Many active adult retirement communities promise low fees and low taxes.  We believe Sun City West sets the standard for “low” costs without compromising the quality of services and amenities provided.

Annual Fees

It is not unusual for a developer to subsidize the cost of recreational facilities as long as new homes are being built.  Lower fees make the community more attractive.  Once construction is complete, fees may require a significant upward adjustment as the builder moves on to his next development. 

Sun City West is a completed community, and has a track record of managing its resources efficiently and prudently.  As a result, in 2007-08 residents will pay $296 annually – not monthly, annually – to operate and maintain the four recreational complexes.  The only additional charges are for golf and bowling.  

Golf fees pay for the maintenance and operation of the seven golf courses that are reserved for residents and their guests.  The fees shown on the Golf page for a twice-a-week golfer are among the lowest in the Valley!  And what other community offers a choice of four regulation-length courses plus three executive-length courses?  Similarly, bowlers pay by the line, with this income supporting the 30-lane bowling facility.  

Annual Taxes

Sun City West is unincorporated and Maricopa County maintains the streets, provides police protection and other services.  The cost of these is a part of the property tax paid by each homeowner.  Local school taxes can often be a major part of property taxes but most of Sun City West was removed years ago from the surrounding school district.  As a result, a typical property tax on a $395,000 home are less than $1500. annually.

The property tax includes the Fire District levy.  Sun City West has its own professionally staffed fire department.  Each of three stations also offers 24-hour paramedic service, and there are no separate charges to residents who have to call on either of these emergency services.

Garbage service is not included in the property tax.  Residents pay $168 per year for twice-a-week pick-up.

Certain homes are in associations that take care of external maintenance and landscaping.  Residents pay a monthly fee for these services, and they vary from one neighborhood to another.  Many Sun City West homes are not in associations, with the individual owner paying for his or her landscaping and maintenance as needed.  The choice of location is yours.