Hello to SC residents and all, ready to visit and buy. Any suggestions appreciated.

Planning to visit soon, been scanning zillow etc and have a pretty good idea on location. Like the area's near Bell rd for shopping.I've been reading that prices have jumped, rates are up a little also. My 2 questions are; is the location i mentioned a good choice? Would you think it's better to buy or rent? Thank you for any suggestions or ideas you may offer.

 

Hi, John.
Welcome to TOSC.
You are definitely going to have a big climate change. For the better I think.

Members can probably answer any questions you have.

I live in Phase II between Bell & Thunderbird. Smack dab in the middle of Sun City.
It is convenient to everything including rec centers, churches, shopping centers, etc.

Yes, prices are going up but not as fast as they went down.
You might consider a short term rent to checkout the area.

Clicking HERE will take you to the Sun City Visitor Center.
You can request a copy of the information packet. It can also be viewed online.
Beginning in September, I will be there in the afternoon every 2nd & 4th Wednesday.
Stop in and say Hello. You might also visit the Sun City Posse. Starting in September,
I will be there the 1st, 3rd, & 5th Friday of the month.

 

Welcome soon to Sun City. I would rent a place for 6 months while you check out the different housing choices and locations. We live in Phase III above Bell and love our neighborhood. I still think that homes are a bargain and Peg is right, they have crept up but not as quick as they went down. You may find some of the homes need a bit of updating but can find some that builders have remodeled already. Best of luck in your search.

 

Welcome to TOSC!

 

pegmih, Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. I guess phase II is also my choice. I bought in Boca Raton a few yrs back so I like the heat, but I think AZ is a better overall climate. I'm age eligible to buy, but would like to work 1 more yr for NY. I need to see SC in person, renting is a smart suggestion. I guess I'm just concerned prices could balloon if I wait too long. I will certainly stop by and say hello, thank you again john

 

Fiona, Thank you for your response, I'm guessing you get many similar questions. I'm always impressed when folks like you and Peg take the time and effort to answer. The web is great for seeing properties but it's the people who actually live there that I seek out. I believe you and Peg are spot on with the renting thought. Thank you again,john

 

Thank you Sulley007

 

John - -my parents retired here from Nebraska back in the early 1970s. (At that time I lived in Peoria, down the road from here)...This was their paradise, they had a wonderful life here and lived here for 20 year...they lived in Phase II... until illness hit them both and they passed on. At that time I always said "when I get old--I am moving to their Paradise" - - and I did - - when I reached 55yrs. old I put my home on the market (in Peoria -- only 6 miles from where I now live in Sun City)...it took me two yrs. to sell the big house in Peoria due to the housing mess that had started ! !..
Fortunate, I finally sold Peoria Home & found my home in Sun City - -. Love the area - all the rec centers, clubs, things to do here -- Perfect Retirement Area ! The folks are friendly here - - you will enjoy our community.

 

Once again, welcom to TOSC.
The people on this forum and those who live in Sun City are all so very, very, friendly and helpful.
One poster called SC "paradise" and I agree.
We had a couple of rainy days recently and there was some flooding.
Arizona is just not able to cope with a lot of rain.
Sun City, however, did not have any flooding, just some rain, lightening, and thunder.
Del Webb must have really done a "weather search" before building here.
We are now back to "Blue skies, smiling at me......" I think that is a song you never hear any more.
Can't remember who sang it. Anyone know?

 

Click HERE to learn all about the song "Blue Skies".
It's a real oldie written by Irving Berlin in 1926.

 

Welcome John. As noted above, the vast majority of the folks who have bought in Sun City over the years have grown to love it...but then what's not to love? For many (those who have never visited), the perception is a community where folks go to die. The oddity is. it's just the opposite; we come here to live.

Anita Mae is right, there are thousands of second and third generation kids here. We saw first hand just how good Sun City was. We saw our parents come to love a community for what it gave them. The change and difference it made in there lives. We almost instantly came to know we wanted to live the good life when we were old enough.

The point several have made is this: If you are not sure, rent first. It just makes sense. The funny thing is I know several Canadian's who have came down, rented for three months and within weeks bought a place. While that seems odd, they found such a value they didn't even mind having a rental unit and owning a place at the same time to be out of the ordinary. They found the house they wanted and moved on it.

Finally, to your question, where? The choices are plentiful. Phase one is typically older, smaller homes but with some of that 60's charm people love these days. Phase 2 is centrally located and the bulk of the amenities are between Grand Ave and Bell Road. Phase 3 are easily the newest and largest. Along the Union Hills Country Club are some absolutely gorgeous remodeled homes that rival any of the best age restricted communities. The only problem is crossing Bell Road to get to so many of the amenities.

Lot's of choices and a barrel of fun in finding what you want. You know the old saying; "enjoy the journey, not the destination." Pretty simple when you think about it, have fun getting here and making those decisions.

 

Just keep in mind that some of the homes in Phase I and II may need a bit more updating, especially windows and wiring along with new AC units. We bought our little shed with eyes wide open and even though the realtor's listing stated that this home was "well kept" and had "Low E" windows we knew we would need to replace them. The windows were the original and if they were low E, they were first generation and not sure we even had Low E 40 years ago hahaha. The AC was 20 years old and sounded like Satan breathing when it shut off. We replaced the wiring, windows, insulation and put in a new AC unit. Considering how little you pay for these homes, putting the money in is well worth it no matter which phase you purchase in. Let us know when and where you find your spot.

 

Anita Mae, Sorry for your loss. Happy to hear that you've found the perfect place, not easy to do. The more I read responses on this site I think this might be it. Friendly, happy, busy, people sure beat living in a area where everyone is a stranger. Sun City seems to be what I've been looking for. Thank you for your encouragement, take care.

 

Hi pegmih, The weather has been unusually hot,humid in the NE this summer. Rainfall has been near record levels. I believe your location is perfect when you look around the country in comparison. I play golf every chance I get, so dry is good. In Sun City I would be an early bird in the summer. Florida winters are great but summer has the afternoon shower, along with the threat of severe storms for several months yearly. Az even with triple digit temps is not a concern compared to what I've seen on the East coast. Enjoy your input, than you.

 

Hi Fiona, The area south of Bell Rd but probably walking distance is where I've had the most interest. I saw a couple of pool homes that had been updated but likely built in the 70 s. The ladies mentioned renting first which seems pretty smart. I hope to get there in August, get the full effect of the heat,lol. Good point about the prices, whatever you buy is well worth any improvements you make. I've read a lot on the visitors site but have not asked anyone to be sure about this; How much would the HOA be in say phase I or II. I pretty much understand the golf and rec, fees are separate. Any approximate figures would be helpful, thank you.

 

Are there any grocery stores between Bell and Grand? Wondering if you need to cross Bell or Grand to get groceries if you have a home in Phase II. Much of Phase II architecture is very cool indeed.

 

Hi BPearson, Thank you for responding , every response has been great and helps with putting the puzzle together. I can see where renting could lead to a quick decision either way. I know where some planned communities offer a 3-5 night stay based on that premise. I've always been a buyer, but renting does allow you time to survey a major metropolitan area. I bought in Boca Raton, Fl after extensive research, I would likely sell that as part of the relocation. By the time I get to Phoenix (Glen Campbell ) I should be able to know the major points of interest, streets, etc. Location to amenities would be #1 on my list. Zillow and trulia have been great tools, but personal observations are by far the best. Thank you

 

Hi Cynthia, Not a resident but google maps can be very helpful in seeing details as you mentioned. Of course the residents are the best source.

 

Hi John. Yes, I Google Drive the Sun City streets on a regular basis. But I can't drive into the shopping centers, Google doesn't do it. I can see a list of most stores by looking at the signs, or on Google info but sometimes there's a small store that's not listed. I thought they might have a small grocery within one of the shopping areas that I hadn't seen.

 

The HOA fee is the same for all phases, $25 a year...hard to believe sometimes. The twin homes and condo's have separate HOA fees and they vary depending on which unit you purchase and are higher. I do love phase II being it is so close to the rec centers I use. As for grocery stores, you would have to cross Bell or Grand if you live in phase II. But it is not that bad to cross either one. I live just above Bell and right by the Safeway center.