We received information from a direct mail request we made in the Where to Retire magazine about a new retirement community in Goodyear, AZ. It is named CantaMia, and is an extension of the development called Estrella Mountain Ranch which is an all ages community of all different sizes and prices. We were there several years ago in the pre-downturn period when the original homes were being built. We thought at that time that the community was a bit too far south for us which was about 12 miles south of I-10 in Goodyear. We were interested to see the changes in the area and the retirement community sounded like something worth looking at and evaluating. The changes in the area are incredible as shopping centers have popped up all along the Estrella Parkway, including the new baseball stadium shared by the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Indians for spring training.
When we arrived at the models center at around noon we went into the Model Home Center building and were immediately connected with a sales person who gave us the overview, information and pricing on the models and escorted us to the start of the model homes tour. It was at this point that we realized our camera and phones were left in the truck. We continued on and walked the 15 models that ranged from 1189 - 2852 square feet, and $143K - $263K in base prices. They all, with the exception of two of the high end models, were great room concept homes which is what we like. The homes were nice, but it appeared that the lots were small and there weren't as many amenities as we have seen in other communities of this type. Also, the monthly association dues seemed steep to us - $156 per month - for what was being offered in the community. There was only one outdoor pool and one indoor pool and no golf course within the community. When they complete the build out of around 1700 homes, there will be too many people for too little amenities. Plus, there are no hiking or biking trails within the community even though all of these amenities are outside within driving distance as part of the other Estrella communities.
We wanted to see the clubhouse when we completed the models tour, so we picked up the camera and walked back to the Model Home Center to get this shot:
and then we walked next door to the nice Clubhouse:
The clubhouse was very complete and had a super fitness center:
and indoor pool:
among many other meeting rooms, craft rooms, bar and lounge areas. The outdoor pool was huge:
but again, when all 1700 homes are completed, it will seem small.
Given that it is so far away from real shopping and lacking some amenities, we decided that it would not be a place for us to consider. Of course, we aren't ready to consider any home right now, but we like to stay on top of what is available in the areas we do like.
We are again talking about a bike ride today to the area that will take us to Carefreee, AZ, so that may finally happen today...
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