The day I headed out to take the photos, we had a big dust storm come in. So this is missing some of our beautiful blue skies. Sundance is also the name of the all-aged Master Planned community in Buckeye too. For more information on Sundance, check out ArizonaActiveAdult.com
The new 2012 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location. The map is based on the average annual minimum winter temperature, divided into 10-degree F zones.
The Phoenix valley has been assigned two zones, roughly the area east of 17 and south to the I-10 falls within the 10a zone which has an average minimum winter cold of from 30-35 degrees F, west of 17 the zone is a bit cooler with lows of from 25 to 30 and is designated as zone 9b.
No posters of the new USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map have been printed. But state, regional, and national images of the map can be downloaded and printed in a variety of sizes and resolutions.
The Sunset magazine has assigned the section of Arizona surrounding the Phoenix valley a 13 designation, using a range of temperature wider than the USDA scale. We will refer to the Sunset magazine planting times and tips because we receive their information monthly while only annually do we hear from the USDA!
All of the Arizona zones are subject to extreme temperature variations for short periods, and any home gardener must pay attention to the weatherman and protect plants that are supposed to survive any given temperature either high or low.
CantaMia is another great example of locating an Active Adult Community within or adjacent to a multigenerational community. It offers the opportunity for the 55+ family members to enjoy their extensive exclusive Active Adult facilities as well as share the additional recreational activities with their families who live in the Estrella ranch community. This I think is the best of both worlds. It is also interesting to see that as families in Estrella grow and reach the empty nest stage, they are purchasing in the adjacent CantaMia!
CantaMia was designed by Engle Homes, but no construction was started. It was saved from bankruptcy by Joseph Carl Builders, who then joined with Avatar homes (AVHI on the NASDAQ) under the name of Vitalia by AV Homes. The total number of homes when built out will reach 1700, a fairly small community by some standards. The recreational activities however are equal to those of the much larger communities. The 29,000 sq ft Village Center has indoor and outdoor pools, a beautifully equipped demonstration kitchen, an excellent variety of exercise and activity centers as well as a mini café and wine bar. The workout room boasts a cushy bamboo floor and the computer room and fitness center have instructors from Estrella Community College. The common areas use reclaimed water for irrigation in keeping with their entire energy saving theme. There are 14 model homes to guide your home choice, with emphasis being on their Green building techniques. Check the current prices on our website. The builder is a member of the Environments For Living, and is a Green Certified Builder. The homes have been tested for efficient use of utilities and are awarded very high scores. All homes include solar as an energy source. In keeping with the Green living, the exercise, cooking and activity programs are designed to encourage healthy life choices. CantaMia’s Sierra Estrella Mountain views and many lakes provide a tranquil and relaxing setting in which to enjoy your healthy retirement.
I recently visited CantaMia and discovered this jewel in the Estrella Mtns
It is a pleasure to be able to share some positive real estate statistics as we begin 2012. Although our main interest area, Active Adults, is not featured in the statistics gathering, it is closely related. The indications are that selling your home in 2012 will be faster and ever so slightly more profitable. That is encouraging as many of our clients have delayed their retirement move to Arizona based on the lagging prices and sales all over the country. We should be seeing sold signs planted with the spring flowers!
Sun City West was the second of the Del Webb “Sun Cities” to be built in the great Phoenix area. It is still one of the largest communities with a variety of housing styles and options, 4 recreation centers, with the option for garden plots, the Saddle club offing horse stables, bowling alley, 7 golf courses, even the Del Webb Memorial Hospital. Discover more at ArizonaActiveAdult.com
Specializing in Active Adult, 55 Plus, Retirement Communities, Relocation, Second and Seasonal Residential Real Estate
