Sun Lakes, AZ

Sun Lakes is a retirement community located in Maricopa County, Arizona, approximately 24 miles southeast of downtown Phoenix. The community was developed in the late 1970s and early 1980s by Robson Communities, a company known for building active adult communities.

The concept for Sun Lakes originated in the early 1970s when Ed Robson, the founder of Robson Communities, envisioned a community designed specifically for active retirees. He wanted to create an environment that offered a range of amenities, recreational activities, and comfortable homes for adults over the age of 55.

Development on the first phase of Sun Lakes began in 1972, and by 1979, the community was fully underway. The community features five separate neighborhoods, each with its own unique amenities and characteristics. These neighborhoods are Sun Lakes Phase 1, Cottonwood Palo Verde, IronOaks, SunBird Golf Resort, and Oakwood.

One of the standout features of Sun Lakes is its five 18-hole golf courses, which are a major draw for retirees who enjoy the sport. These courses were designed by renowned golf course architects, offering challenging play and beautiful views of the surrounding desert landscape.

Over the years, Sun Lakes has continued to grow and evolve. New amenities, such as fitness centers, swimming pools, tennis courts, and clubhouses, have been added to enhance the lifestyle of the residents. The community also hosts various social events, clubs, and activities to foster a strong sense of community among its residents.

Sun Lakes has become a popular retirement destination due to its warm climate, affordable housing options, and vibrant community atmosphere. The community attracts residents from all over the United States, who seek an active lifestyle and opportunities to make new friends in their retirement years.

Today, Sun Lakes remains a highly desirable retirement community, and its real estate market continues to thrive. It has become a sought-after destination for retirees, offering an array of amenities, recreational opportunities, and a close-knit community atmosphere.

Sun Lakes Country Club

A popular golf club with 27 holes spread across three courses, offering challenging play and beautiful views.

Ironwood Golf Club

Another golf club in Sun Lakes known for its well-maintained fairways and greens.

Sun Lakes Cottonwood Country Club

This country club offers an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, swimming pools, and fitness facilities.

Sun Lakes Community Theatre

A local community theater group that puts on live performances and shows.

Sun Lakes Chapel Center

A non-denominational chapel that hosts various religious services, as well as weddings and other events.

Sun Lakes Arts and Crafts Association

A community association that showcases the works of local artists in various mediums.

Sun Lakes Orchard Golf and Country Club

A privately-owned golf course with beautiful scenery and peaceful surroundings.

Sun Lakes Tennis Club

A club dedicated to tennis enthusiasts, offering multiple courts and various events.

Sun Lakes Aero Club

An organization for aviation enthusiasts, offering flying lessons and flight experiences.

Sisk Park

A local park with picnic areas, basketball courts, playgrounds, and walking trails.

Sun Lakes, AZ has a desert climate, characterized by long, hot summers and mild winters. Summers in Sun Lakes are extremely hot, with average temperatures ranging from the high 90s to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37-38 degrees Celsius). Heatwaves and temperatures exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius) are not uncommon during the peak summer months.

Winter in Sun Lakes is mild, with average temperatures ranging from the low 60s to high 70s degrees Fahrenheit (16-26 degrees Celsius). However, temperatures can occasionally dip below freezing during the coldest months, particularly in the early morning hours. Snowfall is rare, though occasional brief flurries have been recorded in the past.

Sun Lakes receives very little rainfall throughout the year, with most of it occurring during the summer monsoon season between June and September. The rest of the year is relatively dry, with clear skies and minimal cloud coverage. The region is known for its abundant sunshine, with over 300 sunny days per year on average.

The dry and hot summers combined with low humidity levels make Sun Lakes susceptible to wildfires, especially during periods of drought. It is essential for residents and visitors to take necessary precautions to prevent and combat wildfires during these times.

Overall, Sun Lakes, AZ offers a hot and arid climate with scorching summers and mild winters, making it a popular destination for those seeking warmer weather throughout the year.

Sun Lakes is a popular active adult community located in Maricopa County, Arizona. The community is known for its abundance of amenities and activities for its residents. While Sun Lakes is often considered as one neighborhood, it is actually comprised of several distinct neighborhoods, each offering its unique features and characteristics. Here are some of the main neighborhoods in Sun Lakes:

Sun Lakes Country Club

This neighborhood is the original development in Sun Lakes and is situated around an 18-hole golf course. It offers a mix of single-family homes and townhomes, with various floor plans and sizes. Many homes in this neighborhood have golf course frontage and stunning views.

Cottonwood Palo Verde

This community is located adjacent to the Sun Lakes Country Club and is another popular neighborhood in Sun Lakes. It features two 18-hole golf courses, along with a clubhouse, fitness center, swimming pools, and tennis courts. Residents can choose from a wide range of housing options, including single-family homes, patio homes, and townhomes.

Ironwood

Ironwood is a gated neighborhood within Sun Lakes and offers a more exclusive and upscale living experience. It features its private 18-hole golf course, clubhouse, fitness center, and other amenities. The homes in Ironwood are typically larger and more luxurious, with spacious layouts and high-end finishes.

Oakwood

Oakwood is another gated community within Sun Lakes and is known for its upscale homes and amenities. It offers an 18-hole golf course, a clubhouse with multiple restaurants, a fitness center, swimming pools, and tennis courts. Oakwood features a mix of single-family homes and villa-style homes.

Palo Verde

Palo Verde is a non-gated neighborhood in Sun Lakes and is known for its affordability and diverse housing options. It offers single-family homes, townhomes, and patio homes at more affordable price points compared to some other Sun Lakes neighborhoods. Palo Verde residents have access to a golf course, clubhouse, swimming pool, and other community amenities.

In addition to these main neighborhoods, Sun Lakes also offers various amenities like restaurants, cafes, shopping centers, walking trails, lakes, and other recreational facilities that are accessible to all residents. Each neighborhood in Sun Lakes has its unique features, but all provide a resort-style living experience in a friendly and active community setting.