Overview
Sun City is the heart of old Menifee — and arguably the reason Menifee exists as a city at all. Del Webb (the same developer who built Sun City, Arizona) broke ground here in 1962, making it the second Sun City ever built. For decades, before incorporation, this was simply "Sun City, CA." When Menifee incorporated in 2008, Sun City became a neighborhood within the city.
What that history means for buyers today: you're looking at a community with mature trees, established golf courses, walkable streets, and homes that were built when "starter home" meant 1,200 sq ft on a real lot.
Sun City Quick Facts
- Founded
- 1962 (second Sun City ever built)
- Type
- 55+ active adult community
- Typical Price Range
- Mid-$300s to high-$500s (verify current)
- Home Sizes
- 1,000–2,200 sq ft
- Stories
- Mostly single-story
- Lot Sizes
- 7,000–10,000+ sq ft typical
- Governance
- Sun City Civic Association (low fees)
- Golf
- Cherry Hills + North Golf Course
Who Lives Here
- Predominantly 55+ (Sun City has age-restricted sections governed by the Civic Association)
- Strong mix of full-time retirees, snowbirds, and active 60-somethings still working part-time
- More social than most age-restricted communities — there's a real culture here, not just a clubhouse
Price Ranges (Approximate — Verify Current)
Sun City is one of the best values in Southern California for 55+ buyers. Detached single-family homes typically range from the mid-$300s to high-$500s depending on size, updates, location, and lot. Updated homes on larger lots near the golf courses command the top of that range. Original-condition homes that need cosmetic work sit at the lower end.
Housing Styles
- Mostly single-story (a huge selling point — no stairs)
- 1,000–2,200 sq ft is the typical range
- Original 1960s–1970s ranch-style homes
- Some 1980s and 1990s additions in newer phases
- Lot sizes are larger than newer Menifee construction — 7,000–10,000+ sq ft is common
Pros & Cons (The Honest Version)
Pros
- Single-story living at a price point that doesn't exist in most of California
- Two golf courses within the community (Cherry Hills and North Golf Course)
- Civic Association fees are low — significantly lower than newer HOA-governed 55+ communities
- Walkable — sidewalks, mature trees, real neighborhoods
- Close to Menifee Countryside Marketplace and the new Loma Linda hospital build-out
- Strong owner-occupied base — not a flip-heavy market
Cons
- Older homes mean older systems — original electrical, plumbing, roofs, and HVAC are common. Always get a thorough inspection.
- Some homes were built on slabs without modern moisture barriers — moisture issues do come up
- A handful of streets back to busier roads (Bradley, McCall, Cherry Hills Blvd) — drive the area at rush hour before you commit
- Not the right fit if you want brand-new construction or modern open floorplans without renovating
Lifestyle and Amenities
- Cherry Hills Golf Course and North Golf Course — both inside Sun City
- Sun City Civic Association Recreation Halls — pools, fitness, dances, clubs (lapidary, woodworking, bridge, you name it)
- Multiple pools and shuffleboard courts
- Active social calendar — the kind of community where neighbors actually know each other
Important: Sun City is not a traditional HOA. It's governed by the Sun City Civic Association, and dues are dramatically lower than what you'll pay at Oasis, Solera, or other newer 55+ communities. This is one of the biggest financial advantages of buying here — but it also means amenities are funded differently, and certain CC&Rs are enforced more loosely than in newer communities. Make sure you understand what's covered before you write an offer.
Schools, Shopping, Commute
- Schools: Less relevant in age-restricted sections, but Menifee Union School District serves the surrounding area
- Shopping: Menifee Countryside Marketplace (Target, Stater Bros, restaurants) is a 5-minute drive
- Medical: Menifee Global Medical Center is right here; Loma Linda's new campus is going in nearby
- Commute: I-215 access via Newport Rd or McCall Blvd — but if you're retired, you don't care
Is Sun City Right for You?
Sun City is the right call if you're 55+, want single-story living, don't want to spend $700K+ to get into a 55+ community, and value an established neighborhood over a brand-new one. It's not the right call if you need a turnkey modern home with no updates required — those exist here, but they're the exception.
Thinking About Sun City?
I show Sun City almost every week. I can tell you which streets to focus on, which to avoid, and which sections have the most updated homes coming to market.
Compare With Other Menifee Neighborhoods
Menifee Lakes
Two private lakes, golf course, and a strong family base. The most established master-planned community in Menifee.
Read the GuideAudie Murphy Ranch
South Menifee's newer-construction family community with a sports park, splash pads, and modern floorplans.
Read the GuideHeritage Lake
Built around an actual private lake with paddle boats and a beach club. Real community identity.
Read the Guide