Moving to Sun City AZ (Phoenix, Surprise: power lines, hotel, new home)

[Trump]

In response to Rich06 and his take on Sun City, the original development began in the '60s, which doesn't quite make it 50+ years old. I also disagree with his assessment that the city is dying. The streets are well maintained and most have recently been repaved. The medians that were once filled with fruit trees (most still remain) are gradually being replaced with more contemporary desert landscapes. Besides looking better, the newer designs are more water conscious. No, I don't think the community is dying but it is in a period of rebirth as evident by many of homes being updated and one of the oldest of the recreation centers slated for replacement this year. BTW, I'm not a resident of Sun City. However, I have had the privilege of visiting there for over 20 years.

[lauyeung]

Originally Posted by Azbound

Peggy, I have a friend who is living there now and absolutely loves it and the area. We are moving out that way in June. When are you moving out? Will you be living in a community or a retirement community?

I am looking into Sun City Festival. Please can anyone who has experience with the DelWebb communities care to compare Sun City Grand, Sun City West and the two new ones..Sun City Festival and Corte Bellla? I want to retire to an active adult community with an active tennis league. Thank you.

[MotleyCrew]

If you are looking to retire and you are still active, I would highly suggest looking at the Trilogy up in Vistancia. It outshines both Sun City West and Sun City Grand. The people are very young for retirement age, and enjoy a great clubhouse and their own restaurant and golf course. We went through Sun City Grand and it reminded me of Forest Lawn mortuary in L.A. Very depressing. The new Del Web Corte Bella in Sun City isnt too bad, but again had a very depressing quality to it. Just spend a little time looking before you leap. Good luck.

[HollyhockGarden]

Hello --My parents moved to the original Sun City 21 years ago, from Illinois. Dad is deceased now so Mom's been a widow for a while. They made many friends in the community. There is a wonderful organization there for parents of handicapped "special adults" and the special adults too. There are many clubs and organizations as well as religious organizations. Close-by communities include Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, and Litchfield Park. The community has great landscaping. Many of the homes in Sun City do not have the block walls surrounding them, so you get to know more of your neighbors and you don't feel so closed in. There are some single family houses with fences or walls available, which you possibly want to consider since you have a dog. However, many people in my mom's condo, which is all duplexes with big, open back yards, just walk their dog on a leash, and also have the opportunity to visit with their neighbors at the same time. The homes in Sun City are mainly well-constructed block homes. Because they are older, the room sizes are bigger, and the kitchens are large, with lots of cupboards and old-fashioned broom closets. Mom has a walk-in front hall closet and a laundry room with a window. The real estate prices in the original Sun City are lower than the newer communities. The people are more down to earth and friendly. I am not sure what the future will be for traditional retirement communities, since so many of the baby boomer generation will not have traditional pension plans and will be forced to work well into their 70's. The rate of community volunteerism may decline as older workers are using their strength just to hold down their jobs. But right now, Sun City is still a very nice place, without some of the zoning problems you have within some of the other communities in the Phoenix area. The homes are reasonably priced and well-built, and the people are friendly and warm.

[ArizonaGirl]

Before you buy a Del Webb home, check out this article in the New Times:

http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/Issue...news/news.html

[marmih]

Thank you to everyone for input re Sun Cities.

Forgive my delay in replying. I could not remember name or password. Had to redo.

This has been a terrible winter in the state of Washington with storm after storm after storm.

As soon as my house is sold, I will be moving to AZ. I am in contact with a very nice realtor who sends me info about places in the Sun Cities. I think I have narrowed my search to Sun City.

Any furthing information would be appreciated.

[MotleyCrew]

So glad you are making the move here. We love it. Please have your realtor drive you up to Trilogy in Vistancia for the heck of it. I don't know what your budget is, but it is worth a tour at least. The Del Webb development of Corte Bella is also very nice. Good luck

[june]

Originally Posted by Peggy

Any hints about what it is like in Sun City AZ?

My aunt lives in Sun City Grande and loves it. There is so much to do there. Ive visited her from Ny and i absolutely fell in love with Surprise AZ. Sun city West is also very nice. Lots of shopping over in that area as well.

[martharugg]

My advice - before moving to Sun City, try it out by renting first. This is going on my second year here and I would much rather be somewhere else.

[marmih]

I am wondering what you do not like about Sun City. I fell in love with the place last year & can hardly wait to move from the cold Pacific Northwest.