Feature
  • Strictly Come Dancing bosses launch extensive duty of care package for stars of the new series as Giovanni Pernice 'misconduct' probe continues
  • Mystery woman on Duran Duran's iconic Rio album cover has FINALLY been identified after 42 years
  • Outnumbered actors Tyger Drew-Honey, Daniel Roche and Ramona Marquez reunite to relive Comic Relief moments ahead of the Christmas special
  • Lisa Armstrong severs her last connection to ex-husband Ant McPartlin as she 'sells their marital home for £4million'
  • Do you own a business? Here's how to reach millions of potential customers with ads you can TRUST Ad Feature
People are also reading
Privacy Statement Terms of Service