As we head towards Thanksgiving time, I remember back to growing up in Phoenix and to the annual migration of "snowbirds" who would begin to flock in to the "Valley of the Sun" around the time of the first major snowfalls in the Midwestern and Northeastern United States.

Due to the prevailing hot and dry weather in southern Arizona, it has long been a Mecca for full-time or part-time retirees and builders of Active Adult and Age-Restricted communities have capitalized on that for decades, starting with the dearly departed Del Webb himself way back in 1960.  And, if you love to golf, Greater Phoenix and the surrounding cities in all directions boast more than 300 championship courses.

Now, more than ever, is a most awesome time to find your Active Adult Nest 4 Less in the great Southwest because the Valley of the Sun as well as Las Vegas and Southern California are still ripe with opportunities to buy a home short.  A short sale is where the sellers’ lender agrees to take less that what is currently owed on the property in lieu of taking the home back in foreclosure.

What that means to you is an unparalleled opportunity to get more for your dollars in the lifestyle community of your choice.  The short sales have also had a corrective effect in stabilizing prices within the residential real estate market.

So, how about an amazing Active Adult 'city' with 81 holes of golf, 24 tennis courts plus community centers and activities galore?  Not to mention a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home (MLS Number 4265461) on the resale market in the mega community of Sun Lakes offered at just $69,900.  That’s Lifestyle 4 Less, folks!  We’re talking more than 1,450 square feet of living space and situated on a 10,000 square foot desert landscaped lot.  There are even 3 citrus trees on the property!  Smells sweet to me!!  Call Dave for the details.

Perhaps you like the Tucson area.  It is a gorgeous part of Southern Arizona with sunsets that will take your breath away (not to mention lots of world-class golf courses too)!  A great opportunity abounds there for you to get a brand-new 2 bedroom, 2 bath home in the Active Adult golf course community of Rancho del Lago in Vail (just south of Tucson) for only $139,990.  For all of the details, just give Ed a call.

For a unique flavor of the great Southwest, one of New Mexico’s premiere 55+ communities is located just south of Albuquerque in Los Lunas where the new homes start in the mid $160’s.  To preview this great community, call Kim.  While you’re there experience some traditional New Mexican cuisine like pozole rojo (red chile and hominy stew) at one of the many Little Anita’s restaurants around town, or (if you’re really brave) try a plate of award winning green chile at Cervantes’ – but have a cerveza or a margarita close by to quench the fire – the local new Mexican green chili will bring tears of joy to your eyes!  And, don’t forget to finish your meal with some delicious sopapillas and honey…

Have you been California dreamin?  There has likely never been a better time for boomers and active seniors to purchase an Active Adult Nest 4 Less than now…  Certain of our Seniors Real Estate Specialist^® Realtors^® have told us that prices in their areas have gone back to what they were in the 1980’s.  How’s that for a flashback? 

Areas such as the Inland Empire (comprising of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties) are just one example of where you can get sunshine and golf a-plenty and home prices that will likely never be seen again in the near future…  I suggest that you call Deborah if you are thinking of the Murrieta/Hemet/Menifee areas and their many awesome communities such as Bear Creek, The Colony, Four Seasons at Temecula Valley, Solera Rancho Diamante or The Oasis. 

Or, in the Banning/Beaumont area our go-to gal is Cheri.  She’s the local expert on the communities of Sun Lakes Country Club, Solera at Oak Valley Greens and Four Seasons at Beaumont.  Honestly, folks, the low prices available in these great lifestyle communities will blow your minds!! 

Wanna be closer to the SoCal coast?  Check out this great Oceanside community (in San Diego County).  Pilgrim Creek Estates is a boutique 55+ community of only 203 homes and it is where you can offer up thanksgiving for a 2 bedroom, 2 bath (manufactured) home of more than 1,340 square feet for just $175,000.  Call Aurelia for the details.

Wow!  I could spend all day ferreting out amazing values in super Southwest Active Lifestyle communities.  More will come your way next month in Active Adult 4 Less, Part VII.  We’ll meander through Colorado, Nevada, Oregon and Washington as we continue on our quest to find your perfect Active Adult Nest 4 Less….

Perhaps you know of a community that we should mention.  Email me with your suggestions and I’ll check them out!

Happy Thanksgiving!