Side by side
| Sun City Grand (now The Grand) | Sun City Festival | |
|---|---|---|
| City | Surprise | Buckeye |
| Opened | October 1996 (built out mid-2000s) | Mid-2000s (sources cite 2005–2006); still building |
| Developer | Del Webb | Del Webb (PulteGroup) |
| Approx. homes | About 9,550 homes + 252 condos | About 7,200 planned at buildout |
| Age rule | Age-restricted. Per The Grand, 85% of homes must be occupied by someone 55+, and up to 15% may be occupied by owners aged 45–54. No residents under 19. Confirm current rules with The Grand. | 55+ community. One local guide notes Del Webb may allow a limited share of new-build buyers aged 45+. Confirm with Del Webb/HOA. |
| Golf | 4 association-owned courses (Cimarron, Desert Springs, Granite Falls North & South) | 27-hole Copper Canyon Golf Club (association-owned, managed by Troon) |
| Gated | No | No |
| Recurring HOA / rec fee | $1,976 per home per year (7/1/2026–6/30/2027) | $540 per quarter (per Greg Slaughter, local agent, figures as of 2026, verify before purchase) |
| One-time buyer fees | $5,000 CARE fee + $130 disclosure + $100 transfer + $170 ARC | Cap fee 0.25% of purchase price (per Greg Slaughter, local agent, figures as of 2026, verify before purchase); plus working capital & disclosure/transfer fees (reported) |
| General price range | The Grand lists ~$200K–$570K (non-golf) and ~$350K–$995K (golf course) | 55places lists high $300Ks to high $700Ks (Oct 2026) |
Fees and rates are subject to change. Last checked October 2026. Verify with the HOA.
Figures as of 2026. Verify before purchase. These are the same figures, with the same labels and sources, as each community guide. Run your own numbers in the Cost to Live calculator.
Sun City Grand (now The Grand) may suit you if…
- Buyers who want an established community close to Bell Road shopping and Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center
- Golfers who want four association-owned courses to choose from
- People who like a flat annual assessment with a set one-time fee
Sun City Festival may suit you if…
- Buyers who want a newer home, or a new build from Del Webb
- People who want a newer community about 10 miles west of Surprise
- Buyers at lower price points, since the cap fee is a percentage of the price
Frequently asked questions
Which has lower yearly HOA fees, The Grand or Sun City Festival?
The Grand's annual assessment is $1,976 per home (July 2026–June 2027). Sun City Festival's HOA is $540 per quarter, or $2,160 a year (per Greg Slaughter, local agent, 2026, verify before purchase). Golf is separate in both.
How do the one-time fees compare?
The Grand charges buyers $5,400: a $5,000 CARE fee plus $130 disclosure, $100 transfer and $170 ARC fees. Sun City Festival's cap fee is 0.25% of the purchase price (per Greg Slaughter), plus a reported $1,080 working capital fee and about $365 in disclosure and transfer fees. On a $450,000 home, Festival's cap fee would be $1,125.
Is Sun City Grand the same as The Grand?
Yes. Sun City Grand rebranded as The Grand in 2023. The legal name is still Sun City Grand Community Association, Inc., doing business as The Grand.
Deciding between Sun City Grand (now The Grand) and Sun City Festival?
Greg can tour both with you in person or by video, and pull current fees for the exact homes you like.
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Sources
Facts on this page were gathered from the sources below in October 2026. Third-party agent and listing sites are noted as such. Fees and rules change, so always check the association's current documents.