The Best Del Webb Communities in Arizona: A Complete Guide
- Trevor Bragg
- Jul 30
- 13 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
When most people begin researching retirement communities in Arizona, one name comes up over and over again—Del Webb. That's because Del Webb didn't just build retirement communities; he helped create the modern active adult lifestyle that millions of retirees enjoy today.
The very first Sun City opened in 1960, forever changing what retirement could look like. Instead of simply purchasing a home, retirees suddenly had access to golf courses, recreation centers, swimming pools, fitness facilities, social clubs, and countless activities all within their own neighborhood. More than 65 years later, that same idea continues to shape many of Arizona's most desirable 55+ communities.
Today, Arizona is home to several communities that were developed by Del Webb, each offering its own unique lifestyle. Some focus on luxury living and championship golf, while others offer affordability, newer construction, incredible mountain views, or easy access to shopping, restaurants, and healthcare.
As a Realtor who specializes exclusively in Arizona's 55+ communities, one of the most common questions I hear is:
"Which Del Webb community is the best?"
The answer is simple—there isn't one "best" community. The right choice depends entirely on what you're looking for.
Some buyers want an affordable home with endless amenities. Others are searching for luxury golf living in Scottsdale. Some want a newer home with modern floor plans, while others simply want an active social calendar filled with neighbors who share similar interests.
The good news is that there truly is a Del Webb community for almost everyone.
In this guide, I'll walk you through some of the most popular Del Webb-developed communities in Arizona, explain what makes each one unique, and help you determine which community may be the best fit for your retirement lifestyle.
Del Webb Communities Covered in This Guide
Quick Comparison
Community | Location | Gated | Best For |
Sun City | Surprise / Peoria | No | 55+ Affordability & endless amenities |
Sun City West | Sun City West | No | Active 55+ lifestyle & larger homes |
Sun City Grand | Surprise | No | 55+ Resort-style living |
Sun City Festival | Buckeye | ✔ | Newer 55+ homes & mountain views |
Anthem | North Phoenix | Mixed | Resort amenities in an all-age community |
Corte Bella | Sun City West | ✔ | Luxury 55+ gated living |
Terravita | North Scottsdale | ✔ | Scottsdale lifestyle & desert scenery |
Solera at Johnson Ranch | San Tan Valley | ✔ | Affordable 55+ golf community |
Sun City
If there is one community that deserves to be called the birthplace of modern active adult living, it's Sun City.
Opened in 1960 by Del Webb, Sun City completely transformed the idea of retirement. Before then, retirement communities were largely quiet neighborhoods with few amenities. Del Webb introduced an entirely new concept—one where recreation, social activities, golf, fitness, and community were the centerpiece of everyday life.
Today, Sun City remains one of the largest and most recognizable 55+ communities in the country. With nearly 27,000 homes spread across several square miles, residents enjoy an incredible variety of amenities that few communities can match.
There are multiple recreation centers featuring indoor and outdoor pools, state-of-the-art fitness centers, pickleball and tennis courts, lawn bowling, miniature golf, woodworking shops, ceramics studios, sewing rooms, billiards, lapidary workshops, and hundreds of organized clubs. Whether your interests include photography, painting, woodworking, cards, dancing, hiking, or volunteering, chances are you'll find a group that shares your passion.
Golf remains one of Sun City's biggest attractions. Residents have access to numerous courses ranging from executive layouts to full-length championship courses, allowing golfers to enjoy different playing experiences throughout the year.
One of the biggest advantages of Sun City is affordability. Because many homes were built over several decades, buyers can often find a wide variety of price points—from affordable patio homes perfect for winter visitors to beautifully renovated properties featuring modern kitchens, open floor plans, and updated finishes. There are very few places in the Phoenix area that you can find single family homes in the 300s and Sun City is one of them.
Location is another major advantage. Sun City offers convenient access to Loop 101, US-60, shopping centers, restaurants, medical specialists, and several major hospitals. Daily errands are easy, and many residents appreciate being able to reach virtually everything they need within just a few minutes. Sun City is by far the most central 55+ community to downtown Phoenix and the airport.
Why Buyers Choose Sun City
Arizona's original Del Webb community
Exceptional affordability
Seven recreation centers
Multiple golf courses
Hundreds of clubs and activities
Excellent healthcare nearby
Large selection of resale homes
One of the most active social calendars in Arizona
For buyers looking for value, amenities, and an active retirement lifestyle, it's easy to understand why Sun City continues to be one of Arizona's most popular 55+ communities more than six decades after it first opened.
Sun City West
If you love everything that Sun City has to offer but would prefer a community with slightly newer homes and a more modern feel, Sun City West is often the next place buyers consider.
Developed by Del Webb beginning in the late 1970s, Sun City West built upon the success of the original Sun City while introducing larger floor plans, updated home designs, and an expanded selection of amenities. Today, it remains one of Arizona's premier active adult communities and is consistently ranked among the best places to retire in the state.
One of the first things buyers notice is how well the community has been maintained. Wide streets, mature landscaping, beautiful golf courses, and meticulously cared-for common areas give Sun City West a polished appearance that continues to impress decades after construction began.
Residents enjoy four recreation centers featuring fitness facilities, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, pickleball and tennis courts, bowling, woodworking shops, arts and crafts studios, billiards, and numerous hobby clubs. Whether you're looking to stay physically active, meet new friends, or learn a new hobby, there are countless opportunities to stay engaged.
Golf is also a major attraction. Sun City West offers several highly regarded golf courses that cater to players of all skill levels. Many homes back directly onto fairways, while others offer beautiful views of lakes, greenbelts, or desert landscaping.
Homebuyers appreciate the variety of housing options available throughout the community. You'll find everything from smaller patio homes that require minimal maintenance to spacious single-family homes with three-car garages, expanded living areas, and updated interiors. Because many homes have already been renovated, buyers can often find modern kitchens, open floor plans, luxury vinyl flooring, and beautifully remodeled bathrooms without paying new construction prices.
Healthcare is another significant advantage. The highly acclaimed Banner Del Webb Hospital is located inside of Sun City West along with specialty medical offices, and healthcare providers are located just minutes away, making it convenient for residents to access excellent medical care when needed.
Perhaps what stands out most about Sun City West is its strong sense of community. Residents are incredibly active, and it's common to see neighbors golfing, walking, cycling, playing pickleball, attending club meetings, or participating in community events throughout the year.
Why Buyers Choose Sun City West
Slightly newer homes than Sun City
Beautifully maintained neighborhoods
Four outstanding recreation centers
Multiple championship golf courses
Hundreds of clubs and activities
Excellent healthcare nearby
Strong resale market
Active social lifestyle
For buyers looking for a community that combines established amenities with slightly newer homes and a vibrant social atmosphere, Sun City West continues to be one of the very best choices in Arizona.
Sun City Grand
For many buyers, Sun City Grand offers the perfect balance between an established community and modern home design.
Developed by Del Webb beginning in the mid-1990s, Sun City Grand introduced a new generation of floor plans that featured open living spaces, larger kitchens, higher ceilings, oversized garages, and more contemporary architecture than many earlier active adult communities. Today, it remains one of the most sought-after 55+ communities in the Phoenix area.
Located in Surprise, Sun City Grand offers a true resort-style lifestyle. The community features four beautiful recreation centers equipped with state-of-the-art fitness facilities, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, walking tracks, pickleball courts, tennis courts, softball fields, bocce ball, and countless activity rooms. Residents can also enjoy multiple restaurants, gathering spaces, and over one hundred clubs catering to virtually every interest imaginable.
Golf enthusiasts have plenty to enjoy as well. Four championship golf courses wind throughout the community, offering scenic fairways, mountain views, and challenges suitable for every skill level. Whether you're an avid golfer or simply enjoy living near beautifully landscaped courses, golf plays a significant role in the Sun City Grand lifestyle.
One of the biggest reasons buyers are drawn to Sun City Grand is the housing itself. Homes generally feature more modern layouts with open kitchens, spacious primary suites, larger windows, and floor plans that align more closely with today's preferences. Many properties also include three-car garages, extended patios, golf course lots, or upgraded outdoor living spaces.
The community is conveniently located near shopping centers, restaurants, entertainment, and healthcare, making everyday errands easy while still maintaining the peaceful atmosphere many retirees are looking for.
Sun City Grand is especially popular among buyers who want an active social life combined with newer homes and upscale amenities without moving into brand-new construction.
Why Buyers Choose Sun City Grand
Modern floor plans
Resort-style recreation centers
Four championship golf courses
Beautiful landscaping throughout
Active clubs and social events
Convenient location in Surprise
Strong home values
Excellent blend of luxury and affordability
For many retirees, Sun City Grand represents the next evolution of Del Webb communities—combining outstanding amenities with homes that still feel modern decades after they were built.
Sun City Festival
If you're looking for one of the newest Del Webb communities in Arizona, Sun City Festival deserves a close look.
Located in Buckeye at the base of the White Tank Mountains, Sun City Festival offers a noticeably different experience than many of Arizona's older active adult communities. Instead of mature neighborhoods built decades ago, residents enjoy newer homes, contemporary architecture, wider streets, and stunning desert surroundings. This community is further on the outskirts than any of the other Del Webb's offering a peaceful and quieter setting.
The mountain views are one of the first things buyers notice. Throughout the community, you'll find panoramic desert scenery, walking trails, and beautiful Arizona sunsets that help create a peaceful resort-like atmosphere.
The Sage Recreation Center serves as the heart of the community, offering a fully equipped fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, pickleball courts, tennis courts, craft rooms, meeting spaces, and a busy calendar filled with social events, fitness classes, and clubs. Residents who enjoy staying active have no shortage of activities throughout the year.
Golfers appreciate the award-winning Copper Canyon Golf Club, which winds through the community while offering impressive mountain views and excellent playing conditions. Even residents who don't golf often enjoy the beautifully landscaped surroundings and clubhouse dining.
One of the biggest advantages of Sun City Festival is the homes themselves. Buyers can choose from a wide variety of newer floor plans featuring open-concept living, large kitchen islands, spacious primary suites, energy-efficient construction, and modern finishes. Many homes also offer RV garages, expanded outdoor living spaces, and upgraded lots overlooking open desert.
Although the community feels tucked away from the busy city, shopping, restaurants, healthcare, and everyday conveniences continue to expand throughout Buckeye and neighboring Surprise, making the area increasingly attractive for retirees.
Why Buyers Choose Sun City Festival
One of Arizona's newest Del Webb communities
Beautiful White Tank Mountain views
Modern home designs
Copper Canyon Golf Club
Resort-style amenities
Extensive walking and biking paths
Active social calendar
Peaceful desert setting
For buyers who want newer construction while still enjoying everything Del Webb communities are known for, Sun City Festival has become one of Arizona's fastest-growing retirement destinations.
Anthem
While Anthem is best known as a large master-planned community that welcomes residents of all ages, many people are surprised to learn that it also features a dedicated Del Webb active adult neighborhood known as Anthem Country Club. For retirees who don't necessarily want to live in a traditional age-restricted community but still want the quality and lifestyle associated with Del Webb, Anthem offers a unique alternative.
Located at the northern edge of Phoenix, Anthem sits at a slightly higher elevation than much of the Valley. This often translates into slightly cooler temperatures, beautiful desert scenery, and stunning mountain views. The community is also known for its clean streets, extensive parks, and well-planned layout.
Residents enjoy access to two championship golf courses, an impressive clubhouse, resort-style swimming pools, fitness facilities, tennis courts, pickleball, dining, and a wide variety of social activities. The community places a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation, making it easy to stay active year-round.
One of Anthem's biggest advantages is its location. Residents can enjoy a quieter setting while still having convenient access to Interstate 17, allowing for an easy drive into Phoenix, Scottsdale, or the West Valley. Shopping centers, grocery stores, restaurants, and healthcare facilities are all located nearby, making everyday life convenient.
Homes throughout Anthem generally feature more modern floor plans than many older active adult communities. Buyers can find spacious kitchens, open living areas, larger garages, and beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces. Many homes also enjoy mountain, golf course, or desert preserve views.
The atmosphere in Anthem feels slightly different than many traditional retirement communities. While there are plenty of opportunities to socialize, many buyers appreciate the blend of active adult living with the energy and amenities of a larger master-planned development.
Why Buyers Choose Anthem
Beautiful mountain scenery
Championship golf
Resort-style clubhouse
Modern home designs
Convenient North Phoenix location
Active outdoor lifestyle
Excellent shopping and healthcare nearby
Easy freeway access
For buyers who want an upscale community with exceptional amenities and a location that feels a little removed from the busy city, Anthem continues to be an excellent option.
Corte Bella
For buyers looking for a more upscale, gated Del Webb community, Corte Bella consistently ranks near the top of the list.
Located just west of Sun City West, Corte Bella was designed with luxury in mind. From the moment you pass through the impressive gated entrance, it's clear that this community offers a more refined atmosphere. Beautiful landscaping, winding streets, decorative fountains, and meticulously maintained common areas create an elegant first impression.
Although significantly smaller than communities like Sun City or Sun City Grand, many residents actually view that as one of Corte Bella's greatest strengths. The community feels more intimate, making it easier to get to know neighbors while still offering an impressive selection of amenities.
At the center of the community is the magnificent clubhouse, featuring resort-style swimming pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis courts, pickleball courts, social gathering areas, and one of the nicest clubhouses you'll find in an Arizona active adult community. Residents also enjoy a full-service restaurant and bar, making it easy to meet friends without leaving the neighborhood.
Golf enthusiasts appreciate the Corte Bella Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course that winds throughout the community while offering beautiful mountain views and well-maintained fairways. Many homes enjoy golf course or lake frontage, adding to the community's upscale appeal.
Homes in Corte Bella generally feature larger floor plans, upgraded finishes, and attractive Mediterranean-inspired architecture. You'll find open layouts, gourmet kitchens, spacious primary suites, and beautifully designed outdoor living areas that are perfect for enjoying Arizona's winter weather.
Why Buyers Choose Corte Bella
Prestigious gated community
Resort-quality clubhouse
Championship golf
Luxury home designs
Beautiful landscaping
Smaller, more intimate neighborhood
Excellent social atmosphere
Convenient West Valley location
If your goal is to enjoy an upscale retirement lifestyle with luxury amenities and a strong sense of community, Corte Bella is one of Arizona's finest Del Webb developments.
Terravita
If you've always dreamed of retiring in North Scottsdale, Terravita deserves serious consideration. This is an all-age community, but it has all the characteristics of a typical Del Webb retirement community.
Nestled against the foothills of Black Mountain, Terravita combines beautiful Sonoran Desert scenery with one of the most desirable locations in Arizona. Unlike many active adult communities located farther west, Terravita offers quick access to Scottsdale's world-class restaurants, shopping, golf, healthcare, and entertainment while still providing the peaceful atmosphere retirees are looking for.
The community itself is gated and beautifully maintained. Desert landscaping, walking paths, mountain views, and carefully preserved natural open space give Terravita a distinctly Scottsdale feel that many buyers immediately fall in love with.
At the center of the community is the Terravita Club, offering a championship golf course, fitness center, heated swimming pool, tennis courts, pickleball courts, restaurant, and an active calendar of clubs and events. Whether you're interested in golf, hiking, fitness classes, cards, art, or simply meeting new friends, there are countless opportunities to stay involved.
One of Terravita's biggest attractions is its location. Residents are just minutes from shopping at Carefree, Cave Creek, and North Scottsdale, with easy access to grocery stores, medical specialists, hiking trails, and some of Arizona's best dining options.
Homes throughout Terravita feature attractive Southwestern architecture and blend beautifully into the surrounding desert landscape. Many properties offer mountain views, natural desert open space, or golf course frontage. Buyers will also find numerous updated homes with modern kitchens, remodeled bathrooms, and thoughtfully designed outdoor living areas.
While home prices in Terravita are generally higher than many other active adult communities, buyers are often willing to pay a premium for the exceptional Scottsdale location and beautiful desert surroundings.
Why Buyers Choose Terravita
Prime North Scottsdale location
Stunning mountain and desert views
Gated community
Championship golf
Resort-style amenities
Excellent hiking nearby
Upscale homes
Close to shopping and healthcare
For buyers who value location just as much as amenities, Terravita remains one of Arizona's most desirable active adult communities.
Solera at Johnson Ranch
Located in San Tan Valley, Solera at Johnson Ranch offers one of the best values among Arizona's golf-oriented active adult communities.
Developed by Del Webb, Solera provides many of the amenities buyers expect from a larger retirement community while maintaining a smaller, close-knit atmosphere. With just over 700 homes, residents often find it easy to meet neighbors and become involved in community activities shortly after moving in.
The community clubhouse serves as the social hub, offering a fitness center, heated swimming pool and spa, meeting rooms, billiards, library, and numerous clubs and organized events throughout the year. Residents enjoy everything from fitness classes and card groups to holiday celebrations and neighborhood gatherings.
Golf lovers appreciate the neighboring Johnson Ranch Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course known for its scenic desert layout and views of the Superstition and San Tan Mountains. Many homes throughout the community enjoy golf course or mountain views, adding to the peaceful atmosphere.
One of Solera's biggest advantages is affordability. Buyers can often purchase a newer home with modern finishes at a price point well below many comparable communities closer to Phoenix or Scottsdale. Homes generally feature open floor plans, spacious kitchens, covered patios, and low-maintenance landscaping designed for easy living.
Although located farther southeast than some other active adult communities, the area continues to experience steady growth. Shopping, restaurants, medical offices, and everyday conveniences have expanded significantly over the past several years, making the location increasingly attractive for retirees seeking value without sacrificing amenities.
The slower pace of life is another reason many buyers choose Solera. The community offers a relaxed environment where residents can enjoy Arizona's beautiful weather, mountain views, and active lifestyle without feeling surrounded by heavy traffic or constant city activity.
Why Buyers Choose Solera at Johnson Ranch
Excellent value
Gated community
Championship golf nearby
Beautiful mountain views
Modern floor plans
Friendly, close-knit atmosphere
Lower home prices
Relaxed lifestyle
For retirees looking to maximize their budget while still enjoying quality amenities, golf, and an active social calendar, Solera at Johnson Ranch continues to be one of Arizona's hidden gems.
Final Thoughts
Every Del Webb community has its own personality, and that's exactly what makes choosing the right one so important. Some buyers are drawn to the history and endless amenities of Sun City, while others prefer the newer homes at Sun City Festival, the luxury lifestyle of Corte Bella, or the stunning desert scenery found in Terravita. There truly isn't a single community that's perfect for everyone.
After helping buyers explore Arizona's 55+ communities, I've found that the happiest homeowners are the ones who choose the community first and the house second. The amenities you'll use every day, the neighbors you'll spend time with, and the lifestyle you want to live will have a much bigger impact on your retirement than the color of the kitchen cabinets or the size of the backyard.
If you're planning a move to Arizona and aren't sure which Del Webb community fits your lifestyle, I'd be happy to help. I specialize in Arizona's active adult communities and can help you compare locations, amenities, home styles, HOA fees, golf options, and everything else that goes into finding the right place to call home.
The right house is important—but the right community is what truly makes retirement enjoyable.
If you have more questions about the 55+ communities in Arizona visit my FAQs.
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