Sun City West is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States. The population was 25,806 at the 2020 census.
Sun City West was constructed on an 11,000-acre (4,500 ha) site to the west of Sun City, including part of the former Lizard Acres cattle ranch. Sun City West was completely built out in 1998, and a sister city, Sun City Grand, to the west of Grand Avenue was started.
Due to the 2019-20 coronavirus pandemic the city announced on March 11, 2020, the closures of all recreation centers to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. This later led to the closures of all seven golf courses on April 13, 2020.
As an unincorporated area, Sun City West does not have a city government. Instead, Sun City West is “governed” by Property Owners and Residents Association (PORA), a community association that advocates for the Sun City West community.
Municipal services are provided by a variety of public and private organizations. Police services are provided by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. Street maintenance services are paid for by the taxpayers of the entire county. Fire service is provided by Arizona Fire and Medical Authority. Parks and recreation services are controlled by Recreation Centers of Sun City West, another community organization.
