How it feels to live here

Living in Sun City, Arizona feels relaxed, practical, and socially connected. This is a 55+ active adult community where daily life centers on routine, familiarity, and ease rather than luxury or fast-paced energy.

Residents in Sun City tend to follow a comfortable rhythm. Mornings often start with walking, golf, or fitness classes. Middays are spent volunteering, attending club meetings, or meeting friends for lunch. Evenings are quiet, with social gatherings, events, or time at home. The pace is steady and predictable, which many retirees find reassuring.

Sun City feels established and lived-in. Streets are lined with mature landscaping, neighbors know one another, and the community operates efficiently. People are visible throughout the day, creating a strong sense of safety and belonging without feeling crowded or busy.

Social interaction in Sun City feels approachable rather than forced. With dozens of clubs, recreation centers, and shared amenities, it’s easy to get involved at your own pace. For retirees who value affordability, simplicity, and an active but low-pressure lifestyle, Sun City offers a comfortable and dependable place to call home.

Who Sun City is for

Sun City tends to attract people who want:

• A community that feels established and practical, not flashy or luxury-driven

• Strong recreation centers, clubs, and organized activities with low ongoing costs

• A home base that supports an active, low-maintenance retirement lifestyle

• A social environment that’s easy to join and self-directed, not salesy or forced

• Sun City is not a high-end resort community. If someone wants brand-new construction, luxury finishes, or a highly curated lifestyle experience, this probably isn’t their place.

What to know before buying

Sun City, Arizona is a resale-only 55+ active adult community with homes built across multiple decades. Buyers should expect a range of home conditions and price points, from updated move-in ready homes to older homes with renovation potential.

Most homes in Sun City are single-story and low-maintenance, designed for practical retirement living. Smaller floor plans help keep both purchase prices and ongoing costs lower than in many newer 55+ communities.

Sun City does not charge traditional monthly HOA fees for most single-family homes. Instead, all property owners pay a mandatory annual Recreation Centers of Sun City (RCSC) fee, which covers use of pools, fitness centers, golf, clubs, and recreation facilities. In 2026, the RCSC annual property assessment is approximately $650 per property per year.

When purchasing a home in Sun City, buyers also typically pay one-time community fees. These often include:

• Preservation & Improvement Fee: approximately $4,000–$4,500, paid once at closing.

• Capital Improvement Fee: around $1,000–$1,500, paid once at closing to support long-term amenity investments.

• Resale Transfer Fee: about $330, paid at the time of sale.

Some parts of Sun City, such as condos or townhome communities, may have separate HOA fees that cover landscaping and exterior maintenance in addition to the RCSC fees.

Buyers should understand these fees, the age restrictions, and the community’s structure before closing. Knowing the one-time and annual costs helps retirees plan for predictable expenses and determine if Sun City fits their retirement budget.

Sun City Fees & Costs: FAQ

Does Sun City have monthly HOA fees?

Most single-family homes in Sun City do not have monthly HOA fees. Instead, residents pay an annual recreation assessment that funds community amenities.

What is the annual recreation fee in Sun City?

Sun City homeowners pay an annual Recreation Centers of Sun City (RCSC) assessment, which in 2026 is approximately $650 per property per year. This fee provides access to recreation centers, pools, fitness facilities, golf, and clubs.

What is the Capital Improvement Fee in Sun City?

The Capital Improvement Fee is a one-time fee paid at closing, typically around $1,000 to $1,500, and helps fund long-term upgrades and maintenance of community facilities.

Is there a one-time buyer fee when purchasing a home in Sun City?

Yes. Buyers usually pay a Preservation & Improvement Fee at closing, typically ranging from $4,000 to $4,500, along with a smaller resale transfer fee.

Do condos or townhomes in Sun City have additional HOA fees?

Yes. Condo and townhome communities within Sun City often have separate HOA dues that cover exterior maintenance, landscaping, and shared services, in addition to the RCSC fees.

Are Sun City fees lower than newer 55+ communities?

In most cases, yes. Sun City’s annual costs are generally lower and more predictable than those in newer 55+ communities that charge higher monthly HOA dues.

What do Sun City fees pay for?

Sun City fees support recreation centers, fitness facilities, swimming pools, golf courses, clubs, and community programming, rather than luxury branding or new construction.

Bottom line

Sun City works because it delivers affordability, simplicity, and connection without unnecessary complexity. It’s designed for retirees who want an active lifestyle, reliable amenities, and predictable costs rather than luxury branding or new construction hype. Sun City strikes a balance many 55+ buyers are looking for: social but not forced, active but manageable, established but still engaging. If you want a community where daily life feels easy, familiar, and financially comfortable, Sun City continues to deliver long-term value.