Sun City Retirement Community

Did you know Arizona contains over 100 age-restricted retirement communities? That’s not surprising when you consider that over 21 percent of the state’s residents are 55+ retirees! With temperate weather, a plethora of golf courses, and high-quality healthcare available in the Grand Canyon State, it’s no wonder that people from all over the country flock to Arizona for their golden years. The most popular community within the lifestyle state is the Sun City retirement community, a Maricopa-based retirement home that creates an unmatched atmosphere of relaxation and fun.

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Sun City was established in 1960 by Del Webb, and has a sister community Sun City West. With 37,000 and 24,000 retirees respectively, there is a diverse group of activities and interests represented for anyone looking to make Arizona their retirement locale.

Because Sun City is only 30 miles from downtown Phoenix and 40 miles from Scottsdale, residents can easily swing over to these larger cities for nightlife, dining, and casinos. The golf scene in Sun City is also a major plus for retirees who love the game, and you can’t overlook the overall respect residents have for their fellow neighbors.

Del Webb Development

The story of Sun City Arizona is incomplete without the story of Del Webb. He was a real estate magnate, and co-owner of the New York Yankees whose vision led to the opening of the Original Sun City.

In the present, his legacy lives on with the Del Webb Communities name, one that is synonymous with an active adult lifestyle. They are also known for their exclusive GenYou Floor Plans, which offer unique home design availability for any resident.

Designing your own floor plan for a house in an Arizona retirement truly encapsulates the spirit of the state, Sun City, and its active community participants.

Senior Living in Sun City, AZ

There is a reason Sun City locations in the USA have reached their present-day popularity: the original retirement homes in Sun City, AZ set a standard for retirement communities. Not only are the Sun City developments iconic in their layout and home style, but the residents are able to enjoy a retirement experience that is unrivaled by other locations.

The financial perks that contribute to carefree living are amplified by community reinvestment in recreation and charity. Imagine a dream retirement in Arizona filled with golf, social clubs, volunteerism, and nightlife. This is a reality that the Sun City 55+ gated communities bring to the table.

Amenities in Sun City

Sun City sets a high standard for retiree amenities, boasting everything you can imagine for an active retirement. With four recreation centers that include bowling, tennis, and racquetball, you can compete and stay fit with your community friends.

Similarly, there are nightclubs and fine dining for an evening after golf — Sun City is even famous for hosting friends and family. This adult playground leaves no game or activity to the imagination, making it a given that your retirement years will be spent smiling.

For those looking for a change of pace or some serenity, Sun City Arizona also holds over 30 churches, a synagogue, two libraries, and a performing arts theatre. With so many options available, it’s not even cliche to say there really is something for everyone at Sun City!

The Surrounding Area of Sun City

While it is unlikely that you will grow tired of your leisure and recreation options inside the retirement community of Sun City, having outside options is always nice for a change of scenery. Sister communities in Peoria or Surprise are within a 30 minute drive, and there are always new hiking trails to explore near the community.

Most importantly, Sun City is just 16 miles northwest of downtown Phoenix, which makes it easy to pop-over to the big city for shopping, entertainment, restaurants or concerts. Some other fun attractions near Sun City include the Arrowhead Mall, the Wildlife World Zoo, or Lake Pleasant.

For sports enthusiasts, there are multiple universities and pro teams playing year-round. Ticket packages are always available to Sun City Groups, and make a great way to spend the afternoon.

Arizona retirement has an abundance of leisure activities ranging from fine arts to food, nature, sports and everything in between! The retirement communities in Sun City, AZ are perfectly located for you to easily get in on the action, while still being able to return home to a quiet neighborhood.

Sun City Residents

Sun City is for everyone – it’s the original fun city, as they say! The community has dedicated its development and culture to leisure and recreation for the active lifestyle, and the focus is on who you are as a retired person, not who you were in your past life.

This outlook is very refreshing for the entire spectrum of Sun City residents. There are residents on a fixed income, as well as lower-middle class who have worked hard their whole life to make it to Sun City and realize their dream of an Arizona retirement. Similarly, there are people with money who pride themselves on not being identified by their means, and economic stature does not predicate the friends’ groups in the community.

Instead, the passion for activities such as hiking or golf will bring people together, or perhaps it could be a love of literature or movies. In Sun City and Sun City West, there are over 100 chartered hobby clubs, and residents of either community are welcome to join any of them!

Another distinction that separates Sun City from other retirement homes across the nation is the sheer magnitude of it. With over 23,000 households (and still growing) within a 15-mile radius, the land is spacious and does not feel cramped. This is juxtaposed by the warm neighborhood feel, and the easy access to local amenities such as healthcare, recreational facilities, and dining.

It is hard to find a dissatisfied resident who has retired to Sun City. There’s something about the Arizona weather and culture that keeps the community growing and thriving.

Other Communities and Sun City

As previously noted, Arizona has the fastest-growing retirement population in the United States, which is bound to create some competition between communities. It is important not to assume the best or worst among these 55+ gated communities based on what they say about each other — after all, residents take immense pride in where they have settled down.

For example, Westbrook Village, a neighboring active adult community in Peoria, AZ, is a competing option to any of the now 6 Sun-City locales. Westbrook residents are quick to say that Sun City features too many golf courses, not enough recreational diversity, and has too high of taxes for what the residents get in return.

Similarly, Sun City residents often find themselves calling Westbrook Village retirees a bit hoity-toity, and levy the same comments about the tax situation there. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong retirement community in Arizona; there are lovely homes in all these 55+ cities. Consulting with an experienced retirement real estate agent can help you find the perfect fit for you.

Sun City Sister Properties

Sun City and Sun City West were the original fun cities, but there have since been additions to the group of Sun City locations in the USA.

As of 2020, there is Sun City Grand, Courte Bella, Sun City Festival, and Sun City Anthem in addition to the first two. These six Sun Cities also have their own unique pros and cons, namely the locations and activity sets available.

Corte Bella is often confused for Sun City West, and though it is similar, the atmosphere there is a bit scaled-down. This gated luxury community has smaller lots, no recreation centers, and is very golf-centric.

For Ventana Lakes, though the mailing address will be in the actual Sun City, they are still exempt from some of the attractions such as Sun City’s rec centers. This is because of the rapid growth in the area, and a focus on making each retirement community in the Sun City family its own unique locale.

Once more, in addition to doing your own research, get the help of an experienced realtor to help you find the perfect community and property for you.

Find Your Perfect Home in Sun City’s Retirement Community

With fabulous weather, bountiful local amenities, and a can-do spirit from its massive retirement population, Sun City properties are a great place to retire. With Arizona’s pro-retirement tax laws, each of these 55+ active communities remains an affordable option for any income range retiree.

If you are considering making a move towards an Arizona Retirement, you can’t go wrong with a Sun City retirement. With so many friendly neighbors and things to do, your lifestyle will be one of custom-tailored relaxation. At Sun City, it is all clear skies and open fairways.

See available retirement homes in Sun City.

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