Hi all you nice and helpful people. I'm Rick. I'm 59, retired, single and currently living in Florida. I'm considering moving to Sun City (original) and I'll be there to check it out in a couple of weeks. Meanwhile, I thought I'd post some questions, if I may, to kick start the decision making process (I know, they're all over the map!). Here goes: 1. A wide variety of activities is important to me (and I know there's no shortage at SC). Do the activities slow down or go on hiatus in the summer months? 2. Does SC host any jam sessions? I know there's a ukulele group and choruses, but I was wondering if people ever get together on a regular basis to play a variety of instruments and sing? 3. Can Sun City (original) residents use the amenities of the other nearby Sun City communities? 4. The two lakes are indeed a SC asset. Since Maricopa is a desert, how do the lakes keep from going dry? Also, is there a mechanism to keep them clean? 5. Are there are any sing along piano get-togethers at SC? If not, are there any at nearby bars or clubs? 6. If I buy, I would need to know something about how easy (or hard) it is to resell houses. If they're priced right, do they move fairly quickly? I know I can get comps from a realtor and look at "Days on Market," but I'm also interested in anecdotal information from non-realtors in the know. How about annual rentals? Are they in high demand? 7. Is it true that most new SC residents are baby boomers (born after 1946)? 8. Speaking of boomers, how well attended is the Baby Boomer club at SC (called "67 something or other")? 9. How well attended are the Republican club and the Democrat club? Which has a larger membership? 10. Does anyone know how the districts encompassing Sun City original voted in the last few presidential elections? I couldn't find that information on the internet, but I know it's out there somewhere. Or lacking the data, what's your hunch? OK, that should do it for now. Thanks so much for the opportunity!
Maverick posted: I'm considering moving to Sun City (original) and I'll be there to check it out in a couple of weeks. Have you been to the Phoenix/Sun City area before? Even if you buy in the Original Sun City you are surrounded by so many cities that offer a huge variety of entertainment, sports and cultural facilities that you will never be bored. Your exploratory trip will just fly by and your head will be swimming with so much to absorb in a short time.
Hey Rick, Welcome. We are new owners in Sun City (original). We put an offer on our new home a couple of hours after it hit the MLS. Had it not been for our fantastic realtor we would have missed getting this house. As for the politics...AZ is a red state. Sun City is probably not as red as the state. I say probably not because we have only had a chance to be down there for a few weeks since we bought our place. I base my statement on very limited experience. We are moving from Seattle , WA very soon. With the influx of late boomers (I'm 52, J is 59), Sun City will be changing. Not that it needs a lot of change, but it should be opening up for more social interaction like you describe. Come on out and join us. The opportunities and possibilities are endless. Vanetta
Thanks for your replies. I appreciate it. Yes, Aggie, I've been to Phoenix twice before for short trips (never Sun City, AZ, although I did visit Sun City Center in the Tampa area). Your formatting is fine, J and V (content even better - congrats!). A couple of more questions, related to pollution - noise and air: 1. I see a railroad runs through Sun City along route 60. Has that area negotiated an agreement with the rail lines to refrain from blowing their 110 decibel horns when approaching crossings in residential areas? 2. Phoenix is among the worst cities for air pollution caused by particulate matter. Does it noticeably affect health in SC? Do most people have air filters? Or is it a Phoenix problem that doesn't really affect SC because SC is far enough away? I remember I always used to see a brown haze over the Pacific when I lived in LA in the early '90s, and it used to bum me out.
Hope this helps: 1. I see a railroad runs through Sun City along route 60. Has that area negotiated an agreement with the rail lines to refrain from blowing their 110 decibel horns when approaching crossings in residential areas? There has been some discussion regarding "Quiet Zones" for train horns but the rails through Sun City cannot qualify due to the strict federal guidelines. There are 4 major crossings along Grand in Sun City in a somewhat short distance which would be too hazardous. If you think you may be sensitive to the noise it would be best to stay about a mile north or south of the tracks. 2. Phoenix is among the worst cities for air pollution caused by particulate matter. Does it noticeably affect health in SC? Do most people have air filters? Or is it a Phoenix problem that doesn't really affect SC because SC is far enough away? I remember I always used to see a brown haze over the Pacific when I lived in LA in the early '90s, and it used to bum me out. We run a cold mist humidifier at night when the house is closed up and the air dry. Year round we use a Healthmate Air Cleaner at night mostly because I like the white noise and it does keep down dust. Only those with sensitive breathing problems would notice the days of poor air quality that may drift in from the east.
Mav, drive around SC, especially Phase 1, south of Grand and see the rehab work going on. I have two houses that are currently being rehabbed within 400 feet of my house and one is a total guttiing (interesting fact: All the load bearing walls are the exterior walls, consequently you can remove all interior walls and rebuild accordingly). As I drive around SC doing errands, I see the large dumpsters on driveways which is an indication of some sort of extensive rehab. I have met a lot of people doing the work and theynhave been happy to show you what they are doing. Houses in Phase 1 are a good deal if you want to remodel the interior yourself (I did via a contractor) and I know Bill Pearson because of his posts on his efforts. Bottom line, Sun City is an excellent investment no matter how you look at it. Owned for 17 years, lived here over 10.
It would be great to hear from Maverick and how his visit to Sun City went. Interesting aspect of this site is we are a great resource before you come here and then...
I would like to have some kind of Fast Food place on Del Web or even 99th between Grand and Bell. Maybe at the La Ronde Circle that is now undergoing renovation or in the Dollar/Walgreen Center. Starbucks is not my thing. Neither is Dunkin' Donuts. Would you really move from where you are which is so convenient to Phase 1?
Have you tried any of the snack shops at the golf courses? They do serve up some good burgers & sandwiches for a very reasonable price. There's Lakes East/West on Talisman and Riverview on Del Webb. Jack in the Box on 99th has a pretty good menu and it's open til midnight.
We kind of got off track on this thread, but food talk is important. I, too, hope Maverick lets us know how his visit went. Maybe he's too busy moving into his new Sun City home???
