By Rachel Willis of “I love my disorganized life”
Want to know our three Top 55+ Communities in the Southwest? Keep reading!
CantaMia Village Center at Estrella – photo from CantaMia website
For the past few years, my husband and I have been exploring our next chapter. Where and how do we want to live in our mid-50s and beyond? Our first step was to decide what was important to us and a few things were top of the list.
5 Top 55+ Community Must-Haves
- Great weather
- Beautiful homes/reputable builders
- Fabulous indoor and outdoor amenities
- Strong programming with community activities, clubs, and classes
- Driving distance to family
Next, we started to research and explore. First on our list was the nearby Saddlebrook Ranch just outside of Tucson, Arizona. Next, we were invited to explore CantaMia at Estrella in Goodyear, Arizona, and finally, Regency at Desert Color in St. George, Utah looked intriguing.
Each community offers mild four seasons, beautiful homes, and a variety of amenities so residents never run out of things to do. Whether you prefer a large community with lots of activities or a smaller close-knit community, here are three of the best in the Southwest to consider.
Three Top 55+ Communities in the Southwest
Estrella’s CantaMia in Goodyear, Arizona*
Find your desert oasis at CantaMia in Estrella, nestled within vibrant Goodyear, Arizona. It’s a place designed to meet new friends as you join a community with endless opportunities including structured and casual groups, clubs, teams, and activities.
Estrella’s CantaMia 55+ community, by esteemed builder Taylor Morrison, stands out as a place with a wide offering of modern homes plus excellent resident amenities and events to explore.
Community members can escape the summer heat in the community’s indoor and outdoor resort-style swimming pools, lap pool, and hot tubs or express their creative side at the CantaMia art studio or cooking classrooms. The pickleball and tennis courts are among the most popular amenities.
CantaMia also offers horseshoes, a table tennis room, a game room, a café’ and a 2,000-square-foot fitness center. The many community clubs, events, and volunteer opportunities offer unique opportunities to create connection and community.
Duke enjoyed the dog park and my husband Mark loved playing a round at the award-winning Golf Club of Estrella, a Nicklaus Design course.
Afterward, we grabbed a bite to eat at the Players Grill & Patio while the sun set on the striking Sierra Estrella Mountains.
No matter the season, CantaMia is filled with special events such as live bands and concert series, murder mystery dinners, safety and wildlife seminars, classic casino nights, outdoor vendor fairs, and farmers markets, plus holiday parties.
CantaMia at Estrella truly stands apart as a 55+ community, achieving the perfect balance between relaxation and celebration.
SaddleBrooke Ranch in Tucson, Arizona
There’s no end to the spectacular natural beauty as you look out over the panoramic mountain vista views from SaddleBrooke Ranch, just north of Tucson. This is definitely one of the top 55+ communities in the Southwest for us.
The high Sonoran Desert terrain, resort-style amenities, and distinctive homes within this gated sanctuary create a tranquil haven for those 55 and better. Gorgeous homes start from the low $400s to the high $600s and range from approximately 1,500 to just over 3,000 square feet.
We found countless choices for living an active lifestyle, from the high-end Ranch House Clubhouse, Creative Arts and Technology Center, relaxing pool complex with indoor and outdoor pools, fitness room, luxury spa, and massage room. We loved the 24 pickleball courts, 6 tennis courts, and 4 bocce ball courts, as well as so many onsite dining choices including a brewery! The dog park, community garden, and endless nature trails also really set this community apart.
My husband loved the SaddleBrooke Ranch Golf Club which features an 18-hole Championship golf course, beautifully manicured fairways, and fabulous mountain views. The on-site pro shop, driving range and practice facilities, lush landscaping, and spectacular elevated tees were also very impressive.
I also loved all the clubs and groups to join – from table tennis to cycling, glass art to woodworking, wine club, and even a social dance club to meet new neighbors.
The community is close to wonderful outdoor adventures at Mount Lemmon, tram rides in Sabino Canyon, wildflower viewing in the spring at Picacho Peak, and desert critters at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. You can also hike at nearby Catalina State Park, which is one of our favorite places to take Duke.
The city of Tucson has numerous historic museums, casinos, shopping areas, and excellent restaurants and has a UNESCO Official City of Gastronomy Distinction. The city’s culinary heritage is a tapestry of Mexican and Native American traditions.
Visitors can also take a step back in time at the OK Corral in Tombstone (another favorite of ours!) or learn more about Arizona’s copper beginnings in Bisbee.
Regency at Desert Color in St. George, Utah
When looking for the top 55+ communities in the Southwest, we couldn’t ignore St. George, UT. Located in the midst of countless recreational opportunities in a beautiful setting, Regency at Desert Color in St. George, Utah offers four collections of Toll Brothers new-home designs, a community clubhouse, and resort-style amenities. It’s an ideal 55+ community packed with amenities including dining, parks and trails, a handy golf complex, and a 2.5-acre lagoon for water activities.
Beautiful homes ranging from 1,425 to 3,294 square feet are available, featuring a design studio to personalize new homes, spacious dining areas, and beautiful, convenient kitchen areas. Homeowners can choose optional bonus rooms and RV garages.
The exclusive community clubhouse offers residents indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, pickleball courts, bocce ball, lounge areas, and more. It’s truly active-adult living at its finest, with the opportunity to meet new friends and entertain family visitors.
There’s never a lack of uniquely Utah activities, ranging from restaurants and cafes such as Chef Hog’s Oyster Bar & Grill, less than two miles away, the SunRiver Golf Club or the Rosenbruch World Wildlife Museum, a unique center with dioramas of over 300 animals representing every continent. Regency at Desert Color also has nearby proximity to Snow Canyon, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and Brian Head Resort.
What 55+ communities stand out to you? Where else should we explore as we search for the perfect 55+ home and the start of a new chapter in our life?
Visit Estrella.com to learn more, find your new 55+ home or try Estrella’s “Resident For a Day” program to explore the 50+ parks and 65+ miles of paths and trails.
*We were invited to explore Estrella’s CantaMia community as part of a paid partnership. Opinions are my own.
