Six-week snowbird stay

Question

We typically get out of our home state (WA) for about six weeks in February-March to avoid the dark, rainy weather. We've been going to Florida, but we're looking at Arizona as a possibility for next year. We considered Scottsdale, but someone told us we should look into Sun City. We're 65, looking for a sunny spot with a pool, warm weather, restaurants/bars, good places to walk/jog/hike, and day-trip proximity to other places we like in AZ (Sedona, wine country, scenic sites, etc.). Would Sun City be a good option for us, or should we really be looking elsewhere in the region? Have heard Sun City has crime issues, but did not find stats to support that. Thank you!

Answer

Sun City West, located in the northwest Phoenix metropolitan area, can be a good option for a six-week snowbird stay, particularly for retirees looking for sunny weather, golf communities, and low-maintenance living. However, whether it’s the best choice depends on your lifestyle preferences, activity priorities, and desire for proximity to scenic attractions.

Here are some points to consider about Sun City West:

Climate and Weather: February and March in Sun City West are typically warm and sunny, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit. It’s ideal for escaping the rainy, dark weather of Washington.
Amenities: Sun City West is a 55+ community with multiple recreation centers, swimming pools, golf courses, tennis courts, and organized social activities. If you’re looking for a pool and low-key social environment, this area is very well-suited.
Restaurants and Shopping: While Sun City West has some dining options, it’s quieter compared to Scottsdale or central Phoenix. For a wider variety of restaurants, bars, and nightlife, you may need to drive 20–30 minutes to neighboring areas like Surprise, Peoria, or even north Scottsdale.
Walking, Jogging, and Hiking: The community itself has walking and jogging paths, but for more scenic hikes, you will need to drive to nearby mountains or desert preserves. Popular nearby hiking destinations include the White Tank Mountains, Lake Pleasant, and North Phoenix trails.
Day trips and sightseeing: Sun City West is about 3–4 hours from Sedona, the Verde Valley wine country, Jerome, and other scenic sites in northern Arizona. It’s reasonable for a day trip, though longer drives may be necessary for multiple destinations.
Safety: Sun City West is generally considered safe and well-policed. While some anecdotal reports may mention crime, overall statistics suggest it’s comparable to other suburban Phoenix areas, with most incidents being minor property crimes rather than violent crime.

Alternative areas to consider:

Scottsdale/Paradise Valley: Offers more upscale dining, nightlife, and proximity to golf courses and spa resorts. Also a good base for day trips to Sedona and wine country. More vibrant but more expensive and busier than Sun City West.
North Scottsdale or Cave Creek: Slightly quieter than central Scottsdale, but still with access to restaurants, shopping, and hiking trails in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Central Phoenix or Peoria: Closer to city amenities while still within driving distance to scenic day trips.

In summary, Sun City West is an excellent choice if you want a low-maintenance, sunny, social community with pools and golf, and you don’t mind driving 30–60 minutes for varied dining or nightlife. If you prefer more vibrant evening options and closer proximity to scenic hikes and wine country, areas like Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, or Peoria may be better options for your six-week stay.

Six-week snowbird stay

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