What does self-governance mean to you?

Based upon my experience, I actually think the people of Sun City are far more welcoming and far less pretentious than those in the newer communities. I think it really goes back to Sun City's culture of volunteerism and the egalitarian nature of their society. There is not any developed social strata at Sun City and no feeling of needing to keep up with the Jones. On the contrary, I find a sense of elitism and pretentiousness in some of the newer communities. I have spent my life climbing the corporate ladder and dealing with people whose derived self-worth is based upon the car that they drive. I'm looking to get away from that in retirement and don't get that feeling at Sun City, but can feel it immediately at some of the newer communities.

I'll close by saying I don't have a dog in this fight. Like you, I am looking for the ideal place for the next phase of my life and have no personal ties to any retirement community. However, I continue to be drawn to Sun City for precisely the same factors of which you are concerned: welcoming people, egalitarian society, and lack of pretentiousness.

P.S. Rusco: Do you also post trip reports on City Data Forums?

 

Yes. Thank you for your comments!

 

I have read them all as I am in similar circumstances, however a few more years out. I hope you will continue posting here. I'm curious your thoughts on what it would take to bring the older homes in Sun City up to today's energy efficiency standards.

 

Thanks for turning me unto City Talk, some days I just can't resist running at the mouth (or is it the keyboard?).

Let me give my 2 cents on "going green" in Sun City. Our first big job was before we were old enough to live here. We stucco'd the house and enhanced the R value dramatically. Then we replaced every door and window and got rid of all of the sliding glass doors. Of course outdoor living is an important part of our way of life, but all those dang sliders were so inefficient (believe it or not, 11 total, not all to the outside though). We have a flat roof and have increased the foam for better temperature resistance. We have 3000 sq ft and three new ac units, all energy efficient. Every room has ceiling fans and we set our thermostats at a comfortable 82 degrees. Tile and wood throughout the house help keep it cool and of course, we added solar which is without a doubt in AZ a no-brainer.

Before I leave, let me just add the 14 massive solar projects used to provide reduced costs for RCSC properties has been a real boon. We had to lease them to qualify for the energy credits (because we are a non-profit corporation) but are setting aside the money in the PIF to pay them off as soon as possible (66 months after installation), and then the real saving will begin. And, that says nothing about how residents love the shaded parking from the covered structures.

Dang, seems like more than 2 cents worth eh?

 

When we toured Sun City it was 85 degrees in mid afternoon. A house we looked at had been closed up and it was actually a bit cool in the house. However, I could see needed improvements.
Dual pane windows would be a good start and attics can always use a few more inches of insulation (assuming it is not a flat top). Also, it seems that point of use water heaters at each faucet would be better than the big water heater in the garage. Point of use electric heaters can heat about 4 GPM which should work for most applications and are only about $200. The initial expense would be rather high to do all faucets and there would be some conversion work, but all doable by someone handy around the house like I am.