Retirement in all-ages Scottsdale community versus Sun Cities (Phoenix, Peoria: to rent, condos)

[Perplexed gardener]

My retirement decision: Choosing a Scottsdale all-ages condo versus a small house in one of the Sun Cities near Phoenix.

I’m an introvert and don’t require a ton of clubs or activities, but wish to make new friends, develop group social connections and be physically active in my golden years.

Which living situation might bring more social opportunities in my golden years?

I’ve looked into the Scottsdale Newcomers Club and the attractive Scottsdale Senior Centers, which might be wonderful alternatives to the social opportunities of a 55+ community, but with age, might I regret not living in a large retirement community with the many ongoing social opportunities, activities and trips easily at hand?

For comparison here, please assume we’re comparing an all-ages Scottsdale condo community, (not necessarily McCormick Ranch or Scottsdale Ranch, which appear to have a number of clubs and activities for their residents).

I like many of the older small houses and condos in Scottsdale and need to access Mayo healthcare, and well, just like the beauty of many areas in Scottsdale. But, there is
attractive housing in SCW, SC, too.

I know I could move, rent and then decide, but am juggling several areas of my life with this relocation, and attempt to see if I can focus in one direction or the other beforehand.

I’m stuck, and welcome your opinions and wisdom.

[loriwass]

Look at Trilogy at Vistancia in Peoria. there's good health care in this area if you don't want to drive over to Mayo. I've heard that Mayo does not accept all new Medicare patients.

[Perplexed gardener]

Thank you Loriwass. Yes, I'm researching the availability of care at Mayo. Appreciate your response.

[Burkmere]

Originally Posted by Perplexed gardener

My retirement decision: Choosing a Scottsdale all-ages condo versus a small house in one of the Sun Cities near Phoenix.

I’m an introvert and don’t require a ton of clubs or activities, but wish to make new friends, develop group social connections and be physically active in my golden years.

Which living situation might bring more social opportunities in my golden years?

I’ve looked into the Scottsdale Newcomers Club and the attractive Scottsdale Senior Centers, which might be wonderful alternatives to the social opportunities of a 55+ community, but with age, might I regret not living in a large retirement community with the many ongoing social opportunities, activities and trips easily at hand?

For comparison here, please assume we’re comparing an all-ages Scottsdale condo community, (not necessarily McCormick Ranch or Scottsdale Ranch, which appear to have a number of clubs and activities for their residents).

I like many of the older small houses and condos in Scottsdale and need to access Mayo healthcare, and well, just like the beauty of many areas in Scottsdale. But, there is
attractive housing in SCW, SC, too.

I know I could move, rent and then decide, but am juggling several areas of my life with this relocation, and attempt to see if I can focus in one direction or the other beforehand.

I’m stuck, and welcome your opinions and wisdom.

I shared your exact concern. For me, it came down to being close to meetup events, restaurants, and feeling comfortable. I've visited both and come to the conclusion that the Sun Cities are just toooo far out there for me. I'm 64 and everyone says this, but I "am" young 64 so far. Although there are many social activities in the Sun Cities, during the day and at night I wanted to be closer to more amenities, social activities, restaurants, etc...thus chose to buy a condo in Central Scottsdale. There's literally hundreds of restaurants within a few miles of me and a LOT to do.. Maybe in 5-10 years Sun City area will be more for me or maybe I'll regret my decison to buy here in Scottsdale, but I don't feel my decision is irreversible.

I came down to visit friends in Sun City Grand in April of 2017 for a week and explored that area pretty thoroughly. I came down again for a week in August and did the same and decided to rent Jan through April of 2018 where I am now....in Central Scottsdale...liked it a lot and rented again Oct. through May of this year with my permanent move and the thought of buying a condo in this area. I did that a few weeks ago. We shall see. Just wanted to let you know my thought processs, OH, and I'm single. I think that perhaps if I was married, I might prefer the Sun Cities...not sure. Just doesn't seems like a great place for me now as a very active single guy....

[pbenjamin]

We retired in the middle of the city, adjacent to people of all ages, good health care, restaurants, entertainment, everything we wanted. Never considered for a minute an age restricted community and have no regrets.

[smoochaz]

Originally Posted by Burkmere

I shared your exact concern. For me, it came down to being close to meetup events, restaurants, and feeling comfortable. I've visited both and come to the conclusion that the Sun Cities are just toooo far out there for me. I'm 64 and everyone says this, but I "am" young 64 so far. Although there are many social activities in the Sun Cities, during the day and at night I wanted to be closer to more amenities, social activities, restaurants, etc...thus chose to buy a condo in Central Scottsdale. There's literally hundreds of restaurants within a few miles of me and a LOT to do.. Maybe in 5-10 years Sun City area will be more for me or maybe I'll regret my decison to buy here in Scottsdale, but I don't feel my decision is irreversible.

I came down to visit friends in Sun City Grand in April of 2017 for a week and explored that area pretty thoroughly. I came down again for a week in August and did the same and decided to rent Jan through April of 2018 where I am now....in Central Scottsdale...liked it a lot and rented again Oct. through May of this year with my permanent move and the thought of buying a condo in this area. I did that a few weeks ago. We shall see. Just wanted to let you know my thought processs, OH, and I'm single. I think that perhaps if I was married, I might prefer the Sun Cities...not sure. Just doesn't seems like a great place for me now as a very active single guy....

^^ Perfectly said ^^

[Perplexed gardener]

Oh thank you, Burkmere. I'm youngish also. And what you said resinates very well. Your comment may have saved us a lot of effort during our exploratory visit to Scottsdale, and I'm appreciative.

I see there are a few 55+ communities in Scottsdale, the nicest being Heritage Village IV in Scottsdale Ranch, and understand many units might need updating, which might be more effort and cost than we want to invest.

How was the heat of summer been for you?

Have you looked into the Scottsdale Newcomer's Club? Good website and photos of activities.

Thank you again for your time to post!

[Perplexed gardener]

Many thanks, pbenjamin and smoochaz. Confirmations are very helpful!