Sun City West—A Hole-in-One for Retirees in Arizona

by James Burbank

Sun City West isn’t just a community—it’s a lifestyle.

Designed exclusively for active adults aged 55+, this vibrant Arizona enclave delivers resort-level living with dynamic amenities, social connection, and affordability.
 
Let’s explore why it stands out as a top choice for retirement.
 

Golf for Every Swing

  • Nine golf courses across the broader community—residents can enjoy a fresh layout nearly every day of the week. 

  • The Recreation Centers of Sun City West (RCSCW) maintain seven superbly maintained courses, including four regulation-length and three executive (Par-60) options. 

  • The Grandview course features a full-service restaurant (The Crooked Putter), a Golf Lab for club fitting and instruction, plus a well-stocked pro shop.

  • For a supportive start, newcomers can take advantage of a Golf Academy with coach-led instruction, club fitting, and an indoor practice center. A New Golfers Mentor Program is also available.

Why this matters for retirees: unmatched variety, engaging expertise, and social golf opportunities—framed by fantastic dining and support.

Recreation, Clubs, and Social Life

  • Sun City West features four resort-style recreation centers, open year-round and equipped for both leisure and fitness.

  • Amenities include: six swimming pools, 27 tennis courts, 27 pickleball courts, 14 bocce courts, a 30-lane bowling center, mini-golf, walking tracks indoors and out, 32 lawn bowling rinks, and a softball field. Dog lovers can also enjoy two dog parks.

  • Socially, residents can choose from over 200 clubs and groups, ranging from woodworking and jewelry making to square dancing, bridge, and even beer- and winemaking.

Why this matters: retirees enjoy opportunities to stay active, creative, and socially engaged every day.

Lifelong Learning, Library & Culture

  • The community offers a private library with more than 40,000 volumes, perfect for lifelong learners.

  • Cultural and performing arts programs provide entertainment and enrichment all year long.

Why this matters: mental growth and cultural enrichment add balance to physical recreation and social connection.

Affordability & Accessibility

  • Compared to many retirement destinations, Sun City West delivers tremendous value. Recreation fees are modest considering the scale of amenities, which are valued in the hundreds of millions.

  • Arizona also offers a favorable tax climate, with low property taxes and no tax on Social Security income.

  • The community includes about 17,000 homes and 30,000 residents, with upkeep managed by the non-profit RCSCW, ensuring consistent quality and reinvestment.

Why this matters: retirees enjoy top-tier amenities without the top-tier price tag.

Strong Community Spirit & Governance

  • Founded in 1978 by Del Webb, Sun City West continues to thrive thanks to resident-focused organizations like RCSCW and PORA.

  • A strong culture of volunteerism and neighborhood support enriches life here and fosters lasting friendships.

Why this matters: retirees benefit from a self-governed, caring community where neighbors look out for each other.

Wrap-Up: Why Retire to Sun City West?

  • Unparalleled Recreation: golf, courts, pools, clubs—you name it.

  • Vibrant Social Network: deep friendships and enriching activities at every turn.

  • Learning & Culture: libraries, workshops, and performing arts for lifelong engagement.

  • Smart Financials: accessible recreation fees and favorable Arizona tax benefits.

  • Empowering Governance: community-driven leadership ensures long-term vitality.

 

 

 

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