Leisure World Homes for Sale in Mesa, AZ 85206
Leisure World is a guard-gated, age-restricted (55+) community in east Mesa, ZIP 85206, with its main entrance on Power Road between Broadway and Southern and easy access to US 60. It has about 2,664 homes, mostly single-family plus condos, on 958 acres, with two private golf courses and a large fitness and aquatic complex.
I'm Terry Day with DeLex Realty. Leisure World is one of the East Valley's original 55+ communities, and it still draws buyers who want gates, guards and a golf course without leaving the Mesa area. It also has a setup you will not find in most neighborhoods, because it is a county island rather than part of the city. Here is what I tell buyers and sellers about it.
Leisure World at a glance
- Mesa mailing address, ZIP 85206; association office at 908 S Power Rd
- Age-restricted 55+ community with guard houses at each entrance and 24-hour security
- About 2,664 homes on 958 acres: more than 2,100 single-family homes and nearly 500 condos
- Two private golf courses: Coyote Run (18 holes, par 73) and Heron Lakes (18-hole executive, par 62)
- 10,000 sq ft fitness center, aquatic center with lap pool, tennis and pickleball
- Unincorporated Maricopa County island surrounded by the City of Mesa
See all Leisure World homes for saleCall Terry: 602-483-4665
Where it is
Leisure World sits in east Mesa. The main gate is on Power Road between Broadway Road and Southern Avenue, and US 60 (the Superstition Freeway) is a short drive south, so getting to Tempe, Chandler or Phoenix Sky Harbor is simple. Superstition Springs Center and its shopping are close by on the other side of US 60.
One detail many buyers miss: Leisure World is an unincorporated county island. The City of Mesa surrounds it, and homes use Mesa addresses, but the land is in Maricopa County rather than inside city limits. The association handles many things a city usually would, like security, private roads and trash, and police service comes from the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. Ask me to walk you through what that means for a specific home. My moving to Mesa guide covers the wider area.
The homes
Leisure World opened in the early 1970s (sources give 1972 or 1973) and was built out over the next two decades. Today it has about 2,664 homes. Most are single-family houses, and nearly 500 are condos. You will also see garden-style and patio-style homes in some sections. Some homes back to the golf courses, and those lots tend to be the most requested.
Because the homes are older, condition varies a lot. Some have been fully updated, and others still have original kitchens and baths. When I show homes here, I look closely at roofs, HVAC age, plumbing and any past additions, and I check that changes were approved by the association.
Things to do
Golf is a big part of life here. Coyote Run is an 18-hole, par-73 course of about 6,400 yards. Heron Lakes is an 18-hole executive course, par 62, that plays shorter and faster. Both are private courses run for the community.
Off the course, the association lists a 10,000 sq ft fitness center with a sauna and steam room, an aquatic center with a lap pool, a resort-style pool and spa, tennis, pickleball and basketball. Community sources also describe a library, an auditorium, a woodworking shop, a ballroom and more than 150 clubs, so there is something on the calendar most days.
Schools
Leisure World is an age-restricted community, so school assignment rarely matters for buyers here, and many listings show "Adult" in the school fields. One listing names Mesa Public Schools as the district. If schools matter for your plans, confirm with the district for the exact address.
HOA basics
The Leisure World Community Association (LWCA) runs the community. It is governed by an elected Governing Board, with owners voting in seven districts. The association covers gate staffing and security, the private streets, the golf courses and the recreation centers, and it sets the age rules and architectural rules. Read the CC&Rs, the age-verification rules and the current budget before you write an offer, and ask what is included for your home type, since condos and single-family homes can be set up differently.
Buying in Leisure World
Start by deciding between a single-family home and a condo, and between golf frontage and an interior street. Then look at age and condition. A home with a newer roof and HVAC can be a better buy than a cheaper one that needs both. Make sure at least one buyer meets the 55+ rule, and ask the association about its approval process early so closing is not delayed.
Some sellers here have low-rate loans, and a few are assumable. My assumable mortgage guide explains how that works, and first steps to buying a home in Arizona covers the basics. You can also compare other 55+ homes in Mesa.
Selling your Leisure World home
Buyers here compare golf frontage, updates and the walk or cart ride to the clubhouse. Price against recent Leisure World sales of the same home type, not against all of Mesa, and show off what you have updated. Have your association documents ready, since buyers will ask for them right away. My pricing guide and the Mesa home values guide can help you plan, and I am glad to run the numbers for your home.
Clubhouses and amenities
The clubhouse campus is where daily life happens in Leisure World. When I walk buyers through for the first time, I tell them to treat the tour like a checklist and confirm what is open to every homeowner and what needs a separate sign-up or membership. Here is what the community association lists:
- The Clubhouse, home of the Rendezvous Café. There is also a seasonal café at the Coyote Run clubhouse serving breakfast and lunch.
- Fitness center: a 10,000 square foot facility, recently updated, with lockers and showers, a sauna and steam room, a lounge with a terrace view, personal training, fitness assessments and massage therapy.
- Aquatic Center: swimming pools, a lap pool and a spa, with swim classes and group fitness. The association says there is no extra cost to use the pool and spa; residents sign in at the fitness center front desk.
- Courts and fields: newly expanded tennis and pickleball courts, plus a softball league and pickup basketball.
- Administration Building: centrally located, with a fully stocked library.
I always ask the association for the current amenity rules and guest policy in writing before my buyers write an offer.
Activities and clubs
The activity calendar is the best preview of everyday life here. The association's Recreation Department runs a full schedule of events in and outside Leisure World, and resident groups cover a wide range of interests:
- Arts, crafts and learning: arts and crafts, technology and travel groups, with classes such as pottery, computers and even antique clock repair.
- Social and games: card games, bingo, and quiet time in the library.
- Dance and outdoors: dance clubs, tap dance classes and hiking clubs.
- Sports: pickleball, tennis, softball, basketball and golf leagues.
If pickleball is a priority, ask for the current open-play times before you buy. Grab a printed calendar at the front desk on your tour.
Golf at Coyote Run and Heron Lakes
Both 18-hole courses were designed by Greg Nash. Coyote Run is the championship course, about 6,437 yards from the back tees. Heron Lakes is the executive course, about 4,024 yards, with lakes that look out to mountain views. Each course has its own full-service golf shop, and there is a driving range, practice greens and practice bunkers. In the busy winter months, play often goes off in shotgun starts.
Golf is not part of basic residency. Part of everyone's common fees helps maintain the courses, and golfers join either or both courses to play, with monthly and annual memberships and a frequent golfer punch card. Leagues include men's and women's groups at Coyote Run and women's 18-hole and 9-hole leagues at Heron Lakes.
If a golf course lot is on your list, walk the lot line. Fairway views come with cart traffic and the occasional ball in the yard. Some buyers want that setting; others prefer an interior street.
Home types and floor plans
Leisure World's 2,664 homes range from condominiums to golf course homes, built in sections over about two decades, so styles and sizes vary from street to street. Because many homes have been remodeled, the same floor plan can look very different inside. For any home you like, ask Terry for the floor plan and I will send what is available. Comparing other Mesa 55+ options? See my guides to Sunland Village and Fountain of the Sun.
See all Leisure World homes for saleCall Terry: 602-483-4665
Want only the newest homes? See Leisure World new listings.
Thinking about a home on Coyote Run or Heron Lakes? See my Leisure World golf course homes page.
Want your own backyard pool? See Leisure World homes with a pool for pool rules, approvals and recent prices.
Want room for a cart? See Leisure World homes with a golf cart garage.
Questions buyers ask
Is Leisure World a 55+ community?
Yes, Leisure World is an age-restricted 55+ community. Confirm the exact occupancy rules for your situation with the association before you buy.
Is Leisure World gated?
Yes, Leisure World has guard houses at its entrances and 24-hour security, according to the community association.
Is Leisure World part of the City of Mesa?
No, Leisure World is an unincorporated Maricopa County island surrounded by Mesa, although homes use Mesa addresses and ZIP code 85206.
Are the Leisure World golf courses open to the public?
No, Coyote Run and Heron Lakes are private courses run for the community. Ask the association how resident golf access works. Browse all Mesa homes for sale or see DeLex Realty listings in Mesa.
Are the pools and fitness center included with homeownership?
The association says there is no extra cost to use the pool and spa; residents sign in at the fitness center front desk. Ask me for the current association documents and I will walk you through what is included.
Do I need a golf membership to play Coyote Run or Heron Lakes?
Yes. Golf is not part of basic residency. Golfers join either or both courses, with monthly or annual memberships or a frequent golfer punch card.
How do my guests get in when they visit?
Each resident tells security which visitors are approved, and visitors who are not on the list are turned away. Ask for the current guest rules for the pools and courts in writing, especially if family visits often in winter.
Nearby communities to compare
Thinking about Leisure World?I can help you compare golf and interior lots, condos and houses, or price your home against the right recent sales. Call or text me at
602-483-4665.
Community details come from public sources and can change. Confirm HOA age rules, fees and other details for a specific home before you buy. Terry Day, DeLex Realty.
