Senior/retired community recommendation... (Phoenix, Mesa: townhouse, neighborhood, property tax)

[lylelovett]

Hi all,

Looking forward to your expertise on this one!

Our parents are looking to follow our move to Scottsdale and are considering a senior/retired community, ideally within 30min (maybe 45) from central/North Scottsdale.

This does not have to be a particularly active community (but could be), as they are not necessarily looking for events/activities, but more interested in the quiet and non-children neighborhood vibe.

I've seen quite a few threads/posts about the west side - so far I haven't seen much about E/NE... will continue to dig through the forums as well.

I wondered if you have any recommendations? Tempe/Mesa?

Thanks in advance,
J

[AZJoeD]

As always, the budget will be a major factor in this decision. Most retirement communities are on the west side or east valley because of lower cost of living. The only real adult community in Scottsdale is Villa Monterey.

For retirement communities in the west valley Sun City/Sun City West will be the most affordable and offer lots of 55+ options. From original Sun City (very low cost) to higher end Corte Bella and Sun City Grand you have lots of housing choices.

Also in the northwest valley are Trilogy at Vistancia and the often overlooked Westbrook Village.

In the southeast valley Sun Lakes is a great option that is not too far from the 101 so an easy drive to Scottsdale. People often forget that Ahwatukee also has 55+ housing. There are at least a dozen other options in Mesa and Chandler depending on price and amenities. It is hard to list them all here.

But there may be other non 55+ options. Fountain Hills is very popular with retirees and a great option if a planned community is not necessary. If cost is not a factor several planned communities in far north Scottsdale like Bellasera, Terravita and Legend Trail all have a much older demographic in a non age restricted setting.

[observer53]

Terravita is not technically 55 plus, but it might as well be. May not be in their price range.


Villa Monterey, especially the older parts with the grass and the big trees, is really a nice place. I lived there decades ago with my mom and brother. I was actually too young, but no one cared, and I was so tall I looked older. '

[Jkgourmet]

There is a member who posted extensively about his search in the Phoenix area. Search for posts in this forum be General. Great information!

[Dewey59]

I believe this is the thread Jkgourmet was referring to (should be "by GeneR" not "be General"):

https://www.city-data.com/forum/phoen...nix-phase.html

[lylelovett]

Thanks everyone for the excellent info - gives me a bunch to look into!
J

[Jkgourmet]

Originally Posted by Dewey59

I believe this is the thread Jkgourmet was referring to (should be "by GeneR" not "be General"):

https://www.city-data.com/forum/phoen...nix-phase.html

Auto correct is a dangerous thing. Thanks for the correction!

[auto camper]

Check out Golden Keys. On the PHX/Scotts border, this nearly 200 townhouse unit was built in the mid '60s.
HOA fee is $725. annual w/ only amenity being a decent swimming pool. Annual property tax hovers around a grand. 80% of the places have been upgraded. Location is off Thomas at the traffic light/Fry's.
Prices are 200-300K. Seems about 20-25 homes come to market annually.
Good luck.

[patrick85395]

Victory @ Verrado is exceptional. Same developer, DMB, as Scottsdale's DC Ranch. Similar feel..perhaps less upscale, but extremely nice.