When it comes to choosing a retirement community, there are many things to consider: price, amenities, and most importantly, access to recreation and hobbies. For many, this means being close to their favorite teams’ home stadiums.
College football fans considering a move to Arizona should check out the following communities in Mesa and Tucson. These popular retirement destinations are affordably priced, and they’re a short drive to Arizona State University and the University of Arizona, homes of the Sun Devils and the Wildcats.
Great Retirement Communities Located Near Arizona State University
Las Alegras
Las Alegres is a 55+ community in Mesa, AZ that is about a 20-minute drive from ASU’s Tempe Campus, where residents can catch games at Sun Devil Football Stadium. With just 84 attached homes, Las Alegres provides a tight-knit atmosphere. This well-established community was developed between 1980 and 1986. While the homes are a bit older, homebuyers can look forward to lower prices.
The attached homes at Las Alegres are very reasonably priced between the low $100s to the mid $100s. They range in size from 950 to 1,256 square feet with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an attached two-car garage, these single-level homes are great for active adults seeking a low-maintenance life.
Residents at Las Alegres enjoy a casual social environment where they always feel welcome. The outdoor pool and spa, exercise room, and bocce ball court make it easy to stay active and connected with neighbors. The surrounding area also offers many options for shopping and dining, and it is home to a number of popular golf courses.
Verdo Groves
For homebuyers seeking a newer and larger community, Verde Groves in Mesa, AZ is an excellent option. This gated 55+ community is conveniently located near ASU, making it easy for residents to drive to Sun Devil Football Stadium in under 30 minutes. Verde Groves has 210 attached homes that are priced between the mid $100s to the mid $200s. Residents have several options for floor plans at this community, which was developed between 1999 and 2004. Homes range in size from 1,206 to 1,851 square feet and most offer at least two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an attached two-car garage.
This intimate community keeps residents social and active with its beautiful 10,000 square-foot clubhouse, which has an outdoor lap pool, a fitness room, a library, an arts and crafts studio, and more. Verde Groves’ location makes it easy to access downtown Phoenix within just 30 minutes, and the surrounding area also has retail plazas with plenty of options for shopping and eateries.
The Best Active Adult Communities Close to University of Arizona
Northridge Estates
Northridge Estates in Tucson, AZ is a great option for fans of the Wildcats. This 55+ community is located about 15 minutes from the University of Arizona, making it easy to catch football games all season. Northridge Estates is a popular option for homebuyers seeking lower prices and low-maintenance living.
Development at this community was completed in 1971, so homes are priced lower compared to other communities in the area. Northridge Estates has 84 attached homes, and prices range from the mid $100s to the high $100s. While the homes are a bit older, many of them have been upgraded with modern touches. Homebuyers can choose from several floor plans ranging in size from 1,345 to 2,031 square feet.
This casual community has a modest lineup of amenities, including a small clubhouse, an outdoor pool, and two shuffleboard courts. With neighborhood events and frequent club meet ups, it’s easy for residents at Northridge Estates to meet like-minded neighbors.
Casitas de Castillan
Casitas de Castilian in Tucson, AZ is another affordable option that is under a 20-minute drive to the University of Arizona. This well-established 55+ community was developed between 1965 and 1974, and it has 116 attached homes available on a resale basis. Prices start below $100k and reach the high $100s, and some homes have been upgraded with modern kitchens, tile floors, and other desirable features. Homes at Casitas de Castilian range in size from 800 to over 2,600 square feet.
Residents can socialize and stay active with two outdoor pools, a tennis court, and plenty of natural spaces on beautifully landscaped grounds. The community’s prime location makes it easy to run daily errands, dine out, and access the heart of Tucson with just a short drive.
