Homes For Sale in Sun City Live MLS listings, updated all day. Tap your home type:Sun City, Arizona: The Complete 55+ Buyer’s Guide
The community that started it all — Del Webb’s original active adult city. Here’s everything you need to know before you buy: homes, fees, golf, and amenities. Written by a licensed Arizona agent with 22+ years in 55+ communities.
Questions about Sun City? Call or text Jarl at (480) 710-6326 — or send a message.
Sun City is where active adult living began. Del Webb sold the first homes here on January 1, 1960. The idea was so popular it launched a whole way of life. Today it has about 27,100 homes in the northwest Valley, 16 miles from downtown Phoenix. This guide covers the homes, the costs, the golf, and the amenities — all in one place.
Quick snapshot
Builder: Del Webb · First homes sold: 1960, built out by 1978.
Location: Unincorporated Maricopa County, AZ 85351 (about 16 miles from downtown Phoenix).
Size: about 27,100 homes across 14.5 square miles.
Age rule: 55+ active adult (details below).
Home types: single-family homes, patio homes, gemini (duplex) homes, and condos — all single-level.
Why buyers choose Sun City
Value and history bring people here; the lifestyle keeps them. Here’s the draw.
- The most affordable Sun City. Home prices here are among the lowest in the Valley’s 55+ market, so almost any budget fits.
- Amenities at scale. Eight rec centers, eight golf courses, two bowling centers, and 120-plus clubs.
- Single-level living. Every home is one level — no stairs to manage.
- Low cost of living. No city taxes, most homes have no school tax, and real estate taxes run low.
- Health care built in. Banner Boswell Medical Center has anchored the community’s care since 1970.
Where Sun City sits — and getting around
Sun City is in the northwest Valley, in unincorporated Maricopa County. You’re close to shopping, dining, and health care, with easy drives to the wider Valley and cooler high country in summer.
| Destination | Approx. drive time |
|---|---|
| Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport | about 35–40 minutes |
| Downtown Phoenix | about 30 minutes |
| Everyday shopping & dining | minutes away |
| Sedona & the high country | day-trip distance |
For a day on the water, Lake Pleasant Regional Park is a short drive north. Many residents get around by golf cart and bike.
Age requirements at Sun City
This is a top buyer question, so let’s make it clear. Sun City is a 55+ active adult community. Here’s how the rules work.
- At least one resident in each home must be 55 or older.
- No one under 19 may live here permanently.
- Visiting family under 19 may stay up to about 90 days per year.
- The age rule is enforced community-wide by the Sun City Home Owners Association (SCHOA).
Rules follow federal housing-for-older-persons law and the community’s recorded CC&Rs, enforced by SCHOA. Always confirm current age rules before you buy.
Homes & floor plans
Sun City is a resale community — Del Webb finished building it decades ago, so you buy an existing home. Choices run from cozy two-bedroom condos and patio homes to three-bedroom single-family homes. Like most 55+ communities, the patio homes and condos are single-level, and so is every single-family home. No stairs to worry about.
A Sun City signature worth knowing: many original homes have an Arizona Room — an enclosed bonus space Del Webb was known for, perfect as a den, hobby room, or sunroom. Prices here are among the most affordable in the Valley’s 55+ market, which is a big part of the appeal.
About homes that need a little updating
These are some of the oldest 55+ homes in the Valley. Some still have their original finishes, and they’re priced to match. That can be a real chance to buy in and make a place your own.
There’s an upside to an older home, too: many owners have already replaced the big-ticket items — roof, air conditioning, and water heater. So those major systems are often newer than the house and have years of life left. We’ll always help you check what’s already been done on any home you like.
See what’s for sale in Sun City right now
Live MLS listings, updated throughout the day.
Single-Family Homes Golf Course Homes👀 Watching for the right home?
With 27,100 homes and a wide price range, the right one comes along often — if someone’s watching. Let us watch for you. Tell us what matters most — home type, a golf view, your budget, or a certain area — and we’ll reach out the moment a match hits the market, often before it lands on the big sites.
Fees & what they cover (2026)
Recreation in Sun City is run by the Recreation Centers of Sun City (RCSC). Your annual recreation fee unlocks all eight rec centers and their facilities. Here are the current 2026 figures.
| Fee | 2026 amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual recreation fee | $680 / household | Your access to all eight rec centers & facilities |
| Capital improvement / preservation fee (one-time) | $5,500 | Paid at purchase |
| Transfer fee (one-time) | $500 | At title transfer |
| Recording fee (one-time) | $30 | At close |
| Disclosure fee | None | Sun City has no disclosure fee |
| Monthly fee (some homes) | Varies | Applies to condos & patio homes only |
Good to know: the recreation fee is per household, not per person. Golf and bowling cost extra. Most single-family homes have no separate HOA. But some fall under a smaller “junior” association with its own dues, so always check the exact fees for the home before you buy.
Amenities & daily life
This is where Sun City shines. For a value-priced community, there’s a lot to do — eight rec centers, eight golf courses, two bowling centers, and dozens of clubs.
Eight recreation centers
Sun City’s fun spreads across eight rec centers, so there’s always one close to home. Together they offer pools, fitness centers, tennis, pickleball, lawn bowling, mini-golf, and dozens of clubs. Here’s what each one is known for.
Bell
The largest center — a full bowling alley, billiards room, mini-golf, lap and walking pools, a fitness center, indoor spa, tennis, and lawn bowling. If a club exists, it’s probably here.
Fairway
Recently renovated, with a modern fitness center, an indoor walking track, and a lap-and-walking pool — plus a county library branch and many clubs.
Grand
The club lover’s center, home to dozens of hobby and social clubs — including a greenhouse for the gardeners.
Lakeview
Set on scenic Viewpoint Lake, with a pool, fitness center, tennis, mini-golf, lawn bowling, and a bowling alley — plus boating and fishing right on the water.
Marinette
The northernmost center, fully renovated, with an expanded fitness center, 20 pickleball courts (eight covered), an outdoor spa, and a cushioned walking track.
Mountain View
The southernmost center, with a pool, fitness center, spa, tennis, pickleball, lawn bowling, mini-golf, and an auditorium for shows and events.
Oakmont
Sun City’s very first rec center — refreshed in 2016 but full of original charm. Pool, spa, fitness center, and lawn bowling.
Sundial
Home to an indoor pool and a warm-water pool, a fitness center, spa, mini-golf, and bocce — plus the Sundial Auditorium for indoor concerts.
Pickleball & tennis
Pickleball is booming here. The Sun City Pickleball Club, going strong since 2003, has more than 1,100 members. Play runs on 20 courts at Marinette (eight of them covered), plus seven more at Mountain View — with clinics and open play for every level.
Tennis is well served too, with courts at several rec centers, including Bell, Lakeview, and Mountain View. The community’s tennis club keeps leagues and social play lively year-round.
Golf — eight courses
Golf is central to life here. The community owns and runs all eight courses, within a few miles of each other, so residents play at resident rates. Golf fees are separate from your recreation fee.
Riverview
One of Sun City’s most challenging and scenic courses, with more elevation and movement than any other layout here. Full 18 holes.
Lakes West
A classic regulation course that opened in 1969, with water in play — a longtime member favorite. Full 18 holes.
North
A peaceful, walkable parkland-style layout, recently upgraded with new bunkers and reshaped greens. Full 18 holes.
South
Tight fairways and smaller greens reward accuracy and patience — a thinking golfer’s course. Full 18 holes.
Willowcreek
Sister course to Willowbrook, playable for a serious score or an easygoing round. Full 18 holes.
Lakes East
An executive course by the lakes, a step shorter than Lakes West — a quick, enjoyable round. Shorter 18 holes.
Willowbrook
The executive sister to Willowcreek — forgiving and fun, great for a relaxed day. Shorter 18 holes.
Quail Run
A relaxing nine surrounded by desert wildlife and native plants — perfect for a fast round. Quick 9 holes.
Bowling, clubs & peace of mind
Two bowling centers — Bell Lanes (16 lanes) and Lakeview Lanes (24 lanes) — keep the leagues busy. Beyond that, 120-plus clubs cover arts, crafts, fitness, music, cards, and more. You’ll also find concerts at the Sundial and the outdoor Sun Bowl. The volunteer Sun City Posse patrols the community and offers a vacation watch, and Banner Boswell Medical Center offers full care right in town.
Community rules worth knowing
Shared rules protect home values and the lifestyle. Here are the ones buyers ask about most.
| Topic | The short version |
|---|---|
| Age | At least one resident 55+; no one under 19 lives here permanently |
| Visiting grandkids | Family under 19 may visit up to about 90 days per year |
| Minimum home size | Single-family homes must have at least 800 sq ft of living space |
| Exterior changes | Follow the CC&Rs; some changes need review — check before you build |
| RVs, boats & trailers | Not parked on lots or streets beyond 72 hours (garage storage OK) |
| Pets | Leashed outside; owners clean up; no livestock or poultry |
Important: single-family CC&Rs are enforced by SCHOA, while each condo association has its own rules. Always pull the CC&Rs for the exact property — we’ll help you get them.
Is Sun City right for you?
Let’s be straight — no community fits everyone. Here’s an honest look so you can decide with clear eyes.
A great fit if you…
- Want the most affordable path into a full-featured 55+ community.
- Love golf, bowling, clubs, and staying active and social.
- Like single-level living and a low cost of living.
- Like the history, the mature streets, and health care close by.
Worth knowing before you buy…
- Every home is a resale — there’s no new construction here.
- These are older homes; some need updating (though big-ticket systems are often already done).
- Many originals have carports rather than garages — check each home.
- Some homes fall under smaller associations with their own dues and rules.
- Summers are hot, like the rest of the Valley.
If that second list gives you pause, let’s talk it through. Sometimes a nearby community is a better match — and we’d rather point you to the right home than the nearest one.
Comparing nearby communities?
Sun City is one of several standout 55+ communities in the northwest Valley. If you’re weighing your options, here are a few worth a look:
- Sun City West — the larger, newer sister community just northwest, with seven golf courses and even more amenities.
- The Grand (formerly Sun City Grand) — a newer, upscale Del Webb community in Surprise with four golf courses.
- Sun City Festival — the newest Sun City, in Buckeye, with newer homes and open-desert views.
- Ventana Lakes — a smaller lakefront active adult community on the Sun City–Peoria border.
See all communities we serve →
Thinking about buying — or selling — in Sun City?
I’m Jarl Kubat, a licensed Arizona agent with 22+ years in the state’s 55+ communities. We’ll help you find the right home, sort out the fees, and negotiate with confidence — and we’ll check what’s already been updated on any home you like.
Call or Text: (480) 710-6326 ContactFrequently asked questions
Do I have to be 55 to buy in Sun City?
At least one resident in the home must be 55 or older, and no one under 19 may live here permanently. Family under 19 can visit up to about 90 days a year. Confirm the current rules before you buy.
What do the fees cover?
The 2026 recreation fee is $680 per household per year, and it unlocks all eight rec centers and their facilities. At purchase there’s a one-time $5,500 capital improvement/preservation fee, a $500 transfer fee, and a $30 recording fee. There’s no disclosure fee. Some condos and patio homes also carry a monthly fee. Golf and bowling are paid separately.
Is Sun City really the most affordable 55+ community?
It’s consistently among the most affordable full-featured 55+ communities in the Valley, which is a big reason buyers start their search here. Check current listings for today’s prices.
Is there new construction?
No. Del Webb finished building Sun City decades ago, so every home is a resale — with mature landscaping and, often, big-ticket updates already done.
How many golf courses are there?
Eight, all owned by the community — five 18-hole regulation courses, two 18-hole executive courses, and one 9-hole executive course, with resident cardholder rates.
Ready to explore Sun City?
Start with live listings, or reach out and we’ll build your search around what matters most.
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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.
Fees & community information: Fees are current for 2026 as provided and are subject to change by the Recreation Centers of Sun City. Age rules, CC&Rs, and community details are summarized here for general information and can vary by home and sub-association. Verify all figures and rules with RCSC, SCHOA, or your licensed agent before you buy. Jarl Kubat is a licensed Arizona real estate agent.
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