IST2023: Sun-soaked seniors’ living

After a 3.5-hour flight from Chicago, our first stop was Sunrise Superstition, aptly named after a local mountain. This older American land lease community boasts around 1,200 homes. These homes are unique in that they need to be ‘mobile’ to be registered as part of the retirement resort, resulting in a range of modestly sized homes. Prices span from as low as $50,000 for pre-loved residences to $200,000 for the largest new homes.

One of the highlights of the tour was the remarkable Mirabella at Arizona State University. Residents can access all the university’s facilities and even enrol in classes at no charge. This stunning LifePlan community, operated by NFP Pacific Retirement Services, offers:

• 238 independent living units
• 22 assisted living apartments
• 20 assisted living apartments with memory care
• 20 skilled nursing suites

Independent living entry prices, refundable at 80% upon exit, range from $400,000 to $2,800,000. The community provides various dining options with breathtaking views over greater Phoenix. That evening delegates savoured a superb Mexican meal at the acclaimed Scottsdale restaurant, Toca Madera.

The second day of our Phoenix tour commenced at one of Arizona’s most famous retirement communities, Sun City. With a staggering 27,600 homes, 130 clubs, seven public and three private golf courses, and eight activity centres, Sun City is a world unto itself. This community membership model offers low-cost housing and living options, attracting seniors from across America.

We also visited Acoya Troon, a luxury independent and assisted living community, that stood out with its distinctive American ranch-style architecture. The 135 apartments are uniquely licensed for both independent and assisted living, providing residents with flexible care options.

After lunch at the Four Seasons with the Executive Director and Sales Director of Acoya Troon, delegates explored Overture Kierland, another Build-to-Rent (BTR) independent living community with 170 apartments, owned by Greystar.

The final Phoenix community on our itinerary was Tuscany at McCormick Ranch. With just 73 apartments and 16 villas, it has a boutique charm. Operated by MBK, which also manages communities in Washington, Utah, California, and Oregon, Tuscany at McCormick Ranch is part of the Japanese conglomerate, Mitsui & Co. In wrapping up a busy day of exploration and learning, we relaxed with drinks and dinner at the magnificent Phoenician resort hotel.

Delegates made the most of their free day in Phoenix by getting out and about and enjoying the sunshine. Some played golf at the Stadium Course at Scottsdale, others took a breathtaking tour of the Grand Canyon, while others went on an adrenaline pumping ATV desert adventure. The day was capped off with a superb dinner at Virtu Honest Craft, owned by Gio Osso, an Australian chef and entrepreneur who now calls Phoenix home.

Our IST2023 journey through the diverse senior living communities of Phoenix has opened a window to the innovations, uniqueness and variety of offerings in the Valley of the Sun.

This is the second of three articles about IST2023. Click here to read part three.

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