"Check in Check Out" Leave me Alone Mentality in Scottsdale (Chandler: HOA, neighborhoods)

[Solere]

Do you all agree that there is a "check in check out" mentality among residents of north Scottsdale, particularly in the senior community? People living in gated or large master planned communities and barely knowing one another even after many years of living on the same street or having a grumpy, leave me alone attitude? No common clubs, community activities and people barely attending HOA meetings. I did an internet search on active adult communities in the Northwest Valley and the Southeast Valley and it appears they have active, thriving clubs, loyal volunteers to the community/HOA, lots of smiling, happy senior citizens in the newsletters and a more pleasant atmosphere.

[DetroitN8V]

My community is not limited to seniors but it's quite the opposite of what you described. Very friendly and very active.

[vince3vince]

There is no age restricted active adult communities in in Scottsdale. And it's not just the retired, a lot of my neighbors have that keep to themselves mentality. I only know a couple of my neighbors well only because my daughters know their kids through school.

[Solere]

Originally Posted by vince3vince

There is no age restricted active adult communities in in Scottsdale. And it's not just the retired, a lot of my neighbors have that keep to themselves mentality. I only know a couple of my neighbors well only because my daughters know their kids through school.

That's correct about no age restricted active adult communities in Scottsdale, but from what I have been told and heard, in all practicality most communities in North Scottsdale (north of the 101) are, as the great majority of residents/owners in them are 55+.

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by Happs

That's correct about no age restricted active adult communities in Scottsdale, but from what I have been told and heard, in all practicality most communities in North Scottsdale (north of the 101) are, as the great majority of residents/owners in them are 55+.

You heard wrong. Tons of young families in DC Ranch, MMR, Windgate and Grayhawk. Lots of old people too but the area hardly resembles a 55+ community. Have you been up here?

What is your question? You asked about the mentality of those in 55+ communities in N Scottsale and then acknowledged that none exist.

[azriverfan.]

Originally Posted by Happs

Do you all agree that there is a "check in check out" mentality among residents of north Scottsdale, particularly in the senior community? People living in gated or large master planned communities and barely knowing one another even after many years of living on the same street or having a grumpy, leave me alone attitude? No common clubs, community activities and people barely attending HOA meetings. I did an internet search on active adult communities in the Northwest Valley and the Southeast Valley and it appears they have active, thriving clubs, loyal volunteers to the community/HOA, lots of smiling, happy senior citizens in the newsletters and a more pleasant atmosphere.

It depends where in North Scottsdale that you live. D.C. Ranch and the areas around that area are very family oriented and have a lot of young families that do embrace community. If you live near Grayhawk and the area north of the 101 on Scottsdale Road, that can have a lot of snowbirds who are insular.

[Solere]

I've been in the area of Troon, Troon North, Desert Highlands, and others that I don't recall the names of on Scottsdale and Pima Rds north of the 101 and from what I saw in the neighborhoods that weren't gated and in the shopping centers were mostly people that looked 55+. Not saying that's good or bad. People have told me about the behavior I described with these seniors. I agree with you about MMR and DC Ranch. I've cruised those neighborhoods and been to the main grocery stores that serve them and yes, there is a variety of age groups.

[AZJoeD]

Originally Posted by Happs

Do you all agree that there is a "check in check out" mentality among residents of north Scottsdale, particularly in the senior community? People living in gated or large master planned communities and barely knowing one another even after many years of living on the same street or having a grumpy, leave me alone attitude? No common clubs, community activities and people barely attending HOA meetings. I did an internet search on active adult communities in the Northwest Valley and the Southeast Valley and it appears they have active, thriving clubs, loyal volunteers to the community/HOA, lots of smiling, happy senior citizens in the newsletters and a more pleasant atmosphere.

I am not sure which communities you are talking about, but I "hang out" in two communities Winfield and Terravita and both are extremely friendly with activities and clubs for just about any interest. Both hold Super Bowl parties, New Years eve party's, Halloween parties, etc. Just about any excuse for a party.

In Winfield, in addition to tennis (which is the community focus) there are Men's club and Women's clubs that do activities like go to sporting events, host dinners, host book clubs, play readings, etc. The women have Bridge, Mahjong, exercise groups. The men have hiking club.

Terravita which has Golf and Tennis also hosts dozens of clubs and quarterly dinners at the country club for residents and guests. Some of the locals play in a band (we are talking men in their 60's) which hold regular concerts and dances at the clubhouse.

While neither community is an adult community, a large percentage of residents are older with common interests. Many of the residents form very tight bonds and dine, shop and vacation together.

Just as a note I do not live in either community, but because I am friendly (yes I said friendly) with some of the residents I have gotten invited to events and I am welcomed at most of the club events. I spend as much time with these people as I do at home. Should I ever decide to move, it is very likely I will move to one of these communities or another that is similar.

If you are not experiencing a friendly atmosphere where you live, you are either in the wrong place or not trying hard enough. It takes someone to get the ball rolling.

[Solere]

Originally Posted by azriverfan.

It depends where in North Scottsdale that you live. D.C. Ranch and the areas around that area are very family oriented and have a lot of young families that do embrace community. If you live near Grayhawk and the area north of the 101 on Scottsdale Road, that can have a lot of snowbirds who are insular.

Do you think Sun Lakes or the active adult communities in the Northwest Valley have less snowbirds, hence the greater sense of community vs the neighborhoods of north Scottsdale north of 101? Maybe it's the snowbird factor that makes these people insular and less friendly.

[asufan]

I live in South Chandler a little north of sun lakes and I notice an uptick in business and longer wait times in restaurants in the winter so there are probably a fair amount of snowbirds in sun lakes too. also a lot of "barely 55" types that are still in th workforce. Hamilton high (perennial football powerhouse) has a small section set aside for sun lakes residents and that's a fall sport obv.