‘Stay and Play’ 55+ Communities in Arizona: Explore the 55+ Lifestyle

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An outdoor pool at a home at CantaMia at Estrella in Goodyear, Arizona.

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    What You’ll Gain From Reading This Article: This article provides insights into the benefits of experiencing a 55+ community firsthand before making a home purchase. The article emphasizes the importance of ‘stay and play’ programs offered by various 55+ communities in Arizona.


    Before deciding to purchase a home in a 55+ community in Arizona, it’s advisable to immerse yourself in the neighborhood. Many 55+ communities let potential buyers stay for a few nights, allowing them to experience the atmosphere and amenities firsthand. Explore the option of a ‘stay and play’ package at one of these retirement communities in Arizona. Take a short vacation to gain insights into the lifestyle they provide!

    CantaMia at Estrella – Goodyear, AZ

    Mid $300ks – Mid $700ks

    View across the water of the clubhouse at CantaMia at Estrella in Goodyear, Arizona.

    About the Community

    CantaMia at Estrella is a welcoming 55+ community within the master-planned Estrella community. This community features a vibrant Village Center with fitness facilities, pools, and recreational spaces. There are also various classes, a learning center, and outdoor activities that promote a creative and comfortable lifestyle. Additionally, the homes prioritize energy efficiency and contemporary design, ensuring comfort for residents.

    Located less than an hour from Downtown Phoenix, CantaMia at Estrella provides easy access to daily necessities, health care services, and entertainment options. The area also features parks, golf courses, and cultural attractions.

    Discovery Package

    At Estrella, you can be a Resident for a Day. You’ll enjoy free community access to exclusive amenities, including the Presidio Residents’ Club, the Starpointe Residents’ Club, three resort-style pools, two fitness centers, the Star Tower, 65+ miles of trails, 50+ community parks, as well as the Cantamia 55+ Village Center. Additionally, you can take advantage of The Yacht Club with complimentary boat use on North Lake.

    This ‘stay and play’ package also includes resident-rate golf on the scenic 18-hole course, access to the practice center, and relaxation at The Player’s Grill & Patio. Enjoy complimentary treats at The Cantina and Café Bebida as well as special discounts at The Lakeside Grill. For those exploring CantaMia, participants can also savor the outdoor resort-style pool, pickleball courts, putting green, dog park, and a complimentary lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    Trilogy at Verde River – Rio Verde, AZ

    Low $600ks – Low $2Ms

    Lounge chairs overlooking the grounds of Trilogy at Verde River in Rio Verde, Arizona.

    About the Community

    Trilogy at Verde River offers modern single-family homes in three collections: Resort, Vista, Ranch, and Sky. Started in 2015, the community will have 1,285 homes upon completion. The Resort Collection features attached homes, while the Vista, Ranch, and Sky Collections offer single-family homes with diverse floor plans.

    Additionally, the clubhouse boasts various amenities, and prospective residents can tour it virtually. Trilogy at Verde River also encourages an active lifestyle with classes, events, and social clubs. Ideally located near North Scottsdale and Phoenix, residents enjoy scenic views and outdoor activities in the nearby Tonto National Forest and Bartlett Lake.

    Discovery Package

    For those seeking a true sense of life within Trilogy at Verde River, then a Discovery Stay is the perfect opportunity. Over three days and two nights, you’ll spend time with current homeowners, exploring diverse lifestyle amenities and participating in exclusive community events. As a bonus, you’ll also receive a gift card for onsite activities.

    For this 3-day, 2-night package, you’ll stay in a fully-equipped home with access to a golf cart or bicycles. You’ll also have a private community tour covering models, clubs, and home sites. Lastly, you’ll also receive a 10% discount on retail purchases at the spa, sports shop, and marketplace within the community.

    Trilogy at Wickenburg Ranch – Wickenburg, AZ

    Mid $400ks – Low $1Ms

    Lounge chairs beside the outdoor pool at Trilogy at Wickenburg Ranch in Wickenburg, Arizona.

    About the Community

    Trilogy at Wickenburg Ranch is a resort community, nestled along an 18-hole championship golf course. Constructed by Dorn Homes and Shea Homes starting in 2015, this community features around 2,000 single-family homes, ranging from 1,210 to 3,429 square feet. Also, modern floor plans, golf course access, and a range of upgrades make these homes an ideal choice.

    Additionally, residents enjoy a myriad of amenities, including the Wickenburg Ranch Golf and Social Club, the fitness center, the card room, and outdoor spaces like a resort-style pool and tennis courts. Situated an hour south of Prescott, Trilogy at Wickenburg Ranch provides easy access to daily needs, health care, and entertainment. For those craving city life, Prescott and Phoenix are just over an hour away. Also, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is an hour and 15 minutes away.

    Discovery Package

    Because it’s also a Trilogy community, Trilogy at Wickenburg Ranch offers the same Discovery Package as Trilogy at Verde River. In the immersive 3-day, 2-night experience, you’ll join current homeowners for an exploration of diverse amenities and exclusive community events. Your stay also includes access to a golf cart or bicycles, and a private tour covering models, clubs, and home sites. As a bonus, you’ll get a 10% discount on retail purchases at the spa, sports shop, and marketplace. Plus, receive a gift card for onsite adventures to fully discover the community’s offerings.

    Encanterra – Queen Creek, AZ

    Low $600ks – Mid $1Ms

    A flag on the golf course on the grounds of Encanterra in Queen Creek, Arizona.

    About the Community

    Encanterra in Queen Creek is a luxurious 55+ community within the master-planned Encanterra Country Club. This enclave evolved into a 55+ haven in 2011, offering a unique blend of convenience and tranquility near Phoenix. Also, residents enjoy top-notch amenities, including the Alvea Spa, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and four restaurants. The Algarve clubhouse adds to the allure with an art studio and an outdoor pool as well as pickleball and bocce courts. Additionally, golf enthusiasts can tee off on the Tom Lehman-designed championship course.

    Encanterra offers four single-family home collections with customizable themes, ranging from 1,218 to 3,403 square feet. Also, a full-time activities director enhances the community’s vibrant lifestyle. Nestled in Queen Creek, residents have easy access to entertainment, dining, shopping, and recreational opportunities with stunning mountain views.

    Discovery Package

    Interested in our third Trilogy community on this list? You can also take advantage of the Shea Homes Discovery Stay! The package invites you to a 3-day, 2-night stay in a fully-equipped home, complete with a golf cart or bicycles. Take a private community tour to explore models, clubs, and home sites. Also, enjoy full club access; a 10% retail discount at the spa, sports shop, and marketplace; plus a gift card for activities like golf, dining, or spa services.

    Sun City Anthem at Merrill Ranch – Florence, AZ

    Mid $300ks – Mid $500ks

    Entrance to the clubhouse at Sun City Anthem at Merrill Ranch in Florence, Arizona.

    About the Community

    Welcome to Sun City Anthem at Merrill Ranch. This active adult community offers a carefree lifestyle with exclusive amenities, including a 48,000-square-foot clubhouse, a fitness center, pools, and the Gary Panks-designed Poston-Butte Golf Course.

    Del Webb’s construction started in 2006, offering 3,800 homes with modern floor plans. Enjoy a socially active and physically engaging lifestyle with an array of activities, classes, and educational opportunities. Located in Florence, you have everyday conveniences nearby as well as health care providers and attractions. Also, Phoenix and Scottsdale are just over an hour away.

    Discovery Package

    Discover the vibrant lifestyle of a Del Webb community with a day or overnight pass. With these passes, you can immerse yourself in the active and inspired life of a Del Webb resident. With the Overnight Pass, enjoy a stay in a fully furnished home and explore the community at your leisure. On the other hand, the Day Pass offers opportunities to have lunch or dinner with a resident; participate in a class such as art, bocce, or pickleball; and meet other residents.

    Sun City Festival – Buckeye, AZ

    High $300ks – High $700ks

    Lounge chairs and tables on the outdoor patio at Sun City Festival in Buckeye, Arizona.

    About the Community

    Sun City Festival is a resort-style haven for active 55+ homebuyers. Nestled near the White Tank Mountains, this vibrant community offers two recreation centers with fitness centers, pools, and diverse outdoor amenities. Del Webb began construction in 2006, planning 7,200 single-family homes. With 30 floor plans ranging from 1,100 to over 3,340 square feet, residents enjoy open-concept layouts and high-end finishes.

    Additionally, an active lifestyle awaits with numerous clubs, classes, and a full-time activities director ensuring a vibrant community calendar. Situated an hour from Downtown Phoenix, Sun City Festival also provides easy access to daily needs, health care, and outdoor attractions. Escape to this serene Arizona haven, where modern amenities and a tranquil atmosphere create the perfect setting for active adults.

    Discovery Package

    Because Sun City Festival is also a Del Webb community, you can take full advantage of a day or overnight pass. Dive into the active of a Del Webb resident with the Overnight Pass. Treat yourself to a stay in a fully furnished home with the freedom to explore the community in a golf cart. Alternatively, opt for the Day Pass. Enjoy a meal with a resident and participate in classes like art, bocce, or pickleball.

    55places Will Help You Find Your Dream Home

    Looking for other ‘stay and play’ options at retirement communities in Arizona? 55places can connect you with a local real estate agent who will direct you to every community with a discovery package. Be sure to take full advantage of these programs to help you find your dream home and have fun while doing it! Contact 55places today to get started.

    Discover what’s next.

    To learn more information or connect with a real estate expert, contact us today.

    Can you spot the $207,744 difference between these identical homes?

    Financing is the difference!

    Get the details in The 62+ Loan Homebuyers Guide.

    55places Mortgage is a joint venture between Mutual of Omaha Mortgage and 55places.com.
    Details here.

    We're here to help! (800) 928-2055

    Call us to speak with a customer service representative.

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter

    Get Weekly Updates

    I agree that 55places and its affiliates, partner providers or agents may call, text, or email me about my inquiry, which may be made with automated means. I understand that my consent is not a prerequisite for buying a property. I may revoke my consent at any time by contacting optout@55places.com. Message/data rates may apply. I also agree to 55places.com’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

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    About 55places

    We’re changing the way people 55 and older are searching for their perfect next place. With a national network of hand-selected real estate experts, plus comprehensive information, unbiased content, and on-the-go insight about thousands of communities across the country, we’re a trusted resource paving the way from here to home. Whether you’re interested in a low-maintenance single-level residence, an active lifestyle or age-qualified community, an intimate enclave, or anything in between, we can help you make your next move the best one yet.

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