If you’re exploring neighborhoods in Mesa, Arizona, and seeking a friendly, welcoming vibe with a little extra tranquility, Fountain of the Sun deserves a spot on your list. Designed primarily for those 55 and older, this gated community blends a resort feel with the comforts of home. Here’s what you can expect living in Fountain of the Sun—and why neighbors love calling it home.
Community Vibe
Fountain of the Sun, located just south of Broadway Road between Sossaman Road and Higley Road, offers a deep sense of belonging. From the moment you enter the gated main entrance on 80th Street, you’re greeted by friendly faces—either waving from golf carts or tending colorful desert landscaping.
- The community is known for its social spirit, and residents often say it’s easy to meet people here.
- Dozens of clubs, organized events, and shared amenities like the clubhouse and pool area draw neighbors together.
- Regular activities—Bingo nights, craft shows, and holiday parties—quickly make new residents feel at home.
Whether you’re looking for camaraderie or the quiet retreat of palm-shaded paths, the neighborhood’s relaxed energy fits a variety of lifestyles.
Types of Housing
Fountain of the Sun features a wide range of housing options, primarily crafted to meet the preferences and needs of active adults:
- Single-family homes—both detached and patio homes—line the winding, low-traffic streets, with mature trees and well-kept yards.
- Many homes cluster around the Fountain of the Sun Golf Club and its glimmering ponds, rewarding some residents with lush fairway views.
- There are also condos and manufactured homes, offering affordable entry points for retirees or snowbirds.
Homes frequently feature Arizona rooms, covered patios, and easy-maintenance landscapes—perfect for enjoying the outdoors. The neighborhood feels cohesive and established, but each street (like E. Broadway Rd., S. 80th St., and E. Fountain Way) shows off subtle differences in architectural style.
Walkability
One of the biggest draws for many is how easy it is to get around by foot, bike, or golf cart:
- Every street is lined with sidewalks and gentle curves, creating a peaceful loop for morning walks or evening chats with neighbors.
- The neighborhood has several pocket parks, grassy knolls, and benches for rest stops.
- Golf carts are a common sight, giving residents a fun, easy way to head to the clubhouse, shuffleboard courts, or community pool.
While it isn’t a traditional mixed-use neighborhood, major shopping like Fry’s Food & Drug, Home Depot, and restaurants along Southern Avenue are just a short drive or bike ride away.
Schools and Family-Friendliness
Fountain of the Sun is primarily geared toward adults 55+, so families with school-age children won’t find this the most suitable neighborhood for raising kids. That said:
- It’s common to see grandkids visiting for the weekend or on school breaks—especially in the summer, when the backyard pools and desert trails get plenty of use.
- Visiting families can explore highly rated schools nearby in the Mesa Public Schools district, including Stevenson Elementary and Skyline High.
For those seeking a quiet, less child-centered environment but with the chance to host family, Fountain of the Sun strikes a happy balance.
Parks and Green Spaces
Though not home to large city parks, the neighborhood’s best “green” assets are its golf course, lush common areas, and pocket parks. Key spots include:
- The 18-hole Fountain of the Sun Golf Club is a highlight, offering both scenic golf and a community centerpiece for social activity.
- Community walking trails wind around the golf fairways, water features, and desert landscaping.
- Small duck ponds and cactus gardens provide serene resting places for a moment of Zen.
Many residents join walking groups or gardening clubs to maximize time outdoors, reveling in the mild winters and desert blooms.
Safety
Gated entries and attentive security help Fountain of the Sun maintain a strong feeling of safety:
- 24-hour gated access ensures only residents and their guests enter the community.
- Organized neighborhood watch groups and “neighbors helping neighbors” programs keep everyone connected.
It’s common for residents to leave windows open on cool nights or to take long evening strolls without worry.
Proximity to Downtown and Major Employers
Fountain of the Sun combines peaceful living with great access to urban amenities:
- Downtown Mesa and the arts district are a 15-minute drive west via US-60.
- Banner Baywood Hospital is just 10 minutes north, making it convenient for healthcare workers or those who value quick access to medical care.
- Commuters find it easy to reach the Superstition Freeway (US-60) for trips toward Tempe, Scottsdale, or downtown Phoenix.
The neighborhood’s location balances retreat-from-the-city with proximity to modern conveniences.
What Residents Love Most
Ask anyone around the intersection of E. Fountain Way and S. 80th St., and you’ll hear familiar refrains about why they love Fountain of the Sun:
- The welcoming neighbors who check in on each other
- The ease of joining social clubs—always something to do if you want it
- The peaceful, safe feeling day and night
- The pride in homes and landscaping—everyone pitches in to keep the neighborhood looking sharp
- The quick access to shopping, healthcare, and Highway 60
There’s a strong “stickiness” here—many residents return as winter visitors for years before eventually making the move full-time. The result is a neighborhood that feels both tightly knit and perpetually welcoming.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a friendly, low-maintenance, and activity-rich neighborhood in Southeast Mesa, Fountain of the Sun checks all the boxes—especially for those seeking an active adult lifestyle. Its gentle pace, outstanding amenities, and strong sense of community help residents feel right at home in the heart of the East Valley.