Sun City is a charming unincorporated community and census-designated place located 22.3 miles from the hustle and bustle of Phoenix. Nestled next to Peoria on the north, south, and east, and sharing its western border with El Mirage and Surprise, this lively community has plenty to offer.
Thinking about moving to Sun City and making it your new home? Great choice! Let’s dive into the exciting perks of relocating to this beautiful area.
History of Sun City
In 1959, the J.G. Boswell Company sold a parcel of 20,000 acres to the Del E. Webb Development Co. with one purpose: to build a retirement community like no other. And in 1960, Sun City officially opened its doors.
What did this brand-new place offer? A shopping center, a golf course, a recreation center, and homes that catered to those ready for a relaxing, sun-filled life.
Before it was known as Sun City, this land went by the names Sante Fe and Marinette ranches. But Del E. Webb had bigger plans, and the name Sun City stuck. Over the decades, Sun City transformed into a favorite hotspot for retirees.
These days, it’s best known for its iconic Sun Bowl Amphitheatre, seven top-notch recreational centers, and a whopping eight golf courses.
Notable names who’ve called Sun City home include:
- Virginia D. Smith, former member of the U.S. House of Representatives
- Andy Russell, famous singer
- John A. Wickham Jr., U.S. Army General
Sun City’s appeal goes beyond its fairways and famous residents. Whether you’re hitting the links or exploring entertainment options, there’s never a dull moment here.
So, what else should you know before packing up for Sun City? Let’s find out.
1. People Living in Sun City, AZ – Population & Demographics
How many people live in Sun City? Since 2010, Sun City’s population has held steady, hovering between 37,000 and 40,000 residents. Right now, about 37,748 people call this place home.
If you’re considering a move here, it’s important to know who your future neighbors might be.
The average age in Sun City is 72.6 years old, making it a great spot for those looking to enjoy their golden years.
The median household income in Sun City is $51,263.
As for the community itself, Sun City is made up of a diverse group of people. The population includes:
- 92.1% Caucasian
- 5.5% Hispanic
- 1.4% African American
- 0.6% Asian
When it comes to the gender breakdown, it’s a bit skewed, with 58.3% female residents and 41.7% male. So, if you’re looking for a laid-back, close-knit community, Sun City’s got you covered.
2. Cost of Living in Sun City, AZ
How much does it cost to live in Sun City, AZ?
Living in Sun City comes with a slightly higher price tag. The cost of living here is 13% above the U.S. average and 6.2% higher than the Arizona average.
But don’t worry. There are still ways to save!
Groceries, health care, and housing are cheaper in Sun City compared to the national average. On the flip side, you’ll find that utilities and transportation tend to be more expensive.
The good news? The median home price in Sun City is lower than what you’d expect across the rest of the country, making homeownership a bit easier on the wallet.
Typical Sun City Living Expenses
- Hamburger $5.69
- Milk (regular 1 gallon) $4.87
- Bread (1 loaf) $4.12
- Large Pizza $12.99
- Chicken Filets (1 lb) $3.99
- Bananas (bunch) $0.74
- Eggs (1 dozen) $4.02
- Doctor Visit $127.78
- Dentist Visit $106.83
- Average Cost of Gasoline (per gallon) $3.40
- Average Cost of Electricity (per month) $195.56
3. Sun City Real Estate | Buying or Selling a Home in Sun City?
In Sun City, you’ll find a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and condos. Most of these homes come with two or three bedrooms and are often part of retirement communities, giving residents easy access to nearby golf courses.
If you’re planning to buy, you’re in good company. 83% of Sun City residents own their homes.
The average price of a home here is $233,600, making it a fairly affordable option. Depending on your down payment (which typically falls between 3% and 20%) you can expect to put down anywhere from $7,008 to $46,720 when purchasing a home.
Homes in Sun City sell at a median price of $213 per square foot, and property taxes are pretty reasonable with a rate of 0.570%. This means most homeowners pay around $1,332 annually in property taxes.
Planning to rent? The average rent in Sun City is $1,383 per month, which is $67 less than the Arizona average, so renting here can also be a cost-saving option.
Before making the move, take a look at the top homes for sale in Sun City and see if one catches your eye.
4. Sun City Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Sun City
Where should you live in Sun City? The top neighborhoods in Sun City offer more than just great places to live. They provide easy access to entertainment, golf courses, and some of the best restaurants around.
If you’re looking for the perfect spot, check out these popular areas:
- Sun City Grand
- Sun City Festival
- Citrus Point
- South Mountain Village
- Camelback East Village
Sun City also boasts over a dozen parks, golf courses, and recreation centers for residents to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to stay active or just relax outdoors, there’s something for everyone. You can explore more on the Sun City Parks and Recreation website.
Shopping in Sun City is a breeze too. Residents have convenient options like Bealls, Safeway, Fry’s Food Stores, and Bashas’.
Need to head into Phoenix? Sun City is just 22.3 miles away, and the commute to downtown Phoenix takes about 31 minutes, making it easy to enjoy both worlds.
5. Sun City, AZ Weather & Climate
Sun City offers hot summers and plenty of sunshine year-round. The drier months bring minimal rain, so blue skies are a constant companion.
With its semiarid climate, even during the monsoon season, rainfall is pretty minimal. Expect warm to hot weather most of the year, with sunny days being the norm.
In the winter, temperatures range from lows of 41°F to highs around 66°F. During the summer, things heat up with highs hitting 107°F and lows around 80°F.
Rain in Sun City? Not much of it. Sun City gets only 8 inches a year.
Snow? Zero. But if you’re a snow fan, a quick drive a couple of hours north to areas like Flagstaff will get you to all the winter wonderland activities you could want.
When it comes to outdoor fun, residents can enjoy golfing, hiking, swimming, and plenty of other ways to soak up that sunshine.
6. Things to Do in Sun City
If you’re looking for a can’t miss thing to do in Sun City, there are a few activities you should try checking out.
Palmbrook Golf Club
For a fun day out, head over to the Palmbrook Golf Club. This 18-hole course is a favorite, offering a mid-century Palm Springs vibe that makes for a unique and relaxing golf experience.
Whether you’re an avid golfer or just looking for a great way to spend the day outdoors, Palmbrook is the perfect spot to tee off and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
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Palmbrook Golf Club, 9350 W Greenway Rd, Sun City, AZ 85351 (623) 977-8383
Del Webb Sun Cities Museum
One of Sun City’s most unique spots is the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum. If you’re interested in learning about Del E. Webb, Sun City, or Sun City West, this museum is a must-see. It’s the perfect place to dive into the rich history of the area.
Del Webb Sun Cities Museum, 10801 W Oakmont Dr, Sun City, AZ 85351 (623) 974-2568
Sun City Players Community Theater
For a bit of local flair, check out the Sun City Players Community Theater. As one of the city’s most popular attractions, the theater offers regular shows and even auditions for residents who want to join in on the fun. It’s a great place to catch a performance and get involved with the local arts scene.
Sun City Players Community Theater, 9749 N 107th Ave, Sun City, AZ 85351 (623) 226-8151
Bell Recreation Center
If you’re looking for parks or landmarks, the Bell Recreation Center is a top choice. This cutting-edge fitness center has everything from social halls to a lap pool and tons of different clubs.
And for a more laid-back afternoon, stop by the Maricopa County Library branch inside the recreation center to grab a book and unwind.
Bell Recreation Center, 16820 N 99th Ave, Sun City, AZ 85351 (623) 876-3040
Additional Sun City Attractions
7. Sun City Restaurants
Whether you’re interested in American cuisine or international fare, there are many top restaurants in Sun City that you can check out.
Dominic’s Bistro Italiano
For one of Sun City’s top places to eat, you have to check out Dominic’s Bistro Italiano. While this chain has been open for just 11 years, the family has been serving up Italian cuisine in the Valley of the Sun for five decades. After enjoying one of their popular Italian dishes, don’t forget to try out cassata cake.
Dominic’s Bistro Italiano, 10001 W Bell Rd, Sun City, AZ 85351 (623) 583-8565
Sunset Bistro
If you love Greek cuisine, Sunset Bistro is one of the top restaurants in Sun City. Customers love the Sunset Bistro’s happy hour and oversized portions.
Sunset Bistro, 15462 N 99th Ave, Sun City, AZ 85351 (623) 972-1601
Royal Cafe
To discover one of Sun City’s top places to eat, head to the Royal Cafe. This local favorite serves up old-school American fare.
Royal Cafe, 10793 Grand Ave, Sun City, AZ 85351 (623) 875-0676
8. Jobs in Sun City
The average salary in Sun City is $46,267 per year, giving you a solid idea of what to expect if you’re planning to work in the area. The state income tax rate sits at 2.5%, which is fairly manageable.
Sun City’s unemployment rate is 3.9%, which is right in line with the rest of the Phoenix metro area.
If you’re looking to land a great job before moving, here are some of the top employers in Sun City:
- Recreation Centers of Sun City, Inc.
- Hastings & Hastings
- Direct Fine Furnishings
- United States Postal Service
- Walmart
These companies offer a range of job opportunities. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for retail, recreation, or professional services.
9. Sun City Schools
Sun City may be known for its retirement community. But it’s also home to about 377 kids between the ages of 0 and 18, making up around 1% of the population.
Families are drawn to the area for its top-notch schools, beautiful recreation centers, and a strong sense of community.
Sun City is part of the Peoria Unified School District, which offers plenty of excellent schools. Here are some of the best in the area:
- Zuni Hills Elementary School
- Great Hearts Academies – Glendale Prep
- Sunrise Mountain High School
- Peoria High School
- Great Hearts Academies – Trivium Prep
For those looking into higher education, Grand Canyon University Banner Boswell Site and Glendale Community College are both nearby options.
And don’t forget about the Sun City Library. It’s free to use and a great spot for students and residents to read, study, or enjoy a quiet space.
10. Crime Rate in Sun City
Is Sun City a safe place to live? Yes, Sun City is a safe and comfortable place to call home. The crime rate is 3,049 incidents per 100,000 people, which keeps things relatively calm in this peaceful community.
One unique feature of Sun City’s safety is the Sun City Posse, a volunteer organization that helps keep the area safe and secure.
If you want to dig deeper into the safety of your specific neighborhood, you can check out the Sun City crime map for more details.
11. Essential Sun City Information
- Square Miles: 14.59 square miles
- County: Maricopa County
- Zip Code: 85373 and 85351
- Area Code: 623, 602, and 480
Sun City follows Mountain Standard Time (MST) all year round. Since Arizona doesn’t observe Daylight Savings Time, residents here never have to worry about changing their clocks twice a year.
As for elevation, Sun City sits at 1,142 feet above sea level, giving it that perfect desert climate without the extreme heights.
Map of Sun City, AZ
Find plenty of other things to do, places to eat, and beyond with this Sun City map.
Tips for Living in Sun City
- Golf Carts on the Go: In Sun City, you can drive your golf cart on city streets as long as the speed limit is 35 mph or less. Just make sure to get it licensed and registered with the state if you plan to use it on public roads.
- Join the Fun: There’s no shortage of clubs to keep you busy in Sun City. Whether you’re interested in a dog club, photography, or hitting the golf course, there’s a group for everyone to connect and socialize.
- Stay Cool in the Heat: With the desert sunshine, it’s important to plan ahead. Schedule outdoor activities in the cooler morning hours before temperatures climb, and make sure your home is equipped with good air conditioning to stay comfortable year-round.
Moving to Sun City, AZ
Whether you are searching for the perfect retirement community or excellent golfing, there are a number of reasons to move to Sun City. From single-family homes to luxury condos, you can live in a variety of Sun City homes.
If you need a real estate agent, contact an experienced Sun City real estate team like our partners at SPACE.
