Sun City demonstrated a new concept to the US in the early 1960's. Del Webb's vision was to create a place for retirees to have fun, be social and stay active & healthy, and he showed the world a new way to enjoy retirement.

Today, Sun City, AZ is the largest 55+ community in the area, Over 50,000 residents call Sun City home.  11 golf courses wind in and around the city, and 8 rec centers offer pools, weight rooms, clubs, and everything you need to stay active & fit. 35 pickleball courts are split between 2 different rec centers, 8 of which are covered and protected from the elements.

Sun City (The Original!)

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Known for its quaint ranch homes, Sun City homes are modest 2-3 bedrooms. Mid-century styling is evident, and many remodels exploit these features with style. If remodeling is your thing, you'll recognize the potential & value in of some of these early models.  

Sun City has 2 lakes of its own, with larger properties featuring waterfront views and more luxurious appointments. 

In general, Sun City living is a fantastic value--low yearly rec fees, with lots of amenities to boot.

Why Phoenix? Why Us?

Shelly Hilton & Diane Maehl are year-round AZ residents. In addition, they're both very active participants in the pickelball world! They have over 150 tournaments between them. They have been living the "pickleball lifestyle" and loving every minute of it!

Their knowledge gives clients an edge...providing them valuable insights on the various local markets, including information about the specific opportunities within each. Whether you are considering  owning a permanent home, vacation home, or income property, Diane & Shelly's experience will provide you with assurance that your transaction will be handled with the attention to detail and professionalism your investment requires.

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5 Steps to Owning Your New Home

 1:  Start Your Search & Prepare

Give us a call and we can begin the process. We'll discuss your favorite locations, home styles and how you will be financing your home. We will also talk about the many ways we serve as your advocate and fiduciary, providing you with professional and comprehensive representation as your Buyer Agent. We can also recommend local lenders that can pre-qualify you for a mortgage and provide you with estimates of closing costs & fees associated with purchasing a home.

2:  Compare Homes

Using your parameters, we'll set up an online home search for you so you can start viewing homes that meet your specific needs and budget. After previewing potentially suitable properties, we are able to virtually walk you through homes using video from wherever you may be. We'll also familiarize you with electronic signing of documents so that when you do find the home you love, we will be able to submit an offer immediately. 

If you’re thinking about the possibility of becoming a pickleball Snowbird, moving here permanently, or buying income property in the Phoenix area, we would love to hear from you!

The Sun City West community started in 1980, as a result of the wild success of the original Sun City project. Sun City West is a premier retirement community situated in the sunny climate of Arizona. It boasts a lively atmosphere with a population of approximately 27,000 residents.

Locals in Sun City West love so many things about living here--over 100 clubs to join, 7 golf courses, 4 rec centers and 7 swimming pools.  It is large & inviting, with 3 major grocery stores, 8 banks, 6 restuarants all within its borders. Sun City West's clubs cater to diverse interests and hobbies. Whether you're into gardening, painting, or participating in book clubs, there's something for everyone to get involved in. Residents find great value here, with reasonable annual fees and so much to offer. 

Two pickleball complexes with 28 courts, (Sands & Liberty Courts), serve the thriving 2000-member club with programs for all levels of players. Sun City West hosts the Fun in the Sun (All for Charity) Annual Pickleball Tournament each March, which attracts players from all over the Phoenix area and Snowbirds from the US and Canada.

The restaurants and shopping in Surprise and the popular P83 area in Peoria are only a few minutes away. Proximity to the 303 and the 101 provide easy access to the rest of the Phoenix area. Sky Harbor International Airport is a mere 40 minute drive (longer during peak travel times), and getting to the Mesa Airport will take about an hour.

With its extensive recreational facilities, a rich array of social clubs, and a wide variety of housing options, it offers a welcoming environment where residents can enjoy their retirement years to the fullest.

Sun City West

The Grand, located in Surprise, Arizona, was established in 1996 and is a premier active adult community catering to residents aged 45 and over. Known for its luxurious amenities and beautifully designed homes, The Grand offers a variety of housing options, including condos & single-family homes. There are approximately 9800 homes that range from 1300' to 3600’ in size. The community is designed to foster an active and engaging lifestyle, with numerous recreational and social activities available for residents.

At the heart of The Grand is the Village Center, a sprawling complex that includes a state-of-the-art fitness center, swimming pools, 11 tennis courts, and a full-service spa. The Cimmarron Pickleball Complex features 22 pickleball courts, a kitchen area, an area for socializing, and a fireplace for cold mornings and plenty of shade from the heat. 

The community also features four championship golf courses, providing ample opportunities for golf enthusiasts. The Grand boasts a vibrant social scene with a wide range of clubs, classes, and events tailored to various interests, ensuring that residents have numerous opportunities to connect and engage with their neighbors.

The Grand (Sun City Grand)

Corte Bella is an exclusive, gated active adult community located in Sun City West, Arizona. Designed for residents aged 55 and over, this community offers a blend of luxurious living and resort-style amenities. Corte Bella comprises 1,650 homes, ranging in size from 1,300 to 3,400 square feet, with construction spanning from 2003 to 2007. These homes range from $390,000 up to over $1,000,000.  You will find single-family residences to expansive estate homes, many with casitas, all featuring contemporary designs in the Tuscan style with high-quality finishes. The community is meticulously landscaped, providing a tranquil and picturesque environment for its residents.

Central to Corte Bella's appeal is the Corte Bella Country Club, which features a state-of-the-art fitness center, spa facilities, swimming pool, and 4 tennis courts. You will find 8 pickleball courts and a gorgeous 18-hole championship golf course, perfect for picklers and golfers galore!  The recently opened Bella Vista restaurant and bar (open to the public) features casual dining and creates a picturesque spot for socializing. Though the Corte Bella Community is located in Sun City West, they have their own amenities and are unable to utilize amenities in Sun City West. The two are separate entities. Corte Bella's luxurious facilities provides a variety of clubs, activities, and events designed to cater to diverse interests.

Corte Bella

Arizona Traditions is a charming, active adult community located in Surprise, Arizona, designed for residents aged 55 and over. The community consists of 1,895 homes, with prices ranging from $100,000 to $700,000, and sizes varying from 1,100 to 2,300 square feet. The community’s intimate atmosphere and beautifully maintained landscapes create a welcoming and serene environment for its residents.

The centerpiece of Arizona Traditions is its impressive range of recreational amenities, designed to promote an active and social lifestyle. The community boasts six pickleball courts (where residents must bring their own nets), and four tennis courts. In addition to these, there are various other facilities including a state-of-the-art fitness center, a resort-style pool, and numerous hobby and craft studios. The community clubhouse serves as a hub for social events, clubs, and activities, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and engagement among neighbors. Arizona Traditions is on the smaller side and is a wonderful place for meeting your new best friends.

Arizona Traditions

 Sun Village is a gated active adult community located in Surprise, Arizona. Catering to residents aged 55 and over, Sun Village encompasses 1382 homes, which were built between 1985 and 1995.  The community offers a variety of housing options, including single-family homes, condominiums, and villas, designed to provide a welcoming and active lifestyle.  The homes range from $170,000 to $600,000. The beautifully landscaped grounds and friendly, close-knit atmosphere make Sun Village an appealing place to call home. 

At the heart of Sun Village is the community's extensive array of amenities, which includes the popular Chef Peter's Bistro, a fitness center, swimming pool, tennis courts, an 18-hole par-3 golf course, and 2 pickleball courts.  Fortunately, Sun Village is located right down the road from Surprise’s public pickleball courts, which make picklers happy! The Surprise complex attracts players 

Sun Village

PebbleCreek is an upscale, active adult retirement community located in Goodyear, Arizona, designed primarily for residents aged 55 and over, though up to 20% of residents can be as young as 40. This vibrant community features homes built from 1993 to present.  PebbleCreek offers a range of architectural styles and modern amenities. Home prices in PebbleCreek range from $300,000 to $1.5 million, with sizes varying from 1,100 to 3,500 square feet, catering to diverse preferences and budgets.

PebbleCreek boasts 32 pickleball courts, making it a haven for pickleball enthusiasts, and a fabulous venue for the annual Pebblecreek tournament. A 395-seat theater, provides residents with a venue for a variety of performances and events. Additionally, the community features 54 holes of championship golf, a fabulous fitness facility, resort-style pools, 7 tennis courts, and numerous hobby and craft studios. With a robust schedule of social events, clubs, and activities, you can’t go wrong! PebbleCreek is only 25 miles from the Phoenix International Airport.  

PebbleCreek

Sterling Grove

Westbrook Village, located in Peoria, Arizona, is an active adult community designed for residents aged 40 and older. Established in the late 1980s, it features 16 pickleball courts, two 18-hole golf courses, two fitness centers, and tennis courts. In addition to the two main swimming pools, the Casita communities each have their own pool. The community offers around 3,910 homes, including single-family houses and condos. Residents appreciate the secure environment and enjoy a variety of clubs and organized activities, contributing to a vibrant and secure lifestyle. Westbrook Village is known for its friendly atmosphere and ample recreational opportunities.

Westbrook Village

Victory stands out among 55+ communities. Established in 2015 and nestled in sunny Buckeye, AZ, Victory is set against the stunning White Tank Mountains. Victory features exclusive amenities and a variety of new homes from multiple builders, all designed with the active adult lifestyle in mind. Whether you're seeking a challenging summit hike or a casual neighborhood stroll, all 26 miles of paths and trails here lead to Victory. The community boasts two golf courses, including the lush fairways of The Victory Course and The Founder’s Course. The Victory Club features a Life Performance 7000 square foot Fitness Training Center. With three pools plus a lap pool, residents can pick their favorite.   Victory has eight pickleball courts, as well as tennis courts, ensuring ample opportunities for fitness and recreation. Dining options are equally impressive, with fabulous restaurants like the hillside farm table at the Vineyard. Victory is the perfect place to enjoy your celebration years.

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Victory at Verrado

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Trilogy at Vistancia is an upscale, active adult community located in Peoria, Arizona. The first homes were built in 2004 for residents aged 55 and over and the community features a variety of amenities and activities to promote an active and fulfilling lifestyle. The community includes a range of housing options, from cozy villas to spacious single-family homes, all designed with modern features and open floor plans, beginning at $400,000.  There are over 2800 homes in Trilogy. The architecture and landscaping are meticulously planned to provide a serene and picturesque environment for residents.

The centerpiece of Trilogy at Vistancia is the Kiva Club, a luxurious resort-style clubhouse offering a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and various social spaces for gatherings and events. Additionally, the community boasts the Mita Club, which includes additional fitness and social amenities. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the numerous hiking and biking trails, as well as the Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia, a championship golf course. Though only 4-dedicated pickleball courts and 6 tennis courts, this community has a fabulous social scene, with numerous clubs, classes, and events, that cater to a wide range of interests.

Trilogy at Vistancia

Dear friends, 

As avid pickleball players and active 55-and-overs ourselves, many folks like us are seeking out ways to combine their love for playing the game with living in the southwest's desert climate. Whether you are looking for a winter home for a respite from winter or should you want to find a home for your retirement, purchasing one now can provide many personal and financial benefits. In addition to pickleball, there are ample golf courses and multitudes of options for an active lifestyle

Here are some of the communities that offer so much to snowbirds and full-time residents in the Phoenix area. This is particularly true here in the West Valley, where pickleball communities, tournaments and friendships abound.

Festival is the newest community in the Sun City series with 7200 homes and more under construction. Its prestigious Troon golf course offers challenging play with stunning views of the White Tank Mountains. Its location, 11 minutes west of the 303, makes this a popular choice for those wanting something a little further from the hustle bustle of the Surprise area. 

It is a 55 plus age-restricted community; however, 10% of homeowners buying new can be 45 or older. 

The community features 24 pickleball courts and three 9-hole golf courses, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Homes range from $300K to $800K, providing options to suit different budgets.

Residents enjoy access to two recreation centers, each equipped with resort-style pools and spas, fitness centers, group fitness studios, outdoor patios, and an indoor walking track. For those interested in arts and crafts, there's a well-equipped woodshop and studios featuring many arts & crafts activities.

Sun City Festival

Top Features from Our Perspective: Best 55+ value with a variety of homes styles, low taxes and the largest pickleball club in the area. Also, more golf courses than other communities.

Top Features from Our Perspective: Impressive, resort feel, with beautiful water features & areas of green. Village Center is definitely unique among the Sun City properties, providing members a lush gathering area and outdoor concert venue and the popular the Grand Cafe. 

Top Features from Our Perspective: Newer luxury homes with premium finishes, 30,000 acres of beautiful desert landscapes at the foothills of the White Tank Mountains. 

Top Features from Our Perspective: Gated, private, with an exclusive county club feel. Elegantly styled home designs nestled in exquisitely maintained landscapes. Patio dining & refreshements at Belle Vista or the Corte Bella Grill overlook the beautful grounds and golf course.

Top Features from Our Perspective: Well-maintained, quiet community, with small, close-knit neighborhoods. Intimate feel with plenty of amenities. Low HOA, centralized location.

 from all communities and has 16 dedicated courts, and hosts leagues and tournaments. Membership in the Surprise Pickleball Association gets you early registration in several SPA tournaments.  Residents can also enjoy the community's clubhouse, which hosts numerous social events, clubs, and activities, featuring a ballroom with a capacity of 250 people.   

Sterling Grove in Surprise, AZ is a master-planned community designed for active adults aged 55 and older. This community combines luxury living with a resort-like atmosphere, offering a variety of high-end amenities and activities to cater to diverse interests and lifestyles. The staffed gated community offers a range of beautifully designed homes catering to different tastes and budgets. Sterling Grove features a Nicklaus Design 18-hole golf course, providing a premium golfing experience to residents. The elegant clubhouse serves as a central hub for social activities and events, including dining options, a bar, and social spaces. Residents have access to state-of-the-art fitness centers, group fitness studios, and wellness programs to suppourt a healthy lifestyle.  The community offers 3 pools, 5 tennis courts and 1 stadium court, 8 pickleball courts plus one Championship Court, bocce, and more!  Beautifully landscaped walking trails provide a scenic environment for outdoor exercise and leisurely strolls. Awarded 2023 Master Planned Community of the Year award, this resort community features premier homes by Toll Brothers, with modern architecture and high-end finishes, ranging in price to accommodate different financial plans.  

Here’s What Our Clients Are Saying: 

“I couldn't wait to visit Phoenix every year so I could play pickleball in a series of tournaments. The decision to buy my home there made so much sense. Shelly & Diane helped me find the right community & the perfect home!"

“Thanks to Shelly & her team for their patience & professionalism. We were very particular about what we were looking for and are so happy with our Corte Bella home and the great service you provided."

“Thank you to Diane & Shelly for handling our tricky transaction and negotiating a great price in a tight market. We love Corte Bella and our winter home! We enjoy every minute we get to spend in Arizona!"

By all means, make a trip to view your final selections in person if you like! When you find a home that you love, we'll prepare an offer that strategically positions us to secure the property in the current market conditions. Our expertise in the local markets and trends will provide you with a significant edge in getting your offer accepted! 

3:  Make a Trip

Once your offer is accepted, we initiate the escrow process with one of our Title Company partners. We feel that it is always in your best interest to have the property professionally inspected. If any defects are identified we will evaluate their impact and the possibility of modifying the purchase agreement. We have toured hundreds of properties and have many resources to call upon to assist us in determining the cost & viability of specific repairs. 

4:  Escrow & Inspection

Top Features from Our Perspective: Fantastic value--low yearly rec fees, low property taxes, a multitude of activities available, and centralized West Valley location with easy access to shopping, dining & sporting events.

Top Features from Our Perspective: Many condos, with minimal upkeep are perfect for first-time Snowbirds. The main pool & patio area plus restaurant bar are great for socialing with friends & guests.

Top Features from Our Perspective: Impeccably maintained mature landscaping with lots of green & shade. Well-designed clubhouses with luxurious decor & an abundance of cozy conversation areas. Quality home design & construction with high-end finishes, very reasonable fees for such fantastic amenities.

5:  Have some fun!

Plan some pickleball or golf while you are still here in the desert! We'll handle all of the transaction details, preparing for the final stages of making the property yours!  We'll be taking all the necessary actions and keeping you apprised of progress in the transaction. Our ultimate goal, of course, is ensuring the closing process goes smoothly, and results in an on-time closure!