Glendale AZ 55+ communities: an honest local guide.
Glendale has 55+ choices, but not a large Sun City-style community. Here is what you will actually find, and where Glendale-area buyers often look next.
Key takeaways
- Glendale does not have a large, master-planned 55+ community with its own golf and recreation centers like Sun City or Sun City West.
- Its 55+ options include age-qualified manufactured-home communities and 55+ apartment communities.
- In many manufactured-home communities you own the home and lease the lot. Read the lease and rules first.
- Peoria, Sun City and Sun City West are nearby if you want a larger 55+ community.
What 55+ living in Glendale looks like
When people search for "55+ communities in Glendale," they often picture a community like Sun City, with its own recreation centers, golf courses and clubs. Glendale does not have one of those. What it does have are smaller age-qualified communities, mostly of two kinds.
Age-qualified manufactured-home communities
These are gated or managed communities of manufactured homes, often with a clubhouse, pool and activities. One example is Casa del Sol Resort East at 10960 N. 67th Ave. Its operator describes it as a gated 55+ community with a clubhouse, fitness center, swimming pool, community activities, on-site management and RV storage, with homes for sale and for rent.
Before you buy in a community like this, understand how ownership works. In many, you own the home but lease the land under it, paying monthly lot rent. In Arizona these leases are covered by the Arizona Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Ask for the lease, the community rules, the current lot rent and how increases are handled, and talk with your lender and insurance agent early.
55+ apartment communities
Glendale also has 55+ rental communities. Sparrow Living operates two: Mera Westgate (7460 N. Zanjero Blvd., near Westgate) and Amberlin Arrowhead (17120 N. 51st Ave.). Both describe themselves as 55+ active adult communities. They are rentals, not homes you buy, but some people rent first while they decide where to settle.
City resources
The City of Glendale runs the Glendale Adult Center at 5970 W. Brown St., with fitness and wellness classes, games, arts, computer access and special events. It is open to adults of all ages, including seniors.
Where Glendale-area buyers often look next
If you want a larger community with golf, clubs and recreation centers, these are nearby:
- Peoria 55+ communities: Westbrook Village, with 3,910 homes and two golf courses, and the gated Trilogy at Vistancia in north Peoria.
- Sun City: the original Del Webb community, with about 27,000 homes, eight recreation centers and eight golf courses.
- Sun City West: four recreation centers, seven golf courses and more than 90 clubs.
- Surprise: Sun City Grand and Arizona Traditions.
Questions to ask about any Glendale 55+ community
- Is it age-restricted or just marketed to older adults? What are the exact age rules?
- Do I own the land, or lease it? What is the current lot rent, and how are increases set?
- What do the monthly fees cover: water, trash, landscaping, amenities?
- What are the rules on guests, pets and renting the home out?
- How does financing work for this type of home?
How we can help
If you are weighing a Glendale option against Sun City, Sun City West or Peoria, we can lay out the differences in ownership, fees and lifestyle side by side. Call or text us, or start with our West Valley 55+ comparison.
In our clients' words.
Real Google reviews from buyers, sellers and families we've helped.
“We relocated from Iowa to Sun City… They are the very best and I would totally recommend them when purchasing a home.”
“Tim & Amy are a great tag-team. If one isn't available, the other usually is. They spent time showing us several homes and helped us dial in to what we were looking for.”
“Amy and Tim are the best! They know Sun City like nobody else, can get a great deal, and were there for us every step of the way.”
Reviews from Google, shortened for length.
Frequently asked questions
Are there 55+ communities in Glendale, AZ?
Yes, but they look different from Sun City. Glendale's 55+ options include age-qualified manufactured-home communities and 55+ apartment communities, rather than a large Del Webb-style community with its own recreation centers and golf.
What is the closest large 55+ community to Glendale?
Many Glendale-area buyers look at Westbrook Village and Trilogy at Vistancia in neighboring Peoria, and at Sun City and Sun City West to the northwest.
How is buying in a manufactured-home community different?
In many of these communities you own the home but lease the lot, so you pay monthly lot rent and the community's rules apply. Financing and insurance can also work differently. Read the lease and community rules carefully before you buy.
Can you help me buy in Glendale?
Our specialty is Sun City and Sun City West, and we also help across the West Valley. If a Glendale home is the right fit, we will help, and we will be honest if another area suits you better.
Keep exploring
Not sure which area fits?
Tell us how you want to live and we will suggest two or three communities worth touring, in Glendale or nearby.