Side by side
| Sun City West | Sun City Grand (now The Grand) | |
|---|---|---|
| City | Sun City West (unincorporated Maricopa County) | Surprise |
| Opened | 1978 (completed 1997) | October 1996 (built out mid-2000s) |
| Developer | Del Webb | Del Webb |
| Approx. homes | 17,187 homes + 604 apartments (RCSCW, Dec 2025) | About 9,550 homes + 252 condos |
| Age rule | At least one resident per household must be 55+. No one under 19 may live there permanently (per RCSCW). | Age-restricted. Per The Grand, 85% of homes must be occupied by someone 55+, and up to 15% may be occupied by owners aged 45–54. No residents under 19. Confirm current rules with The Grand. |
| Golf | 7 courses owned by the Recreation Centers of Sun City West (RCSCW) | 4 association-owned courses (Cimarron, Desert Springs, Granite Falls North & South) |
| Gated | No | No |
| Recurring HOA / rec fee | $618 per person on the deed per year (RCSCW, 7/1/2026–6/30/2027) | $1,976 per home per year (7/1/2026–6/30/2027) |
| One-time buyer fees | $5,750 Asset Preservation Fee + $275 deed transfer | $5,000 CARE fee + $130 disclosure + $100 transfer + $170 ARC |
| General price range | 55places lists mid $200Ks to high $900Ks (Oct 2026) | The Grand lists ~$200K–$570K (non-golf) and ~$350K–$995K (golf course) |
Fees and rates are subject to change. Last checked October 2026. Verify with the HOA.
Figures as of 2026. Verify before purchase. These are the same figures, with the same labels and sources, as each community guide. Run your own numbers in the Cost to Live calculator.
Sun City West may suit you if…
- Single owners, since RCSCW dues are $618 per person on the deed per year (2026–27)
- Golfers who want 7 RCSCW courses
- Buyers who want homes built 1978–1997 at generally lower prices (ask Greg for current sales)
Sun City Grand (now The Grand) may suit you if…
- Couples, since The Grand charges $1,976 per home per year (2026–27), not per person
- Buyers who want newer homes (from 1996)
- People who want 4 association-owned courses and Maintained Property lock-and-leave options
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper each year, Sun City West or The Grand?
For a single owner, Sun City West: $618 per person per year (RCSCW, 2026–27) vs $1,976 per home per year at The Grand (2026–27). A couple both on title in Sun City West pays $1,236, which is still less than The Grand's per-home assessment. Golf is extra in both.
What are the one-time buyer fees?
Sun City West: $5,750 Asset Preservation Fee + $275 deed transfer. The Grand: $5,000 CARE fee + $130 disclosure + $100 transfer + $170 ARC fee. Verify before purchase.
Is either community gated?
No. Neither Sun City West nor The Grand is gated.
Deciding between Sun City West and Sun City Grand (now The Grand)?
Greg can tour both with you in person or by video, and pull current fees for the exact homes you like.
Search homes and sign up with Greg Get a Free Home Value Contact Greg Free Buyer's Guide (PDF)Prefer the phone? Call or text 623-523-1557
Sources
Facts on this page were gathered from the sources below in October 2026. Third-party agent and listing sites are noted as such. Fees and rules change, so always check the association's current documents.