Arizona is renowned for its vibrant and active retirement communities that cater to individuals aged 55 and older. Among these communities, the 80/20 rule has become a significant aspect that potential residents need to understand.

Understanding the 80/20 Rule:

The 80/20 rule is a common policy adopted by many 55+ communities in Arizona. It stipulates that at least 80% of the residents in a community must be aged 55 and older. This rule ensures that these communities maintain their age-restricted status and offer a peaceful, retirement-focused environment for their residents.

40+ and 45+ Communities under the 80/20 Rule:

While the term “55+” is most commonly associated with age-restricted communities, some communities in Arizona cater to a slightly younger demographic. There are 40+ and 45+ communities that also adhere to the 80/20 rule. This allows individuals in their 40s and 45s to enjoy the benefits of age-restricted living while maintaining a similar atmosphere and rule structure as 55+ communities.

Accommodations for Younger Spouses:

One question that often arises is how these communities accommodate younger spouses. In many 55+ communities, if one spouse meets the age requirement (55 or older), the younger spouse can also reside in the community. This provision ensures that couples can enjoy retirement living together without age-based restrictions.

The Passing of One Spouse Before Turning 55:

In unfortunate situations where one spouse passes away before reaching the age of 55, the surviving spouse typically can continue to live in the community without any issues. These communities often understand the emotional and practical challenges of such situations and make exceptions to the age requirements to allow the surviving spouse to remain.

Grandchildren’s Stay with Grandparents:

One of the heartwarming aspects of many 55+ communities in Arizona is their willingness to accommodate the family dynamics of their residents. Most communities permit grandchildren to stay with their grandparents for a limited period each year, usually ranging from 30+ days within a calendar year. This policy allows for cherished family time without compromising the community’s age-restricted environment.

Conclusion:

Arizona’s 55+ communities, whether 40+, 45+, or 55+, operate under the 80/20 rule to maintain their age-restricted status and provide a fulfilling retirement experience for their residents. These communities are not only accommodating to younger spouses and the unfortunate event of a spouse’s passing but also understand the importance of family by allowing grandchildren to stay for extended visits.

Before choosing a 55+ community, it’s essential to research specific policies and amenities offered by each community to find the one that best suits your needs and lifestyle. By understanding the 80/20 rule and other key aspects of these communities, you can make an informed decision about your retirement living in the beautiful state of Arizona.

Arizona 55+ Community Specialist:

Jarl Kubat, a seasoned Arizona real estate expert affiliated with West USA Realty, he offers over two decades of experience in the niche market of Arizona 55 Plus Retirement Communities, Golf Communities, and Country Club Resort-style properties across Phoenix. Feel free to reach out to him at 480-710-6326

Jarl Kubat is seasoned estate agent with West USA Realty Specializing in Arizona 55+ Communities Throughout the greater Phoenix metro area. Jarl has been an integral part of Arizona’s real estate landscape since 2004, and brings with him a deep-rooted commitment to serving his clients,

Midwest Roots, Arizona Expertise

Born and raised in the Midwest, Jarl Kubat and his family made the move to Arizona in 2004. Before becoming a licensed REALTOR® Jarl and his wife, Mary, owned and operated Kubat’s Tree Service in Southern Minnesota from 1987 to 2004. This experience instilled in him the values of hard work, dedication, and customer-centric service.

Midwest Roots, Arizona Expertise

Jarl Kubat’s real estate specialization – 55+ communities, golf course properties, and country club resort-style living. His knowledge of these niche markets within the greater Phoenix metro area makes him the go-to expert for those seeking an active adult lifestyle.

Professional Designations and Certifications

Jarl Kubat’s commitment to excellence is reflected in his list of professional designations and certifications. He holds the titles of Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), and Seller Representative Specialist (SRS). Additionally, he is a 55+ Certified Active Adult/Resort Community Specialist (55+CAA/RCS). He has obtained certifications in Real Estate Negotiation, New Home Construction, Sales & Marketing, Video Marketing, and Pricing Strategies.

A Track Record of Success

Over the course of his 20+ year real estate career, Jarl Kubat has successfully negotiated and closed more than 550 transactions for both buyers and sellers. An impressive 95% of these transactions took place within the 55+ communities he specializes in.

When you choose Jarl Kubat as your real estate agent, you’re getting a knowledgeable professional and trusted partner who will go above and beyond to help you find the perfect home in one of Arizona’s 55+, golf,orcountry club community. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Jarl is here to make your real estate dreams a reality. Contact him today to find your home in the Valley of the Sun.

Looking for a vibrant retirement? Surprise AZ 55 Plus Communities are where your search ends! These seven unique communities in sunny Surprise, Arizona, offer active adults an exceptional blend of comfort and convenience.

Retirees can indulge in a wealth of amenities—from golfing and swimming to a variety of social clubs and activities. These communities are designed for those who want to fill their retirement days with fun, friends, and new experiences.

Homes in Surprise AZ 55 Plus communities

Arizona 55 Plus communities are tailored for ease—think low maintenance and high style—freeing you to enjoy all the perks of Arizona retirement living without the hassle.

In conclusion, Surprise AZ 55 Plus communities offer more than just a home; they promise a lifestyle rich with possibilities and new beginnings. As you consider where to plant your roots for a fulfilling retirement, remember the array of options awaiting your discovery.

We invite you to explore the seven Surprise AZ 55 plus communities listed below, each with its unique appeal and promise of a vibrant community life. Find your perfect fit and step into a retirement filled with sunshine, comfort, and endless opportunities for joy. Welcome to your new chapter in Surprise, Arizona, where every day is a new opportunity to live life to the fullest.

Arizona Traditions / Gated Community

Arizona Traditions in Surprise, Arizona, is a 55+ guard-gated community with 1,768 homes. Single-family homes that range in size from 1,105 to 2,391 sq/ft. Some homesites provide spectacular golf courses and mountain views, nestled near the base of the White Tank Mountains. Homes built from 1997-2007.

Heritage at Asante

Heritage at Asante in Surprise, Arizona, is a 55+ gated community with resort style amenities. 1500 single family and Gemini twin-homes. Many great floor plans to choose from, walk-in closets, gourmet kitchens, and many new state-of-the-art 2022 options for your personalization. Homes built 2019-present

The Grand

The Grand / Sun City Grand  a Del Webb 45+ community in Surprise, AZ. 9800 homes with 50 different floor plans to choose from. Amenities include: restaurants, 3 golf courses, fine arts, resort style pools, tennis, pickleball, bocce ball, numerous craft, social and sporting activities. Homes built 1995 – 2006

Sterling Grove

Sterling Grove a beautiful 24-hour guard-gated community is located in the scenic city of Surprise, Arizona. The master-planned community surrounding Sterling Grove features over 2,000 homes. However, Sterling Grove provides a lifestyle that comes with living in an intimate setting. The community’s emphasis is on wellness, health, and fitness homes built 2018-present. Sterling Grove offers a seprate 55+ section and family section within the community.

Sun Village

Sun Village is a 55+ guard-gated community of 1,382 homes in Surprise, Arizona. It offers adult living in an intimate setting featuring low maintenance, single-story homes, and attached townhomes. The attached townhomes and patio homes have at least one bedroom, one bathroom, and an assigned parking spot or attached.

Happy Trails

Happy Trails RV Resort is a guard-gated 55+ adult community comprised of over 2,000 manufactured homes and RV lots. Residents own the land under their manufactured homes. Happy Trails surrounds the Great Eagle Golf Club, which is an 18-hole championship semi-private course.

AZ 55+ Community Specialist

Jarl Kubat, a seasoned Arizona real estate expert affiliated with West USA Realty, he offers over two decades of experience in the niche market of Arizona 55 Plus Retirement Communities, Golf Communities, and Country Club Resort-style properties across Phoenix. Feel free to reach out to him at 480-710-6326

The beautiful suburban city of Surprise, Arizona is located in the northwest Phoenix Metropolitan area, just 45 minutes from Downtown Phoenix and the Sky Harbor International Airport. It is located 20 minutes to Lake Pleasant and only 5 hours from San Diego and Las Vegas. A variety of sports activities, unique cultural and community programs provide never-ending things to do.

SURPRISE ARIZONA THE FUTURE

Surprise has a bright and exciting future with their General Plan 2035 guiding the city’s development. The plan is concerned with community values and goals. It shows an interest in the community’s vision to create an overall sense of community while respecting its unique character areas. One of the essential elements of the General Plan for the future of Surprise is the overall goal of its neighborhood planning element: 

• To build social capital or the ability of the neighborhood to organize itself to identify problems and solve them in partnership with elected officials, businesses, and the City.
• Create a policy foundation for the revitalization of neighborhoods.
• Improve neighborhood safety and security.
• Improve homeownership.
• Safety of neighborhoods. Safety-related issues are often at the top of the list of concerns by residents.
• Stability-friendly neighborhoods are the building blocks of a sustainable city, offering attractive living choices for households of all kinds and broadening the civic life of residents by getting them involved in community-based activities.

SURPRISE ARIZONA THE PRESENT

Surprise residents and visitors alike can enjoy the small-town feel. From unique community celebrations, fine art galleries, and memorable cultural experiences. There are also regional festivals and something for everyone of all ages. Each spring, our population explodes when we welcome the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers during the Cactus League Spring Training! Surprise Stadium offers the ultimate baseball fan experience.

Surprise is close to the expansive White Tank Mountain range to the west and the beautiful Sonoran Desert and Lake Pleasant Regional Park to the north. You can enjoy hiking to beautiful waterfalls; fishing and camping are within a 20-minute drive. Since Surprise is close to the Phoenix Metropolitan area, it provides residents and visitors the opportunity to experience all that a bustling metropolis offers.

This includes world-renowned shopping and dining, concert and sports venues, theaters, adventure excursions, and more!

SURPRISE AZ SPECIAL EVENTS & ACTIVITIES:

The grand celebration at the annual Surprise party!

The event isn’t much of a surprise since everyone who lives there knows about the super-sized festival that everyone looks forward to. It is always held the first weekend in December and celebrates the city’s founding with a carnival, classic car show, hot air balloon glow, live music, games, even camel rides, and dozens of food booths.

Cooling off from the summer’s heat at the Surprise Aquatic Center is fun for all ages with its pools, waterfalls, slides, and even a whirlpool. 

Golf, golf, and more golf! There are eight golf courses in Surprise. They are everywhere, making them accessible to everyone! In fact, the fees are pretty reasonable, and the courses open early to beat the heat, making them playable year-round. Most golf courses offer lessons that have excellent pros and have an on-site pro shop.

Southwest’s largest tennis and racquet complex.

If you enjoy tennis, you can play at one of the largest tennis complexes in the Southwest! With over 20+ tennis courts featuring lights for night play and two racquetball courts. This is a premier facility hosting professional tournaments in cooperation with the USTA!

Dreamcatcher Park is the first facility of its kind in Arizona and provides athletes with special needs a safe place to participate in sports and recreation programs. The park has no barriers, wide gates, and a unique urethane-based surface, offering easier accessibility for wheelchairs and walkers.

The city’s Adaptive Recreation program schedules sports leagues including baseball, soccer, track, and other events around the city like fishing, bowling, and camping. 

Enjoy a concert! The West Valley Symphony’s Backyard Concert Series presents outdoor concerts on the lawn at the Surprise Heritage Club from October through May. The concerts includes various music from jazz and blues to Latin and swing, and it’s only five bucks for admission.

Kids and grandkids can get creative with cooking. Surprise has multiple options for getting your kids and grandkids to think creatively and have some family time too. They’ll get excited with the cookie decorating classes at Bite Me Breads & Cookies, and the Mad Platter lets everyone young and older express their artsy side with painting pottery.

Senior and retiree heaven! Surprise is ideal for seniors and retirees, with multiple active senior communities where residents enjoy lush grounds, pools, golf courses, tennis courts, on-site fitness centers, spas, restaurants, and the activities are endless!

MEDICAL CARE:

Surprise has several highly-rated medical facilities, including two major hospitals and a VA center. Medical care is some of the finest in Arizona, utilizing the most modern medical equipment. 

STATISTICS:

Surprise has a significant population considering it’s considered a municipality of Phoenix, containing 138,144 residents in its 108 square miles. The median age is 40.8, which is about 10% higher than the median age of 38 for the state of Arizona, with a median household income of $70,280.

WEATHER:

Surprise is in the center of the desert region of southwestern United States, and it should be no surprise to anyone that you won’t have to worry about shoveling snow but will have to worry about getting a little hot. Temperatures range from a low of 420 in winter to 1050 in summer. The average rainfall is about 9 inches.

Quality homes for sale in Surprise, AZ, are a good value!

Single Family Homes for sale in Surprise remain the best value on the Arizona market. The median age of Surprise, AZ, homes for sale is just 11 years old. More importantly, home appreciation for the last ten years in Surprise has been 39.8%. That means if you purchase a Surprise, AZ home, it will be worth much more in a few years than what you paid for it. Those numbers far exceed the national average.

SURPRISE ARIZONA THE PAST

Surprise is a modern city, which had its beginnings in 1938 when Flora Mae Statler, the city’s founder, named the community Surprise as she “would be surprised if the town ever amounted to much.” She would have been surprised if she could see the city today. It has grown from a handful of houses and a gas station on a one-square-mile plot of land to a thriving city of more than 118,000.