Homes for Sale in Phoenix 55+ Communities and Retirement Communities in Phoenix Live MLS listings, updated all day:
Phoenix · 55+ · Retirement CommunitiesRetirement Communities in Phoenix: The Honest Local Guide
Planning a retirement move to Phoenix? First, here’s the part most websites skip. In fact, the best Phoenix retirement communities sit all around the city, not just inside it. So this guide shows you where they are, and how to pick a side of town.
When people search for retirement communities in Phoenix, they usually mean the whole Phoenix area. That’s a good thing, because the city itself has only a few true 55+ communities. Meanwhile, the suburbs around it have some of the largest retirement communities in the country. Founder Jarl Kubat has spent 22+ years helping buyers sort through all of them, from Sun City on the west side to Sun Lakes on the east side.
Are there 55+ communities in the city of Phoenix?
Yes, but only three, and they’re older. So here are the 55+ neighborhoods inside the Phoenix city limits. As a result of their age, every home is a resale, and none of them are gated.
| Community | Where in Phoenix | Homes | Built | Age rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ahwatukee 55+ community | South Phoenix (Ahwatukee) | About 1,600 | 1974–1993 | 55+ |
| Northtown | North Phoenix, near Cave Creek Rd. and Greenway | About 280 | 1971–1976 | 55+ |
| Hillcrest | North Phoenix (85022) | About 120 | 1973 | 55+ |
Ahwatukee 55+ community
By far the biggest, with its own rec center, pickleball, tennis and an indoor pool. In addition, big-city shopping and medical care are minutes away.
Northtown and Hillcrest
Two small 55+ neighborhoods in north Phoenix. For example, Northtown has a clubhouse and pool with low dues. Because homes here come up only now and then, ask us to watch for them.
The best Phoenix-area retirement communities, by side of town
Most Phoenix retirement communities are a short drive outside the city. So here are the ones buyers ask us about most. In short, the west side has the giant Del Webb communities, while the east side has country clubs and smaller neighborhoods.
| Community | Side of the Valley | What it’s like |
|---|---|---|
| Sun City | Northwest | The original Del Webb retirement community, with 8 golf courses and the lowest prices |
| Sun City West | Northwest | Bigger homes and lots of golf, next door to Sun City |
| The Grand (formerly Sun City Grand) | Northwest (Surprise) | Newer homes and resort-style rec centers |
| Westbrook Village | Northwest (Peoria) | A smaller 55+ community with two golf courses |
| Sun Lakes | Southeast | Five country club communities in one place |
| Sunland Village | East (Mesa) | Golf and patio homes at friendly prices |
| Leisure World | East (Mesa) | A guard-gated community with two golf courses |
Want to see all of them at once, too? Then use the Arizona 55+ communities map on our homepage. Also, our West Valley guide covers the west side in detail.
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 QuizPhoenix 55+ communities: live listings
Below, this live search shows homes for sale in Phoenix-area 55+ communities. Also, it updates all day, right from the MLS.
Phoenix retirement communities without an age rule
Not everyone wants an age-restricted community. That’s fine, because Phoenix has resort-style neighborhoods with clubhouses and extra amenities. For instance, some are gated, and some are country clubs, though not all. However, these are not retirement communities, so you’ll have neighbors of every age. Then, to browse them, use our Phoenix resort-style neighborhoods search (all ages).
Private country clubs in Phoenix
Phoenix also has a few historic private clubs. Keep in mind that a club and a neighborhood aren’t the same thing. Membership rules vary by club. Some are tied to owning a home in the club’s community, while many accept members from anywhere. Also, none of them are age-restricted.
Phoenix Country Club
A private club in central Phoenix with a historic parkland golf course and a big tennis program.
Arizona Country Club
In addition, it’s a private club near Camelback East in Phoenix, with golf, tennis, pools and fitness.
Moon Valley Country Club
Similarly, it’s a private, member-owned club in north Phoenix with a championship 18-hole course.
On the other hand, if you’d rather lock the door and travel, a condo, townhome or patio home may fit better. For city living, browse our Phoenix loft living search. Or, for patio homes across the Valley, see our patio homes, townhomes and condos page.
💡 Founder Jarl Kubat’s take on retirement communities in Phoenix
The first question we ask Phoenix buyers is simple: which side of town is your life on? For example, think about your kids, your doctors, your church and the airport. As soon as we know that, the list of Phoenix retirement communities gets much shorter, and the choice gets easier.
Why people retire in the Phoenix area
- Healthcare: major hospital systems, including Mayo Clinic and Banner Health, have campuses around the Valley.
- Travel: similarly, Phoenix Sky Harbor is a big, easy airport, so family visits are simple.
- Taxes: Arizona doesn’t tax Social Security, and the state income tax is a flat rate. For details, see the Arizona Department of Revenue.
- Weather: above all, mild winters and lots of sun, plus pools and golf most of the year.
- Choice: finally, dozens of 55+ communities at almost every price, on both sides of the Valley.
Looking a little farther northeast? Then see our guides to Scottsdale retirement communities, Paradise Valley and Fountain Hills.
Thinking about the Phoenix area?
I’m Jarl Kubat, a licensed Arizona agent with 22+ years in the state’s 55+ communities. First, tell me where your life is. Then I’ll show you the Phoenix retirement communities that fit, with an honest read on each one.
Call or Text: (480) 710-6326 Contact PageRetirement communities in Phoenix: FAQ
Choosing a community
What are the best retirement communities in the Phoenix area?
On the west side, Sun City, Sun City West and The Grand are the big three. Meanwhile, on the east side, Sun Lakes and the Mesa communities, like Sunland Village and Leisure World, are favorites. In the end, the best one for you depends on your budget and which side of town your life is on.
Are there 55+ communities in the city of Phoenix?
Yes, but only a few. For example, the largest is the 55+ section of Ahwatukee, with roughly 1,600 homes. However, most Phoenix retirement communities are just outside the city, in places like Sun City, Surprise, Peoria, Mesa and Sun Lakes.
What are some active retirement communities near Phoenix, Arizona?
In general, Sun City, Sun City West, The Grand and Sun Lakes are among the most active, with golf, pickleball, rec centers and hundreds of clubs. In fact, many residents say they’re busier now than when they worked.
Costs and location
Are there gated 55+ communities in Phoenix?
Not inside the city limits, as far as we know. However, gated 55+ options are close by, such as Leisure World in Mesa and parts of Sun Lakes and PebbleCreek.
Are there new 55+ homes in Phoenix?
Not in the city itself, mainly because Phoenix’s 55+ neighborhoods were built decades ago. For new construction, buyers usually look at newer communities on the edges of the Valley. So call us, and we’ll tell you who’s still building.
How far is Sun City from Phoenix?
Sun City is about 16 miles northwest of downtown Phoenix. By comparison, Sun City West and The Grand are a little farther out, while Sun Lakes sits southeast of Phoenix near Chandler.
Are there affordable retirement communities near Phoenix?
Yes. In general, Sun City and the Mesa communities usually have the lowest prices, especially for condos and patio homes. For lower-cost options, see our patio homes and condos page.
Do you help buyers on both sides of the Valley?
Yes. In fact, we work in 55+ communities across the West Valley and the East Valley, so we can compare every Phoenix-area option side by side.
More guides
- Moving to a retirement community in Arizona — our 7-step plan.
- How to choose a 55+ community — the 1-minute quiz.
- Arizona 55+ HOA fees — dues and one-time fees, side by side.
- Every community we serve — West Valley, East Valley and beyond.
For the federal rules behind 55+ communities, see HUD’s housing for older persons page.
Community information: Of course, fees, gates and age rules are set by each community and change without notice. Therefore, details here are summarized for general information as of fall 2026. Confirm current details with each association or your licensed agent before you rely on them. In addition, this page is independent, buyer-focused information and is not affiliated with any association. Jarl Kubat is a licensed Arizona real estate agent with West USA Realty.
Listing accuracy: Property listings are drawn from the Arizona Regional MLS and are believed accurate but not guaranteed. Also, since listings change throughout the day, confirm details with your agent before relying on them.