Sun Lakes Homes & Community Guide — Sun Lakes, AZ
Sun Lakes is an active-adult (55+) community in unincorporated Maricopa County, bordered by Chandler, southeast of Phoenix. Unusually, it isn’t a single HOA but five country clubs governed by three homeowners associations, with a recent community-wide resale median around $465,000. All five are age-restricted to 55+, though up to 20% of households may include a member aged 40–55. Buy in any one club and you can use the amenities of all five.
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Sun Lakes at a glance
| Location | Unincorporated Maricopa County, bordered by Chandler · 85248 |
| Type | 55+ active-adult — five country clubs |
| The five clubs | Sun Lakes Country Club (original), Cottonwood, Palo Verde, Ironwood, Oakwood |
| The three HOAs | SLHOA1 (Sun Lakes CC) · SLHOA2 (Cottonwood/Palo Verde) · SLHOA3 / IronOaks (Ironwood/Oakwood) |
| Age rule | 55+; up to 20% of households may include a member 40–55 |
| Golf | Each club has its own 18-hole course |
| Amenity access | Buy in one club, use all five |
| HOA dues | Vary by association — confirm with the specific HOA or us |
| Recent resale median | ~$465,000 (blended, early 2026); per-club varies |
Figures above are deemed reliable but not guaranteed — confirm current fees and prices with the relevant Sun Lakes association or with us, and in escrow.
What does it cost to own in Sun Lakes?
Sun Lakes is structured differently from a single-HOA community, and that shapes how to think about cost. Its five country clubs fall under three separate homeowners associations, and dues vary by association — each board sets its own, funding golf, recreation centers, and common-area maintenance. Because amounts differ by club and change year to year, we don’t publish one figure here; older public listings have shown roughly $1,400–$2,100 per year, but the accurate number depends on the specific club and its current budget. For a current figure, confirm with the governing HOA — SLHOA1 (Sun Lakes CC), SLHOA2 (Cottonwood/Palo Verde), or SLHOA3/IronOaks (Ironwood/Oakwood) — or ask us and we’ll get it for you. Confirm all amounts in escrow.
What sets Sun Lakes apart
- Five clubs, one community. Sun Lakes Country Club, Cottonwood, Palo Verde, Ironwood, and Oakwood — each with its own 18-hole course and clubhouse, organized under three associations.
- Shared access. Buy in any club and use the amenities across all five. Sun Lakes CC, Cottonwood, and Palo Verde are private to owners and guests; Ironwood and Oakwood also open their golf to the public, with owners getting preferred tee times.
- The lakes. The community is built around the lakes it’s named for, with waterfront homes available.
- A flexible age rule. 55+, but up to 20% of households may include a member aged 40–55 — wider than most age-restricted communities.
Who is Sun Lakes a good fit for?
Buyers who want a choice of country-club settings under one community, golfers (five courses with cross-club access), buyers drawn to waterfront or single-level homes, and households that fit the 55+ rule (including the 40–55 allowance).
What homes and amenities does Sun Lakes have?
Homes span single-family, villa, condo, and townhome styles across the five clubs, from the original Sun Lakes Country Club (built largely in the 1980s–90s) to the newer Oakwood (mid-1990s–2000s). Amenities across the clubs include multiple golf courses, tennis and pickleball, pools and spas, fitness centers, clubhouses with dining, a driving range, and a wide club calendar (hiking, biking, arts, cards, theater, senior softball).
Sun Lakes FAQ
Is Sun Lakes one HOA?
What's the age requirement?
How much are HOA dues in Sun Lakes?
Can I use the other clubs' amenities?
How much are homes in Sun Lakes?
Looking at Sun Lakes?
With five clubs and three associations, the details matter — Chris and Dale can walk you through which club fits, what's on the market, and the current dues and rules for any specific home.
Nearby areas we serve: Chandler
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