Tony Horn

First, the people – I have made more friends in the last year here than in the previous 10 living in the AZ suburbs. People here are not rushing off to work, closing their automatic garage doors or disappearing behind six-foot tall concrete block walls. Instead, they are friendly and inviting, which encourages new people to try some of the activities and get involved.

And then there is the setting – near the city, but with the feel of outdoors and country. Lots of trees, lakes, blue sky, birds and owls, rabbits and an occasional skunk, and of course, ducks, geese, even swans. I don’t know where you can live with more greenbelt exposure – between the lakes and the golf courses, many Sun Lakes houses back up to trees and grass. Those that don’t are no more than a block or two away. We’re close to Chandler and lots of restaurants and shops, and yet far enough away that it doesn’t feel like city.

Sun Lakes Country Club has a wonderful Clubhouse and restaurant. It is old style, dark wood, very comfortable. It includes a great library, huge pool, billiard and card room.

The Jacuzzi and lap pool are EXCELLENT. And I like the music playing at poolside.

The office staff are in the Clubhouse (not in a separate facility), so they are very accessible for assistance, questions, etc.

Have you been to Mulligan’s (also known as the Pro Shop)? Mulligans isn’t just a bar – there are activities almost every night – dances, line dancing, car races, karaoke. No one ever needs to be bored or lonely in Sun Lakes.

I’m a tennis player. Sun Lakes Country Club has a wonderful tennis club with lots of fun activities during the winter months. And two brand new pickleball courts have just been completed. Cottonwood also has both clubs with events for both men and women.

Speaking of Cottonwood-Palo Verde, the Cottonwood pool, lap pool, Jacuzzi, and indoor workout room and Jacuzzi, are all EXCELLENT. If you want to cool off and find someone to strike up a conversation with, the Cottonwood pool is the place to go. Cottonwood also has a great library and a lot of activity rooms for everything from music and dancing to bridge, pottery, metalworking, etc.

If you have guests (or don’t) and would like to go out for a really good dinner, I recommend the restaurant at Palo Verde. Dinners are excellent (men, you need a shirt with a collar) and the service is good.

I know the least about the IronOaks and Ironwood facilities. They have a wonderful health center, a tennis club for serious players, and great activities. My experience with food and beverage service in Oakwood and Ironwood has been positive.

These are some of the things I love about Sun Lakes.