CantaMia resident Patti Rathbuns talks about living in CantaMia with the excitement one would expect when hearing about a dream vacation. “We love it here. We absolutely love it here,” she said. After 12 years in Litchfield Park, the Rathbuns grew tired of the busyness and decided to look for a place closer to nature, reminding them why they love Arizona so much. “It was starting to get a little crowded where we were,” she said. “We didn’t like the growing congestion and traffic.” She said their search for a new home was a short one. “Last summer when we finally decided to move, we came to check out CantaMia and just absolutely fell in love with it out here. It’s out in the rural area more, and the hiking trails are a lot closer than where we used to live.”
Being close to nature had become increasingly important for the Rathbuns who have more time to enjoy Mother Nature’s beauty now that they’re retired. Add the plethora of amenities to the package, and they knew they had found their new home. “First, the proximity to nature, but the second reason is we love the comfort and quiet that comes with a gated community. And we love the amenities! My husband and I work out every week and we use the amenities often,” she said.
As much as they enjoy the location and activities, the Rathbuns say they’ve grown to have a new favorite at CantaMia: the friends they’ve made. “Everyone is so friendly, and everyone goes out of their way to say hi and they help you with anything and everything.”
The adage location, location, location couldn’t be truer for the Rathbuns who chose a home located adjacent to a ravine. “We butt up to the desert, so we see more nature. I’m a nature person and I love all the beauty around here. It’s just gorgeous.” The fact that CantaMia is tucked deep in the Estrella community is another perk. “They have the lakes to walk around, and they have some great restaurants, too. But the views! The mountains at Estrella provide such tranquility. Finding all of this in Estrella is just a bonus.”
The Rathbuns, say they’re aware of the stereotypes that come with living in a 55+ community. “People think it’s a bunch of old people. That is so not true! Everyone is very active. You can be as active as you want to be, or you can be laid back and do nothing. The stereotyping isn’t true.”
With their kids grown and out of the house, the Rathbuns said this move was the perfect time to downsize, and they did, going from a 3,300 square-foot home to Taylor Morrison’s 1,90I Marcato floorplan.
“I love this model and the salespeople at Taylor Morrison were fabulous to work with. We’re so happy with everything.”
Find your new home at Estrella.com and discover why 7,600 families already call this diverse, welcoming West Valley master-planned community home. Located in Goodyear, Arizona amongst pristine mountains and a dramatic desert landscape, Estrella amenities include multiple Residents’ Clubs, resort-style pools and a waterpark, 72 acres of lakes, 65-plus miles of paths and trails, the Yacht Club of Estrella, the award-winning Nicklaus Design course at the Golf Club of Estrella, community welcome center Casa Lucero, and more than 50 neighborhood parks.
