Retirement village in Arizona

[sdtech]

We are in the middle of visiting a relative in Arizona that spends a few months a year in an all exclusive retirement ‘resort’. People have their own lots with either RV’s or small modular homes around a small golf course and lots of common areas with pools and activities. What really stands out is when taking long walks everyone is so friendly and happy. Glad to see the optimism of retired people.

 

[Joseph]

We are planning to move back to AZ from CA in 5 yrs post work. Looking at Peoria, buckeye, Goodyear. All building out like crazy and 5 hrs to drive to CA beaches. I love that u can get lost in the desert by just driving a few miles wherever ( unless u live in phoenix). Cost is so much better than California.

 

[rk911]

We looked at one of these enclaves in AZ a few years ago and on the surface it was lovely. Happy, engaged residents in single-family homes. Then I asked to see the "rule book". Many, many pages of can't do this, can't do that. We live in a non-HOA neighborhood and when we planning to move that was priority #1. Maybe someday but not now.
For those looking at similiar housing suggest you take a look at their rule book before buying.

 

[Flyfish1]

It sounds very nice. I think the best part, for me at least, are the friendly neighbors.

 

[Gallaher]

I grew up in southern Arizona. Summers are really long and the desert can be brutal. It was lovely from October to March.
One man’s Paradise is another’s Hades.
I was so happy leaving when I was 17.

 

[Al18]

Sdtech,
Where in Arizona?

 

[JohnnyPHX]

I grew up in southern Arizona. Summers are really long and the desert can be brutal. It was lovely from October to March.
One man’s Paradise is another’s Hades.
I was so happy leaving when I was 17.

Been in Phoenix for about 18 years now. One of the best places to be in the winter although that sun is still pretty intense. Winters are just long enough that you forget how hellish the prior summer was. Summers are so freaking hot now. Visit in the summer to see how you like it when it's still over 100 at 3 AM.

 

[Koolau]

We looked at one of these enclaves in AZ a few years ago and on the surface it was lovely. Happy, engaged residents in single-family homes. Then I asked to see the "rule book". Many, many pages of can't do this, can't do that. We live in a non-HOA neighborhood and when we planning to move that was priority #1. Maybe someday but not now.
For those looking at similiar housing suggest you take a look at their rule book before buying.

Living in an HOA environment, myself, I would point out that the HOA rules can be reasonable and valuable to the residents. It's true that HOA rules can be excessive and they may be abused by an over zealous busy-body. We are about 95% satisfied with our HOA rules and enforcement. That's pretty good as these things go though YMMV.

 

[JohnnyPHX]

Here is an article that just came across my feeds regarding AZ best retirement areas. There is a nice retirement area just north of Tucson near Oro valley called Saddlebrooke that is higher elevation and runs about 10 degrees cooler that Phoenix and Tucson. Still plenty warm in the summer at about 90 to 100 degrees highs but apparently does cool down some overnight making for nicer mornings. We plan to check it out a little closer in the coming months.
Arizona's 8 Best Retirement Towns Ranked Arizona's 8 Best Retirement Towns Ranked
But don't forget the potential for scorpions here.....just found one of the little buggers in my bathroom....

 

[sdtech]

Sdtech,
Where in Arizona?

Casa Grande, Palm Creek... Seems to cater to people who want to spend most of their time inside the property and cheaper than the scenic locations farther north. I think it started in 1999 - lots of people have been coming for years and years. Definitely a snowbird location - most people come Dec - March and a lot from Canada.

 

[TripleLindy]

We had a 2nd home in a 55+ community - Sun City Texas - and we have a number of friends in Robson Ranch in the DFW area. Those places are a lot of fun. We sold when prices skyrocketed, but I kinda wish we still had that Sun City place.

 

[JohnnyPHX]

We had a 2nd home in a 55+ community - Sun City Texas - and we have a number of friends in Robson Ranch in the DFW area. Those places are a lot of fun. We sold when prices skyrocketed, but I kinda wish we still had that Sun City place.

Saddlebrooke is a Robson 55+ community too. Seems like they have lots of things to do there.

SaddleBrooke Ranch - Robson Resort Communities - Luxury 55+ Active Adult Communities

Discover Robson Communities 55+ Active Adult luxury master-planned communities in Arizona and Texas

robson.com

 

[Ian S]

Not to rain on the Arizona parade but next week, temperatures are forecast to exceed 100F in Phoenix. If it happens that will be the first 100F+ temperature to occur in Phoenix during the winter season!!

 

[CalBird]

I went to college in Tucson. The weather is good for old people, warm and dry. The cost is friendly. AZ becomes very popular retirement destination.

 

[erkevin]

The good news, in regards to the 100 F coming; this time of year, those high temps last about an hour in the afternoon before dropping right back down.

 

[Wishing]

What is the long term water situation??

 

[albireo13]

Eewww. No thanks!

 

[isisdave]

We are in the middle of visiting a relative in Arizona that spends a few months a year in an all exclusive retirement ‘resort’. People have their own lots with either RV’s or small modular homes around a small golf course and lots of common areas with pools and activities. What really stands out is when taking long walks everyone is so friendly and happy. Glad to see the optimism of retired people.

I'd like to know the name of this resort, and others like it. Also, do they leave RVs there all year, or just when they're there?

 

[erkevin]

What's the long term water situation?

In Tucson, pretty good as compared to other desert towns. Tucson was an early adopter of desert landscaping (no grass yards here). Because of all of the conservation efforts, Tucson has actually been banking 1/3 of their Colorado River allotment every year.

 

[sdtech]

It's Palm Creek in Casa Grande. I think it began in 1999? People both take and leave their RV's. A few people stay all year, but most are snowbirds that leave in April. Lots of different housing there. While I like visiting I believe there are many of these in Arizona so I don't want to keep people from finding a place that's right for them if they choose this lifestyle. I was very impressed with how happy people were....

 

[erkevin]

Eewww. No thanks!

102 F today. I know that sounds awful, but you have to consider where this is. With humidity so low, the temps never hold. I went hiking this morning and the temp was 59F when I began. It warmed up through out the morning (perfect for yard work). Hit 100F at 2 pm. It will be in the low 80s by 8pm

 

[albireo13]

I was in Sedona hiking all last week. Awesome time.

 

[Imackenzie]

Living in an HOA environment, myself, I would point out that the HOA rules can be reasonable and valuable to the residents. It's true that HOA rules can be excessive and they may be abused by an over zealous busy-body. We are about 95% satisfied with our HOA rules and enforcement. That's pretty good as these things go though YMMV.

HOAs once had real value but sadly, these days you are always at risk--only one nut job getting on the enforcement committee or ARC can create utter misery for all--and you can't do a thing about it when it happens. The HOA pays for their lawyers, you have to pay for yours. There are always infractions--sort of like law these days. If they choose to go after you, they can. Stay away if you don't like bullies or accept that you better get on the Board or the rules committee in self-defense.

 

[Chuckanut]

What's the long term water situation?

In Tucson, pretty good as compared to other desert towns. Tucson was an early adopter of desert landscaping (no grass yards here). Because of all of the conservation efforts, Tucson has actually been banking 1/3 of their Colorado River allotment every year.

Is there anything actually in a reservoir that can be pumped, or is it simply a promise to pay sometime in the future?

I've been in Tucson during the Monsoon Season. Those washes are often filled to overflow. I hope some of that water can be stored.

 

[mebden]

We looked at one of these enclaves in AZ a few years ago and on the surface it was lovely. Happy, engaged residents in single-family homes. Then I asked to see the "rule book". Many, many pages of can't do this, can't do that. We live in a non-HOA neighborhood and when we planning to move that was priority #1. Maybe someday but not now.
For those looking at similiar housing suggest you take a look at their rule book before buying.

I hate HOA's they should be criminal I dont spend lots of money on property for someone to tell me what color my house should be lol