Retirement Communities in AZ
Sun Lakes Retirement Community

With so many comparable real estate opportunities, it is vital to educate yourself on why Sun Lakes might be the right active adult community for you. We took the time to outline the pros and cons of this beautiful master-planned community so you can have all the information at hand.
An Oasis in Arizona

Sun Lakes enjoys the benefits of having the temperate Arizona climate, a culture based on an active lifestyle, and amenities that provide its residents’ options to last an entire retirement.
Year-round golfing weather and warm winters have always been a highlight for snowbirds and retirees looking to make the move to Sun Lakes. With temperatures that almost never dip below 40 degrees, Sun Lakes residents can take advantage of any of the three nationally acclaimed golf courses in the community. The price of golf is not prohibitive for homeowners or guests at all — a year-round pass can have the average cost per outing at under $10.
After hitting the links, it is almost expected that the next stop will be either a community club or a fine dining establishment. With dozens of classes based on arts and crafts, dancing, or fitness, there is an activity for any retiree to take part in.
Similarly, the dining scene includes diverse cuisines such as the American Way Market, Stone and Barrel, or Amalfi Pizzeria. The common vein between the golf lifestyle, club culture, and dining scene is that there is something for everyone, and always a smile on the faces of community members as they enjoy the scene.
Location, Location, Location

Another significant boon to an Arizona retirement is the proximity of retirement communities to bigger cities. Given that retirement is often about traveling and enjoying experiences you weren’t able to during working years, being close to Phoenix and Scottsdale is a great perk for residents of Sun Lakes.
Where is Sun Lakes AZ located?
Sun Lakes is conveniently located in Maricopa County, AZ, near major cities like Chandler, Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, and more.
How far is Sun Lakes AZ from Phoenix?
Phoenix and its major airport are just 20 miles from Sun Lakes. With over 100 active gates, the airport will allow your friends and family to fly in from anywhere in the world and make the short drive to see your slice of paradise in Sun Lakes
How far is Sun Lakes from Scottsdale?
Between downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale (about the same distance away — Scottsdale is only 25 miles from Sun Lakes, a quick half-hour drive away), there are bigger city offerings that can provide a change of pace from the leisure activities at Sun Lake. Shopping, casinos, and fine dining are great excuses to head the short distance into the city from Sun Lakes.
How far is Sun Lakes from Chandler?
Another extremely popular outing would be visiting the Chandler Outlets or the Fulton Shopping Center, located a short 15-minute drive (about 8 miles) from Sun Lakes. You can follow this up with an evening of gambling or seeing what the club scene has to offer in downtown Scottsdale.
What kind of day trips can you take from Sun Lakes?
Finally, being in Arizona for retirement allows for residents of Sun Lake to enjoy the state’s natural splendor. Trips to the Grand Canyon, Havasupai Falls, Sedona, or any of the other idyllic rock formations can make all the difference in an outdoor enthusiast’s retirement experience.
Cost of Living in Sun Lakes

Sun Lakes benefits from a trend seen in many 55+ retirement communities in Arizona: the housing is affordable and in a booming market. The average home cost is under $350,000, and while these prices are rising, they are creating value that has beat the national real estate market for 10 years running. Additionally, when compared to other similar desirable retirement markets such as California or Florida, the cost of homes is significantly less.
Is Sun Lakes AZ a city?
Because Sun Lakes Is technically a census-designated place (and not a city), there are better controls over the cost of living, and residents are able to take advantage of these.
What is the population of Sun Lakes Arizona?
An additional benefit to the up-and-coming community of Sun Lakes is that the population is a manageable size (less than 14,000) and has grown at a steady pace that does not make the community overcrowded or undesirable.

Other benefits of Sun Lakes real estate
In addition to the low baseline costs and opportunity for growth, the cost of retirement in Sun Lakes benefits from cheap utilities and affordable groceries. These two components allow for restaurant prices to remain extremely affordable, and lets all ranges of incomes invest in retirement properties in the up-and-coming location.
Needless to say, the savvy investor will see the value both short-term and long term in a Sun Lakes retirement.
Golf will always have a prominent role in getting Sun Lakes retirees to spend some time in the sun, but the other main attribute of an active 55+ community are its hikes and other outdoor offerings.
Maricopa County has dozens of picturesque hikes that are accessible to residents year-round, and there are clubs based around the flora, fauna, and trails themselves. Even if you are not looking to hit the trails on a regular basis, it is not uncommon to see power-walking or jogging clubs in the streets. Make sure to wave as they go by, or better yet — join in!
The outdoors will always signify what ties an Arizona retirement together; the weather, golf, and being active in a community full of like-minded individuals creates significant appeal. It is no wonder that Arizona is the fastest-growing state for retirees in the country!
Find a Qualified Agent Today

Retirement in Arizona and specifically in Sun Lakes represents the opportunity of a lifetime. You have worked hard for the ability to find a community that has strong cultural values, picturesque scenery, and affordability. The value propositions are hard to ignore, and we wouldn’t recommend doing so.
If you are interested in learning more about a Sun Lakes retirement, please reach out today. With decades of experience in helping seniors find a 55+ community, our qualified agents can help you decide if Sun Lakes is right for you.
Between us, we’re betting the answer is yes.