Sun Lakes offers a resort-style atmosphere with lots of recreation and single-residence homes just south of Chandler and about 25 miles southeast of Phoenix. “One of the best aspects of Sun Lakes is simply its location,” says Melissa Rush, broker and owner of Rush & Associates Realty, who has over 26 years of experience. Developed in the late 20th century by E.J. Robson, the community was originally little more than a shopping center and a few hundred housing lots; today, the master-planned city is made up of five country club neighborhoods with a population of about 15,000—residents here must be 40 or older, and most are 55 or older. Folks enjoy an active, leisurely lifestyle with sports like golf and pickleball and a packed, year-round schedule of clubs and social events. “It’s unique—it’s not a nursing home community,” says Stephanie Reynolds, a Realtor with Exp Realty who has over 5 years of experience. “People are very social—it’s lively. The majority of people are older, so there’s not going to be bicycles and toys lying everywhere.”
Sun Lakes has many Mediterranean-style homes throughout the community.
Walking trails and ponds are scattered throughout the Sun Lakes neigborhood.
Ed Robson Library is located on Riggs Road in Sun Lakes.
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Sun Lakes homes plus homeowners associations
Sun Lakes’ homes were built during the late 20th century through the early 2000s and are lined along palm tree-dotted, circular streets without sidewalks that wrap around the community’s lakes. Overall, homes are typically ranch-style, but each subdivision has its own stylings, like Sun Lakes Country Club’s minimal, midcentury-inspired ranch-style and Cottonwood Country Club’s Mediterranean-style homes with red clay-tiled roofs and desert-colored stucco facades. There are also late 20th-century manufactured homes in Sun Lakes Country Club, which were part of the original community development. “Manufactured homes are completely refurbished—new cabinets, new counters, custom everything. You can make it look like anything you want it to be,” Reynolds says.
The median home price in Sun Lakes is $465,000, compared to $440,000 in Phoenix and $285,000 in Sun City, another active adult community. “There aren’t really apartments in Sun Lakes. There are single-family residences and one-story villas—they call them townhomes,” Reynolds says. The five country club communities in Sun Lakes are all part of homeowners associations; annual dues range from about $1,300 to $2,000 and go toward community upkeep. “It’s more expensive because you own the land, and the reason people want to live here is the lifestyle,” Reynolds says.
The Mediterranean-style homes in Sun Lakes have desert-colored stucco.
Manufactured homes in Sun Lakes often have carports and covered porches.
Ranch style homes are also common in Sun Lakes.
The majority of Mediterranean-style homes in Sun Lakes are single story with some two story.
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Year-round clubs, groups and events in Sun Lakes, Arizona
There are over 70 clubs and groups for residents to join in Sun Lakes. “You name it—woodworking, ceramics, cards, poker, all different activities,” Reynolds says. There’s also a full calendar of events, including monthly activities like karaoke, trivia and bingo. “They have music bingo, or ‘singo,’ as it’s called,” Reynolds says. “They play songs, and people sing along. There’s lots of joking, and it’s very social.” Annual traditions include the 2-mile Veteran’s Walk in November and the holiday tree lighting in December. Plus, there's the Sun Lakes Community Theatre and the Sun Lakes Chorale.
Sports and leisure in the five Sun Lakes communities
Each neighborhood in the city has its own set of amenities, including a golf course and clubhouse, and most access is shared among the five communities. However, some facilities, such as fitness centers are just for the residents of that neighborhood. There are sports like tennis, pickleball and bocce, and there are also organized tournaments, like the spring softball league. Golfers can hit the links at any of Sun Lakes’ five courses; Ironwood Golf Club and Oakwood Golf Course are both open to the public, but residents get preferred reservations for tee times. Sun Lakes has several community pools, plus clubhouses for tabletop games and club meetings. True to its name, there are also over 40 lakes in Sun Lakes. “You cannot swim in them, and there’s no boating, but there’s an RC boating club, and you can catch and release fish,” Reynolds says.
Residents practice their golf game at the Sun Lakes Country Club.
The pools at the local clubs in Sun Lakes are popular spots to cool off in the heat.
Field of Dreams is a fun place for Senior Softball participants to be active in Sun Lakes.
Achieve health and fitness goals at CrossFit Endless Summer in Sun Lakes.
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Shopping and dining essentials along East Riggs Road
Sun Lakes is mostly residential, but there are a few retail plazas lined along East Riggs Road, a central thoroughfare. “We’re far enough away that we don’t have to get involved in everyone’s business, but we’re close enough to where you can get things when you need to,” Reynolds says. Groceries, fast food and small businesses, like barbershops and nail salons, are nearby. Each neighborhood here also has its own restaurant. “We have five restaurants in the communities themselves, but there are restaurants all around there,” Reynolds says. Stone & Barrel at IronOaks offers a full bar and comfort fare like pizza, street tacos and burgers. For a homestyle breakfast, The Buttered Biscuit along East Riggs Road is a popular spot to start the morning.
The Buttered Biscuit in Sun Lakes is a popular spot to start the morning.
Bashas' in Sun Lakes offers a delviery service for its residents.
Ace Hardware is a great place for the home repair needs on Sun Lakes residents.
Vanna Nail Spa in Sun Lakes offers a variety of nail services.
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Getting around Sun Lakes
Route 87 borders Sun Lakes, providing direct access to Chandler, 8 miles away. Interstate 10 is close by for an easy trip to Phoenix, 25 miles away. Most residential streets are without bike lanes or sidewalks, and there isn’t public transportation, so cars are a must. “Golf carts are a big deal,” Reynolds says. “People dress up their golf carts; there’s a golf cart parade during the holidays—it’s part of the things to do.” Chandler Regional Medical Center is about 8 miles away, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is 20 miles away.
Sun Lakes crime and environmental factors
Crime data specific to Sun Lakes is not readily available, but according to FBI statistics, the total number of reported violent- and property-related crimes in Maricopa County decreased by 70% between 2012 and 2022. Between 2017 and 2022, about 75% of these incidents were property-related, compared to 80% nationally. The Sun Lakes Sheriff’s Posse, a volunteer group with classroom and on-the-job training, helps patrol the community.
Extreme heat and the risk of wildfires are ongoing environmental concerns. From June through August, temperatures regularly top 100 degrees. There haven’t been any recent wildfires in Sun Lakes, but in case of local emergencies, Sun Lakes Fire District Station 231 is located within the city.
Written By
Travis Rocha
Photography Contributed By
John Williams
Video By
Kristen Wilson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ed Ferris,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Sun Lakes, AZ sell after 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Sun Lakes, AZ over the last 12 months is $459,000, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautifully remodeled 3-BEDROOM home with breathtaking DOUBLE FAIRWAY and LAKE VIEWS in the highly desirable Sun Lakes Cottonwood community! This UPDATED GEM features a spacious OPEN FLOOR PLAN, modern finishes, and a cozy front courtyard perfect for relaxing. A separate 200 sf addition offers endless possibilities as a guest suite, office, or workout room. Enjoy newer flooring, a sleek kitchen,
Beautifully remodeled Sun Lakes home--owner completed, not a flip--and it shows.You will not find a more updated home in this price range! Extensive updates include a full kitchen remodel with granite countertops, shaker cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances, plus a fully renovated master bath featuring quartz counters, shaker cabinets, walk-in shower, and modern fixtures. Secondary bath
PRIME GOLF COURSE LOT in Palo Verde with STUNNING VIEWS, offered FULLY FURNISHED! 3 bed, 2.5 bath featuring a one-of-a-kind SOUTHWESTERN DESIGN and WARM CHARACTER throughout. SALTILLO TILE floors, custom finishes, and vaulted ceilings create an open, inviting feel. Spacious living areas and large windows capture the course from multiple angles. Private primary suite with direct outdoor access.
Introducing The Sunset Villa - a private retreat in Oakwood Hills. Tucked within one of Chandler's most exclusive and secluded gated enclaves, this extraordinary lakeside estate offers a level of privacy, scale, and architectural presence rarely found in the area. Set on over an acre with sweeping water and elevated patio views, this is not just a home--it's a private retreat designed for those
Paint credit is possible as long as you don't paint red & blue...sorry Wildcats this is an ASU home! Go Sun Devils lol. Sun Lakes Active Adult Community home with all the amenities you could ever want! This freshly painted exterior of the home offers 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and a great layout with ASU colored walls that are easily changed. Garage, laundry and covered patio with a backyard that you
Welcome to this beautiful newly updated home that blends comfort, style and upgrades all set within a highly desirable amenity- rich community. A huge front courtyard and inviting pavered walkway create a welcoming entry. The home is equipped with exterior security roll-down shades, offering added privacy and peace of mind. Inside, you'll find all-tile flooring for a clean look and easy
Pride of ownership shines throughout this one-owner home located in the gated community of Oakwood Country Club & Golf Course. Beautiful curb appeal welcomes you into this well-maintained property featuring an open floor plan designed for comfortable living and easy entertaining. The home offers a formal dining area, a spacious kitchen, and a casual dining space that flows seamlessly into the
Welcome to this beautifully maintained single-story villa featuring 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. Enjoy serene views of lush green open space right outside your door. This ideal lock-and-leave home is located in a vibrant adult community offering resort-style amenities, including pickleball, tennis, social activities, dining, and more. Perfect for full-time living or a seasonal
Come experience the good life in Sun Lakes, where everyday living feels like a vacation. This vibrant resort-style community offers an unmatched lifestyle--golf, tennis, pickleball, sparkling pools, a fitness center, clubs, social activities, on-site restaurants, and so much more--right at your fingertips.Set on a beautifully maintained lot, this updated Lexia model is a true gem featuring 3
Though the guard gates on a quiet street your new home awaits. Bright and open with lots of natural light. Premium lot with more space between you and the home behind you. With an office in addition to the 2 bedrooms as well as a huge Arizona Room you will never feel that cramped feeling of a 2 bedroom home. Enjoy a round of golf on two championship courses, or coffee with friends at the
Stylish and move-in ready, this Sun Lakes home blends comfort with character in all the right ways. The open-concept layout flows effortlessly from the spacious living area into a beautifully refreshed kitchen featuring eye-catching cabinetry, warm butcher block counters, and a clean, modern backsplash. A versatile bonus room offers flexibility for a home office, hobby space, or additional living
Curb appeal galore in prestigious Oakwood Country Club! This beautifully updated 2 bedroom, 2 bath + den Sienna model is nestled in the highly sought-after active adult resort community of Oakwood at Sun Lakes. From the moment you arrive, the home impresses with a new stone façade, paver driveway, and custom water feature, setting the tone for the style and quality found throughout. Inside, new
Welcome home to this well cared for gem in the popular Sun Lakes active adult community. This 2 bed, 3 bath home also features a dedicated office or den, perfect for guests, hobbies, or working from home. The classic stucco exterior and tile roof offer timeless curb appeal, and the big ticket items are already done: new roof in 2025, AC in 2021, and water heater in 2022. The open, functional
The ultimate BARGAIN in Sun Lakes! This beautifully refreshed home offers over 3,500 ft of luxurious living space with a price so stunning you practically get the upstairs FREE. The major upgrades are already completed including a new roof ('23), new HVAC systems ('22), gorgeous primary bath remodel and a stylish kitchen remodel ('22). Peaceful setting with nearly 100 ft of open space, trees and
Beautifully remodeled 3-BEDROOM home with breathtaking DOUBLE FAIRWAY and LAKE VIEWS in the highly desirable Sun Lakes Cottonwood community! This UPDATED GEM features a spacious OPEN FLOOR PLAN, modern finishes, and a cozy front courtyard perfect for relaxing. A separate 200 sf addition offers endless possibilities as a guest suite, office, or workout room. Enjoy newer flooring, a sleek kitchen,
The advertised rate of $3,927/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of August 12, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
AVAILABLE through October 31, 2026--Nicely updated and fully furnished 2 bed, 2 bath home in Sun Lakes Adult Community. Gorgeous granite in kitchen with pantry and nice appliances. The large master suite boasts double sinks, walk in shower and a spacious closet. This home is move in ready; just bring your clothes. Features include plantation shutters, neutral paint, 2 car garage, cozy covered
The advertised rate of $4,016/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of August 11, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
Beautiful single level home 2/2 1545 sq. ft. with two car garage, covered wrap around patio and parklike back yard. Fully Furnished and available May 1, thru the end of October at $1750 per month.
Everything in this home is brand new!! The owner completely remodeled this home and put amazing finishes in. Updated Kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, paint, all brand new appliances, you name it, its brand new! The spacious garage has a door access that leads directly into the home. The yard backs to the beautiful, quiet and serene agricultural area. Come live in the sought-after active adult
This is a great 2 bedroom 2 bath long term rental in Sun Lakes. Recently remodled with new floors, cabinets, countertops, lighting and more. Enclosed arizona room with ac unit for more living area. Living room open to dining and additional family room area. Enjoy access to Sun Lakes ammenities such as pool, fitness, golf, etc. Located in an Adult community, certain age restrictions apply.
Great updated 3 bedroom long term rental. This property features and updated kitchen, with formal dining area and Living room/great room. Primary bedroom has a large closet and bathroom has been updated with walk in shower and stand alone tub. Backyard is great for entertaning or enjoying the great weather will gazebo and artificial turf. Come enjoy the sun Lakes lifestyle and access to all the
Located in a desirable 55+ community, this Solano floor plan features a bright, open layout with an expanded great room, dining area, two primary suites, and a versatile den. Enjoy a south-facing patio along a peaceful walking pathperfect for relaxing. A great rental opportunity in one of Arizonas premier active adult communities.
Major Cross Streets are Riggs Road & Alma School RoadBedrooms: 2Bathrooms: 2Sq. Footage: 1,224Pet & Smoking Policy: Pets considered on a case-by-case basis, No Smoking------------------------------ No Application Fees! Well maintained 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom single level home located in the highly sought after 55 plus community of Sun Lakes offering a comfortable open
Great updated 3 bedroom long term rental. This property features and updated kitchen, with formal dining area and Living room/great room. Primary bedroom has a large closet and bathroom has been updated with walk in shower and stand alone tub. Backyard is great for entertaning or enjoying the great weather will gazebo and artificial turf. Come enjoy the sun Lakes lifestyle and access to all the
This great home in Sun Lakes is what you've been looking for. Updated throughout, this 2 bedroom home has a large kitchen, great room and family room. Spacious primary bedroom with access to the patio, primary bathroom has double vanities and walk in shower. Large covered patio to enjoy the great weather. Access to Sun Lakes amenities such as pools, spa, fitness center, bars, restaurants, golf
Open and bright floor plan 2 BED, 2 BATH + DEN in the GATED, ADULT community of Oakwood. The family room is open to the eat-in kitchen. Kitchen boasts maple cabinets, granite counter tops, and lots of counter space. The Master Suite is spacious w/ walk-in closet, linen closet, double vanity & walk-in shower. The second bedroom & full hall bathroom are split from the master. The private overlooks
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