Province/ Mission Royale (Phoenix, Tucson, Chandler: HOA fees, new home, neighborhood)

[GeneR]

We're researching age-restricted communities and have come across Meritage Homes developments in the Phoenix (and Tucson) areas. Any experience with these communities and the builder. Province looks good and their HOA fees are reasonable. We're also looking at Robson and Del Webb. Visiting AZ from MN in mid-June to take a closer look at about a dozen communities. Staying at Del Webb Festival and then at Robson's Saddlebrooke Ranch. The build description in Meritage looks good with all the Energy Star stuff. Like the spray foam insulation aspect....open to any comments from those in the know.

[AZgarden]

I haven't been down to Province for about 5 years, but I did tour it and recall it was beautiful. Visited with one friend who lived there and saw the clubhouse and pool. It just seemed like there was nothing around there. Its off of 347 and Smith Enke Rd, isn't it.? I felt like they just took a plot of desert and plunked this community in the middle. Nearest town is Maricopa and I still don't think there is enough there to draw retirees. There is a casino and restaurants but no real town to speak of. Depends on what you are looking for.

[sh9730]

I think you are talking about Mission Royale in Casa Grande? If so, nice neighborhood. I don't live there as I am a younger tike, but go there frequently to golf and other things. Its a very nice location as it is right across the street from our mall with basically anything you could need except a grocery store. Sam's Club will be opening next month right there, and there are fast food and restaraunts all over. Its a little ways from "old downtown", like 5 miles....so things like the street fairs etc that we have will be a slight drive.

The houses look decent but I don't have any personal experience with the quality. The golf course is not extravagant or anything, but its a fun course.

Robson Ranch in Eloy (but bordering Casa Grande city limits) is very nice also, with more options as to housing types, but it is removed about 5-10 miles from the amenities of Casa Grande. But it is selling quickly so no question some people love it - and that golf course is pretty nice.

Phoenixmart opening (see other threads for that project) will affect the building in the area of both these developments in the coming years.....but should all be positive with better restaraunts and other amenities.

Hope that helps!

[observer53]

Originally Posted by PhxBarb

I haven't been down to Province for about 5 years, but I did tour it and recall it was beautiful. Visited with one friend who lived there and saw the clubhouse and pool. It just seemed like there was nothing around there. Its off of 347 and Smith Enke Rd, isn't it.? I felt like they just took a plot of desert and plunked this community in the middle. Nearest town is Maricopa and I still don't think there is enough there to draw retirees. There is a casino and restaurants but no real town to speak of. Depends on what you are looking for.

I know several people who live in Province and love it. The homes are very nice. All the energy saving aspects of the new homes are a big plus. My friends are mostly NOT retired, some work from home, some still drive into the Valley at least some days. It's no longer as desolate in terms of surroundings as you make it sound from five years ago, although it does border open desert in part. Maricopa still lacks some amenities that make it not for everyone, including all retirees, but it's worth a look.

[AZPam]

Province is a beautiful community, probably one of my personal favorite active adult communities. Maricopa is growing with a lot more development going in out there, so that is nice too.

The one thing I always point out in any "retirement" area is how close will medical facilities be to you? Do you have a lot of health issues? Let's be honest, when you are retirement age most people are having more health issues. Maricopa has an urgent care and a few docs, but the closest hospital will be either Chandler or Casa Grande. That might be an issue if it's an emergency like a heart attack or stroke where time is very important. Just something to be aware of when making your decision. At least in my opinion.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by AZPam

Province is a beautiful community, probably one of my personal favorite active adult communities. Maricopa is growing with a lot more development going in out there, so that is nice too.

The one thing I always point out in any "retirement" area is how close will medical facilities be to you? Do you have a lot of health issues? Let's be honest, when you are retirement age most people are having more health issues. Maricopa has an urgent care and a few docs, but the closest hospital will be either Chandler or Casa Grande. That might be an issue if it's an emergency like a heart attack or stroke where time is very important. Just something to be aware of when making your decision. At least in my opinion.

That's one of the things I was thinking of in terms of missing "amenities". It is a concern for anyone with health issues (and most will have health issues eventually, if they don't have them now).

[BestintheWest]

Province HOA's are now $190 a month and rising steadily