When considering relocation or retirement options in Arizona, few places offer the combination of lifestyle, amenities, and community spirit found in Sun Lakes, AZ. This master-planned community is divided into five distinct country club neighborhoods, each with character, amenities, and housing styles.
Whether you are a golf enthusiast or seeking an active adult community with diverse recreational opportunities, Sun Lakes has something to offer. In this article, I’ll take you through the five country club communities that define Sun Lakes, AZ: the gated communities of Oakwood and Ironwood, the gated and non-gated communities of Palo Verde and Cottonwood, and the non-gated community of Sun Lakes 1.
Each community boasts a golf course, clubhouse, and social amenities, yet residents enjoy access to all five country clubs, making the lifestyle here exceptional. Let’s explore what makes each community unique and why Sun Lakes continues to attract active adults seeking a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle.
Oakwood (HOA #3)
Located at 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd., Oakwood is one of Sun Lakes, AZ’s newer and larger communities. It is part of the Iron Oaks Homeowners Association, which it shares with Ironwood. This gated community is designed for adults aged 40 and older, offering a “lock and leave” maintenance-free lifestyle that appeals to those seeking convenience and security.
Oakwood features 3,285 single-family homes, including one- and two-story models and villa-style residences, with master suites on the main floor. Built between 1994 and 2006, the homes offer modern designs and a range of floor plans to suit different needs.
The community is centered around a 27-hole golf course divided into three 9-hole courses: the Palms, the Lakes, and the Sonoran. These courses provide a variety of challenges for golfers of all skill levels. Beyond golf, Oakwood offers extensive amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, arts and crafts studios, card rooms, libraries, and a grand ballroom/auditorium. Social events, dances, and stage performances are common, making it a lively place to live.
Ironwood
Situated at 550 W Champagne Dr., Ironwood is closely linked with Oakwood under the Iron Oaks HOA. Like Oakwood, it is a gated community catering to residents aged 40 and older. The community includes 734 single-family homes primarily built in the 1990s.
Ironwood is known for its championship 18-hole golf course, which measures over 5,100 yards from the tees. The course is designed to challenge golfers while providing a scenic and enjoyable experience. Residents of Ironwood have full access to Oakwood’s amenities, including the clubhouse, fitness center, pools, and social clubs.
The shared amenities and close connection between Ironwood and Oakwood create a larger, integrated community feel while maintaining the security and exclusivity of gated living.
Palo Verde (HOA #2)
At 10801 E San Tan Blvd., Palo Verde is a gated community that, along with Cottonwood, forms a unique active adult enclave within Sun Lakes, AZ. This community was developed between 1983 and 1996 and includes 1,073 single-family homes.
Palo Verde features an 18-hole championship golf course that is well-regarded for its design and playability. The course offers three sets of tees to accommodate golfers of varying abilities. The community clubhouse includes a restaurant, bar, tennis courts, swimming pools, and a spa.
Residents of Palo Verde also enjoy access to the amenities of Cottonwood, as the two communities operate under a single HOA. The combined Cottonwood-Palo Verde community is known for its vibrant social calendar, numerous clubs, and resort-style amenities, including hiking and biking trails, pickleball courts, and picnic areas. This community was even named one of the top retirement communities in the country.
Cottonwood
Located at 25630 S Brentwood Dr., Cottonwood is a non-gated community with an HOA and amenities shared with Palo Verde. It is the largest of the five country club neighborhoods, with 2,736 homes built between 1979 and 1995.
Cottonwood’s centerpiece is its 18-hole executive championship golf course, designed by Greg Nash. The course is known for its beautiful landscaping and five sets of tees, making it accessible for golfers of all skill levels. Facilities include a full driving range, putting greens, and a pitching and chipping area.
Cottonwood offers various social and recreational activities, from swimming pools and tennis courts to bocce ball and volleyball. The community’s extensive greenbelts and parks provide ample space for outdoor enjoyment. The clubhouse hosts numerous events, making it a hub of social life for residents.
Sun Lakes 1 (HOA #1)
The original community in Sun Lakes, AZ, Sun Lakes 1, is at 25601 N Sunlakes Blvd. Unlike the others, it is a non-gated neighborhood that offers a variety of home styles built over 30 years, from the early 1970s to the early 2000s.
With 2,139 single-family and some manufactured homes, Sun Lakes 1 provides buyers with a broad range of options in terms of size, style, and price. The community has a more established feel, with many homes upgraded to modern standards.
Residents enjoy access to all five country clubs and their amenities, including golf courses, fitness centers, pools, and social clubs. The community’s central location within Sun Lakes makes it convenient to shop, have medical facilities, and have entertainment options in the surrounding area.
Source: goprivategolf.com
Sun Lakes, AZ, offers a distinctive lifestyle for active adults and retirees, centered around five country club communities that blend luxury, recreation, and social engagement. Whether you prefer the gated security and modern homes of Oakwood and Ironwood, the combined amenities and vibrant social life of Palo Verde and Cottonwood, or the established charm and variety of Sun Lakes 1, each community delivers a unique experience.
The extensive golf facilities, clubhouses, and year-round activities foster a strong sense of community and an active lifestyle. Living in Sun Lakes means enjoying the best of Arizona’s climate with access to top-tier amenities, all within a welcoming environment designed for adults 40 and older.
For those considering a move to Sun Lakes, AZ, these five country club communities represent some of the finest options for comfortable, engaged, and fulfilling living in the Southwest.
Sources: sunlakesofarizona.com, en.wikipedia.org
Header Image Source: goprivategolf.com
