Mesa, AZ · 55+ Communities
Mesa, AZ 55+ Communities: The Complete Guide
Mesa AZ 55+ communities outnumber those in any other East Valley city, and Mesa retirement communities come in every style — big golf communities, low-maintenance patio homes, and owned-land manufactured communities. Planning a retirement move to the East Valley? So here’s the whole map, by type.
Overwhelmed? Not sure where to start? Answer four quick questions, and we’ll show you the two or three communities to look at first.
Take the 1-Minute QuizFirst, Mesa sits about 20 miles east of downtown Phoenix, bordered by Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, and Apache Junction. It’s one of the largest suburbs in the country and, for our purposes, the single deepest bench of 55+ living in the Valley — more than two dozen communities across every style and price point. The choice isn’t whether Mesa has something for you; it’s narrowing down which one fits.
The most popular Mesa 55+ communities
These are the larger, amenity-rich communities buyers ask about most — generally, the bigger the community, the more it offers.
Golf, a fitness center, and extensive arts-and-crafts facilities. Most homes built 2008–2021 — among the newer big communities in Mesa.
One of Mesa’s newest 55+ communities, inside the larger Eastmark master plan — resort amenities and current-build homes.
An established Mesa 55+ neighborhood with some of the city’s lower prices, often with recent sales starting around the low $200s.
Golf, pools, pickleball, tennis, a sports bar, fitness center, and a full slate of social clubs.
2,700+ homes, condos and patio homes built 1975–1984. Golf, pools, pickleball, tennis, and an active social calendar at a friendly price.
Guard gated, with a mix of single-family, patio, and manufactured homes and its own golf behind the gate.
All Mesa 55+ communities, by type
Larger amenity communitiesHow to choose among Mesa retirement communities
With so many Mesa AZ 55+ communities to pick from, it helps to sort them in three quick steps. In fact, founder Jarl Kubat walks buyers through this same order on almost every Mesa tour.
- Start with the home type. Do you want a single-family home with a yard, or a patio home or condo with less upkeep? After all, that one choice cuts the list in half.
- Then pick your amenities. For example, golfers usually start with the three Sunlands, because each has its own course. Also, our Sunland golf guide compares them side by side.
- Finally, check the fees and rules. In general, Mesa retirement communities range from small HOAs with modest dues to big, full-amenity associations. Also, some are guard gated and some are not, so we confirm the details before you write an offer.
Comparing the big three? Then read our Sunland Village vs. Sunland Village East vs. Sunland Springs Village guide.
Mesa retirement communities: common questions
What are the best retirement communities in Mesa, AZ?
It depends on what you want. For instance, Sunland Springs Village has some of the newest homes and 27 holes of golf, while Sunland Village and Sunland Village East offer easy executive golf at friendlier prices. Meanwhile, Encore at Eastmark is one of the newest 55+ communities in Mesa, and Fountain of the Sun is guard gated with its own golf.
Are there affordable retirement communities in Mesa?
Yes. In general, Mesa has some of the lowest prices in the Valley for 55+ living. For example, Sunland Village and Dreamland Villa often have homes in the low $200s, and condos or patio homes can start lower. Prices change, so call or text (480) 710-6326 to verify today’s numbers.
What is an active retirement community in Mesa like?
Busy, if you want it to be. In fact, most of the larger Mesa communities have pools, fitness centers, pickleball, clubs and social events most days of the week. Meanwhile, the smaller patio-home communities are quieter, with a pool and a clubhouse.
How far is Mesa from Phoenix and the airports?
Mesa is about 20 miles east of downtown Phoenix. As a result, most Mesa retirement communities are a reasonable drive to Phoenix Sky Harbor, and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is close by for East Valley flights.
Do you also help with manufactured and park-model homes in Mesa?
Yes. Besides site-built homes, Mesa has many owned-land manufactured and park-model communities, and we cover those too. They’re listed above in their own section, so you can compare them with site-built homes.
Finally, want to know more about the city itself? Visit the City of Mesa website.
Mesa is big — let’s tour it the smart way
Of course, with this many communities across one city, sorting them from a screen is rough. When you come to town, you ride with us and we drive — our gas, not yours. In a day or two we’ll loop through the ones you’re weighing, walk the clubhouses, and cross off the ones that aren’t right so you can focus on the ones that are.
Coming in from out of state? Most of our buyers are. Tell us when you’re visiting and we’ll help lay out the trip so no day gets wasted.
Not sure which Mesa community fits you?
Tell us your budget, your must-haves, and how you want to live, and we’ll point you to the right ones — then show them to you in person.
Call or Text: (480) 710-6326 Contact PagePlease note that community details are summarized for general guidance and can change. Fees, amenities, age rules, gated status, and land ownership vary by community and are subject to change — always verify with the association before you buy. Jarl Kubat is a licensed Arizona real estate agent with West USA Realty.