City: Tucson, AZ

Category: Retirement

Telephone: (520) 818-6000

Address: 63395 E. Robson Circle

Description: With more than 5,000 residents and still growing, Saddlebrooke is one of the largest retirement communities in the Tucson area. Unlike most of the other retirement properties in this chapter, this is a sprawling master-planned development, and the housing is for sale rather than rent. Although only 14 miles north of Tucson, it’s actually situated in Pinal County, not Pima County, and abuts the northeast end of the Santa Catalina Mountains.Buying a home here means you’re likely to have great mountain views from nearly any spot plus an elevation of 3,300 feet, where temperatures are somewhat cooler than the city to the south. Although the setting is spectacular, the location is somewhat remote, but growing rapidly. Except for the few services available in Saddlebrooke, you’ll be driving about 16 miles to the nearest hospital and at least half that far for groceries, restaurants, and other services. Saddlebrooke does have a fire station with paramedics, however.Robson Communities, the developer, labels it a resort paradise, and that it certainly is. It’s been listed as one of the top 100 places to retire by Where to Retire magazine. A multimillion-dollar rec center offers billiards, dining, a library, indoor/outdoor lap pool, weight room, tennis courts, spa, a 478-seat theater, and even massage and facial pampering. An 18-hole championship golf course with pro shop is strictly for Saddlebrooke residents and guests. Residents can hit the links every day of the year or can pay as they play.