This is a follow-up of my previous post regarding senior centers, based on my single male snowbird experience in the Phoenix area for many of the last 22 years. I was last there in early March 2020, before covid. I am coming back.
Like all American cities Phoenix has its single family and apartment residential areas and residents of these are certainly potential users of senior centers. But, something many outsiders don't know about are the hundreds of 55plus parks and communities in the Phoenix area. Many of them have such things as clubhouses, recreation and walking areas , racquet ball courts, libraries, and sometimes pool and hot tubs. And usually, friendly residents. Why don't we forum users know about that? Perhaps because the residents are outside enjoying their communities and don't have time or interest to post on internet forums (Did I say that?). yes a few 55+ communities ( such as Sun City and Tower Point, for example) have 18 hole golf courses, 7000 sq. ft. dance floors, internal beauty shops and businesses, hobby shops, and more, but far from all have that.
55+ ownership ranges from owning your own land and dwelling inside a 55+ community or park to renting your "space" inside a 55+park with your "owned" trailer, park model, or house on it. Again there are hundreds of such 55+ parks and communities in the huge Phoenix metropolitan area, so a newcomer can search for the one that suits their economic, comfort, and desired activities. I mention these 55+ situations as an alternative to social and activity alternates or supplements to senior centers. Having both is . . . . BTW 55+ does mean ownership and residency is limited to seniors with occasionally limited exceptions.