Hello Robert,
Just came across your question and thought I could answer both as a Realtor who specializes in Sun Lakes as well as a resident of Oakwood Country Club.

Sun Lakes is a 40+ community which means that 80% of the residents must be 55 or older and 20% of the residents can be younger than 55 but no less that 40 years old.

I have lived in Sun Lakes for 5 years and love it! The people are friendly and watch out for one another and there are plenty of activities to participate in. I personally love the tennis courts, golf course, swimming pools and walking paths. There are many clubs and activities, however, I don't participate in those. So, to answer your question...you can be as active as you want to be...or not!

The HOA varies slightly by community. There are 3 "Phases" in Sun Lakes. Phase 1 is the oldest and includes Cottonwood Country Club. It has a few manufactured homes as well as site built homes. Phase 2 is newer and includes Ironwood Country Club which is gated and Phase 3 is the newest, gated and is called Oakwood Country Club. The HOA fees give you use of the community pools and clubhouse. In Oakwood, which is where I live, the clubhouse includes a billiards room.

All of the sections of Sun Lakes are very well maintained and that's another reason I love it here.

Please feel free to contact me with any other questions!

Hello Robert Young

Sun Lakes is a very lovely community oriented to retirement [ or if you will 55 alive }. All the amenities you would expect are located there. We have several friends that have located there and are very happy, satisfied, and enjoy the retired lifestyle there. You can find housing ranging from manufactured housing to higher priced-on-the-golf-course homes. You can be as private as you prefer or you can join in the many community activities. All the areas there are just fine. We would not hesitate to move there ourselves and just might do that as Sun Lakes is much closer to our grandchildren than our present home.

The Arizona State Department of Commerce Community Profile web page below may be of some help to you.

Good Luck in your decisions to move or not move.