The Villages FL VS Sun Cities AZ

[Michael 61]

I did my homework (like daily) religiously for about five years on The Villages in Florida and Sun City and Sun City West in Arizona. Living in Colorado, and still in my early 50s, I was looking ahead to where I wanted to retire. Most people in Colorado seem to retire in Arizona vs Florida, due to proximity. I visited Del Web’s Sun City, Sun City West and Sun City Grand multiple times. I always visited in the middle of summer, to see if I could stand the heat. When my employer offered me early retirement (which I took) while still in my late 50s, I wasn’t prepared to move yet, so I stayed in Colorado for a year to figure things out. There were things I liked about Sun City, but also things I didn’t. I was ready to take the plunge and move to Sun City West when I decided for the heck of it to take a lifestyle visit to The Villages, since I had already done so much research on it, I wanted to see it in person (but had not intention of moving here). Came here last summer and The Villages blew me away and I immediately decided to move here. Here are my personal reasons I picked The Villages over Sun City West: 1) More younger retirees- Sun City West feels like an old folks home, and not as active 2) Dedicated golf cart paths (Sun City West has none) 3) Town Squares with nightly entertainment 4) A self-contained community(the Bubble) - Sun City West feels like a suburb of sprawling Phoenix 5) Beauty and colorful - Sun City West is boring beige and very little natural, living landscaping 6) Way more activities /clubs/ golf 7) Purchased new home here for what I would have paid for a 1980s duplex-style condo in Sun City West 8) No state income tax here 9) People seem way friendlier and happier here (shattered the stereotype of East Coasters being more aloof and distant than West Coasters) 9) Winters not as cold as they can be in Arizona 10) proximity to the beach and I can drive to Lauderdale/Miami to catch a cruise.

Wondering if anyone else compared these two 55+ communities before deciding on The Villages.

[I'm Popeye!]

Living in Colorado, and still in my early 50s, I was looking ahead to where I wanted to retire.

My neighbor wants to know.
They are wondering, does the wife have pink or purple hair? :faint:

[tophcfa]

We choose the Villages for all the reasons you described and more, we would be bored in Arizona. Good friends bought in Tucson, Arizona because they love hiking and skiing in the mountains, aren’t big golfers, and don’t like “flatlander” living. They are now regretting their decision as they age and their knees no longer allow them to enjoy the mountains often, it’s often much colder during the winter, and from Massachusetts it’s a long trip back and forth. To each his or her own, but we prefer the Villages.

[chrisinva]

thanks for your research! I've wondered, sometimes, about our decision to retire here & not AZ but we apparently made the right decision. There's almost too much to do here. But it's fun fun fun.

[Battlebasset]

Visited AZ a few times but never considered it for retirement, as life moved me to the east coast, and that is now where the kids live.

Agree with all of the reason of the OP, otherwise. Also, I am happier with the way Florida seems to be going in their governance. I think it bodes well for better things happening here vs AZ.

[rustyp]

Ever wonder what the retirees in AZ are writing on their blog ?

[JP]

I looked all over the country including Sun City, Del Webb at Hilton head, Del Webb Ocala etc. and decided here because of the golf cart and course infrastructure and the Florida weather and humidity. Arizona is really beautiful but so hot and dry and everyone that lives there looks desiccated.

[GpaVader]

We did a similar thing but also included Las Vegas or parts of Nevada. In addition to the points, you made our biggest thing is that we like tropical vs desert. We love green. Like you did all of our visits here and at those locations figuring that would be the worst of it weather wise, plus we wanted to see how vibrant the areas were when the snowbirds were not there. Most were ghost towns. Probably the biggest thing in favor of those two areas was that they major metropolitan areas. Nice having things open and lots of choices.

[Bilyclub]

Know a lot of people in Del Web Huntley who pay a lot more than it cost here. Higher home prices and taxes for less amenties and crappy weather.

[kkingston57]

Only + between TV and Sun City is that Sun City closer to Western US National Parks, including the Grand Canyon and golf courses are much higher caliber in Arizona as opposed to Florida. If you can handle the heat top notch courses can be played in Arizona for less than what we pay in TV.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

We choose the Villages for all the reasons you described and more, we would be bored in Arizona. Good friends bought in Tucson, Arizona because they love hiking and skiing in the mountains, aren’t big golfers, and don’t like “flatlander” living. They are now regretting their decision as they age and their knees no longer allow them to enjoy the mountains often, it’s often much colder during the winter, and from Massachusetts it’s a long trip back and forth. To each his or her own, but we prefer the Villages.

just about the same for us. I love visiting the west in summer, the mountains and the national parks, though late spring for Arizona and New Mexico. But love FL for the extra mild winters. . and the nearby ocean / gulf

[Nucky]

Can you sit in a car in a disabled spot and catch your breath before your go into a store in Arizona? That would be one of the two determining factors for me.

Living close to Sin City is not a plus at all.

I vote for here because here has become the best home I've ever had. I love The Villages even with some of its warts.

[Sandy and Ed]

Diamond Carts Mobile Detailing/ Specialize in golf cart detailing for interior, exterior and wax/ We come to you/ feel free to call or text 352.617.9658.
Real classy, real classy.

[La lamy]

Congrats on an early retirement, I'm sure glad I was able to make that happen too. I also was thinking AZ was an option, but glad I chose TV. Retirement heaven. Welcome and enjoy!

[Rwirish]

One thing about Arizona is that it can be hot and dry depending on your location. I find it way too cold a portion of the year in TV and would prefer the hotter Arizona temperatures.

[huge-pigeons]

We did the same comparisons since we lived on the west coast, but our search expanded up to Utah and Nevada too. Lived in a del Webb community already and never again. Have you seen what’s happening to all the bigger cities in the west? Have you looked into how much you would pay in taxes, property/income? Look into water availability in the future and current. Most of the west has had water restrictions for many years, can’t water lawns, wash cars, paint dead lawns green, or just use dirt and rock for landscaping. Sure there are national parks in the west, how many times times do you want to visit Grand Canyon/Bryce Canyon? If you want to visit some of these parks, take a break from our summers here and go visit some of them.
As for amenities, there isn’t anything in the states and maybe the world that can compete with what we have. The only things that other retirement communities can offer that might be better for someone and they are: would be a much smaller community if you think TV is too big; can’t stand the humidity here.

[Southwest737]

For all those reasons and it is too dry out west. The moist air here keeps our skin more hydrated and youthful looking. Lol

[Mrmean58]

I did my homework (like daily) religiously for about five years on The Villages in Florida and Sun City and Sun City West in Arizona. Living in Colorado, and still in my early 50s, I was looking ahead to where I wanted to retire. Most people in Colorado seem to retire in Arizona vs Florida, due to proximity. I visited Del Web’s Sun City, Sun City West and Sun City Grand multiple times. I always visited in the middle of summer, to see if I could stand the heat. When my employer offered me early retirement (which I took) while still in my late 50s, I wasn’t prepared to move yet, so I stayed in Colorado for a year to figure things out. There were things I liked about Sun City, but also things I didn’t. I was ready to take the plunge and move to Sun City West when I decided for the heck of it to take a lifestyle visit to The Villages, since I had already done so much research on it, I wanted to see it in person (but had not intention of moving here). Came here last summer and The Villages blew me away and I immediately decided to move here. Here are my personal reasons I picked The Villages over Sun City West: 1) More younger retirees- Sun City West feels like an old folks home, and not as active 2) Dedicated golf cart paths (Sun City West has none) 3) Town Squares with nightly entertainment 4) A self-contained community(the Bubble) - Sun City West feels like a suburb of sprawling Phoenix 5) Beauty and colorful - Sun City West is boring beige and very little natural, living landscaping 6) Way more activities /clubs/ golf 7) Purchased new home here for what I would have paid for a 1980s duplex-style condo in Sun City West 8) No state income tax here 9) People seem way friendlier and happier here (shattered the stereotype of East Coasters being more aloof and distant than West Coasters) 9) Winters not as cold as they can be in Arizona 10) proximity to the beach and I can drive to Lauderdale/Miami to catch a cruise.

Wondering if anyone else compared these two 55+ communities before deciding on The Villages.

My wife and I strongly considered AZ but not in a Sun City community. We looked in Goodyear AZ in one of the Robson Homes communities (also located in Texas). Many of the same amenities as the Villages in their community including multiple golf courses, pickleball, clubs etc. But no commercial property so you have to get in your car for shopping, Dr appts etc. One major plus was the quality of the homes was far superior to those built here and much more energy efficient. Now that research was done 5 yrs ago so don't know if that's changed. I also liked being closer to a major metro area and spring training.
Always keeping it as an option if we decide to relocate again.

[jhambley]

We decided against Sun City because of many of the same reasons you did. We were considering the Sun City locations in the Carolinas but after a Life Style visit to the Villages, we never even visited Sun City Hilton Head. We did do online research of other 55+ communities in Florida but none compared to TV. We had friends who purchased in a small 55+ community outside Orlando (more a neighborhood really at only 500 homes) but the development was too small to offer much in the way of amenities. I have to mention the fantastic wood working shop, the beautiful landscaping, and golf cart lifestyle here in TV were major selling points for me. I don’t golf, and only a few Sun City locations had wood shops but nothing compares to the new Brownwood facility in TV. The only boxes TV didn’t check for us were, true gated community, larger lot sizes, lack of custom home features, and an indoor Olympic size pool.

[dewilson58]

Wondering if anyone else compared these two 55+ communities before deciding on The Villages.

Yes.

:shrug:

[westernrider75]

I did my homework (like daily) religiously for about five years on The Villages in Florida and Sun City and Sun City West in Arizona. Living in Colorado, and still in my early 50s, I was looking ahead to where I wanted to retire. Most people in Colorado seem to retire in Arizona vs Florida, due to proximity. I visited Del Web’s Sun City, Sun City West and Sun City Grand multiple times. I always visited in the middle of summer, to see if I could stand the heat. When my employer offered me early retirement (which I took) while still in my late 50s, I wasn’t prepared to move yet, so I stayed in Colorado for a year to figure things out. There were things I liked about Sun City, but also things I didn’t. I was ready to take the plunge and move to Sun City West when I decided for the heck of it to take a lifestyle visit to The Villages, since I had already done so much research on it, I wanted to see it in person (but had not intention of moving here). Came here last summer and The Villages blew me away and I immediately decided to move here. Here are my personal reasons I picked The Villages over Sun City West: 1) More younger retirees- Sun City West feels like an old folks home, and not as active 2) Dedicated golf cart paths (Sun City West has none) 3) Town Squares with nightly entertainment 4) A self-contained community(the Bubble) - Sun City West feels like a suburb of sprawling Phoenix 5) Beauty and colorful - Sun City West is boring beige and very little natural, living landscaping 6) Way more activities /clubs/ golf 7) Purchased new home here for what I would have paid for a 1980s duplex-style condo in Sun City West 8) No state income tax here 9) People seem way friendlier and happier here (shattered the stereotype of East Coasters being more aloof and distant than West Coasters) 9) Winters not as cold as they can be in Arizona 10) proximity to the beach and I can drive to Lauderdale/Miami to catch a cruise.

Wondering if anyone else compared these two 55+ communities before deciding on The Villages.

We did not consider Arizona as we do not like the dessert landscape but did research other east coast and Florida communities, you are correct, once we came and stayed here twice, this is where we wanted to be. I’ve read so many of your posts starting with your attempts to buy in Richmond and your excitement at “winning” a home there, I’m glad you are happy with your decision.

[Berwin]

My in-laws retired in Sun City. All the yards were gravel. On morning while visiting, I went for an early morning run and spotted a green yard ahead. At last, I thought, some grass! Nope, they had painted the gravel green. Oh, and I looked out in the back yard one day and there was a big coyote passing through. All the garbage cans were buried in the ground so the coyotes (and pigs) couldn't knock them over and spread the trash around.

[MidWestIA]

I love north Dallas BUT what would I do all day - gold, pickleball, clubs here just can't be beat.

[fritzgb1]

I lived my life in Buffalo NY and retired early at 56 and moved to Sun Lakes Arizona. It's like Sun City but smaller and in the southern part of Phoenix. We lived there for about 13 years and liked it until we made a trip to Florida to visit my wife's sister in Deltona while we were visiting we took a trip to the Villages and just fell in love bought a house on that trip and sold our place in AZ. 6 weeks later we were here. That was 2 years ago and don't regret it we just love it here. Arizona was nice no humidity plenty of sunshine. But no grass no real lakes, trees, and everything was brown.

[NotGolfer]

We visited friends in Southern AZ in the early 2000's. They showed us all around, even checked out houses. BUT we decided there and then AZ wouldn't be for us. The landscape was too brown and boring....then the dry air too. It might be for some folks but not for us! There are pluses and minuses for all locations. I used to think Hawaii would be perfect---but the distance from "home" was too vast, then the cost of living there. "Paradise" is where you make it.

[Lazydaze]

Your experience and mine are almost identical.. did the same comparison with the same results! Been here almost 13 years and never regretted my decision once!!


QUOTE=Michael 61;2198690]I did my homework (like daily) religiously for about five years on The Villages in Florida and Sun City and Sun City West in Arizona. Living in Colorado, and still in my early 50s, I was looking ahead to where I wanted to retire. Most people in Colorado seem to retire in Arizona vs Florida, due to proximity. I visited Del Web’s Sun City, Sun City West and Sun City Grand multiple times. I always visited in the middle of summer, to see if I could stand the heat. When my employer offered me early retirement (which I took) while still in my late 50s, I wasn’t prepared to move yet, so I stayed in Colorado for a year to figure things out. There were things I liked about Sun City, but also things I didn’t. I was ready to take the plunge and move to Sun City West when I decided for the heck of it to take a lifestyle visit to The Villages, since I had already done so much research on it, I wanted to see it in person (but had not intention of moving here). Came here last summer and The Villages blew me away and I immediately decided to move here. Here are my personal reasons I picked The Villages over Sun City West: 1) More younger retirees- Sun City West feels like an old folks home, and not as active 2) Dedicated golf cart paths (Sun City West has none) 3) Town Squares with nightly entertainment 4) A self-contained community(the Bubble) - Sun City West feels like a suburb of sprawling Phoenix 5) Beauty and colorful - Sun City West is boring beige and very little natural, living landscaping 6) Way more activities /clubs/ golf 7) Purchased new home here for what I would have paid for a 1980s duplex-style condo in Sun City West 8) No state income tax here 9) People seem way friendlier and happier here (shattered the stereotype of East Coasters being more aloof and distant than West Coasters) 9) Winters not as cold as they can be in Arizona 10) proximity to the beach and I can drive to Lauderdale/Miami to catch a cruise.

Wondering if anyone else compared these two 55+ communities before deciding on The Villages.[/QUOTE]

[mkjelenbaas]

I did my homework (like daily) religiously for about five years on The Villages in Florida and Sun City and Sun City West in Arizona. Living in Colorado, and still in my early 50s, I was looking ahead to where I wanted to retire. Most people in Colorado seem to retire in Arizona vs Florida, due to proximity. I visited Del Web’s Sun City, Sun City West and Sun City Grand multiple times. I always visited in the middle of summer, to see if I could stand the heat. When my employer offered me early retirement (which I took) while still in my late 50s, I wasn’t prepared to move yet, so I stayed in Colorado for a year to figure things out. There were things I liked about Sun City, but also things I didn’t. I was ready to take the plunge and move to Sun City West when I decided for the heck of it to take a lifestyle visit to The Villages, since I had already done so much research on it, I wanted to see it in person (but had not intention of moving here). Came here last summer and The Villages blew me away and I immediately decided to move here. Here are my personal reasons I picked The Villages over Sun City West: 1) More younger retirees- Sun City West feels like an old folks home, and not as active 2) Dedicated golf cart paths (Sun City West has none) 3) Town Squares with nightly entertainment 4) A self-contained community(the Bubble) - Sun City West feels like a suburb of sprawling Phoenix 5) Beauty and colorful - Sun City West is boring beige and very little natural, living landscaping 6) Way more activities /clubs/ golf 7) Purchased new home here for what I would have paid for a 1980s duplex-style condo in Sun City West 8) No state income tax here 9) People seem way friendlier and happier here (shattered the stereotype of East Coasters being more aloof and distant than West Coasters) 9) Winters not as cold as they can be in Arizona 10) proximity to the beach and I can drive to Lauderdale/Miami to catch a cruise.

Wondering if anyone else compared these two 55+ communities before deciding on The Villages.
No we did not - but thanks for asking.

[HospitalCoder]

I did my homework (like daily) religiously for about five years on The Villages in Florida and Sun City and Sun City West in Arizona. Living in Colorado, and still in my early 50s, I was looking ahead to where I wanted to retire. Most people in Colorado seem to retire in Arizona vs Florida, due to proximity. I visited Del Web’s Sun City, Sun City West and Sun City Grand multiple times. I always visited in the middle of summer, to see if I could stand the heat. When my employer offered me early retirement (which I took) while still in my late 50s, I wasn’t prepared to move yet, so I stayed in Colorado for a year to figure things out. There were things I liked about Sun City, but also things I didn’t. I was ready to take the plunge and move to Sun City West when I decided for the heck of it to take a lifestyle visit to The Villages, since I had already done so much research on it, I wanted to see it in person (but had not intention of moving here). Came here last summer and The Villages blew me away and I immediately decided to move here. Here are my personal reasons I picked The Villages over Sun City West: 1) More younger retirees- Sun City West feels like an old folks home, and not as active 2) Dedicated golf cart paths (Sun City West has none) 3) Town Squares with nightly entertainment 4) A self-contained community(the Bubble) - Sun City West feels like a suburb of sprawling Phoenix 5) Beauty and colorful - Sun City West is boring beige and very little natural, living landscaping 6) Way more activities /clubs/ golf 7) Purchased new home here for what I would have paid for a 1980s duplex-style condo in Sun City West 8) No state income tax here 9) People seem way friendlier and happier here (shattered the stereotype of East Coasters being more aloof and distant than West Coasters) 9) Winters not as cold as they can be in Arizona 10) proximity to the beach and I can drive to Lauderdale/Miami to catch a cruise.

Wondering if anyone else compared these two 55+ communities before deciding on The Villages.

Yes, we did. We stayed in Sun City West for a week and we visited a couple of other communities. We had already been to The Villages and really wanted to move here but the prices had gone up too much. We were not at all impressed with Sun City. You described the situation perfectly except I did find the residents to be active. Older age doesn’t bother us as we actually get along better with people older than us. I do love AZ and sometimes wish I was there partly because I have family there and nearby in CO. I love TV but dislike FL immensely so pretty much stay in the bubble.

[airstreamingypsy]

Arizona would be #49 in choosing a place to live, South Dakota has the top spot. No actually..... I would live in North Dakota before Arizona. It's the ugliest place ever, it's like driving on the moon. No grass, no trees. Rattlesnakes, scorpions and tarantulas. Plants that bite. I wouldn't risk my dogs getting Valley fever.... You couldn't pay me to live in that gawdawful place.

[MandoMan]

I did my homework (like daily) religiously for about five years on The Villages in Florida and Sun City and Sun City West in Arizona. Living in Colorado, and still in my early 50s, I was looking ahead to where I wanted to retire. Most people in Colorado seem to retire in Arizona vs Florida, due to proximity. I visited Del Web’s Sun City, Sun City West and Sun City Grand multiple times. I always visited in the middle of summer, to see if I could stand the heat. When my employer offered me early retirement (which I took) while still in my late 50s, I wasn’t prepared to move yet, so I stayed in Colorado for a year to figure things out. There were things I liked about Sun City, but also things I didn’t. I was ready to take the plunge and move to Sun City West when I decided for the heck of it to take a lifestyle visit to The Villages, since I had already done so much research on it, I wanted to see it in person (but had not intention of moving here). Came here last summer and The Villages blew me away and I immediately decided to move here. Here are my personal reasons I picked The Villages over Sun City West: 1) More younger retirees- Sun City West feels like an old folks home, and not as active 2) Dedicated golf cart paths (Sun City West has none) 3) Town Squares with nightly entertainment 4) A self-contained community(the Bubble) - Sun City West feels like a suburb of sprawling Phoenix 5) Beauty and colorful - Sun City West is boring beige and very little natural, living landscaping 6) Way more activities /clubs/ golf 7) Purchased new home here for what I would have paid for a 1980s duplex-style condo in Sun City West 8) No state income tax here 9) People seem way friendlier and happier here (shattered the stereotype of East Coasters being more aloof and distant than West Coasters) 9) Winters not as cold as they can be in Arizona 10) proximity to the beach and I can drive to Lauderdale/Miami to catch a cruise.

Wondering if anyone else compared these two 55+ communities before deciding on The Villages.

All good reasons! Plus, we have water, and Arizona will soon be having to ration water. Wait until swimming pools are banned there. Also, even in midsummer, even though it is much more humid here, it is much hotter there. 105° to 115° is not unusual.

[Accidental1]

I looked all over the country including Sun City, Del Webb at Hilton head, Del Webb Ocala etc. and decided here because of the golf cart and course infrastructure and the Florida weather and humidity. Arizona is really beautiful but so hot and dry and everyone that lives there looks desiccated.

"Desiccated", that's a brilliant observation, and probably true.

[Accidental1]

Only + between TV and Sun City is that Sun City closer to Western US National Parks, including the Grand Canyon and golf courses are much higher caliber in Arizona as opposed to Florida. If you can handle the heat top notch courses can be played in Arizona for less than what we pay in TV.

$60.00 top notch courses in Az in season? Please let us know where.

[maistocars]

Our feelings exactly. We never run out of things to do here and we would be bored in AZ, plus we love the weather!

[Michael 61]

We did the same comparisons since we lived on the west coast, but our search expanded up to Utah and Nevada too. Lived in a del Webb community already and never again. Have you seen what’s happening to all the bigger cities in the west? Have you looked into how much you would pay in taxes, property/income? Look into water availability in the future and current. Most of the west has had water restrictions for many years, can’t water lawns, wash cars, paint dead lawns green, or just use dirt and rock for landscaping. Sure there are national parks in the west, how many times times do you want to visit Grand Canyon/Bryce Canyon? If you want to visit some of these parks, take a break from our summers here and go visit some of them.
As for amenities, there isn’t anything in the states and maybe the world that can compete with what we have. The only things that other retirement communities can offer that might be better for someone and they are: would be a much smaller community if you think TV is too big; can’t stand the humidity here.

I agree - I lived in California for my first 35 years - then Lake Tahoe - then Las Vegas - then Colorado - the west coast is beautiful and I was fortunate to have visited almost every national park in the western states countless times - Florida and the East Coast is brand new territory for me, and I’m enjoying getting out and exploring and seeing new sites in retirement. Just visited St Augustine for first time, as well as the Sarasota/ Tampa/Tarpon Springs area. Have planned road trips up to Savannah and Charleston this summer - and will take advantage of being closer by air to Washington/NewYork/Boston. As I said, I lived in Vegas (for 5 years), and the desert is interesting landscape for sure, but not something I “love”. So much more beautiful here. I thought as a Westerner, I’d be a “fish out of water” with all the Atlantic coast and Mid-westerners here, but that is not the case - I love my new neighbors and I love The Villages - has exceeded my already high expectations.

[toeser]

We bought land in AZ many, many years ahead of retirement to lock in our location for retirement. We had an 8-acre lot and a 1-acre lot near Prescott. The 1-acre lot had absolutely stunning views, and the 8 acres was pretty darn nice too. We absolutely love the Prescott area. Then a funny thing happened. We got into bicycling. We realized that in our retirement years, biking with steep roads at 5,500-6,000 feet probably wasn't going to happen.

We started looking in Alabama and Florida, with most spots being in central Florida. Multiple places were less crowded than and quieter than The Villages, but knowing that we would reach ultimate quiet someday, we chose the more active life of The Villages and have never looked back. It was absolutely the right decision for us.

[Ptmckiou]

Ours was a simple decision between the desert or the tropics….”Do you like a fried egg, or a poached egg?”

[jmpate]

Enjoyed the comparisons b/w AZ and The Villages and couldn't agree more. My husband and I lived in New Mexico (Albuquerque) for 19 years following military retirement. I laughing said when we moved to NM from San Diego, "my next move is in a pine box" so it was a HUGH step to move from NM. We loved everything about NM until about 2018 and decided the political climate was no longer tolerable and looked to other places to live. The East coast was preferable over AZ due to many of the reasons you cited PLUS the environment of the Villages, and happy people.
We sold our home in NM and were gone in <60 days once we made the decision to get the "hell out of Dodge," and haven't looked back. I too, appreciate the more conservative climate in Florida, value systems that reasonate with ours and the ease of living. Thanks for sharing your thoughts as many feel the same in this land of enchantment!

[Karmanng]

I live in AZ now and I did google Sun City online never visited that area at all and I have been here since 95.....kinda have to say I agree with you on all those counts. I visited last may bought a house in 3 days! AZ is changing rapidly and not for the good either...........the desert has been nice to me and the state BUT it is time for a change! good luck I cant wait to get out of dodge myself! AZ is kinda boring

[Karmanng]

NOT true about the coyotes they put those in the ground as a way to be more precise with consistancy...someone lied to you on that

[Karmanng]

We did a similar thing but also included Las Vegas or parts of Nevada. In addition to the points, you made our biggest thing is that we like tropical vs desert. We love green. Like you did all of our visits here and at those locations figuring that would be the worst of it weather wise, plus we wanted to see how vibrant the areas were when the snowbirds were not there. Most were ghost towns. Probably the biggest thing in favor of those two areas was that they major metropolitan areas. Nice having things open and lots of choices.

I dont care for the green and I have grass in Florida and will pull it out and use stones person across has them and the guy next door has it in his walled backyard....I took it out here in AZ best thing ever did! less water usage less bill no bugs no upkeep

[msilagy]

I challenge paying more for a home in Del Webb Huntley as I live there 6 months in the warmer months and the other 6 months in the Villages. Different places for sure. My home there with the same sq footage costs equal to what I have here. I'm speaking in the last 4 years. Here, as well as there, prices have gone up up. This is not where it is better to live but about home prices.

[airdote22]

Water will not always be cheap here as towns are drilling their wells deeper, over 200 feet to get the needed supply. Desalination plants
water cost over four times what we currently pay for water.

[HoosierPa]

I did my homework (like daily) religiously for about five years on The Villages in Florida and Sun City and Sun City West in Arizona. Living in Colorado, and still in my early 50s, I was looking ahead to where I wanted to retire. Most people in Colorado seem to retire in Arizona vs Florida, due to proximity. I visited Del Web’s Sun City, Sun City West and Sun City Grand multiple times. I always visited in the middle of summer, to see if I could stand the heat. When my employer offered me early retirement (which I took) while still in my late 50s, I wasn’t prepared to move yet, so I stayed in Colorado for a year to figure things out. There were things I liked about Sun City, but also things I didn’t. I was ready to take the plunge and move to Sun City West when I decided for the heck of it to take a lifestyle visit to The Villages, since I had already done so much research on it, I wanted to see it in person (but had not intention of moving here). Came here last summer and The Villages blew me away and I immediately decided to move here. Here are my personal reasons I picked The Villages over Sun City West: 1) More younger retirees- Sun City West feels like an old folks home, and not as active 2) Dedicated golf cart paths (Sun City West has none) 3) Town Squares with nightly entertainment 4) A self-contained community(the Bubble) - Sun City West feels like a suburb of sprawling Phoenix 5) Beauty and colorful - Sun City West is boring beige and very little natural, living landscaping 6) Way more activities /clubs/ golf 7) Purchased new home here for what I would have paid for a 1980s duplex-style condo in Sun City West 8) No state income tax here 9) People seem way friendlier and happier here (shattered the stereotype of East Coasters being more aloof and distant than West Coasters) 9) Winters not as cold as they can be in Arizona 10) proximity to the beach and I can drive to Lauderdale/Miami to catch a cruise.

Wondering if anyone else compared these two 55+ communities before deciding on The Villages.

Very interesting. We love TV. Never understood the people who live here and complain how bad it is. Says something about them? Maybe they would like Sun City better.

[DrHitch]

Good "research", but for an in depth history of the growth of over-55 planned communities starting with Sun City, Dell Webb, and Mr. Midnight in The Villages, you MUST read

Leisureville, the book

[DrHitch]

Here's a link to Leisureville book

Goodreads Leisureville... (https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/2402937)

[Ski Bum]

Right behind you! For the same reasons. Scottsdale is nice, but too hot, too cold, and too expensive.

[Just jimmy]

One thing about Arizona is that it can be hot and dry depending on your location. I find it way too cold a portion of the year in TV and would prefer the hotter Arizona temperatures..
Our son lives in Tucson. He had snow in his yard last week. I’m not so sure that it’s colder here.

[Escape Artist]

My wife and I strongly considered AZ but not in a Sun City community. We looked in Goodyear AZ in one of the Robson Homes communities (also located in Texas). Many of the same amenities as the Villages in their community including multiple golf courses, pickleball, clubs etc. But no commercial property so you have to get in your car for shopping, Dr appts etc. One major plus was the quality of the homes was far superior to those built here and much more energy efficient. Now that research was done 5 yrs ago so don't know if that's changed. I also liked being closer to a major metro area and spring training.
Always keeping it as an option if we decide to relocate again.

Do you mean Saddlebrooke Ranch? The homes are much nicer than anything you can get in TV but some of the Robson communities are in the middle of nowhere far from amenities like shopping or medical care. I personally love the desert lifestyle and topography and the dry heat. But it was more expensive than TV in their HOAs and there also a one-time buy-in fee, which might be similar to the bonds here. Fortunately, I bought a home without a bond in TV. But I do find some aspects of Florida living to be as expensive or more so than AZ, or even CA, where I had left.

[Escape Artist]

We choose the Villages for all the reasons you described and more, we would be bored in Arizona. Good friends bought in Tucson, Arizona because they love hiking and skiing in the mountains, aren’t big golfers, and don’t like “flatlander” living. They are now regretting their decision as they age and their knees no longer allow them to enjoy the mountains often, it’s often much colder during the winter, and from Massachusetts it’s a long trip back and forth. To each his or her own, but we prefer the Villages.

Several posts say AZ is much colder in the winter and I’m puzzled by that. Sure, at the higher elevations or towns like Flagstaff or Sedona, you will get snow in the winter, etc. But Phoenix is temperate in the winter, much like Florida. Tucson is always a bit cooler year-round than Phoenix, which many prefer.

This year AZ is having an unusually cold, wet winter, as is CA and most of the west. Florida had a very warm, dry winter this year but last winter, my first in TV, was one of the coldest winters in a long time. I remember thinking what the heck I had gotten myself into! Typically, March in the Phoenix area ranges from 70’s-90’s but not this year, much to the dismay of many midwesterners there for spring training.

[nancyre]

Looked at a DelWebb, absolutely no personalization of the home in NC. Wanted it more age in place - switch to a shower, flip the way a door opened - NOPE and the price was higher and it had less to offer.

[Mlundberg]

I like the golf car life style, many golf courses and numerous activities. In the end, the tax friendly environment was a big factor for me.

[Bogie Shooter]

I dont care for the green and I have grass in Florida and will pull it out and use stones person across has them and the guy next door has it in his walled backyard....I took it out here in AZ best thing ever did! less water usage less bill no bugs no upkeep

Don’t forget to check with ARC.

[Bogie Shooter]

Good "research", but for an in depth history of the growth of over-55 planned communities starting with Sun City, Dell Webb, and Mr. Midnight in The Villages, you MUST read

Leisureville, the book

Dumb book…….proven on here many times over.

[Wolverine from Ohio]

I also explored the possibility of moving to a Sun City in AZ. We were living in MI at the time and thought about retiring in AZ because my sister already lived there. But...I know it was not the move for us pretty quickly. When one of the associates met me, he thought I was looking for a place for my parents...lol!

[Michael 61]

Good "research", but for an in depth history of the growth of over-55 planned communities starting with Sun City, Dell Webb, and Mr. Midnight in The Villages, you MUST read

Leisureville, the book

Of course I read that book - all part of my research - my takeaway, the author was angry that his aging neighbor moved away from his city, rather stay and contribute to his community - author had agenda to seek out the most sensational, crazy people to support his theory. Author predicted the model would collapse - well, wasn’t that book written like 15 years ago? Would like to see what the author has to say about the success of The Villages since he wrote the book - and I guess he is probably my age and in the 55+ camp himself now.

[jimjamuser]

Ever wonder what the retirees in AZ are writing on their blog ?
How they are GLAD that they did NOT pick the heat, humidity, and hurricanes of Florida! The INFAMOUS 3 Hs of Fl.

[jimjamuser]

My in-laws retired in Sun City. All the yards were gravel. On morning while visiting, I went for an early morning run and spotted a green yard ahead. At last, I thought, some grass! Nope, they had painted the gravel green. Oh, and I looked out in the back yard one day and there was a big coyote passing through. All the garbage cans were buried in the ground so the coyotes (and pigs) couldn't knock them over and spread the trash around.
There are coyotes here, more snakes, more insects, and more humidity than Az. Plus rocks don't grow and need to be cut every 4 days in the summer heat and humidity.

[jimjamuser]

We visited friends in Southern AZ in the early 2000's. They showed us all around, even checked out houses. BUT we decided there and then AZ wouldn't be for us. The landscape was too brown and boring....then the dry air too. It might be for some folks but not for us! There are pluses and minuses for all locations. I used to think Hawaii would be perfect---but the distance from "home" was too vast, then the cost of living there. "Paradise" is where you make it.
I find deserts to be the opposite of "BORING". I find flat Fl. to be boring and the lawnmowers EXTREMELY NOISY and the Golf Carts to be smelly with CO2 pollution!

[jimjamuser]

I find deserts to be the opposite of "BORING". I find flat Fl. to be boring and the lawnmowers EXTREMELY NOISY and the Golf Carts to be smelly with CO2 pollution!

[jimjamuser]

Arizona would be #49 in choosing a place to live, South Dakota has the top spot. No actually..... I would live in North Dakota before Arizona. It's the ugliest place ever, it's like driving on the moon. No grass, no trees. Rattlesnakes, scorpions and tarantulas. Plants that bite. I wouldn't risk my dogs getting Valley fever.... You couldn't pay me to live in that gawdawful place.
Valley Fever is a problem and people can get it, also.

[JMintzer]

How they are GLAD that they did NOT pick the heat, humidity, and hurricanes of Florida!

There are coyotes here, more snakes, more insects, and more humidity than Az. Plus rocks don't grow and need to be cut every 4 days in the summer heat and humidity.

I find deserts to be the opposite of "BORING". I find flat Fl. to be boring and the lawnmowers EXTREMELY NOISY and the Golf Carts to be smelly with CO2 pollution!

None of this was a secret, yet you still decided to move here?

[jimjamuser]

We bought land in AZ many, many years ahead of retirement to lock in our location for retirement. We had an 8-acre lot and a 1-acre lot near Prescott. The 1-acre lot had absolutely stunning views, and the 8 acres was pretty darn nice too. We absolutely love the Prescott area. Then a funny thing happened. We got into bicycling. We realized that in our retirement years, biking with steep roads at 5,500-6,000 feet probably wasn't going to happen.

We started looking in Alabama and Florida, with most spots being in central Florida. Multiple places were less crowded than and quieter than The Villages, but knowing that we would reach ultimate quiet someday, we chose the more active life of The Villages and have never looked back. It was absolutely the right decision for us.
As far as bicycles go and Az, there are these NEW THINGS called E-bikes that make hills go bye, byes!

[JMintzer]

As far as bicycles go and Az, there are these NEW THINGS called E-bikes that make hills go bye, byes!

How do they fix altitude?

[dtennent]

I love north Dallas BUT what would I do all day - gold, pickleball, clubs here just can't be beat.

Gold??? Where’s the gold? Nobody ever tells me things!

[tophcfa]

There are coyotes here, more snakes, more insects, and more humidity than Az. Plus rocks don't grow and need to be cut every 4 days in the summer heat and humidity.

Then move to AZ, it will make everyone in the Villages happy : )

[Laker14]

OP and others are to be congratulated for their process of "due diligence" they carried out before making such a big decision. I have never been good at that, which is probably why I've made so many decisions I later regretted.
My folks retired to Bonita Beach, so I had plenty of opportunities to visit Florida. I've never been to AZ. Very good friends of mine bought in TV when Largo was newly built, in 2007, and brought us down. I saw all I felt I needed to see, the only problem being I was still 8 years from having the $ to retire.
DW was not convinced, and I guess her reluctance saved me from making my usual rash, impulsive decision (although in this case my impulsiveness might have saved me $100K or so)...
But instinctively I guess, since my plan was to stay in our place on a lake in NY State at least 5 months of the year, I must have figured that AZ was too far away. I don't know, I probably just got lucky this time.

We love it here 7 months a year. If we didn't have the lake place I"d be happy to try living here year-round. Never did so I don't know. We love the friends we've made, and are also lucky to have several couples from our area up. north who have also come down and now have places of their own here.
I guess I just got lucky. Heck, one time DW actually told me I was "right" about this place. I pretended not to hear her well, so she had to repeat it a few times.

I am not surprised that some people don't find it to their liking. I am surprised that they stick around and complain rather than find a place that suits them better.

[Dlbonivich]

You can see 3 spring training teams with a 2 hour drive. One is 1 1/2. I drive to Tampa often. Easy commute

[Susan1717]

I’m definitely not a fan of the desert. Too hot in the day and cold at night. The dryness makes my skin and hair feel awful. I love the warmth and humidity. Being a water person, there is no other state I’d live in except Florida. Zero state income tax and a state wonderfully run make it an easy decision for me.

[mikeycereal]

Having lived in Hawaii and Vegas, I'd be closer to family/friends in AZ. But after a visit here I was hooked.

Last time I visited AZ my nephew got stung on the hand by a scorpion from the rocks around a swimming pool slide. Pass on that.

I love Tarantulas and most spiders. I had a conversation with a spider the other day. He's a web designer. :duck:

[mikemalloy]

I did my homework (like daily) religiously for about five years on The Villages in Florida and Sun City and Sun City West in Arizona. Living in Colorado, and still in my early 50s, I was looking ahead to where I wanted to retire. Most people in Colorado seem to retire in Arizona vs Florida, due to proximity. I visited Del Web’s Sun City, Sun City West and Sun City Grand multiple times. I always visited in the middle of summer, to see if I could stand the heat. When my employer offered me early retirement (which I took) while still in my late 50s, I wasn’t prepared to move yet, so I stayed in Colorado for a year to figure things out. There were things I liked about Sun City, but also things I didn’t. I was ready to take the plunge and move to Sun City West when I decided for the heck of it to take a lifestyle visit to The Villages, since I had already done so much research on it, I wanted to see it in person (but had not intention of moving here). Came here last summer and The Villages blew me away and I immediately decided to move here. Here are my personal reasons I picked The Villages over Sun City West: 1) More younger retirees- Sun City West feels like an old folks home, and not as active 2) Dedicated golf cart paths (Sun City West has none) 3) Town Squares with nightly entertainment 4) A self-contained community(the Bubble) - Sun City West feels like a suburb of sprawling Phoenix 5) Beauty and colorful - Sun City West is boring beige and very little natural, living landscaping 6) Way more activities /clubs/ golf 7) Purchased new home here for what I would have paid for a 1980s duplex-style condo in Sun City West 8) No state income tax here 9) People seem way friendlier and happier here (shattered the stereotype of East Coasters being more aloof and distant than West Coasters) 9) Winters not as cold as they can be in Arizona 10) proximity to the beach and I can drive to Lauderdale/Miami to catch a cruise.

Wondering if anyone else compared these two 55+ communities before deciding on The Villages.
When I was a younger golfer I loved visiting Arizona in the winter and playing golf there. We seriously considered Sun City Grande. However we spent a few days visiting friends who had retired to The Villages and loved the visit. The following March we rented for a month and the hook was set. Affordability and proximity to grandchildren living in the eastern time zone made TV our selection.

[toeser]

As far as bicycles go and Az, there are these NEW THINGS called E-bikes that make hills go bye, byes!

They did not exist when we moved to Florida.

[nn0wheremann]

The color factor, that is Florida is green and alive while Arizona, apart from the high desert near Flagstaff, is brown and dead, played a big role in our decision. Also, a bad day in the Florida summer will be uncomfortable, but a bad day in the Arizona summer will shrivel you up like a raisin, and likely kill you.

[jimjamuser]

Then move to AZ, it will make everyone in the Villages happy : )
That was very EMPATHETIC and I respect you for it. I LOVE you also, my son!

[jimjamuser]

Having lived in Hawaii and Vegas, I'd be closer to family/friends in AZ. But after a visit here I was hooked.

Last time I visited AZ my nephew got stung on the hand by a scorpion from the rocks around a swimming pool slide. Pass on that.

I love Tarantulas and most spiders. I had a conversation with a spider the other day. He's a web designer. :duck:
It IS possible to have a bad experience in Az like with scorpions. Fl. has some scorpions, plus MORE INSECTS, more snakes, and more NASTY humidity. Both Az and Fl. have wild hogs, but Az. has javelinas, which for some reason are very adaptive to suburban and city life. (note I wonder why Fl. does NOT have javelinas?) Both states have black bears, which sometimes attack people. Fl. has more snapping turtles than Az.
........I remember seeing a rattlesnake in the bushes around a pool in a north Village about 3 years ago. Which reminds me, I think that The Villages should import or raise BLACK snakes and release them locally. Seems like a LOW priced way to prevent rattlesnake or copperhead attacks.
.......I have lived in both states and if someone does NOT like snakes or coyotes or other nature, they are probably better off for NOT seeing them in AZ than Fl. Plus in Az, you MIGHT see pronghorn antelopes, which are WAY COOL!!!!!!
......My wife reminded me that she worked in the school system in BOTH states and BOTH are educationally rated at the very bottom of the US list! Yes, that may help with taxes, but those same graduates fix your A/C, repair your car and Cart and they attend to your medical NEEDS when you are HOSPITALIZED.

[Nordhagen]

Also from Colorado and wintered in Sun City Grand for 9 years. Our house had golf course frontage but it wasn’t green enough for my wife. She’s not a big fan of the desert so we moved to The Villages 5 years ago and we were snowbirds until July of last year. Florida is a lot farther away from Colorado but my wife is much happier. You know the saying !
Love it here.

[END OTT]

i did my homework (like daily) religiously for about five years on the villages in florida and sun city and sun city west in arizona. Living in colorado, and still in my early 50s, i was looking ahead to where i wanted to retire. Most people in colorado seem to retire in arizona vs florida, due to proximity. I visited del web’s sun city, sun city west and sun city grand multiple times. I always visited in the middle of summer, to see if i could stand the heat. When my employer offered me early retirement (which i took) while still in my late 50s, i wasn’t prepared to move yet, so i stayed in colorado for a year to figure things out. There were things i liked about sun city, but also things i didn’t. I was ready to take the plunge and move to sun city west when i decided for the heck of it to take a lifestyle visit to the villages, since i had already done so much research on it, i wanted to see it in person (but had not intention of moving here). Came here last summer and the villages blew me away and i immediately decided to move here. Here are my personal reasons i picked the villages over sun city west: 1) more younger retirees- sun city west feels like an old folks home, and not as active 2) dedicated golf cart paths (sun city west has none) 3) town squares with nightly entertainment 4) a self-contained community(the bubble) - sun city west feels like a suburb of sprawling phoenix 5) beauty and colorful - sun city west is boring beige and very little natural, living landscaping 6) way more activities /clubs/ golf 7) purchased new home here for what i would have paid for a 1980s duplex-style condo in sun city west 8) no state income tax here 9) people seem way friendlier and happier here (shattered the stereotype of east coasters being more aloof and distant than west coasters) 9) winters not as cold as they can be in arizona 10) proximity to the beach and i can drive to lauderdale/miami to catch a cruise.

Wondering if anyone else compared these two 55+ communities before deciding on the villages.

lived in all from 1986 to the villages 2020 all del webb 55 and over. All had good things going for them weather - restruants - shopping. None of them had the capability of using a golf cart for everything you need. This is one of the best reasons for the villages - especially later years when its more comfortable to take the golf cart than to drive your car

[Fltpkr]

I did my homework (like daily) religiously for about five years on The Villages in Florida and Sun City and Sun City West in Arizona. Living in Colorado, and still in my early 50s, I was looking ahead to where I wanted to retire. Most people in Colorado seem to retire in Arizona vs Florida, due to proximity. I visited Del Web’s Sun City, Sun City West and Sun City Grand multiple times. I always visited in the middle of summer, to see if I could stand the heat. When my employer offered me early retirement (which I took) while still in my late 50s, I wasn’t prepared to move yet, so I stayed in Colorado for a year to figure things out. There were things I liked about Sun City, but also things I didn’t. I was ready to take the plunge and move to Sun City West when I decided for the heck of it to take a lifestyle visit to The Villages, since I had already done so much research on it, I wanted to see it in person (but had not intention of moving here). Came here last summer and The Villages blew me away and I immediately decided to move here. Here are my personal reasons I picked The Villages over Sun City West: 1) More younger retirees- Sun City West feels like an old folks home, and not as active 2) Dedicated golf cart paths (Sun City West has none) 3) Town Squares with nightly entertainment 4) A self-contained community(the Bubble) - Sun City West feels like a suburb of sprawling Phoenix 5) Beauty and colorful - Sun City West is boring beige and very little natural, living landscaping 6) Way more activities /clubs/ golf 7) Purchased new home here for what I would have paid for a 1980s duplex-style condo in Sun City West 8) No state income tax here 9) People seem way friendlier and happier here (shattered the stereotype of East Coasters being more aloof and distant than West Coasters) 9) Winters not as cold as they can be in Arizona 10) proximity to the beach and I can drive to Lauderdale/Miami to catch a cruise.

Wondering if anyone else compared these two 55+ communities before deciding on The Villages.

Just curious, were there any factors that weighed in favor of Sun City?

[Michael 61]

Just curious, were there any factors that weighed in favor of Sun City?

Here’s what Sun City/ Sun City West has that are positives over The Villages: 1) smaller size (if that’s something important to you) 2) Indoor shuffle board courts 3) Indoor swimming lap pools 4) Outdoor walking-lap pools 5) Minature golf courses 6) Rec centers have fitness centers (included in their amenity fees) 7) Since most landscaping is zeroscspe, little or no lawn maintenance costs 8) No bonds, just a nominal “buy in” fee at closing 9) Close to awesome Mexican food 10) positive or negative - though part of sprawling, crowded Phoenix, you are also very close to way better dining, shopping and entertainment options. 11) Being a bowler, bowling alleys are all very close by - unlike The Villages where the bowling alleys are located at the extreme north end of the community.

[Bilyclub]

Here’s what Sun City/ Sun City West has that are positives over The Villages: 1) smaller size (if that’s something important to you) 2) Indoor shuffle board courts 3) Indoor swimming lap pools 4) Outdoor walking-lap pools 5) Minature golf courses 6) Rec centers have fitness centers (included in their amenity fees) 7) Since most landscaping is zeroscspe, little or no lawn maintenance costs 8) No bonds, just a nominal “buy in” fee at closing 9) Close to awesome Mexican food 10) positive or negative - though part of sprawling, crowded Phoenix, you are also very close to way better dining, shopping and entertainment options. 11) Being a bowler, bowling alleys are all very close by - unlike The Villages where the bowling alleys are located at the extreme north end of the community.


Leesburg Bowl, while not in the bubble, is a short ride from the South end.

[DeafDeaf]

I share my friend from The Grand, AZ to respond to your comment:


The writer from Colorado was confused with the Sun City West (SCW) with Sun City Grand (SCG) resort. He is right the SCW is an old town that is bland. Many outsiders are confused when they talk about Sun City as a town known as the first Senior Citizen community in the 1960s. The Del Webb had expanded the Sun City to build another Sun City West with some limited activities that allowed golf carts to drive around on the street where 35 mph is the traffic limit. Then it expanded to build another Sun City Grand (now known as the Grand in 2023) as a sole resort for seniors to enjoy plus many clubs just like the Villages in FL.

In fact, The Sun City Festival and Fiesta are built for senior citizens in the west of the original Sun City. The writer did not seem to know we have a resort with golf courses and lots of people driving in golf carts into the street in the city of Surprise where they are allowable up to 35 mph.

I can testify about both The Villages and the Grand where I am currently living in the resort community. We are just smaller than the Villages. The only setback is that the houses are built following the culture of the native desert to blend with the environment in several grey/brown/tan tones. I like the Villages too but way too big. 1-2 big setbacks about the Villages, two hours drive to the beach and 1+ hour drive to the airports.

Our Grand is mostly regulated by the Mormon folks unlike the Villages with lots of social parties involving lots of booze resulting in too many golf cart accidents. We do not deal with too many accidents involving golf carts. We have many places within driving distance for hiking, camping, opera, and downtown for good restaurants or cultural festivals that I do not think the Villages have this much. They are like an island of their own alone.

I prefer mountains, deserts, wild desert animals roaming, lots of paths for bicycling and walking, and sunny and dry climates. Actually, it is an individual choice to make. We have many active young seniors around here, too.

[MX rider]

I share my friend from The Grand, AZ to respond to your comment:


The writer from Colorado was confused with the Sun City West (SCW) with Sun City Grand (SCG) resort. He is right the SCW is an old town that is bland. Many outsiders are confused when they talk about Sun City as a town known as the first Senior Citizen community in the 1960s. The Del Webb had expanded the Sun City to build another Sun City West with some limited activities that allowed golf carts to drive around on the street where 35 mph is the traffic limit. Then it expanded to build another Sun City Grand (now known as the Grand in 2023) as a sole resort for seniors to enjoy plus many clubs just like the Villages in FL.

In fact, The Sun City Festival and Fiesta are built for senior citizens in the west of the original Sun City. The writer did not seem to know we have a resort with golf courses and lots of people driving in golf carts into the street in the city of Surprise where they are allowable up to 35 mph.

I can testify about both The Villages and the Grand where I am currently living in the resort community. We are just smaller than the Villages. The only setback is that the houses are built following the culture of the native desert to blend with the environment in several grey/brown/tan tones. I like the Villages too but way too big. 1-2 big setbacks about the Villages, two hours drive to the beach and 1+ hour drive to the airports.

Our Grand is mostly regulated by the Mormon folks unlike the Villages with lots of social parties involving lots of booze resulting in too many golf cart accidents. We do not deal with too many accidents involving golf carts. We have many places within driving distance for hiking, camping, opera, and downtown for good restaurants or cultural festivals that I do not think the Villages have this much. They are like an island of their own alone.

I prefer mountains, deserts, wild desert animals roaming, lots of paths for bicycling and walking, and sunny and dry climates. Actually, it is an individual choice to make. We have many active young seniors around here, too.

No place is perfect for everyone. We had no desire to live in Arizona for a number of reasons. But for some it's great, and that's ok too.

But I don't get the beach comment. How far is Sun City form the beach? As beach lovers it's an easy day trip for us. 1 hour 40 minutes to Flagler beach and less than that to the gulf. Airport 1 hour away, who cares?

[Michael 61]

I can get from my home to Orlando Airport in exactly one hour - Without traffic, the commute from Sun City West to Sky Harbor Airport is about 45 minutes. However, if driving in morning hour rush hour traffic, it takes over an hour. Kind of a wash for me.

[JerryLBell]

My mother-in-law retired from Michigan to Sun City West, AZ. We visited her several times there. When we started, that's where the newer retirees were going to, preferring it over the older Sun City, AZ. It had very nice facilities and really opened our eyes to what an active retirement lifestyle could be. However, we decided we didn't want to retire to either of those communities for a number of reasons, including:

Surprisingly (to us, anyway) bad air pollution
Quite a high crime rate in the surrounding areas, especially Phoenix
The insanely high summer temperatures (even if it is a "dry" heat", it's still stupid hot)
The lack of green (other than golf courses) - everything was tan or brown

After several years and several visits, we also saw Sun City West start to shut down recreation centers, theaters and the like. It turns out that the developer (Del Webb, if I recall) pulls out entirely when the last house is sold and hands the operation over to the residents. Most retirees don't really want to take on the job of running a retirement community, whether it is small of fairly large.

Years later, we visited The Villages with no intention of retiring here or to anywhere in Florida for that matter. We were living in North Carolina by then and loved it and thought we'd retire to South Carolina (all of the whether, food and location benefits of North Carolina but better taxes for retirees). We decided that The Villages had everything we liked about Sun City West but none of the things we didn't like about it. It also, due it's huge scale of operations, simply had more to offer than Sun City West or any other retirement community we looked at in the Carolinas (or Arizona or Florida for that matter).

For those that prefer the desert, Arizona has a growing number of retirement communities and you might well be as happy at any of them as we are here. There's a place for nearly everybody, somewhere.

Ditto on the comment about being jealous of the OP's having retired fairly young. I retired at 62 and would have loved being able to retire as happily as I did only a decade or so earlier.

[wlasowicz]

Probably in the long run you'll have water in FL versus Arizona

[Calisport]

Have to be within driving distance of the ocean. Being from southern Cal, Arizona was like moving to a brick oven like Las Vegas.

[Nana2Teddy]

Have to be within driving distance of the ocean. Being from southern Cal, Arizona was like moving to a brick oven like Las Vegas.

Yep! Us too. Lived 20 minutes from the coast in SoCal, could never live in the AZ desert even though we would’ve been closer to our kids and toddler grandson if we’d retired there instead of here.