The unparalleled success of the original Sun City led the builder Del Webb to start the community of Sun City West in 1978. Within 25 years, Del Webb transformed the huge swath of desert land to a lush oasis and golf course development, attracting tens of thousands of residents from all over the country. Located just northwest of the original Sun City, the community of Sun City West is bounded by the 303 freeway to north and northwest, El Mirage Road to the east and the Phoenix Wickenburg Highway to the south.
Golf is a popular amenity in Sun City West, with 7 recreation center golf courses and 2 public golf courses. Recreation centers are plentiful in Sun City West with four recreation complexes offering 4 different fitness facilities, 5 swimming pools (both indoor and outdoor), 2 racquetball courts and shuffleboard courts, and 16 tennis courts. Sun City West offers more fitness opportunities, with 3 walking tracks, as well as 21 pickleball courts, 14 bocce ball courts, and 32 lawn bowling rinks. Sun City West also has 2 dog parks, perfect for dog lovers.
Other amenities outside of the community, but nearby are Arrowhead Mall, the Westgate Entertainment District, West Valley Art Museum, Challenger Space Center, Wildlife World Zoo, and Lake Pleasant. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy the many options available at nearby Peoria Sports Complex as well as the University of Phoenix Stadium.
