When it comes to retirement communities, there is one such tradition that was certainly a surprise for us. In reality, this is the Arizona Traditions Retirement community in Surprise, Arizona. It's an interesting concept that takes the active adult retirement lifestyle into new territories. Let's find out why.
What Is Arizona Traditions All About?
When you hear about retirement communities, it's all too easy to imagine bungalows that are like a revolving door for new tenants each year. Actually, Arizona Traditions is quite the active buzz among the residents who live there. Focused on those who have reached 55 and older, this is a gated community that is more like a self-contained world than anything else.
The Arizona Traditions Community is located in Surprise, Arizona. From Sky Harbor International Airport: Get on I-10 W, Head east on E Sky Harbor Blvd. Use the left lane to stay on E Sky Harbor Blvd. Turn left onto E Sky Harbor Blvd. Use the left lane to merge onto I-10 W via the ramp to Downtown/Phoenix/AZ-51/AZ-202 Loop. Follow I-10 W and AZ-303 Loop N/Arizona State Rte 303 N to W Bell Rd in Surprise. Take exit 116 from AZ-303 Loop N/Arizona State Rte 303 N. Merge onto I-10 W. Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 124A to merge onto AZ-303 Loop N/Arizona State Rte 303 N. Take exit 116 for Bell Rd. Follow W Bell Rd to N Citrus Rd. Use any lane to turn left onto W Bell Rd. Pass by O'Reilly Auto Parts. Turn right onto N Citrus Rd. Destination will be on the left.
The Arizona Traditions Community is located in Surprise, Arizona at 17221 N. Citrus Rd. It's situated right off Bell Road and is modestly sized for its intended purposes. Just south of 'Traditions' across from Bell Rd. is another quickly developing community called Surprise Farms. Don't let that fool you, because the average distance from anything outside this community is just 34 miles (or about an hour ) from downtown Phoenix. This makes it easy for residents to continue active living pursuits outside the gates in highly entertaining club outings and weekend activities.
When Did Traditions All Begin?
Way back in 1997, the first ground construction began after much anticipation from the city of Surprise. It was touted to include an exclusive 18-hole golf course designed by Dick Bailey — an architectural designer turned world-class golf course developer whose company designed over 9 completed courses and 10 renovations. Dick passed away in June 2020 and was a longtime Arizona resident since 1994, leaving his legacy a living memory at Arizona Traditions.
Traditions was primarily constructed by Continental Homes but later completed by D.R. Horton in 2013. As of that year, the last home was completed with a total of 1,768 homes situated across 718 acres of property. Most of the homes are continental-style and feature 23 different model designs ranging in size from 1,052 to 2,319 square feet, primarily single-story. The larger homes, built closer to the golf course, are known as The Retreat at Arizona Traditions and even feature swimming pools and 3-car garages.
The Real Estate Market Today
The real estate market at Arizona Traditions presents a genuine opportunity for buyers. As of early 2026, the median home price is approximately $360,000, with homes typically ranging from the mid $300Ks to the upper $400Ks depending on the model and location. The HOA monthly assessment is currently $205 per month (as of April 2025), which is exceptional value given the extensive amenities included.
What Do AZ Traditions Have To Offer Residents?
The highlights of Traditions are all part of an impressive list. Since the focus is placed on active living, there is always something to enjoy within this close-knit community.
1
Central Clubhouse & Community Centers
The main clubhouse is the central artery for club activities and spans a total of 20,400 square feet. This is where local residents gather for dozens of creative activities all throughout the week. The facility features a 700-person ballroom, library, arts and crafts studios, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. In total, there are three community centers all within Arizona Traditions, two of which feature cozy fireplaces and lounge areas.
2
Swimming Pools & Fitness
Traditions offers three different swimming pools and two spas. The main pools serve three separate functions: a fitness and lap pool, a resort pool with special features, and the retreat pool. Two separate fitness centers have all the latest equipment for active adults, including yoga programs and exercise equipment you would find in any modern fitness center.
3
18-Hole Golf & The Sports Bar
Their signature golf course designed by Dick Bailey is a standout Parkland-style course with a solid par 70 that challenges players of all skill levels. After a round, residents gather at the AZ Traditions Sports Bar, which overlooks the course and offers stunning views of the White Tank Mountains — a truly spectacular setting for a sunset cocktail.
4
Pickleball, Tennis & More
Traditions is proud to feature a total of 6 Pickleball courts — a massive draw for the 55+ crowd today — along with 4 tennis courts, 4 Bocce Ball courts, 4 horseshoe pits, and two shuffleboard tables. Their softball field has long held an award for being one of the best in West Valley retirement communities. There are also walking and bike trails peppered throughout the entire community.
5
Fitness Clubs, Social Groups & More
The community's club offerings are extraordinary. Fitness enthusiasts can enjoy chair and mat yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, and water aerobics. Social clubs range from the Singles Group and Social Dance Club to the RV Club and Theater Club. Crafts and skill arts include pottery, ceramics, woodshop, and glass arts. Card game lovers will find Texas Hold'Em Tournaments, Mahjong, Bingo, and trivia nights. There is truly an activity for everyone.
6
Dining Events & Entertainment
Traditions actively hosts community breakfasts, patio lunches, Spaghetti nights, party dinners, fish frys, and Bar and Grill nights. They also feature local bands, NFL Sunday events, karaoke, dances and balls, and various yearly entertainment programs.
Arizona Traditions Is A Safe Place To Live
This community is protected by 24/7 security at all times. The front gate doesn't allow non-residents to enter at any point unless they have permission. Right down the street from Traditions are all the major supermarket chains such as Safeway and Sam's Club. Residents also benefit from being incredibly close to the booming Village at Prasada, a massive new retail and dining hub just down Loop 303, with a new Whole Foods Market slated to open nearby at Prasada East.
For those who enjoy sporting events, Surprise is home to spring training for the Kansas City Royals and Milwaukee Brewers, who train at the Surprise Sports Complex every spring — just minutes from the community's front gate.
Because Traditions is sandwiched between Happy Trails Resorts and the Beardsley Canal, it's one of the most secure and peaceful retirement places to live in the West Valley. Also, see our review of one of the other popular family communities in Surprise, Marley Park.
AZ Junk Removal & Dumpsters is a proud provider of junk removal in Surprise, AZ and has been serving the Arizona Traditions community for years. Whether you are downsizing, moving in, or just decluttering your garage, give us a call for fast, friendly, and local service!
FAQs
The concept of Arizona Traditions is to bring a new brand of active living 55+ adult community activities to Surprise. The community is modeled on resort-style amenities within carefully designed neighborhoods that resemble everyday family-style housing. There are also housing options that cater to golfing lifestyles with ideal homes located right next to their world-class golf course.
This community places a lot of value on active living programs and activities that are designed to keep residents happy and active. The number of clubs, classes, events, and social gathering days are very similar to resort-style vacationing options. There is also a big emphasis on helping residents stay in touch with new friends or helping connect others with old friends likewise.
Many of the homes that were designed in Arizona Traditions are hard to distinguish from traditional family homes that the older generation grew up with. These homes also come with extras featuring modern appliances, smart home gadgets, garages, dens, and extra storage space. Some homes even have backyards and swimming pools. Many of these homes range from 1,200-2,400 square feet and may offer 2-3 bedroom layouts.
There are so many amenities that make Traditions a place where life is filled with something new to do every day. Among the fact they feature an 18-hole golf course, there are endless sporting courts, fitness centers, swimming pools, and indoor and outdoor activity zones. Because it’s settled next to the White Tank Mountains and the city of Surprise, there is easy access to shopping, entertainment, and dining options.
Just outside the gated entrance to Traditions, residents can drive a couple minutes into downtown Surprise to reach a multitude of amenities, services, medical services, and entertainment. It’s also conveniently located right next to Loop 303 and all major freeways.
The best feature that Traditions s offers is not being a typical retirement community at all. Visitors have often remarked that the Traditions community looks and feels like a vacation or resort setting with all the comforts of home. Additionally, the homes that are offered in many neighborhoods have a charming American-style look and feel that reminds older (and younger) adults what comfort a home needs to include.
Aside from all of the built-in amenities and activities, there is no restriction to enjoying life outside Traditions whenever residents want to enjoy downtown Surprise every once and a while. There are even clubs that organize trips to various US destinations for those who still enjoy being adventurous.
