Sun City, Arizona

Sun City is a renowned master-planned community located in Maricopa County, Arizona, northwest of Phoenix. It holds a unique place in history as the first active adult retirement community in the United States, developed by Del Webb and opening in 1960. Designed specifically for residents aged 55 and older, Sun City is characterized by its extensive recreational amenities, peaceful environment, and a strong sense of community tailored to an active senior lifestyle.

Population: As of the 2020 census, the population of the Sun City CDP (Census Designated Place) was 39,931. Due to its age-restricted nature, a significant majority of its residents are 65 years and older, with a median age around 72.5 years. Current estimates for 2025 project the population to be around 37,810.

Climate/Landscape: Sun City is nestled in the Sonoran Desert, offering a typical Arizona climate with abundant sunshine and warm temperatures for most of the year.

• Climate: Sun City experiences a hot and arid desert climate.
  • Summers are very hot, with average high temperatures in July often reaching 105°F (41°C) or higher. The summer monsoon season brings occasional, brief thunderstorms.
  • Winters are mild and highly appealing, with average daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s°F (15-25°C), providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities. Sun City boasts over 300 days of sunshine annually.
• Landscape: The landscape is generally flat, meticulously maintained, and designed with numerous golf courses, lush green common areas, and man-made lakes. While pockets of native desert flora are integrated, the dominant aesthetic is one of cultivated green spaces and well-manicured residential properties. The distant mountain ranges of the Valley of the Sun provide a natural horizon.