Prospective new resident

Discussion in 'Sun City New Members' started by Mullet, May 17, 2015.

  1. Mullet

    Mullet Member

    Hello. My wife and I are looking at active adult communities in the west valley with the idea of a future purchase. We have a visit scheduled for early in June. While we were initially focused on the newer communities (including SC Grand), the original Sun City and to some degree SC West have recently piqued or interest.

    We have lots of questions but will focus on two things. How do 50-somethings fit in? And, where can we learn more about the phases? Are there any online maps? What are the date ranges for each phase?

    The wide variety of clubs and activities sound inviting and first impressions, from afar, seem quite positive of the friendly nature of the residents.

    Thank you.

    Mick
     
  2. Mullet

    Mullet Member

    Emily - thank you for the reply. I have been looking through the sunaz site as well as this and other forums to try to get a feel for the community(ies) in preparation for our trip. I had seen mention of the SC phases numerous times and was just curious about their logistics and history. We're looking forward to our visit. Any helpful hints, etc are welcomed. Thanks again.
     
  3. aggie

    aggie Well-Known Member

    Welcome! What area will you be visiting from? Do you have friends/family already living in this area? The best way to get information and an overall view of Sun City is at the Visitor's Center at 99th & Bell Road. Contact them to sign up for a bus tour which really gives an "eyes on" view of what Sun City has to offer. The tour takes about 2 hours and you will visit 2 or 3 of the rec centers plus see just how much area Sun City covers.

    I was not quite 50 when we bought here but I had married a 55+ "qualifier". We felt very welcome and were a blessing to many of the 80-90 year old neighbors that needed help from time to time. We bought in the oldest phase because of the charm and individuality of the homes. We didn't want a condo style home, monthly HOA fees or close neighbors. Our home was built in 1964 and we've done several projects over the past 15 years in addition to normal upkeep.

    Take your time.
     
  4. J_and_V

    J_and_V Member

    Hey Mullet - We are in the house hunting phase of our retirement plan, I will be 52 and my better half 59 when we retire in less than a year. We aren't too concerned with fitting in, if worse comes to worse, we will just strong arm people into liking us :biggrin-new:....or have really cool parties with lots of good food.

    We have friends who live in Sun City, but visiting the "Visitor's Center" and taking the tour aggie mentioned above provided the most/best information concerning Sun City.

    Here is a pdf map of Sun City:

    http://suncitylivingaz.com/vc/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/suncitymap.pdf

    But they have nice fold up maps in the Visitor Center

    You may want to bookmark these sites:

    This forum (of course)

    News and updated information:
    http://www.yourwestvalley.com/your_town/sun_city/
    http://www.yourwestvalley.com/eedition/news/sun_views/page_bf029334-5730-5bbe-ba4a-509787834afa.html
    http://arizona.newszap.com/suncitiesindependent/

    Original floor plans:
    http://www.eta-az.info/sun city/index.html

    A LOT of homes have been remodeled, but the floor plans help. They appear with their "number identifier", not their common name. I found a site that uses common names, but it is a realtor. Just google "sun city az original floor plans" and you can find it.

    I have a dining room table full of information, if you are looking for something let me know and if I have it I will gladly share.
     
  5. Mullet

    Mullet Member

    We'll be visiting from Montana. I do have a cousin in Mesa but no one in the Sun City area. We've signed up for the bus tour - that should be informative. We do like 60s era homes but I'm not sure we are up for a renovation. We may have to look for one that's been done. Thanks for the advice.
     
  6. Mullet

    Mullet Member

    Great info J and V. I didn't see your post before my previous reply. Lots of stuff to look at. Thanks!
     
  7. pegmih

    pegmih Well-Known Member

    I volunteer at the SC Visitor Center.
    Yes, the bus tour is very interesting.
    It drives by ALL of the Rec Centers and stops to go into a couple of them.
    One being Sun Dial that has 2 indoor pools. I go there 3x a week.
    The tour also goes by the SC shopping centers and the SC Sheriff Posse.
    I also volunteer there.

    Several large shopping centers are nearby including Walmarts (note the plural for them).

    This is a very happy and friendly place.
    Waking up to sunshine most days of the year is probably the reason:)

    There is probably a club for EVERY interest.
    Most recently a Tai Chi club was formed. I joined.

    There is also probably a denomination of every church.

    I doubt if there is anything that SC does not have.

    I would also like to add that the Sky Harbor airport is not too far away.
    Don't worry the airplanes don't fly over SC.
    However, you will see airplanes returning to Luke Air Force Base.
    Not a problem - The Sound of Freedom!

    I don't think you indicate when you are thinking of moving here.
    FYI. Some new homes (140) are going to be built starting this fall.
    They will be the first (and last) new homes ever built and are supposed to be upscale.
     
    Last edited: May 18, 2015
  8. J_and_V

    J_and_V Member

    No problem Mullet, happy to share whatever I can.

    We keep trying to find a downside to us retiring to the Original Sun City. It's been a year of searching, and we can't come up with anything.
     
  9. BPearson

    BPearson Well-Known Member

    Hey Mullet, welcome. We moved here when we turned 55 (we bought when were 49 and rented it out). In the 12 years we have lived here, never once did being younger make a whit of difference. Now that I am a certified old fart, it still is of no matter. I know 80 year olds here who run circles around me...that is way cool. Getting old was one of those things that terrified me, now I have come to understand age is just a number.

    You mentioned knowing the history; which to me is critical to knowing Sun City. While the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum is closed during the summer, I have a key and would be more than willing to give you a private tour while you are here. Let me know.

    Again, welcome.
     
  10. Mullet

    Mullet Member

    Thank you, all for the replies. It just affirms my expectation regarding the nature of the fine residents of Sun City. Thank you for the kind offer, Bill. We're on a rather tight schedule but will try to make it work. By the way, we saw you on Sunday Morning. Good job. I just wish the segment would have been longer. It was fun to see it.
     
  11. BPearson

    BPearson Well-Known Member

    Funny thing about the segment. they shot probably 15 hours of footage. No worries on the visit, you'll have more than enough to do while checking out the communities. No matter where you settle, all of them are a wonderful way of life.
     
    Last edited: Jul 13, 2015

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