Sun Lakes is the established option, an unincorporated age restricted community next to Chandler built by Robson Communities from 1972 into the 2000s, with five country club neighborhoods, several golf courses and three separate HOAs. Trilogy at Power Ranch in Gilbert is newer, built mostly in the 2000s, with a more contemporary resort style design. Both are age restricted, both have HOAs that fund extensive amenities, and both are mostly single story. Compare dues, rules and the feel of each in person.
Buyers considering age restricted active adult living near Chandler most often compare Sun Lakes and Trilogy at Power Ranch, two well known communities with genuinely different personalities worth understanding before you choose.
Sun Lakes: established and golf centered
Sun Lakes has decades of history as one of the region's best known active adult communities, with multiple golf courses and an extensive, mature amenity infrastructure built up over many years. Robson Communities started it in 1972, and it's unincorporated, sitting in Maricopa County next to Chandler. It's made up of five country club neighborhoods run by three separate HOAs. More in What should buyers know about living in Sun Lakes, AZ?
Trilogy at Power Ranch: newer and amenity forward
Trilogy at Power Ranch, in nearby Gilbert, offers a newer take on active adult living, with a strong focus on resort style amenities, fitness, and a more contemporary community design. Most homes were built in the 2000s, so they're generally newer than most of Sun Lakes.
Side by side
| Sun Lakes | Trilogy at Power Ranch | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Unincorporated Maricopa County, next to Chandler | Town of Gilbert |
| Built | 1972 into the 2000s, in phases | Mostly the 2000s |
| Associations | Three separate HOAs across five neighborhoods | Its own community association |
| Home types | Manufactured, attached and single family | Mostly single family |
| Feel | Established, golf and club centered | Newer, resort and fitness focused |
Comparing HOA structures and fees
Both communities carry HOA fees that fund their extensive amenities, but the specific costs and inclusions differ meaningfully. I'll pull the current fee structures for both so you can compare accurately, and I'll get the reserve studies too, because older amenities and newer amenities age differently.
Comparing home styles
Both communities offer low maintenance, generally single story floor plans designed for the active adult lifestyle, though architectural style and average home age differ given the communities' different development timelines. In Sun Lakes, the type of home, manufactured, attached or single family, also affects financing and insurance.
In both communities, look at what's been updated. A home from the 1980s in Sun Lakes and a home from the 2000s in Trilogy will have very different roof, AC and plumbing ages. Ask for receipts and service records, and look closely at the inspection report on the older homes. That difference belongs in the price you offer.
Ask about one time fees at closing
Many active adult communities charge a one time fee when a home sells, sometimes called a capital contribution, a transfer fee or a working capital fee, on top of the regular dues. It can be paid by the buyer, the seller or split, depending on the community's documents and the contract. Ask for the exact amount for any home you're considering so it isn't a surprise on your closing statement.
Getting there and getting around
Both communities are in the southeast part of the Valley. Think about the trips you make most often, to medical appointments, to the airport, to see the people you're close to, and map them from the actual address. Phoenix Sky Harbor and Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport are both options depending on where you live, and both Chandler and Gilbert have hospitals within a reasonable drive. Drive the routes once before you decide.
Age and guest rules
Both operate under the federal housing for older persons rules, which generally require at least one resident in most homes to be 55 or older. Each community sets its own rules on younger residents and guest stays. Read those in writing before you write an offer.
Which one fits you better?
If golf and an established, mature community matter most, Sun Lakes often wins out. If you want a newer build with a broader range of fitness and social amenities, Trilogy tends to appeal more. I'll walk you through both in person if it helps you decide.
Some buyers also look beyond these two, at other age restricted communities around the Valley. The same questions apply anywhere: the age and guest rules, the dues and fees, the amenities you'll actually use and the drive to the places you go most.
How to visit and compare
Spend real time in each community before you decide. Walk the clubhouse on a weekday morning, look at the activity calendar, eat at the restaurant if there is one, and talk to a few residents. Ask what they love and what they wish were different. Then compare the total monthly cost of the homes you like in each community, payment, taxes, every HOA and any club or golf fees. The community that fits how you want to spend your days is the right one, not the one with the longest amenity list.
If you're selling a larger home to make this move, read How to downsize your home in Chandler, AZ.
The bottom line
Choosing between active adult communities is a personal decision, and I'll help you compare them honestly based on what actually matters to you.
Let's take the confusion out of this decision, schedule your clarity call today.
Questions, answered.
Is Sun Lakes or Trilogy at Power Ranch more expensive?
It varies by specific home and section within each community, I'll pull current comps for a direct, accurate comparison.
Can non golfers enjoy either community?
Yes, both offer amenities well beyond golf, including fitness centers, pools, and extensive social and club activities.
Do both communities have similar age requirements?
Both operate under age restricted community rules, generally requiring at least one resident to be 55 or older, though specific occupancy and guest rules vary. I'll confirm the details for whichever community interests you.
Which community is newer?
Trilogy at Power Ranch, built mostly in the 2000s. Sun Lakes started in 1972 and was built in phases over decades.
Is Sun Lakes part of a city?
No. Sun Lakes is unincorporated and sits in Maricopa County next to Chandler. Trilogy at Power Ranch is in the Town of Gilbert.
Want to talk it through?
Bring me the specifics of your situation and I will tell you straight what I would do. No pitch, nothing to sign, and no obligation to work with me afterward.
Tour both communities with me