Why Retirees Are Choosing Surprise and Sun City for Their Forever Homes

If you’ve been thinking about retiring in Arizona, Surprise and Sun City are two places that keep coming up—and for good reason. Between weather, amenities, social opportunities, and affordability, they check a lot of boxes for retirees who want comfort, community, and quality of life.

Here’s a look at what makes these areas especially appealing for retirement living.

Sunny Weather & Desert Lifestyle

Arizona is famous for its sunshine—and Surprise delivers. Clear skies most of the year, milder winters, and dry heat make outdoor living enjoyable without the oppressive humidity of other regions.

Sun City, specifically built as a 55+ active adult community, embraces that desert lifestyle. Its design takes advantage of outdoor amenities, walking trails, golf, and green spaces that let retirees stay active while enjoying the scenery.

For retirees thinking about protecting their property long-term, this is also where preventative maintenance strategies become valuable, helping to keep homes in top condition year after year.

Amenities & Activities That Suit Retirement Life

Both Surprise and Sun City are packed with amenities that appeal to retirees:

Community centers, senior programs, clubs, and organized activities — everything from arts and crafts, fitness classes, to social groups.
Recreation like golf courses, walking paths, parks, pools, and easy access to natural spaces. In Sun City, the amenities are especially robust—multiple golf courses, indoor & outdoor fitness centers, pools, and arts studios.
Senior service support: Surprise has programs, wellness resources, accessible healthcare, and infrastructure built with older adults in mind.

And for those who invest in rental properties as part of retirement planning, strong amenities help ensure steady tenant demand. (See our guide on how to reduce vacancy loss for more on this.)

Cost, Value & Peace of Mind

Compared to some luxury retirement areas elsewhere, both Surprise and Sun City offer variety in home types—smaller homes, age-restricted communities, and well-maintained properties that don’t force retirees to compromise their budgets.

Many retirees are drawn to 55+ communities where there’s shared maintenance, common amenities, and a neighbor base that’s similarly aged, helping reduce the social friction that can sometimes come from generational gaps.

And if you’re planning to sell a home in the future, knowing which renovations add value can help ensure your investment stays strong.

Accessibility & Location

Surprise is close enough to Phoenix for major hospitals, airports, cultural amenities, and shopping—while still offering more peace and quiet than living in the city.

Sun City is similarly well-positioned—close enough for easy access to Phoenix, yet designed so residents don’t feel far from daily needs. This balance of convenience and community is a big reason retirees choose these areas as their forever homes.

Final Thoughts

Surprise and Sun City are far more than sunny names on a map. For many retirees, they represent balance—comfort, community, recreation, and value. Whether you want to stay social, stay active, or just enjoy quieter days in a welcoming place, these areas deliver.

If you’re considering retiring in Arizona, especially in Surprise or Sun City, working with a local real estate expert who understands the 55+ market can help you find the perfect fit.