When it comes to 55+ active adult communities, Sun City is a name synonymous with vibrant living, exceptional amenities, and an unparalleled sense of community. Founded by Del Webb in 1960, Sun City pioneered the concept of age-restricted communities tailored to the needs and lifestyles of retirees and active adults. Today, it remains one of the most recognizable and sought-after brands in the world of 55+ living.
Here, we shine a spotlight on what makes Sun City communities truly special.
A Legacy of Innovation
Considered the first active adult community, the original Sun City community opened its doors in Arizona in 1960, forever changing the retirement living landscape. Designed as a place where retirees could live life to the fullest, the community offered affordable housing paired with resort-style amenities. The concept was an immediate success, proving there was a demand for more than just a home—retirees craved lifestyle and connection.
Amenities Designed for an Active Lifestyle
What truly sets Sun City apart are the world-class amenities available to residents. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect at Sun City communities across the country.
- Golf Courses: Professionally designed courses that cater to golfers of all skill levels.
- Clubhouses: The heart of each community, featuring dining, events, and social gatherings.
- Fitness Centers: State-of-the-art facilities with pools, aerobics classes, and wellness programs.
- Hobby and Craft Studios: Spaces for painting, woodworking, quilting, and more.
- Walking Trails: Perfect for staying active while soaking in scenic views.
Social Connections That Last a Lifetime
Sun City communities are about more than just physical amenities—they foster a strong sense of belonging. Residents enjoy access to dozens of clubs and interest groups, from gardening and photography to pickleball and travel. Regularly scheduled events like dances, holiday celebrations, and workshops keep the calendar full and the community buzzing.
Many Sun City communities are as large as a city or even considered a city itself, like the original in Arizona. That brings with it plenty of opportunities for socializing with neighbors from different backgrounds across the country and even world.
Homes Tailored for Every Need
Sun City homes are thoughtfully designed with the 55+ resident in mind. Features often include:
- Open floor plans to maximize space and light.
- Single-level living for ease of mobility.
- Low-maintenance yards so you can spend more time enjoying life.
- Energy-efficient designs that save on utility costs.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy two-bedroom home or a spacious layout with room for guests, you’ll likely find it in a Sun City community.
Why Choose Sun City?
Sun City isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to thrive. Residents enjoy a lifestyle that blends independence with community support, leisure with activity, and comfort with excitement.
For over six decades, the Sun City brand has consistently delivered on its promise of vibrant, active adult living. Its reputation for quality, innovation, and resident satisfaction has made it a gold standard in the world of 55+ communities.
Ready to Explore the Sun City Lifestyle?
Whether you’re considering retirement or simply looking for a fresh start, Sun City offers a lifestyle that’s second to none. Visit a community near you to experience the Sun City difference firsthand—you might just find the home (and life) of your dreams.
Sun City Hilton Head – Bluffton, SC
Mid $300s – High $2Ms
Opened in 1995, Sun City Hilton Head, located in Bluffton, South Carolina is the largest active adult community in the state and offers residents an impressive lineup of amenities and home designs. Comprised of 8,200 homes that are offered as both attached and single-family, each home is designed to be low-maintenance and comforting. Typical features include expansive great rooms, entertaining kitchens, and ample outdoor living space.
Sun City Hilton Head also features a 45-acre Town Center and Amenity Complex as well as more than 200 chartered clubs and interest groups to join, including book clubs, sewing club, water aerobics, and even a club catered to dog lovers. With so many options there’s an opportunity for anyone willing to try something new.
Sun City Texas – Georgetown, TX
High $200s – Low $1Ms
Also opened in 1995, Sun City Texas is an equally massive community with plans to build a total of 9,900 homes upon completion. There are dozens of floor plans to choose from, with single-family and attached duplex homes that range from 940 to 3,000 square feet. Most homes include two or three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a two-car garage, while larger homes offer a den or extra bedrooms.
There are numerous amenities to enjoy, all of which are laid out across The Village Center Amenity Complex, an 86,000 square-foot space that includes an extensive list of features. This includes a restaurant, three 18-hole championship golf courses, indoor pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and nine miles of walking and biking trails. There are many activities to explore outside the community as well. Located in the Texas Hill Country, the community is surrounded by big-city attractions and entertainment options.
Sun City Huntley – Huntley, IL
Mid $200s – Low $600s
Spanning 2,300 acres and offering more than 5,400 homes, Sun City Huntley is the largest 55+ community in the Midwest. The community offers reasonably priced homes dispersed between nearly 55 floor plans. Styles include single-family homes, attached ranch townhomes, and condos.
Central to the community is Prairie Lodge, a massive 94,000 square-foot clubhouse where residents will find everything from a state-of-the-art fitness facility to a 20-person indoor spa. Also found throughout are multi-purpose rooms, an arts and crafts studio, and a dance studio. Prairie Lodge isn’t the only amenity center, however. There is also Meadow View Lodge, a 20,000 square-foot facility that boasts its own fitness center, aerobics and dance studio, and an additional outdoor pool area.
Nature lovers will take solace in knowing that over one-third of the community land is protected open space and includes nature preserves and parks. This includes Wildflower Park, which is located in the heart of the community and offers miles of walking and biking trails, a 19-acre fishing lake, and recreational activities like a softball court, volleyball courts, and a tennis facility.
Sun City Festival – Buckeye, AZ
Low $300s – High $800s
Located in Buckeye, Arizona, Sun City Festival is one of Del Webb’s newest Sun City communities and offers the latest in home design and entertainment, There are 22 different single-family floor plans to choose from that range from 1,100 to 2,800 square feet. Designed with unique Spanish, European, Ranch, and Tuscany exterior themes, each home includes high-end features like granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.
Central to the community is the Sage Recreation Center, a 31,000 square-foot clubhouse where residents can come together and enjoy features like the outdoor pool, which comes complete with cascading waterfalls, There’s also a lap pool, a high-end fitness center, and an aerobics and dance studio. Also located in the Sage Recreation Center is the Arizona State University Lifelong Learning Academy. Here, residents have unlimited learning opportunities to learn from ASU professors in a broad range of topics, including travel programs, literature, financial planning, and foreign languages.
For golf enthusiasts, the 18-hole championship Cooper Canyon Golf Club is a must-see. The course is designed for both novice and expert golfers, meaning that everyone is invited to hang out with friends while enjoying this popular pastime.
