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Sun City, AZ

Frequently asked questions

Sun City, AZ

Sun City is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States, that is located within the Phoenix metropolitan area.

The population was 39,931 as of the 2020 census. Its adjoining sister city is Sun City West. Both Sun Cities are retirement communities popular with snowbirds.

Sun City was opened on January 1, 1960, with five home models, a shopping center, a recreation center, and a golf course. The opening weekend drew 100,000 people, ten times more than expected, and resulted in a Time magazine cover story. The future retirement community was built on the site of the former ghost town of Marinette. Developer Del E. Webb expanded Sun City over the years, and his company went on to build other retirement communities in the Sun Belt. Sun City West was built in the late 1970s, Sun City Grand in the late 1990s, Sun City Anthem in 1999, and Sun City Festival in July 2006.

Sun City is located 16 miles (26 km) northwest of downtown Phoenix at 33°35′31″N 112°16′19″W (33.597439, −112.272052). It is bordered to the north, east, and south by the city of Peoria, to the southwest by Youngtown, to the west by El Mirage, and to the northwest by Surprise.

According to the census of 2000, there were 38,309 people, 23,490 households, and 12,520 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2,639.5 inhabitants per square mile (1,019.1/km2). There were 27,731 housing units at an average density of 1,910.7 per square mile (737.7/km2). The racial makeup of the CDP was 98.4% White, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.3% Asian, <0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.2% from other races, and 0.4% from two or more races. One percent (1.0%) of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 23,490 households, out of which 0.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.5% were married couples living together, 3.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 46.7% were non-families. Individuals comprised 44.1% of all households, and 39.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.60 and the average family size was 2.07.

Sun City prioritizes the health and wellness of its residents. Banner Boswell Medical Center is a well-known hospital in Sun City, AZ, offering a range of medical services including emergency care, surgery, cardiology, oncology, and more. Sun Health Center for Health & Wellbeing provides comprehensive wellness programs, fitness classes, health screenings, and educational seminars to promote overall well-being. Banner Sun Health Research Institute focuses on research and programs related to healthy aging, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological conditions. Arizona Grand Resort & Spa offers a variety of spa services including massages, facials, body treatments, and beauty services to help clients relax and rejuvenate. Well & Being Spa at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess offers a luxurious retreat with a range of spa treatments, fitness classes, and wellness programs. Sun Health Boswell Rehabilitation Center specializes in rehabilitation services for patients recovering from surgery, injury, or illness, with a focus on physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

Population: 37,748 (2022). Area: 14.59 mi². Elevation: 1,142 ft. Area code: 602. ZIP Code: 623.

The top sites in Sun City, AZ are the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum, Wild Life World Zoo, and Castles N' Coasters. 

FAQs

Why is Sun City, AZ so cheap?

There is no city sales tax and the cost to operate Sun City AZ is considerably less than other cities with a population of about 40,000. Since Sun City AZ is an age-restricted community, residents must be 19 years of age or older and at least one member of the household must be 55 years of age or older. With no schools in Sun City AZ, this means there are no taxes for such. Sun City AZ does have its fire department, however, which is funded through real estate property taxes. Sun City’s low property taxes range between $300 and $1,300 a year.

Is Sun City, AZ for seniors?

Sun City AZ is more than just the Recreation Centers of Sun City (RCSC); it's a senior living community with a volunteer spirit. Several organizations and service agencies provide community resources and assistance to sustain the active adult lifestyle our residents enjoy, many at little or no cost. Discover just how active your “life of leisure” can be. With swimming pools, sports courts, exercise studios, and social halls, each recreation center buzzes with activities and amenities. We also have two bowling centers where you can play to your heart’s content, an open-air amphitheater for concerts and performances, and the natural beauty of the American Southwest all around you to hike, ride, photograph, sightsee, and simply enjoy.

What is the history of Sun City, AZ?

In June 1959, James G. Boswell II, then owner of the J.G. Boswell Company, sold the company’s Marinette and Santa Fe ranches to Del E. Webb Development Co for more than $20 million. This land, totaling 20,000 acres, would become the company’s first retirement community, Sun City. Sun City was opened on January 1, 1960, with five home models, a shopping center, a recreation center, and a golf course. The opening weekend drew 100,000 people, ten times more than expected, and resulted in a Time magazine cover story.[5] The future retirement community was built on the site of the former ghost town of Marinette. At first, it was called the Marinette Retirement Community, but after a nationwide naming contest in which the winner would win a house, developer Del Webb selected the name Sun City. 

Sources

Sun City AZ

Wikipedia

Del Webb Sun Cities Museum

Wild Life World Zoo

Castles N' Coasters

Banner Boswell Medical Center

Sun Health Center for Health & Wellbeing 

Well & Being Spa at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Sun Health Boswell Rehabilitation Center

Arizona Grand Resort & Spa

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.