Happy Trails RV Resort

Pros

• The community is described as having a lovely atmosphere and a very nice 55+ neighborhood.
• It offers good security, well-kept yards and homes, and a quiet, pet-friendly environment with lots of activities.
• Rentals are allowed, and buyers own the ground, which is appealing compared to mobile-home parks.
• There is a variety of lot types and home styles to choose from, including stick-built and mobile homes, with RV-friendly options.
• An attached golf course adds scenic value and recreational options.
• It is close to shopping, medical clinics, restaurants, churches, with easy access to the airport and highways.
• Residents report plenty of friendly people, entertainment, and numerous clubs and activities.
• It is described as a wonderful, secure, gate-kept community, especially nice for winter stays.
• The grounds and facilities are well-maintained and clean, with friendly, helpful staff.
• The vibe is like Mayberry, with neighbors greeting each other on golf carts.
• The resort offers extensive amenities: pools, golf, golf carts, many clubs, arts and crafts, and more, with low HOA fees.
• It's a popular destination for snowbirds and retirees, with a welcoming atmosphere and many events.
• Many reviewers call it a hidden gem for 55+/Active Adult living.

Cons

• The HOA is unresponsive and unprofessional, with phone lines and emails going unanswered.
• Renters are treated poorly.
• The lots are placed too close together and some owners are very noisy early in the morning (around 5:15 AM).
• Golf cart noise is non-stop, with carts beeping early and all day, making it hard to work from home or enjoy peace.
• Some residents are cantankerous and overly nosy, watching others closely.
• The golf course needs some work.
• Some people feel scared about living next to the golf course.
• The houses are old and aluminum, contributing to painful noise levels.

Review

Happy Trails Adult Resort is described by many as a lovely, secure, and welcoming retirement destination that feels like a complete package for 55-plus residents and long-term guests alike. The atmosphere is repeatedly praised as friendly and peaceful, with well-kept yards and homes that contribute to an overall sense of order and pride. The community is guard-gated and emphasizes security, which helps create a quiet, comfortable living environment where pets are welcome and neighbors are inclined to look out for one another. Ownership of the land after purchase is highlighted as a major plus, distinguishing this setting from mobile-home parks where the ground is rented, and allowing a broader set of building possibilities on individual pads.

The social life here is abundant and central to the experience. Reviewers consistently note a robust calendar of activities and groups, from daily and weekly gatherings to lunches, dinners, dances, and special events. There are numerous clubs and hobbies - pottery, arts and crafts, billiards, stained glass, jewelry making, woodshop, sewing, and more - yielding plenty of opportunities to meet people and stay busy. One guest gushes about a St. Patrick's Day party, another raves about a favorite bartender, and many describe the place as "a summer camp for grown-ups" with something for everyone. It's common to hear that you'll find everything you could want in a retirement community here, with a lively social scene that makes newcomers feel welcome and included.

Amenities are repeatedly called out as standout features. An attached golf course is a centerpiece for many, along with multiple pools and an RV-friendly environment. The resort hosts an active, varied set of facilities that many residents rely on daily: a post office, security, and a network of golf carts that keep the community moving in a casual, small-town rhythm. Dining options near the core - like the Golf Restaurant and the Chuckwagon - receive positive mentions for tasty, casual meals and a friendly atmosphere. The grounds are described as well-maintained, with reports of a clean, well-run environment that appeals to both full-time residents and winter visitors. The combination of gated security, well-kept grounds, and a broad slate of recreational outlets makes it easy to stay engaged year-round.

Location and accessibility amplify the appeal for many who want convenience alongside leisure. The community is commended for proximity to shopping, medical clinics, restaurants, churches, and easy access to airports and highways. This combination of practical convenience with a climate-friendly winter experience makes it an attractive option for snowbirds and full-time residents alike. The sense of community pride is reinforced by comparisons to familiar, wholesome vibes - neighbors waving as golf carts pass by, a general sense of Mayberry-like friendliness, and a social ecology that makes new residents feel quickly at home.

The tone of experience is not uniformly perfect, and several reviewers offer a candid caveat about potential drawbacks. A recurring concern is the responsiveness of the HOA, with some residents reporting difficulty in reaching the office by phone or email, and even labeling the experience as unprofessional in certain cases. Such experiences contrast with the overwhelmingly positive sentiment elsewhere and suggest that prospective buyers should verify current processes and communication practices. Other critiques center on noise and space: some renters and buyers describe close living quarters, early-morning disturbances, and the perennial hum of golf carts as disruptive to work or quiet time. Aluminum-sided homes are mentioned by some as contributing to noise, while others acknowledge "quiet times" that may or may not be observed by all residents.

The mix of housing options is another notable thread. The community features a range of lot types, including stick-built homes, mobile homes, and flat lots suitable for RVs, with ownership of land providing versatility for expansion or customization. While many praise the variety and the ability to choose a home style that fits individual preferences, a few reviews contrast this by describing the layout as tight in some areas and noting that some residents can be "cantankerous" or intrusive, which may influence the experience for renters or new arrivals. A few reviews even caution that some renters feel they're treated differently, and that the social dynamics - which can be lively and inclusive for many - may feel less welcoming to outsiders in certain situations.

Overall, Happy Trails Adult Resort emerges as a dynamic, diverse, and engaging community that appeals strongly to those seeking an active, social, and low-maintenance retirement lifestyle. It offers a strong sense of security, extensive recreational options, and a welcoming atmosphere that draws snowbirds and full-time residents alike. For many, the combination of land ownership, varied housing choices, abundant clubs, and well-appointed facilities creates a compelling living environment. Prospective residents should weigh the vibrant social life and practical conveniences against concerns about HOA responsiveness and the potential for noise and neighbor-related tensions, ensuring a good fit for personal preferences and lifestyle needs.

Places of Worship

• St Clare of Assisi Catholic Church (0.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Fry's Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)

Restaurants

• The Toast Craft Kitchen & Cocktails (0.2 miles)
• Great Eagle Bar & Grill (0.3 miles)
• Oregano's Pizza Bistro (0.4 miles)
• Wendy's (0.4 miles)
• Jack In The Box (0.6 miles)
• Taco Bell (0.7 miles)
• McDonald's (0.8 miles)

Physicians

• Radiant Complexions Dermatology Clinics (0.3 miles)
• Northwest Valley Oral And Facial Surgery (0.3 miles)
• Nationwide Vision (1.1 miles)
• Young Arizona Pediatrics (2.2 miles)
• Arizona Vein & Laser Institute - Surprise (2.2 miles)
• Desert Valley Pediatrics (2.3 miles)
• Jalal Abbas, MD (2.6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.3 miles)
• Sumo Snow (0.9 miles)
• The Grand Cafe (2 miles)
• Starbucks (2.2 miles)
• Starbucks (3 miles)
• Starbucks (3.4 miles)
• Starbucks (4.6 miles)

Parks

• Pet Park Sun City Grand (2.1 miles)
• Kingswood Parke HOA Park (2.7 miles)
• Surprise Community Park (3.1 miles)
• Asante Park (4 miles)
• Veramonte Park (4.8 miles)
• Indoor Playgrounds International (4.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Apricus Medical Group (3.6 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Surprise Pointe 14 (4.8 miles)