Arizona Traditions
Since 1996, Arizona Traditions has grown from an open desert into one of the most sought-after 55+ communities in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Here is the story of how it came to be.
Arizona Traditions was founded in 1996 by Continental Homes, which was later acquired by DR Horton — one of the largest homebuilders in the United States. The original vision was a master-planned active adult community in the rapidly growing west Valley of Metro Phoenix, just outside the city of Surprise.
The community was designed around an 18-hole golf course that winds through the neighborhood, giving residents both a recreational amenity and a scenic backdrop for everyday life. The original neighborhood — simply called Arizona Traditions — established the template that would define the community for decades.
| 1996 | Arizona Traditions founded by Continental Homes |
| Late 1990s | Continental Homes acquired by DR Horton |
| 2000s | The Retreat neighborhood added, expanding the community |
| Ongoing | Community grows to 1,768 single-family homes |
| Today | One of the premier 55+ communities in Metro Phoenix |
As demand for active adult living in the west Valley grew, a second neighborhood called The Retreat was added to the community. The Retreat brought additional single-family homes and expanded the overall footprint of Arizona Traditions — all while maintaining the same standards of community design, amenity access, and active adult lifestyle.
Today, Arizona Traditions and The Retreat together form a single unified HOA community of 1,768 homes, sharing all amenities, the golf course, and community governance.
Nearly three decades after its founding, Arizona Traditions continues to attract active adults looking for a warm, welcoming community with an exceptional quality of life. Residents come from across the country — and many from around the world — drawn by the Arizona sunshine, the resort-style amenities, and above all, the people who call this community home.
About the CommunitySee what Arizona Traditions has to offer — amenities, activities, and homes available in the community.