Here, too, seniors find plenty of ways to have fun and stay busy with social clubs, recreation opportunities, places of worship and performing arts. Every major holiday brings some kind of get-together at the community centers. The community was built in three phases, beginning in 1972, and homes are still going up, with the aim of bringing the population to 20,000. Its 3,500 acres are basically organized around the five country clubs, called Sun Lakes, Cottonwood, Palo Verde, Ironwood and Oakwood. Many of the streets are circular, with the golf courses and lakes as the focal points.
Housing runs the gamut from luxury villas and modest garden homes to townhouses and mobile homes.
Although the growing city of Chandler and regional shopping malls are fairly close to home, Sun Lakes residents can get much of their shopping done within the community. Supermarkets, banks, professional offices, a health center and specialty shops are at the major intersections. Like Sun City, this community has organized a Sheriff's Posse that aids in neighborhood watches. The posse also sponsors driving classes for seniors. This is Robson Communities' smaller version of Sun Lakes, and it's just a few miles to the east.