Arizona Retirement Blog - Arizona for Boomers

Things to Do in Arizona: February 2019

With Groundhog’s Day, the Super Bowl, and Valentine’s Day already on the calendar, February is going to be a pretty busy month. But that isn’t stopping the good people of Arizona from making sure that you have plenty of additional reasons to have fun all over the state.

Whether you are passionate about art, history, food, music, film, or nature, there is something for everyone happening in The Grand Canyon State this month. Let’s take a quick look at some of the most notable festivals on the calendar.

Art & History

60th Annual Tubac Festival of the Arts

Believe it or not, that is not a typo. This really is the 60th year for the Tubac Festival of the Arts. And just like in years past, the downtown streets will be lined with more than 200 visiting artists displaying, selling, and creating everything from jewelry and pottery to tablecloths and leather shoes.

8th Annual Waterfront Fine Art & Wine Festival

The Scottsdale community will be hosting their 8th Annual Waterfront Fine Art & Wine Festival from February 8 to February 10 this year. There will be more than 125 artists from around the world attending the event, and visitors can enjoy samples of fine wine and listen to live music while exploring the festival.

Food & Beverage

9th Annual Arizona Beer Week

Craft beer will be taking center stage during the 9th Annual Arizona Beer Week, which runs from February 7 through February 16. This is a statewide event that will include more than 200 different activities and events popping up all over the state, you can enjoy the festivities from just about anywhere in Arizona.

24th Annual Chocolate Affaire

Everyone has chocolate on the brain just before Valentine’s Day, and the people of Glendale are capitalizing on that by holding their 24th Annual Chocolate Affaire on February 9 and 10. There will be more than 40 different chocolate vendors set up in downtown Glendale serving everything from fudge and cookies to chocolate-dipped cheesecake.

8th Annual Street Eats Food Truck Festival

Food trucks have really become popular over the past few years, but they have been a staple on the Scottsdale culinary scene for much longer than that. On February 16 and 17 this year, there will be more than 40 different food trucks spread out across the lawn at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick as part of the 8th Annual Street Eats Food Truck Festival.

4th Annual PHX Vegan Food Festival

Another popular trend in the food world is that a growing number of people are taking their health seriously and moving towards a vegan diet. If this is something that interests you, then there is no better place to explore all that you can do with vegan food than the 4th Annual PHX Vegan Food Festival at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix on February 23 and 24. There will be more than 100 difference Vegan food vendors on hand for the event.

Music & Film

23rd Annual Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival

The Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival has been celebrating Jewish culture as it is portrayed through film for more than two decades, and it will be bigger than ever this year with a two-week event running from February 10 through February 24. There will be 21 different films making their debut at the festival this year.

11th Annual Lake Havasu City Rockabilly Reunion

Lake Havasu State Park in Lake Havasu City is known for hosting huge festivals, and one of the biggest ones on their annual agenda is the Lake Havasu City Rockabilly Reunion, which celebrates any and all things related to the 1950s. There are more than 30 retro bands lined up for this year’s festivities running from February 15 to 17.

8th Annual Line Dancing on the London Bridge

Lake Havasu City also hosts an annual line dancing party on their historic London Bridge. This year, that party is happening on February 24. There will be two short dances taking place on the bridge, and then a full two hours of dancing to follow underneath the bridge.

Nature Festivals

Annual Buckeye Air Fare

The Buckeye Municipal Airport in Buckeye will be hosting the Annual Buckeye Air Fair on February 9 and 10. This classic American airshow will feature flyovers, display planes, and even hot air balloon rides. There will also be plenty of craft vendors attending.

Corks and Cactus

February 9 and 10 are also great days to visit the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix for their Corks and Cactus festival. The garden will be serving samples of 40 different wines and be hosting live music to enhance the experience of walking through their Arizona cactus displays.

65th Annual Gem & Mineral Show

One of the biggest events of the month will be the 65th Annual Gem & Mineral Show happening at the Tucson Convention Center from February 14 through February 17. There will be hundreds of booths packing the floor to create a fascinating experience for anyone who is interested in gems and minerals.

Between all of these major festivals and the smaller ones that will be happening throughout the month in each of our unique communities, it’s hard to imagine anyone struggling to find something fun to do during the month of February. So get out and enjoy all that Arizona has to offer!

Retirement Spotlight: Tucson

Located just under two hours southeast of Phoenix, Tucson is the ultimate destination for boomers that are looking for a little more room to roam. And between the old west heritage and the modern day spas and golf courses, there is so much to love about Tucson.

The city is also known for legendary sunsets and offering residents the freedom to be themselves, so if that sounds appealing to you, let’s dig a little deeper into all that Tucson has to offer!

Tucson History

Originally part of the New Mexico Territory, Tucson became the capital of the Arizona Territory when it was established in1863. During that time, the area was literally the “wild west” and was home to famous characters like Wyatt Earp.

During the early 20th century, Tucson became a popular destination for veterans who were struggling with respiratory issues after being exposed to harmful gasses during World War I. That cool, dry air remains one of the most commonly cited reasons for moving to Arizona today.

Tucson Lifestyle

While it might be located in the middle of the Arizona desert, there is quite a bit more to Tucson than sand and cacti. A quick look out from the city in any direction will allow you to take in scenic mountain ranges that offer a wide variety of outdoor activities.

And while activities like hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and birding take center stage here, there are also plenty of outstanding golf courses like the Catalina and Sonoran Courses at Omni Tucson National.

Tucson Culture

With surroundings as beautiful as the ones you will find in Tucson, it shouldn’t surprise anyone to learn that performing and visual arts are a focal point of life in the Arizona desert. You can find all kinds of exciting performances happening at the Fox Tucson Theatre, the AVA Amphitheater, and Centennial Hall.

In addition to performing arts, Tucson also offers more than a dozen great places to see visual arts like the Tucson Museum of Art, the University of Arizona Art Museum, and MOCA Tucson, which just happens to be located in an old firehouse.

And just in case the museums aren’t enough, there are also stunning brick murals located in public places all over Tucson.

Tucson Shopping

Looking for a little bit of retail therapy? There is plenty to be found throughout Tucson, and one of the best places to start for your standard mall shopping experience is the Foothills Mall.

Of course, Tucson is also home to a vast community of boutiques like The Lost Barrio, Mac’s Indian Jewelry, and Mercado San Agustin. So you will never have a problem finding a unique, hand-made gift here!

Tucson Dining

With a location in southern Arizona, the dining scene in Tucson is obviously going to have plenty of Mexican influences. Local restaurants like Salsa Verde Restaurant, The Quesadillas, and Charro Steak all offer different twists on great Mexican cuisine.

In addition to Mexican, there are also quite a few international flavors popping up around Tucson. Residents can spend an evening enjoying Korean BBQ at KOGI Korean BBQ, checking out a Korean Steakhouse like 7 Ounce Korean Steakhouse, or exploring Asian influence at Noodleholics and Raijin Ramen.

And since we can’t leave out the outstanding American-style gastropubs, there are also options like Commoner & Co. and The Parish serving up some really mouthwatering dishes.

Tucson Area Communitiies

A little over an hour from Tucson, Encanterra® is the ultimate in resort living, in a completely private setting. This spectacular resort golf community is the best of both worlds including a 55+ neighborhood within the all-ages community. All Members enjoy the incredible club and unique amenities as well as the private, Tom Lehman-designed championship golf course. New home designs start from the low $200,000’s.

You can request more information here.

Hearing stories about the fresh air, wide open spaces, and stunning views are often enough to get someone to visit Arizona, but the things that get them to stay here in Tucson are the plethora of outdoor activities, golf courses, arts and culture, boutique shopping, and world-class dining.

Just give Tucson the chance to impress you, and you surely will not be disappointed.

48 Hours in Mesa

Mesa, Arizona Skyline

Because it is located so close to Phoenix, the city of Mesa often gets overlooked by baby boomers who are exploring places to retire in Arizona. However, anyone who spends a couple of days in Mesa will quickly find out that the community has a vibe that is entirely its own.

If you are interested in learning more about the Mesa area, this 48-hour itinerary is the best way we have found to pack as much punch as possible into your visit.

Day One – Get To Know Mesa

Whether you’re flying in through Phoenix or coasting into town on fumes, the first stop for everyone spending 48 hours in Mesa should be a Tex-Mex restaurant. Jalapeño Bucks does a fantastic job of combining the best of Texas with a little bit of Mexican salsa. Everything on the menu here is outstanding, but if you are only going to visit once, you have to try one of their green chili burritos.

Now that you have recharged your batteries with a little bit of local cuisine, it’s time to explore the desert with Green Zebra Adventures. They will hook you up with a state-of-the-art off-road vehicle that they call a Tomcar, which will give you a ton of freedom to get out and cruise the desert.

For dinner on your first night in town, we’re going casual with a meal from Bobby-Q. With three locations in the state, Bobby-Q is a big name here in Arizona, and their barbecue is outstanding. But great barbecue isn’t the only thing on the menu here, make sure you check out the “Woodfired Steaks, Chicken & Fish” section of the menu too!

After dinner at Bobby-Q, we’re heading over to TQLA where you will find an impressive selection of tequila. We recommend ordering flights of tequila to share, but you can also treat yourself to one of their fantastic tequila cocktails.

Day Two – Expanding Your Arizona Horizons

With more than 40 first-class golf courses, we are pretty much obligated to kick off our second day in Mesa by breaking out the clubs and heading to a golf course with a view. And if you aren’t quite feeling like playing a course, you can also check out TopGolf, which is a three-level driving range with all kinds of fun targets and side games.

For lunch, we’re going to Backyard Taco for what will most likely be the best carne asada burrito you will ever put in your mouth. The chicken and “Al Pastor” options are also excellent, but the carne asada is a must-order here.

We explored the beautiful desert scenery in Tomcars on our first day in Arizona, so now it’s time to dig a bit deeper into the history of the area at one of the local wild west towns.

Rockin’ R Ranch and Rawhide Wild West Town both offer fun-filled wild west experiences where you will find yourself in gunfights, panning for gold, and souvenir shopping. Both towns will take up about two hours of your time, so adjust your plans to attend one or both depending on how late in the day it is.

For dinner, we are making a reservation at BBQ House. Have you noticed that every restaurant we have visited so far has been a slightly different twist on barbecue? Welcome to Arizona!

This version is a Korean BBQ restaurant where they will keep bringing you more than 40 different cuts of meat to cook on your own tabletop grill until you are full.

Following dinner, it’s off to the Fort McDowell Casino for a fun night of gaming. You can have your pick of slots and table games here, so kick back and enjoy your big night in Arizona.

Day Three – A Little Bit of History

On our last day in Mesa, we are going to sleep in a bit before going to Worth Takeaway for brunch. You can feel free to order the Breakfast Sandwich or Breakfast Burrito here, but we recommend stepping out of your comfort zone and trying the Pastrami Croque Madame or the Chicken Veggie Hash….or maybe both. 🙂

After brunch, it’s time to take in just a bit of the local history at the Arizona Museum of Natural History. Not only will you find dinosaurs here, but there are also tons of exhibits that will help give you a better perspective on what Arizona is all about.

Where to Stay in Mesa

For the most amazing experience possible in Mesa, you have to stay at the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch. This rustic hotel is a historical experience complete with the absence of TVs or phones. You might not find the traditional amenities here, but you also won’t get the same view anywhere else.

If a great deal is what you are looking for, then the Courtyard by Marriot Phoenix Mesa is probably going to be your best bet. The room rates here will blow you away, and you won’t have to sacrifice any bit of service or cleanliness.

Anyone who really embraces the Arizona landscape could probably spend an entire 48-hour trip kicking back and looking at the mountains in the distance. While that experience would be fantastic in its own way, our itinerary will help first-time visitors get to know a more well-rounded Mesa, which will undoubtedly be helpful when deciding whether you want to start calling this area home.

Retirement Spotlight: Scottsdale

Downtown Scottsdale at dusk

Located just northeast of the booming Phoenix area, Scottsdale offers all of the modern amenities that Arizona boomers are looking for in an environment that is a bit more relaxed than what you might find in the bigger city.

With that said, Scottsdale still offers its residents access to a wide range of experiences from the magic of the great outdoors to the creature comforts that we have all become accustomed to in modern society. That makes this exciting city one of the perfect hybrid destinations for boomers who are looking for a little bit of everything.

Scottsdale History

Originally inhabited by the Hohokam tribe of Native Americans, modern Scottsdale got its start when Winfield Scott fell in love with the area back in the 1880s. After purchasing a stretch of 640 acres, he and his brother became the very first residents of downtown Scottsdale … hence the name.

The city has experienced consistent growth throughout most of its history, but events like the construction of the Granite Reef and the Roosevelt Dam spiked the population in the early 1900s. That growth continued throughout much of the 20th century and then it exploded as the year 2000 approached.

Scottsdale Lifestyle

Like most of our Arizona destinations, the popular lifestyle options in Scottsdale all around exploring the great outdoors surrounding this desert community. Hiking, golfing, kayaking, and ATV riding are all extremely popular ways to spend the day enjoying the warm and dry climate here in the Grand Canyon State.

In addition to local tours and making your own outdoor adventures, other popular lifestyle attractions in Scottsdale include the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, McDowell Sonoran Preserve, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, and the stunning architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright that you will find at Taliesin West.

Scottsdale Culture

With a location just minutes from downtown Phoenix, there are a virtually endless number of options to explore within a few miles of Scottsdale.

One of the most interesting local options is Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. Here, you will find a fascinating collection of cowboy art that truly speaks to the history of the region.

Scottsdale is also home to the Penske Racing Museum and the Fiesta Bowl Museum, as well as numerous art galleries and theaters. So if culture is what you are looking for, this city will not disappoint.

Scottsdale Shopping

When it comes to shopping, Scottsdale offers plenty of excellent options to choose from.

Scottsdale Quarter is one of the most enjoyable places to spend the day shopping in the city, but there are also tons of great stores to be found at Scottsdale Fashion Square, The Promenade, and Kierland Commons.

In addition to the local shopping options, Scottsdale residents also have the benefit of living close to the amazing number of shopping destinations in nearby Phoenix.

Scottsdale Dining

Casual cafes serving gastropub-style American cuisine are at the top of the list of dining options in Scottsdale, and two of the best places to start are Salty Sow and The Living Room.

Whether you’re chowing down on Duck Fat Fries at Salty Sow or ordering the Prime Rib Sliders at The Living Room, you’re always guaranteed to find an excellent meal paired with a fabulous glass of wine or beer at either restaurant.

Another fun option that is known for delicious food is Bodega 13, which specializes in modern European small plates. The Seafood Paellas is one of the most popular dishes here, but don’t overlook the Pork Schnitzel or the Hummus Sampler!

Scottsdale Area Communities

Resort Pool at Trilogy® Verde River

As the only new golf resort community proposed to be built in this sought-after area of the Valley in several years, Trilogy® at Verde River is destined to become one of the finest examples of Shea Homes’ master planned resort communities.

Located directly east of North Scottsdale, Trilogy® at Verde River is within easy reach of some of Arizona’s most popular shopping, sports, and tourist destinations, as well as its spectacular natural landmarks, and less than an hour from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Trilogy® at Verde River will combine thoughtfully designed floorplans with quality construction, energy-saving innovations, and architectural inspiration.

You can request more information here.

Because of the dramatic growth that the entire state of Arizona has seen over the past few decades, Scottsdale has become the perfect combination of outdoor lifestyle and the comforts of modern living. Where else in the world can you follow up a wild kayak adventure with a trip to the mall and a fabulous casual dining experience?

The Juniper in Trilogy® at Verde River

With just over 1,500 sq. ft. of living space, the Juniper floor plan available in Trilogy® at Verde River is all about understated comfort for you and your guests.

Let’s go inside and take a closer look!

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Enter through a gracious front porch and foyer, and then prepare to be wowed by the open-concept kitchen, dining room and great room…

Juniper’s gourmet kitchen features expansive countertops, a generous walk-in pantry, and shelves and cabinets at just the right height for stowing, reaching and organizing culinary essentials…

Located just off the great room, the master suite has its own small entry hall, which creates a gentle buffer between late-night festivities and your bedroom’s peace and quiet…

The master bathroom is a retreat in itself, with high ceilings, an enormous shower, double vanities with a bright window in between…

…and a roomy walk-in closet with space for hiking gear, special event attire, and everything in between…

The Juniper’s guest suite is designed to make friends and family feel like they’re staying in their very own casita…

Last but not least, with plenty of room for a grill and dining set, this outdoor space might become your new favorite dinner spot…

All in all, the Juniper is a terrific floorplan for those wanting to downsize in retirement, but if you’re looking for something bigger, Trilogy® at Verde River offers plans all the up to more than 3,200 sq. ft., so request more information below to see everything they offer.

Want to see all of the great floorplans available in Trilogy® at Verde River?

Get the Trilogy® at Verde River Information

Where to Catch Spring Training in Arizona

A total of 15 Major League Baseball teams get ready for the season in a fairly tight radius surrounding Phoenix.

For baseball fans living in or visiting the Phoenix area, there’s simply no better time of year than springtime!

Here are the teams you can watch in Arizona’s Cactus League and where to see them.

Los Angeles Angels – Tempe, AZ

The Angels started adding to their roster leading up to the trade deadline in 2017, and they kept up those improvements throughout most of the winter.

The end result is that they have a new-look team surrounding Mike Trout, who is still the best player in baseball by just about any metric. Look for the additions of Shohei Ohtani, Justin Upton, Zack Cosart, and Ian Kinsler to turn this solid team into a legit contender in 2018.

Arizona Diamondbacks – Scottsdale, AZ

The addition of outfielder J.D. Martinez boosted the Diamondbacks to a Wild Card Game win last season, but his departure for the Boston Red Sox leaves a big hole in the middle of their lineup heading into this season.

The current plan to fill that hole is Steven Souza, but depth is going to be an issue in the bullpen here as well.

Chicago Cubs – Mesa, AZ

The Cubs failed to return to the World Series last season when they ran into an outstanding Dodgers team in the NLCS, and their effort to get back this year will largely hang on the arm of Yu Darvish, who they signed away from LA this offseason.

Unfortunately, Darvish will likely be sliding into the spot vacated by current free agent Jake Arrieta.

Cincinnati Reds – Goodyear, AZ

While the odds of the Reds becoming a serious contender this year aren’t great, this is a team that is filled with exciting players to watch.

Luis Castillo and Raul Iglesias are two of the most exciting young fireballers taking the mound this season, and speedster Billy Hamilton has the potential to steal any base at any time.

Cleveland Indians – Goodyear, AZ

Much like the Cubs, the Cleveland Indians came up just short in their effort to return to the World Series last fall.

The dominant pitching staff that has powered the Indians over the past few seasons will be back in full force this year, but they will be without hitters Carlos Santana, Jay Bruce, and Austin Jackson.

Colorado Rockies – Scottsdale, AZ

With stud hitters like Charlie Blackmon and Nolan Arenado coming back for another season in Coors Field, the Rockies expect to remain one of the most intimidating offenses in all of baseball.

The question here is whether or not they have the pitching staff to seriously compete with some of the best teams in the national league. Of course, when you play half of your games in Colorado, it makes sense to prioritize the ability to hit the ball really far.

Chicago White Sox – Glendale, AZ

With one of the worst records in the majors at last year’s trade deadline, the White Sox decided to pack it in and fully commit to rebuilding. What that means for this year’s team is that you are going to see stud hitter Jose Abreu surrounded by a bunch of guys you’ve never heard of.

But there is still plenty of talent throughout this organization, so watch out for which guys take advantage of opportunities in Arizona this spring.

Kansas City Royals – Surprise, AZ

As a kid growing up I used to watch the Royals during Spring Training in my home state of Florida, but they made the move to Arizona in 2003.

Free agency was brutal for the Royals this year with Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas seeking bigger deals elsewhere, but the emergence of second baseman Whit Merrifield is one bright spot worth watching in 2018.

Los Angeles Dodgers – Glendale, AZ

The Dodgers came up just short of winning the World Series last fall, and aside from losing Yu Darvish to the Cubs in free agency, they are basically bringing back the same team again this season.

Look for them to remain one of the absolute best teams in baseball, and make sure you show up early to spring training in order to get autographs from the ridiculous number of all-stars on this rosters.

Milwaukee Brewers – Phoenix, AZ

The Brewers had a respectable campaign in 2017, but needed to add some significant pieces to their solid core in order to have a chance in 2018.

Fortunately for Milwaukee residents, that is exactly what they did when they acquired Christian Yelich, Lorenzo Cain, and Jhoulys Chacin. Their offense looks really good on paper, so the thing to watch here is how well their pitching staff looks this spring.

Oakland A’s – Mesa, AZ

Remember those commercials about how “Chicks dig the longball?” Well, that must be what Billy Beane and David Forst were thinking while putting together this lineup filled with sluggers like Khris Davis, Matt Olson, and Matt Chapman.

They also added Stephen Piscotty in right field for even more pop. If you are heading out to see the A’s in spring training, make sure you don’t miss batting practice!

San Diego Padres – Peoria, AZ

The Padres were one of the absolute worst teams in baseball last year, and they aren’t going to be a whole lot better this year. However, they did make an effort to improve by bringing in guys like Eric Hosmer, Chase Headley, Freddy Galvis, and Tyson Ross.

Any exciting spring surprises this spring will likely come from young players, so make sure you bring your depth chart.

San Francisco Giants – Scottsdale, AZ

Just about everything that could go wrong for the Giants did last season, but they are bringing back a strong core that got a whole lot better over the winter.

The additions of veterans Andrew McCutchen, Evan Longoria, and Austin Jackson should do a lot to improve the offense, and pitching has never been a problem for the Giants since Madison Bumgarner arrived.

Seattle Mariners – Peoria, AZ

The Mariners surprised a lot of experts by finishing third in the AL West last season, but they will have to do a lot better to keep pace with the other teams in their division this year.

The additions of Dee Gordon and Ryon Healy should add some excitement to the offense, but the player that has people in Seattle really excited is James Paxton.

Paxton was putting together a career year before getting hurt last season, so if he can regain his pre-injury form, he could be the dominant force that leads the M’s back to the playoffs.

Texas Rangers – Surprise, AZ

The Rangers missed the boat when they failed to sign pitcher Yu Darvish, so they are entering spring training with a pretty glaring hole in their pitching rotation. With Carlos Gomez and Andrew Cashner also heading for greener pastures, it looks like the Rangers could be a few rocky months away from a complete rebuild.

The one bright spot to watch here is third baseman Joey Gallo, who can hit the ball a country mile when he is able to make contact.

The Verde River Golf & Social Club is Now Open

Trilogy® at Verde River, a 55+ community near Scottsdale, recently opened their much anticipated Golf & Social Club, and one thing is for sure, it was worth the wait!

This incredible new facility has an extensive range of incredible resort services and amenities.

Take a look:

Just a few of the amenities you’ll see in the video above include:

• Needle Rock Kitchen & Tap – A signature restaurant and bar, featuring a wood fire grill and local beers on tap

• The Marketplace – The perfect combination of coffee bar, sandwich shop, and neighborhood grocer, all about convenience!

• Chef’s Table – A private dining experience, where your special occasion is made extraordinary

• Helen’s Kitchen – A culinary studio and event space, with comfortable seating perfect for private parties and exciting cooking classes

• Afturburn Fitness – A sleek and comfortable environment with world-renowned TechnoGym® equipment, Fitness on Demand, personal trainers, and so much more!

• Alvea Spa – A relaxing place for an array of indulgent, rejuvenating services

• The Art Loft – A space to explore your creative side, comprised of a studio, art yard, and lawn

• The Outfitter – Your next adventure begins here, where you pick up your kayak for some time on the lake

• Golf Course – Award-winning 18 hole course with views of the Tonto National Forest and iconic Four Peaks

• Courts and Sports Complex – Four tennis courts, four pickleball courts, and a bocce and croquet lawn make up this fun space

• Eddy’s Poolside – A poolside restaurant featuring light bites and meals

• Club Pools – Resort pool and lap pool with surrounding views of the Sonoran Desert

• Events Center/Lawn – A full scale event center, perfect for parties, weddings, and special events

• Grand Living Room – A place where the community connects, and neighbors become friends

Trilogy® at Verde River will combine thoughtfully designed floorplans with quality construction, energy-saving innovations, and architectural inspiration.

For more information on the homes and lifestyle available to you in Trilogy® at Verde River, request more information here.

The Staccato in CantaMia at Estrella

The Staccato is a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home available in CantaMia at Estrella.

With 1,220 sq. ft., this plan is perfect for someone looking to downsize and make life easier in retirement.

Perhaps the best part? The starting price is under $200,000.

Let’s go inside and take a look.

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After entering the home, off to the side you’ll see a guest bathroom and this guest bedroom at the front of the house…

Next up is the functional heart of this home, the Great Room, Dining, and Kitchen combo…

Here it is from another angle…

Here’s a closer look at the dining area…

Next up is the master bedroom…

The master also features this great bathroom with his and her sinks, and a large walk-in closet…

Last but not least we step outside to take a look at the covered patio. Also notice the optional Bay Window at the back of the master bedroom…

While the Staccato is currently the smallest home available in CantaMia at Estrella, if you need more space they offer floorplans up to 2,600 sq. ft. in size. If you’d like to see more, click below to request more information.

Want to see all of the great floorplans (and pricing) available in CantaMia at Estrella?

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The Top-Selling Arizona Communities of 2017

Four Arizona communities made the list of the 50 Top-Selling Master-Planned Communities of 2017.

That’s according to John Burns Real Estate Consulting who researches and compiles the list each year.

The #1 community on the list, The Villages in Florida, sold a whopping 2,231 new homes in 2017!

The Arizona communities that made the list did not sell nearly as many as that, but let’s take closer look at the ones that made the list and see how they fared.

Eastmark – #6 Overall, #1 in Arizona

With 919 new home sales in 2017, Eastmark was the only Arizona community to crack the top 10 on this year’s list.

Located in Mesa, Eastmark is a large-scale community comprised of several communities being developed and built by a number of builders.

There is even one neighborhood geared towards retirees.

Encore at Eastmark, offers an active, resort-style community for the 55-Plus crowd. Encore is being planned for approximately 900 single story homes upon completion and has its own clubhouse, The Encore Club which boasts and exciting list of exclusive features: fitness center, pickelball courts, locker rooms, billiards room, arts & crafts center, resort-style outdoor pool, and much more!

Learn more about Encore at Eastmark

Vistancia – #21 Overall, #2 in Arizona

Located in Phoenix’s Northwest Valley, Vistancia is another large community with multiple neighborhoods and builders in them.

Last year they combined for a total of 462 new home sales.

Just like Eastmark, Vistancia has a 55+ component and that is Trilogy® at Vistancia.

Trilogy® at Vistancia is the centerpiece of America’s Best Planned Community. A vibrant resort community enjoys a pristine desert setting, award-winning golf, spectacular resort-style amenities, and easy access to all of your favorite Valley retailers and entertainment.

Trilogy® at Vistancia was named 2015 Best 55+ Community of the Year at the prestigious “Best in American Living” awards, receiving the top-rated Platinum Award.

Learn more about Trilogy® at Vistancia

Verrado – #26 Overall, #3 in Arizona

Verrado is a master-planned community located in the city of Buckeye, Arizona, approximately 25 miles west of downtown Phoenix.

Verrado is know for it’s walkable tree-lined streets, inviting front porches, and easy access to shops and restaurants located right inside the community.

Homes range from roughly the $200k’s to more than $500k.

Last year the builders there sold a combined total of 429 new homes.

Estrella – #30 Overall, #4 in Arizona

Last but not least is Estrella which comes in with 399 new home sales last year.

Estrella is located in Goodyear, AZ which is a suburb of Phoenix.

Again, several smaller neighborhoods make up the master-plan of Estrella and there are a handful of different builders. But again, there’s one (Taylor Morrison) who is building a 55+ section called CantaMia.

CantaMia’s active baby boomer lifestyle is the inspiration for this expansive 55-Plus community. With more than 500 acres of parks and open space, including 72 acres of lakes for boating and fishing, over 20 miles of paths and hiking trails, and the Nicklaus Design championship golf course, The Golf Club of Estrella, a CantaMia home offers you the freedom you deserve during the best years of your life.

Learn more about CantaMia at Estrella

Every year that this list comes out, I always like remind readers to keep in mind that “top-selling” does not always mean “best”.

Finding the best Arizona community for you is a very personal decision that you can only come to after plenty of research and time spent visiting a number of communities that seem like they may be a fit.

In addition to the above communities, be sure to check out the many Featured Communities on our site.

Also, if you are interested in communities in other states, you can see the entire top 50 list here.

New Encore at Eastmark Overview Video

Taylor Morrison recently put out this video which provides a great overview of the homes, lifestyle, and amenities available in their Phoenix area community, Encore at Eastmark:

Get the Encore at Eastmark Information