The unparalleled success of the Del Webb Corporation's first master-planned community for active adults seeking an active retirement lifesyle - Sun City - led to its beginning a new community in 1978 in the desert two miles to the west - Sun City West.

John Meeker, president of the Del E. Webb Development Company, saw a new, larger community with facilities unmatched elsewhere. At its core, an "Emerald Valley" would be the focal point as the "largest golf course development project in Arizona history got underway". Adjacent to it would be a recreation center, "the largest private facility for recreational and creative activities in Arizona." In less than a quarter century the desert yielded to Meeker's vision. By its completion in 1997, 31,000 people had come from the 50 states, Canada and other countries to make Sun City West their home.

Sun City West has four recreational complexes, nine golf courses, convenient local businesses, churches and nationally ranked hospital all in place. An annual golf card for unlimited play costs $2000 - an average of $18 per round! Residents may choose from any of seven courses reserved for them and their guests. And property taxes are as low as 0.5%. That’s only $500 per $100,000 of market value.

Single Family Dwellings – These comprise the majority of homes and are from 920-Sq.ft. to more than 3,500-sq.ft. with large lots, small lots, golf course lots and some homes in neighborhood associations which handle landscaping and other services for a monthly fee. 

Duplexes – Side-by-side units, each individually owned and from 1,200 to more than 2,000-sq.ft.

Garden Apartments – Several units attached in a row that range from 700 to 1,400-sq. ft.

Additional Options - Grandview Terrace offers luxurious condos in a six-story building complete with fine dining, indoor pool, walking track, craft and clubrooms and an active calendar of events. The Madison and Heritage Traditions offer deluxe rental apartments in similarly sumptuous surroundings.

FEES: $258 per year, per resident. Bowling and golf are extra.

The Recreation Centers of Sun City West, Inc. maintain seven golf courses. These include four regulation-length courses and three executive-length (Par 60) courses. 

Two additional regulation-length golf courses are available within the community:

BRIARWOOD, a private club, with dining facilities, a swimming pool and tennis courts offers. both social and golf memberships. 

HILLCREST, a pubic course, owned by the world-renowned John Jacobs Golf Schools.  The course has hosted Senior PGA and LPGA tour events and is open to the public.