So Many Retirement Communities to Visit (Phoenix, Tucson: condos, houses, landscaping)

[GeneR]

We're planning our first tour of age-restricted communities in mid June. We're flying from MN to PHX. First stop will be a two night stay at Del Webb's Festival. During that time we thought we'd take a quick look at S.C. Grand, S.C. West and Pebble Creek.

Then we're off to Tucson for a 3 night stay at Saddlebrooke Ranch. During this stay we want to see Vistoso, Sunflower, Rancho Del Lago, Quail Creek.

Finally we're heading back to the airport with a two night stay at S.C. Anthem at Merrill Ranch. While there we want to also see Sun Lakes, Province.

We're a couple years off from making a move but wanted to take a first look. We want to stay pretty close to $175k to $230k so some communities are a little rich for our blood. Also, we want casual. I'm a bit put off seeing guys in dress slacks and alligator marked polo shirts hanging out a golf clubs. Sorry folks, we prefer shorts, t-shirts and sandals. I've worked big city professional jobs, have graduate degree but for gosh sakes folks...give it up and relax!

We also prefer established homes as opposed to new construction. Who wants to build with the additional upgrades, window coverings and landscaping (which takes years to mature)? Seems like existing homes are a better buy.

We're open to your suggestions on communities!

[observer53]

Fountain of the Sun in east Mesa. Some friends of mine live there and like it a lot. Their home and neighborhood are really nice.

[LBTRS]

My wife's 92 year old uncle lived in Fountain of the Sun up until recently when we moved him to a assisted living place. We visited him monthly for five years and the place always seemed dead and kind of depressing. The golf course was always empty and the few people we seen moving about the community all seemed to be really old and it didn't seem like an active adult community.

I was just a monthly visitor but that is the way it felt to me, I guess you got a different overall vibe of the place observer53?

Do they have regular houses in there? All the places around him were duplex condos and they all sold for around the $80k mark when we were selling his.

[happyinca]

Originally Posted by GeneR

.

Then we're off to Tucson for a 3 night stay at Saddlebrooke Ranch. During this stay we want to see Vistoso, Sunflower, Rancho Del Lago, Quail Creek.


We're open to your suggestions on communities!

Wow that will be an action packed trip! I can comment on only Saddlebrooke Ranch as we did the 3-night stay there also. Saddlebrook Ranch is about a 20 minute drive north of Tucson. There is nothing near it as the tiny town of Oracle is further north, I think. Saddlebrook Ranch is new build only and I think with the upgrades you are looking close to $300,000 - $500,000 for a move in. Check out original "Saddlebrook" a few miles from the ranch, it is built out and has only a few lots left. I have read threads/posts of people picking up really good deals on already built Saddlebrook homes. Around $200,000. Saddlebrook Ranch was pretty windy when we were there, so I think that is a negative.

You have access to facilities at either one, no matter where you live. The pool, clubhouse etc. were beautiful!

If you want more info you might have to post your message on the Tucson Board and make it Tucson specific.

In terms of a country club feel I felt both Saddlebrook and Saddlebrook Ranch were very Country Club. The couple that hosted us for dinner were from Newport Beach, very nice, but very snobby and I thought I am trying to escape the snobs of California and here they are. They love living in the Ranch but were "OC" (Orange County) all the way.

We have visited several Del Webbs, not over night but for a day, and none of them felt "country club" to me but full of happy retired, middle class people, not the snob feeling.

I think you should still visit/stay in the Ranch as that is upper end and it will help you compare to the more middle end communities such as Del Webb.

All of this is my opinion only, others will feel different. We crossed both Saddlebrooks off of our list, we lived in and worked in La Jolla for 25 years and have had enough of the CA snobs to more than last a lifetime.

[sh9730]

So you guys gave up on the communities in Casa Grande?

Since you seem to be interested in both Phoenix and Tucson - CG has the advantage of being halfway between the two....

Merrill at Anthem is a nice, less expensive place - but definitely removed from urban areas for at least the next 5 years....

But the golf course there is pretty nice - its a Troon!

[GeneR]

Happy Inca aptly described what we hope to avoid by describing people as "Country Club" or very "Orange County". I think I understand completely. Funny, I lived most of my life in California (Bay Area). As a professional a suit (costume?) is understandable but at some point I gave up the idea that I was my job. Now I'm just a guy and want to live in a community of just people who no longer define themselves by their past professions and social status.

[AZPam]

For all communities you visit, please keep in mind distance to medical facilities. It's something to consider as we age and some communities aren't close to any hospital.

[wit-nit]

Originally Posted by AZPam

For all communities you visit, please keep in mind distance to medical facilities. It's something to consider as we age and some communities aren't close to any hospital.

Good advice, that should be one of the top considerations for retirees.

[mjd2k]

Might consider Trilogy at Vistancia. We really like it. New prices start at about $250k but lightly lived in resales are available in your price range.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by observer53

Fountain of the Sun in east Mesa. Some friends of mine live there and like it a lot. Their home and neighborhood are really nice.

Originally Posted by LBTRS

My wife's 92 year old uncle lived in Fountain of the Sun up until recently when we moved him to a assisted living place. We visited him monthly for five years and the place always seemed dead and kind of depressing. The golf course was always empty and the few people we seen moving about the community all seemed to be really old and it didn't seem like an active adult community.

I was just a monthly visitor but that is the way it felt to me, I guess you got a different overall vibe of the place observer53?

Do they have regular houses in there? All the places around him were duplex condos and they all sold for around the $80k mark when we were selling his.

Having my own "senior moment" here. Perhaps too much "sun".

The development I'm thinking of is Sunland Springs Village. Guessed at the name without actually checking the address and the map.