Leisure World Mesa, AZ: A Gated 55+ Community With Two Golf Courses
Planning a retirement move to the East Valley? This is one of Mesa’s largest and most established 55+ communities — gated, two private golf courses, 16 pickleball courts, and you own the land. Here’s what to know before you buy.
Curious about Leisure World? Reach out any time — we’re glad to help.
Leisure World is one of Mesa’s largest and most established 55+ communities. Established in 1973, it grew into a private, gated community of about 2,664 homes — a mix of single-family homes, patio homes, and condos. Behind the gates, you’ll also find two golf courses, a big recreation center, sixteen pickleball courts, tennis, and even a dozen small lakes. As a result, it has a true “small town” feel with a lot to do. Of course, the golf and the amenities are the big draw, and the fact that you own your land is a real plus. Just go in knowing the monthly fees here can run higher than most.
From founder Jarl Kubat
Founder Jarl Kubat has spent 22+ years helping buyers and sellers in Arizona 55+ and retirement communities. He lives in Arizona Traditions in Surprise, but he also works the West Valley and the East Valley, Mesa included. His first tip for anyone looking at Leisure World Mesa is simple: find out which plat a home sits in before you fall for it. The plat sets your monthly fee, and in some sections it also changes what the fee covers. So we pin it down for every Leisure World home for sale we show you.
Quick snapshot
Location: Mesa, AZ — a private county island surrounded by the city of Mesa
Established: 1973 (homes built roughly 1972–1994) · Homes: about 2,664 — single-family, patio homes & condos, all single-level
Type: age-restricted 55+ (no one under 45 may live here) — gated, and you own the land
Golf: two private 18-hole courses, Coyote Run and Heron Lakes (an additional fee)
Amenities: a large rec center, 16 pickleball courts, 10 tennis courts, pools, a fitness center, and more


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The Leisure World Mesa market right now
Naturally, the first thing buyers ask is whether homes are actually selling. So here’s the picture from the Arizona Regional MLS, single-family homes combined.
As of October 2026 · single-family homes · refreshed monthly
What homes cost: Over the last 90 days, Leisure World homes for sale closed from about $215,000 to about $560,000. Meanwhile, the middle sale was near $372,000 and the average near $371,000, at roughly 97% of list price, about $232 a square foot, and around 89 days on market. At last check, asking prices for single-family homes started at about $280,000, plus one listing over $1 million.
By size: for example, homes under about 1,200 sq ft sold for about $215,000 to $330,000; 1,200 to 1,600 sq ft for about $285,000 to $389,000; 1,600 to 2,000 sq ft for about $310,000 to $515,000; and over 2,000 sq ft for about $324,900 to $560,000.
Still, ranges shift as the market changes, so call or text (480) 710-6326 to verify today’s numbers. To compare communities, also see our Arizona 55+ market update.
Market figures are drawn from the Arizona Regional MLS for a trailing 90-day period as of September 2026. They are believed accurate but not guaranteed.
Why buyers choose Leisure World
The golf and amenities. Two courses plus one of the biggest amenity lineups of any Mesa 55+ community — this is the main reason people love it. A gated community. Also, access control at the entrances and a security patrol keep the community private. You own the land. In other words, there’s no land lease — your lot is yours. A real community feel. It’s also big, active, and social, with a dozen small lakes and a small-town atmosphere. Room to add value. Many homes are original and priced accordingly — a chance to remodel to your taste.
Where Leisure World sits in Mesa
Leisure World is in east Mesa, on a private county island surrounded by the city. It’s near shopping, restaurants, and health care (including Banner Baywood Medical Center), with easy access to US 60 and the rest of the Valley. Because it’s a self-governed, gated community, day-to-day life happens largely behind the gates — but you’re still close to everything Mesa offers. So we’re happy to walk you through what living on a county island means for services and taxes. To see every other option in the city, read our Mesa, AZ retirement communities guide.
Is Leisure World Mesa a retirement community? The age rules
Yes. Leisure World is an age-restricted 55+ community, and its rule is stricter than most. Under the recorded CC&Rs, at least 80% of homes must have a resident 55 or older, and no one under 45 may live in any home. Grandkids can visit, but younger family members can’t move in. In addition, there are limits on how many people can live in a home: two in a one-bedroom, three in a two-bedroom, and four in a three-bedroom, unless the association approves more.
Buyer approval is part of the deal. In most sections, the association reviews the buyer’s age and financial qualifications before closing, and it has a right of first refusal. Still, it’s a routine step here, and we build it into your timeline.
Between 45 and 54? There may be a door open within the 20% of homes that don’t need a 55+ resident. However, that room is limited, so let us check the current numbers with the association before you write an offer. For the bigger picture, also see our guide to the 80/20 rule in Arizona 55+ communities.
One note: the condo plats (Plats 1–5 and Plat 16) sit under separate recorded documents, so we confirm the rules for those homes on their own.
Leisure World Mesa homes for sale
Leisure World homes for sale cover a real range: over 2,100 single-family homes, plus patio homes and nearly 500 condos, built between about 1972 and 1994. Every home is single-level. For example, the earliest sections have compact one- and two-bedroom condos, while newer sections have single-family and patio homes from about 1,500 to over 2,000 square feet.
Because the community has been around a while, condition varies a lot. Some homes are beautifully updated; however, many are still fairly original and could use remodeling. For a buyer, however, that’s opportunity — a chance to buy at a fair price and make the home your own. So we’ll help you tell the well-kept homes from the ones that need work, and pull the details on anything you like.
Buying an older home to remodel? In fact, that can be a smart play here — just go in with eyes open on the roof, cooling, plumbing, and electrical. That’s what the inspection period is for, and it’s where having us on your side pays off. Above all, we’ll help you know what you’re really buying, and what it’ll take to update it.
A note on pets: the recorded rules allow dogs, cats, and household pets with the association’s approval. Patio homes, townhomes, and condos can set their own pet rules, so if pets matter to you and you’re looking at an attached home, let us verify the pet policy on that specific unit before you fall for it.
See Leisure World Mesa listings
Below are the live single-family Leisure World homes for sale, updated all day. Meanwhile, for attached homes or homes on the course, use the Patio Homes & Townhomes or Golf Course Homes buttons at the top of the page.
Golf at Leisure World Mesa: two private courses
Leisure World has two private 18-hole courses, both designed by Greg Nash and opened around 1979, plus a driving range, two golf shops, and a golf lounge. Both are for residents and their guests. Golf is a separate, additional fee — your HOA dues don’t cover it.
| Course | Par | Length (approx.) | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote Run | 73 | About 5,700 to 6,400 yards | The longer course, with big greens, water, and bunkers |
| Heron Lakes | 62 | About 3,500 to 4,000 yards | Executive course, great for a quick round |
Also, there are leagues and “fun leagues” for every level. Because lengths come from published scorecards, confirm current tees and golf fees with the golf shop. Want a home on the course? Some Leisure World homes for sale back right onto the fairways, so See golf course listings, or compare golf communities in our golf course homes guide.
Pickleball and everything else to do
Amenities are Leisure World’s calling card. The community has 16 dedicated, lighted pickleball courts, owned and maintained by the association and open to residents and their guests. The Leisure World Pickleball Club runs about $100 a year and includes morning open play, round robins, skills and drills, and social events. Residents also book courts through CourtReserve up to about 14 days ahead. At last check, courts 1–8 ran 7 am to 9 pm from October to April and 6 am to 9 pm from May to September, while courts 9–16 ran 8 am to 5 pm. To see how it compares, visit our Arizona 55+ pickleball communities hub.
Beyond pickleball, there are 10 tennis courts (six lighted), a lighted lawn bowling green, shuffleboard, and basketball. Inside and out, you’ll also find two pools and spas plus a therapy pool, a fitness center, two ballrooms with stages, a theater and a 75-seat auditorium, a library, and an 11-table billiards room. On top of that, there are studios for art, pottery, lapidary, stained glass, quilting, and woodworking, a computer lab, meeting rooms, and the Rendezvous Café.
After all, with this much to do, it’s easy to see why residents stay busy. In fact, the pickleball scene here is one of the strongest in the East Valley.
Leisure World Mesa HOA & fees (2026)
Here’s the honest part: Leisure World’s monthly fees can run higher than many Mesa 55+ communities, and patio-home fees can be among the highest in the Valley outside of luxury Scottsdale. Then again, you’re paying for a lot — the gate and patrol, a huge amenity set, and owned land. Every home pays a $370 monthly base fee ($265 operations plus $105 capital reserve). Specifically, some plats add a plat fee for extra services, so compare Leisure World homes for sale by their true monthly cost.
| Section | Monthly total | What the plat fee adds |
|---|---|---|
| Most sections (Districts 3, 4, 5, 6, 8) | $370 | Base fee only |
| Plat 12 (District 7) | $515 | Landscape maintenance and water |
| Plats 6–8 (District 3) | $584 | Landscape maintenance and water |
| Plat 16 (District 3, condos) | $593 | Landscaping, exterior maintenance and painting, “bare walls” insurance |
| Plat 16F (District 3) | $619 | Landscaping, exterior maintenance and painting, “bare walls” insurance |
| Plats 1–5 (District 1, condos) | $652 | Landscaping, water and sewer, exterior maintenance and painting, “bare walls” insurance |
One-time fees when you buy
| Fee | 2026 amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | None | There is no separate annual fee |
| Capital improvement fee | $4,000 | Paid by the buyer at purchase |
| Transfer fee | $175 homes / $225 patio | Paid at title transfer |
| Resale disclosure fee | $175 | Paid at resale; we confirm who pays it at contract |
As a result, most buyers should plan on about $4,175 or more in community fees at closing, on top of the price and normal closing costs. To see how that compares, check our Arizona 55+ HOA fees guide.
Why the monthly fee varies
Your monthly fee depends on the section your home is in and on the landscaping — grass-scaped lots and rock-scaped lots aren’t billed the same. The community generally trims the bushes, while trees are typically the owner’s responsibility. So it’s worth pinning down exactly what your fee covers for the specific home. Fees can change through the Leisure World Community Association, and patio-home fees especially vary, so we’ll get you the exact current numbers before you buy.
The recorded rules that shape daily life at Leisure World
We read Leisure World’s recorded CC&Rs so you know what you’re buying into in this large, gated East Mesa community.
| Rule | What the recorded CC&Rs say |
|---|---|
| Age | A 55+ community (80% floor) with a clear, uniform rule: no resident under 45. Simple and strictly applied. |
| Grandkids visiting | The rule bars under-45s from residing; visiting isn’t given a day-count in the recorded restrictions — those come from the posted association rules, which we confirm for you. |
| Parking & RVs | Passenger cars and golf carts are fine on your lot and driveway; boats, campers and RVs need association permission to be kept on a lot, and on some plats stored items must be screened from view. |
| Leasing | Tenants must meet the community’s age and eligibility standards. No minimum term is set in the recorded restrictions — we confirm the current rule with the association. |
The dues can cover an unusual amount — worth doing the math
On some plats, Leisure World’s monthly charge is notably utility-inclusive — it can cover water, sewer, refuse, fire protection, electric, the master antenna and gas alongside the recreation and streets. As a result, the dues compare differently to other communities, so we confirm exactly what’s bundled on the specific home before you compare prices.
Is Leisure World Mesa the right retirement community for you?
A great fit if you…
- Want golf, pickleball, and a huge amenity set behind a gate.
- Like owning your land and living in a big, active community.
- Are open to a home that needs some updating, at a fair price.
- Value security and a private, self-governed community.
Worth knowing before you buy…
- Monthly fees can run high — the patio homes especially. Budget for them.
- No one under 45 may live here, so plan around family who might move in.
- Many homes are older and may need remodeling — inspect closely.
- The monthly fee depends on section and landscaping — confirm it per home.
- It’s a county island, so it helps to understand services and taxes going in.
Ultimately, the fees are the trade-off for everything the community offers. For example, some buyers happily pay for the golf, the gates, and the lifestyle; others would rather spend less elsewhere. Still, there’s no wrong answer — tell us what matters most and we’ll help you weigh it.
Want the numbers first? See Leisure World home prices & market — what sold in the last 90 days and what’s for sale now.
See what’s for sale in Leisure World
Live MLS listings of Leisure World homes for sale, updated throughout the day.
See All Homes Contact UsNearby 55+ communities in Mesa
If you’re weighing Leisure World against other Mesa options, these are the ones to compare:
Leisure World: frequently asked questions
Age rules & buying
Is Leisure World a retirement community?
Yes. Leisure World in Mesa is an age-restricted 55+ community. Under its recorded rules, at least 80% of homes must have a resident 55 or older, and no one under 45 may live in any home. We confirm the current rules for the exact home before you buy. For quick answers on the age rule, fees and golf, see our Leisure World buyer questions.
Can my kids or grandkids live with me?
They can visit, but no one under 45 may live in a home here. In fact, that is stricter than most 55+ communities, so plan with it in mind.
Do I have to be approved to buy?
In most sections, yes. Before closing, the association reviews the buyer’s age and financial qualifications and has a right of first refusal. We build that step into your timeline so it doesn’t surprise you.
The gate & the land
Is Leisure World gated?
Yes. It is a gated community with access control and a security patrol, covered by the monthly base fee.
Do you own the land?
Yes. In Leisure World you own your lot, and there is no land lease.
Fees
What are the HOA fees?
For 2026, every home pays a $370 monthly base fee. Some plats add a plat fee for extra services, for a total of $515 to $652 a month. At closing, buyers pay a $4,000 capital improvement fee plus a transfer fee of about $175 for homes or $225 for patio homes. Golf is extra. Because fees can change, confirm current figures before you buy.
Why are the monthly fees so different from home to home?
Your monthly fee depends on the plat or section and on your landscaping, since grass-scaped and rock-scaped lots are not billed the same. Some plats also bundle services like water, exterior care, or building insurance. So we confirm the exact fee, and what it covers, for any specific home.
Golf & pickleball
Is golf included in the HOA?
No. Leisure World has two private 18-hole courses, Coyote Run and Heron Lakes, and golf is an additional fee. Also, the courses are for residents and their guests.
Does Leisure World have pickleball?
Yes. There are 16 lighted, dedicated pickleball courts owned by the association for residents and their guests, and the pickleball club runs about $100 a year.
Where can I see Leisure World homes for sale?
Right here. The listings window on this page shows Leisure World homes for sale, updated all day, and the buttons at the top cover golf course homes and patio homes. You can also call or text (480) 710-6326 for a private list.
Working with an agent
Who is the best real estate agent for Leisure World?
Look for an agent who works mostly in 55+ communities and knows Leisure World’s plat-based fees, age rules and resale market. Founder Jarl Kubat of Arizona 55+ Communities Real Estate (West USA Realty) has spent 22+ years helping buyers and sellers in Arizona 55+ and retirement communities across the West Valley and East Valley. He lives in Arizona Traditions in Surprise, and clients rate the team 4.9 stars on Google. Call or text (480) 710-6326.
Weighing Leisure World against other Mesa communities? Ride with us
You don’t have to sort the East Valley out from your laptop. When you come to town, you ride with us and we drive — our gas, not yours. In one day, for example, we’ll run through Leisure World and the other communities you’re weighing, walk the clubhouses and the gates, and you’ll cross half the list off yourself. Then, the next day, we go back into the finalists and tour real homes, so you can see the condition and the fees for yourself.
It’s the easiest, least stressful way to go from “there are too many choices” to “this is the one.” Ask us about setting up your community tour →

Thinking about buying — or selling — in Leisure World?
I’m Jarl Kubat, a licensed Arizona agent with 22+ years in the state’s 55+ and retirement communities. Leisure World has a lot to offer, but also a few things to get right — the plat-based fees, the landscaping rules, and the condition of older homes. So we’ll help you find the right home, understand exactly what you’ll pay, and negotiate with confidence.
Call or Text: (480) 710-6326 Contact

Jarl Kubat · Licensed Arizona 55+ Communities Specialist · West USA Realty
Listing accuracy: Property listings and availability are drawn from the Arizona Regional MLS and are believed accurate but not guaranteed. Listings change throughout the day; confirm details with your agent before relying on them.
Community information: Community facts are compiled from public sources, the association’s 2026 fee schedule, and recorded documents, and are believed accurate but not guaranteed. HOA fees (2026) are current as provided and subject to change by the Association; monthly fees vary by plat, section, and landscaping, and patio-home fees vary. Golf course lengths are from published scorecards; golf is an additional fee. Leisure World is made up of separately recorded plats whose fees and some rules differ. Verify age rules, fees, home details, land ownership, and services with the Association or your licensed agent before you buy. Jarl Kubat is a licensed Arizona real estate agent with West USA Realty. Equal Housing Opportunity.
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