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World's First Retirement Community Museum

Field review by the editors.

Sun City, Arizona

The world's first retirement community opened on January 1, 1960, in a brand-spanking-new "seniors only" suburb named Sun City. It was in hot, dry Arizona, a soothing place for oldsters with balky lungs, aching bones, and a yen to get away from it all. It was the vision of developer Del Webb -- and it's still in business and still filled with seniors.

Its first model home, a white brick bungalow, has been retro-restored to its Eisenhower-era appearance, and is now open as a museum filled with Sun City artifacts and Del Webb mementoes.

The joke that old people sometimes make about being "museum pieces" is now true.

World's First Retirement Community Museum

Del Webb Sun Cities Museum

Address:
10801 W. Oakmont Drive, Sun City, AZ
Directions:
The Del Webb Sun Cities Museum. I-10 exit 133B (or I-17 exit 214C). Drive north (or west) on Hwy 101/Agua Fria Fwy to exit 11. Turn west onto US 60/Phoenix-Wickenburg Hwy. Drive to the third stoplight and turn left onto 107th Ave. Drive south one block and turn right onto Oakmont Drive. Museum is first little white house on left, across the street from the big radio tower.
Hours:
Oct.-Apr. M, W, F 1-4; otherwise by appt (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
623-974-2568
Admission:
623-974-2568
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

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Big BabyBig Baby, Goodyear, AZ - 10 mi.
In the region:
Hole-in-the-Rock, Phoenix, AZ - 22 mi.

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