Sun City Festival is Del Webb's newest West Valley community — and the only one still being built. Located at the base of the White Tank Mountains in Buckeye, 10 miles west of Surprise, the community sits 1,600 feet above the valley floor with cooler summer temperatures and cleaner air than the valley floor.
Construction began in 2005 with the grand opening in 2006. ~7,200 homes are planned at buildout. Del Webb is still actively selling new construction, with single-family homes priced from $326,990 to $692,288 and floor plans ranging from 1,280 to 3,343 sqft.
Festival is the value play of the Del Webb West Valley group: newer construction, modern floor plans, better insulation, and a lower entry price than Grand or Corte Bella. The trade-off is more isolation — it's further west than the other Sun Cities, with a stronger small-town feel.
Sun City Festival sits in Buckeye in the far West Valley — about 45 miles west of downtown Phoenix, just south of the White Tank Mountains and US-60. ZIP 85396.
The Town of Buckeye charges a Community Facilities District (CFD) infrastructure tax of $3,500–$4,000 per lot, paid once at closing. This is in addition to the HOA fees and is unique to Sun City Festival among the West Valley 55+ communities. Always factor this into your closing-cost worksheet.
Yes. Festival is in Buckeye, about 10 miles west of Surprise. From central Phoenix it's 25–30 minutes. The benefit: 1,600 ft elevation (cooler summers), cleaner air, and stunning White Tank Mountain views. The trade-off: longer drives to Phoenix shopping and Sky Harbor airport.
Yes — Festival is the only one of the five Del Webb West Valley communities still actively building. New construction prices start around $327K and run to $692K. The Skyline series offers low-maintenance options where Del Webb handles yard work and exterior landscaping. Sales office: 26285 W Morrow Drive, (928) 228-4609.
Festival is newer (2006 vs 1996), cheaper at entry, still has new construction, and offers a quieter setting. Grand is more established, larger (9,800 vs 7,200 homes at buildout), has 4 golf courses vs Festival's 3 (well, 27 holes = 3 nines), and is closer to Surprise amenities. We can walk you through both — call to schedule.