If you are searching for the best Tampa retirement communities, consider moving to Sun City Center, FL. Sun City Center is a census-designated place (CDP) and a 55+ community in Florida. When living in Sun City Center, you will have access to everything you need. The community is complete with multiple neighborhoods, nursing home facilities, a hospital, and many fun amenities such as golf courses and swimming pools. Sun City Center, FL is a good place to live if you’re looking for affordable retirement living near Tampa.
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What Is a 55+ Community?
A 55+ community is a community that is made for people aged 55 and older. The features of these communities are designed with this age group in mind. These communities are also often referred to as active adult communities. Some 55+ communities have a strict age restriction, while others are more lenient. It is important not to confuse these communities with assisted living, nursing homes, or independent living. There is no medical staff or additional care provided, although many active adult communities give you the option to upgrade to this type of care if needed.
The Benefits of Living in a Florida Retirement Community
Retirement communities in Florida offer many amazing benefits that you won’t receive anywhere else. Here are a few benefits you’ll receive when living in a 55+ community:
- Amenities: Most active adult communities have on-site amenities for you to enjoy, such as swimming pools, golf courses, and fitness centers.
- Quiet: Due to the age restriction, these communities tend to be more peaceful.
- Affordable: 55+ communities typically have lower housing costs.
- Low Maintenance: Maintenance and yard work is often taken care of for you.
- Safety: These communities are often gated and security-monitored.
Where Is Sun City Center Florida?
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Where is Sun City Center, FL? Sun City Center, FL is in Hillsborough County and is situated just north of Little Manatee River State Park. The closest cities and communities to Sun City Center include Sundance, Willow, Wimauma, Southshore, and Ruskin. It is only 27.2 miles from Sun City, Florida to Tampa.
Sun City Center is sandwiched between FL-93A and US Route 301, making it easy to travel to other cities quickly and efficiently by car. Sun City Center is also served by two Hillsborough Area Regional Transit bus lines that will take you to popular spots around the county. When living in Sun City Center, you are also free to ride golf carts on the road during daylight hours. All Sun City golf carts must be registered with the community.
Sun City Center Population & Demographics
The Sun City Center, FL population is 33,548, with over 2,128.8 people per square mile. Sun City Center is an age-restricted community with a median age of 69.1. At least one resident of a household must be 55 or older, and residents under 18 are not allowed.
The average household size in the community is only 1.9. Of the 17,099 households in the community, 67% are occupied by married couples, 22% by non-family members, 7% by female householders, and 4% by male householders.
Other Sun City Center Demographics:
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- Sex ratio: 58% female, 42% male
- Racial and ethnic composition: 71% White, 12% Hispanic, 14% Black or African American, 1% two or more races, 1% Asian
- Median household income: $73,528 (compared to the Florida average of $123,165)
- Educational attainment: 95.2% high school graduate (or higher), 38.5% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Foreign-born population: 11.2%
Sun City Center Amenities
After moving to Sun City Center, you will gain access to all of the incredible amenities for a small fee. All three areas of the community (Central, South, and West) are home to a Sun City rec center, where you can enjoy state-of-the-art facilities that you can use at your convenience. Some of these facilities include:
- Lawn bowling greens
- Personal computer lab
- Aerobic dance studio
- Model railroad room
- Billiards room
- Pickleball courts
- Radio room
- Arts & Crafts building
- Rollins Theater
- Softball diamond
- Card rooms
- Sun City tennis courts
- Meeting rooms
- Volleyball courts
If you want to tour any of these facilities, head to the Sun City Center Community Association Visitor Center at 901 Cherry Hills Drive, adjacent to North Pebble Beach Boulevard.
The community is also home to the Sun City Center Fitness Center, a 6,100-square-foot facility with over 40 pieces of aerobic equipment and dozens of resistance machines. You will also find a Sun City dog park for your furry friends to enjoy!
In addition to these facilities, there are many fun clubs and activities for you to participate in. A few of the most popular clubs include the Sun City Pickleball Club, Art Club, Scrabble Club, Let’s Dance Ballroom Club, Tennis Club, Archery Club, Cat Lovers Club, Garden Club, and Travel Club.
If you don’t want to join a club, you can check out the daily classes the facility offers. You can take part in pottery, fitness, and dance classes, as well as recreational sports events. You can also help the community by getting involved with security patrol or one of the many support groups.
Golf is one of the most popular activities in Sun City Center. The golf opportunities in the community include:
- Club Renaissance: This club has two 9-hole golf courses that are constantly being renovated and revamped.
- Scepter Golf Club: The newest golf club in Sun City Center with breathtaking views.
- Caloosa Golf & Country Club: This beautiful club is a member-owned, debt-free, private club with a stunning 18-hole course.
- Cypress Golf Club: This course is open to the public every day of the week.
- Freedom Fairways Golf Club: This club is perfect for people of all skill levels and is the only executive golf course in Sun City Center.
You will also find many amazing Sun City Center restaurants in and around the community. Some of the favorites among the locals include Bella Cucina Italian Family Restaurant, BubbaQue’s BBQ, and Old Castle Restaurant.
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Cost of Living in Sun City Center FL
Are you curious about the cost of living in Sun City Center? The CDP is very affordable compared to many other 55+ communities in Florida. The Sun City Center Cost of Living Index is 98.1, making the community 6% more affordable than the national average of 100. One wonderful perk of living in this community is that you will not have to pay for many additional services or memberships. You can enjoy on-site amenities such as fitness centers, pools, and libraries. You will also have access to dance classes, clubs, and events.
When you become a Sun City Center resident, you become a voting member of the Sun City Center Community Association. The Sun City Community Association members have access to all of the facilities and amenities in the CDP for a yearly fee of $309.
The Sun City Center real estate market is booming! If you are searching for homes for sale in Sun City Center, FL, then there are options at every price point. Sun City Center prides itself on being one of the most affordable retirement communities in Florida, with homes ranging from $50,000 to $350,000. The average home price in Sun City Center is on the higher end and is currently sitting at $255,000. Sun City Center real estate comes in the form of condos, duplexes, and single-family homes.
There are no apartment complexes in the community, but there are a few Sun City Center, FL real estate rental options. Rental homes in Sun City Center average $1,741 for a 700 sq ft apartment.
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If you head over to the Sun City Center Community Association Information Center, the staff can give you information on the top realtors in the community.
Sun City Center Neighborhoods and Communities
There are many amazing Sun City Center neighborhoods, each with its own wonderful amenities. These are just a few of the best places to live in Sun City Center.
Kings Point | Gated Community With Many Amenities
Kings Point in Sun City Center, Florida, is a luxury gated community with 24-hour security. This neighborhood is home to a Sun City golf course, six indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, and many fun clubs and activities.
South Lake Coop | Small Neighborhood With Lakefront Views
South Lake Coop is a cozy neighborhood surrounding South Lake. Every home in this neighborhood comes with beautiful views of the lake. South Lake Coop is within walking distance of the biggest Sun City hospital, HCA Florida South Shore Hospital.
Laurel Woods | Peaceful Neighborhood With Golf Club Access
Laurel Woods is situated in the northern portion of the CDP and is right next to the Caloosa Golf & Country Club. Del Webb in Sun City has built many of the homes in this neighborhood, and most are priced in the low $300s.
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Greenbriar | Cozy Area Close to Many Amenities
Greenbriar is located in Central Sun City Center and is close to some of the community’s top attractions. When living in Greenbriar, you are just steps away from the Sun City Center Pickleball Club, SCC Community Hall, and Club Renaissance.
Things to Do in Sun City Center FL
There are many fun things for you to do in the area when you aren’t enjoying the community’s amazing amenities. There are many wonderful Sun City Center stores for you to shop for groceries, such as Winn-Dixie and Save A Lot. If you want to complete some retail shopping, then head over to Sun City Center Plaza or South Bay Plaza. These are just a few of the best things to do in Sun City Center, Florida.
Apollo Beach Manatee Viewing Center
Get a glimpse of these majestic aquatic creatures at the Apollo Beach Manatee Viewing Center, just a short drive away from Sun City Center!
6990 Dickman Rd, Apollo Beach, FL 33572, United States 813-228-4289
Kings Point Community Pool
This pool is located within the Kings Point neighborhood and features an outdoor pool, an indoor lap pool, and an indoor aerobic pool.
1575 Nantucket Dr, Sun City Center, FL 33573, 813-387-3439
Little Manatee River State Park
This aquatic preserve park is both in Sun City Center and Wimauma, FL. The park features rivers, equestrian trails, campsites, and fishing opportunities.
215 Lightfoot Rd, Wimauma, FL 33598, 813-671-5005
Additional Sun City Center Attractions
If you still aren’t sure of what to do in Sun City Center, then check out the community’s activity page.
Sun City Center Weather & Climate
Before moving to Sun City Center, it’s important to know its weather and climate. Sun City Center weather features oppressively hot, wet, and cloudy summers, with short winters that are cool, windy, and only partly cloudy. Throughout the year, the temperature can vary from 52°F to 90°F.
The summer season lasts for 5 months, from May to October, with an average temperature of 86°F. The hottest month in Sun City Center is July, and its coolest months are from December to February.
Sun City Center is located in Hillsborough County, making it susceptible to hurricanes, floods, and tropical storms. That being said, insurance is not mandatory for flood risks.
Sun City Center Jobs
Living in Sun City Center and looking for a job? Not to worry. There’s a wide list of job opportunities for people living in Sun City Center FL. The majority are employed in healthcare and retail.
The highest-paying jobs according to ZipRecruiter are physical therapists, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, handymen, housekeeping, and CNAs.
The average salary in Sun City Center is $48,275, approximately $23.21 an hour.
Sun City Center Statistics & Information
- County: Hillsborough
- Sun City Center area: 16.61 square miles
- Sun City Center zip code: 33573
- Sun City Center area code: 813
- Sun City Center elevation: 49 feet
- Sun City Center time zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
- Closest airport to Sun City Center: Tampa International Airport (TPA), 34.2 miles away
Sun City Florida Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Have to Be 55 to Live in Sun City Center, FL?
Sun City Center is a 55+ community. This means at least one resident of the household must be 55 years of age or older. Exceptions can be made for individuals under 55, but these are limited in number and must meet specific criteria. The community offers a variety of amenities and activities designed for active seniors. This makes Sun City Center the perfect location for seniors seeking an active lifestyle with recreational and social amenities.
Is Sun City a Good Place to Retire?
Sun City Center stands as an excellent place to retire. This is because Sun City Center is a vibrant 55+ community created for affordable living and extensive amenities and community engagement, like golf courses, fitness centers, and social clubs for active seniors.
Is It Better to Rent or Buy in a 55+ Community?
It depends on your personal preferences and long term plans whether or not buying or renting in Sun City Center is the best choice. Buying a home has potential investment value and stability. Meanwhile, renting provides flexibility for those planning to relocate eventually. Most retirees choose to buy, as it allows for customization and access to certain community amenities.
What’s It Like Living in Sun City?
Living in Sun City Center FL is perfect for people who want an active yet relaxed lifestyle. Residents enjoy recreational opportunities like swimming, fitness classes, and social events. It’s a well-maintained city that focuses on its senior residents and their emotional and physical needs.
Is Sun City Center, FL a Good Place to Live?
Sun City Center offers a wide variety of amenities with affordable living and proximity to Tampa Bay. It may not be ideal for those below the age of 55, since Sun City Center residents must have at least one senior living with them. The area is a calm and peaceful environment with all the required essentials for senior living.
Begin Your Independent Living In Sun City Center With 2 College Brothers!
Moving to Sun City Center is a great option for those who are ready to settle down and enjoy retirement in style. When you are ready to relocate, let our experienced movers in Sun City Center lend a hand. Call 2 College Brothers today at 813-922-1528!
