540 South 80th Street, Mesa, AZ 85208
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
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The community is described as awesome with well-manicured yards and abundant activities. The golf course is touted as the best around, with a skilled golf pro. It is a great place to live and stands out as a top retirement community. There are extensive clubs and activities for 55+ residents and their families. Birdie's restaurant and the golf club clubhouse contribute to a vibrant amenities scene. The community is secure, gated, and provides 24-hour security. It attracts snowbirds and visitors, creating a lively, diverse atmosphere. The community is welcoming, clean, and filled with friendly people. Residents enjoy owning land there and the broad range of on-site amenities. There is a strong sense of community and a lively social life, including concerts and various activities.
One reviewer calls it the worst place ever, describes it as a political 55+ community, notes it's expensive and that rude seasonal residents influence the norms, and wouldn't advise purchasing there. Another reviewer says the rules are crazy and that the community just wants your money, claiming living there brings nothing but headaches from the front office. A reviewer declares the HOA a nightmare with too much power, a "nutcase" running the show, and discrimination against single women. A commenter notes that some residents are loud and rude, and requests to be quieter have often been ignored. The HOA dues are described as getting very pricey. A note mentions the kitchen is slow sometimes, despite generally good food.Fountain of the Sun, tucked away in East Mesa, stands out as one of the region's largest and most active 55+ retirement communities. It is designed around security, convenience, and a busy social life, with residents appreciating the sense of safety that comes from a gated, 24-hour guarded environment. The community bills itself as a country club resort within reach of day-to-day living: an 18-hole golf course at the center of the action, a clubhouse with a restaurant, a pool complex with hot tub, and a long list of activity centers. Many reviews highlight the overall appeal of owning a home here, particularly the pride of living in a place that feels organized and well kept.
The everyday experience is dominated by a rich calendar of clubs and activities. Residents talk about rolling bocce, shuffleboard, pickleball, bunko, ceramics, quilting, and dozens of other clubs that cater to diverse interests. There are multiple game rooms and activity spaces - a ceramics room, a quilting room, billiards, a ballroom for events, and even an on-site post office and country store. The golf course itself is a recurring high point, with enthusiastic mentions of a professional staff, a strong course layout, and the social glue provided by Birdie's, the on-site restaurant in the golf club clubhouse. It's clear that the community thrives on this rhythm of organized recreation, social meetups, and casual encounters that turn neighbors into acquaintances and, for many, into friends.
Snowbirds and visiting guests are a distinctive feature of Fountain of the Sun. The community frequently hosts people who spend the winter months in the area, bringing a mix of Midwestern and other regional influences. This seasonal shift can infuse the place with extra activity and variety, but it also creates a dynamic that some year-round residents notice and adapt to. The presence of seasonal residents is described as an everyday reality that adds to the bustle; for others, it's part of what makes the community feel alive, while a few long-term locals note it can alter the normal feel of the neighborhood during peak snowbird season.
Like any large, purpose-built retirement community, Fountain of the Sun has its critics. The appeal of structure and predictability comes with a price tag that some reviewers consider steep. Several comments point to rising HOA dues and ongoing costs, with some residents urging prospective buyers to look carefully at the rules and the price of maintaining a home in this setting. Complaints about the front office and governance are loud and persistent in some reviews, including concerns about the HOA's power and how decisions are made. A few reviews describe experiences where the rules seemed overly controlling or unfair, and there are even pointed anecdotes about perceived discrimination or the sense that certain groups - such as single women - could feel inconvenient or unsafe if they run afoul of the administration. These voices emphasize a caveat: this is a community with strong norms and strict governance, and navigating those rules is a nontrivial part of the living experience for some residents.
Despite the concerns raised by some, many people describe Fountain of the Sun as a great place to live, with a robust sense of community and a lot to do. The combination of security, land ownership, and on-site conveniences - grocery-esque offerings via the post office, a country store, and a restaurant on the premises - contributes to a self-contained, convenient lifestyle. The general ambiance is one of friendliness and activity: welcoming neighbors, accessible amenities, clean spaces, and the kind of social energy that makes it easy to stay involved and connected. The overall sentiment among residents who love it is that if you want a lively, well-organized 55+ community with a lot of opportunities to stay active, you'll find the elements you're looking for here.
In sum, Fountain of the Sun presents a compelling proposition for active seniors who value routine, amenities, and a strong social fabric. It offers a well-maintained environment, a central golf program, and a broad spectrum of clubs and facilities that can keep a retiree engaged for years. At the same time, potential buyers should prepare for higher HOA costs and a governance structure that is very visible and sometimes opinionated. The mix of secure living, on-site conveniences, and abundant activities makes the community appealing to many, while the more contentious aspects - cost, rules, and social dynamics - will matter to others. If you're seeking an energetic, neighbor-rich lifestyle with built-in entertainment and a love of golf, Fountain of the Sun is worth considering; if you're wary of rules, dues, and governance, you'll want to scrutinize the finer points before making a move.
6 resident community capacity
Active Adult Communities (55+)Active Adult Communities provide seniors with opportunities for socialization, activities, and wellness programs tailored to their needs. These communities offer a sense of belonging and security while promoting an active and independent lifestyle for those aged 55 and older.
Housekeeping servicesHousekeeping services are important for seniors because they help maintain a clean and safe living environment, promote independence, and reduce the risk of accidents or illnesses. Additionally, having assistance with household chores can alleviate physical strain and allow seniors to focus on other aspects of their well-being.
TelephoneTelephones are important for seniors as they provide a lifeline for communication with loved ones, emergency services, and healthcare providers. They offer a sense of security and independence, enabling seniors to stay connected and access assistance when needed.
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet availableWi-Fi/high-speed internet is important for seniors to stay connected with loved ones, access online resources, and participate in virtual activities to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. It also allows them to easily manage healthcare needs, access entertainment, and engage in lifelong learning opportunities.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International (20 miles away)
Assistance with dressingAssistance with dressing is important for seniors because it helps maintain their independence, promotes personal hygiene, prevents accidents and injuries, and improves overall quality of life. This service ensures that seniors can continue to dress comfortably and confidently, despite any physical limitations they may have.
Meal preparation and serviceMeal preparation and service are crucial for seniors as they may have limited mobility or energy to cook nutritious meals. Having access to healthy and convenient food options can ensure they are getting the proper nutrition needed to maintain their overall health and well-being.
Medication managementMedication management is crucial for seniors to ensure they are taking the right medications at the correct dosages and times. This helps prevent adverse drug interactions, reduces the risk of medication errors, and promotes overall health and well-being. Proactive management also allows for adjustments as needed based on changing health conditions or new prescriptions.
Diabetes dietA diabetes diet is crucial for seniors as it helps manage blood sugar levels, reduce risks of complications, and improve overall health and well-being. By following a balanced and nutritious diet tailored to their specific needs, seniors can better control their diabetes and enhance their quality of life.
Special dietary restrictionsSpecial dietary restrictions are important for seniors because age-related changes in metabolism and health conditions can make it difficult for their bodies to process certain foods. By following a diet tailored to their specific needs, seniors can maintain their overall health and well-being, manage chronic conditions, and reduce the risk of complications such as malnutrition or food interactions with medications.Fountain of the Sun in Mesa, AZ is an assisted living community that offers a range of amenities and services to ensure the comfort and well-being of its residents. The community provides telephone and Wi-Fi/high-speed internet access, allowing residents to stay connected with their loved ones and enjoy online activities.
Care services at Fountain of the Sun include meal preparation and service, ensuring that residents have delicious and nutritious meals to enjoy every day. Additionally, medication management services are available to help residents with their medication schedules and ensure they receive the proper dosage at the right times.
The dining options at Fountain of the Sun cater to special dietary restrictions, ensuring that each resident's unique needs and preferences are met. Whether it's vegetarian, gluten-free, or any other dietary requirement, the trained staff will make sure every meal is suitable for all.
For those looking for entertainment or recreational options outside the community grounds, Fountain of the Sun offers a convenient location with plenty of nearby attractions. With six cafes, 20 pharmacies, 16 physicians' offices, 28 restaurants, two parks, one place of worship, and two theaters within close proximity, residents have a variety of choices for outings and socializing.
Fountain of the Sun in Mesa, AZ provides a comfortable and engaging environment where seniors can enjoy all the benefits of assisted living while having easy access to amenities and services that enhance their quality of life.
Fountain of the Sun is located at 540 South 80th Street, Mesa, AZ 85208 in Maricopa County, Arizona
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