A Second Childhood in an Active Adult Community

Can't believe you are a senior? I can't believe I am either! My mind and heart still feel like I'm in my 20's. Well... maybe my 30's. That is the same story I hear everyday from the nearly 9,000 residents of wonderful Sun City Palm Desert (SCPD). We all came here for various reasons; sun, golf, tennis, single story homes, gated community, lots of swimming pools, over 75 clubs of various interests, the many casinos, restaurants and fabulous shopping in the Palm Springs area, and yet close enough to Los Angeles for a day trip. Once here, we all found out the same thing; that we found paradise!

One would have to work really hard not to make a lot of friends or to find the perfect club to match their interests. There is a club for everyone and everything, and perhaps two or three. Besides the two championship golf courses SCPD offers a 18 hole putting course that meanders around a lovely lake, a softball league, a yacht club (electronically controlled), cyclists, tennis (10 courts), bocce, bowling league, gourmet club, wine club, acting club (and lots of plays), gardeners club, card clubs, mah jongg club, hiking club, pet lovers, RV club and many other crafts clubs such as wood workers, stained glass, paper arts, oil and water color, model railroad club, quilting and sewing clubs.

In addition to the arts and crafts and physical activity clubs there are heritage clubs, solos club (for singles), rainbow club, forum club (thought provoking speakers), outside entertainers who bring us joy a couple times a week, karaoke, 3 restaurants, 2 state-of-the-art fitness centers, a terrific lending library and on-site post office. Let's not forget about the fishing pond that is stocked for catch and release. Does it get any better than this?

The best part of all are the people we get to meet. Many come from around the world and bring wonderful diversity to our community. Most have marvelous talents to share such as retired actors, writers, musicians, songwriters, etc. A large number of our residents still work either full or part time and some have developed different career paths and are doing something they love.

Sun City is not for everyone (I actually know one couple who moved away because it was too busy). However, if you want to do all the things that you couldn't, or didn't do during your working years, then this is the place for you. If all you want to do is drive around in your golf cart and drink-in the beauty, then this is the place for you. If all you want to do is walk, jog or bicycle the trails and behold the mountain, lakes and golf course views, then this is the place for you. If all you want to do is make more friends than you have had in your entire lifetime, then this is the place for you.

A Visit To Our Model Railroad Club

January at Sun City Palm Desert by Linda Novick

January is such a laid-back month here in Sun City Palm Desert (SCPD). After November and December; months filled with partys, dances, dinners and visits to and from family and friends; January becomes the month of restoration of mind and body, and reconnecting with our extended family here in SCPD. That means getting back into our areas of interest, whether it be meeting up at the fitness center, riding short or long distances with the biking club, hiking trails with the hiking club, striking that little white dimpled ball while playing a game of golf with one of our golf clubs (mens, ladies, couples, niners, putting), striking that fuzzy ball on the court with one of our tennis club friends, bowling, or any of the other many activities here in SCPD. Those who prefer playing cards are getting together for a game of Bridge (Social or Duplicate), Pan, Pinochle, Gin Rummy, Cribbage, Hearts, or tile games such as Rummy Q and Mah Jongg. Other indoor activities and clubs that will get your creative juices running are ceramics, art (pastels or oils), billiards, needlecrafts, jewelry making, quilters, camera, astronomy, car, computer, hand made crafts, wood crafts, dancing, model railroaders, music buffs, performing arts, and the writers circle. Then there are the clubs for those that prefer a little something different, i.e. financial, food and wine connoisseurs, discussion groups, garden, genealogy, travel, line dancing, pet lovers, solos, veterans, yacht and wine tasters clubs. And if you don't see something here that 'floats your boat', then start a club yourself. I was instrumental in starting the jewelry club because I always had an interest in beading. Sun City Palm Desert is a place for you to come and experience all the best in life. And, similar to a scout camp, you can do it all, or nothing at all.

Come to SCPD (an active adult golf and tennis community) for a visit and you will stay for a lifetime. That is what we did 9 years ago. My husband and I moved here from Orange County, California, where I had been in the real estate business since 1972. This is truly like living in paradise. Check out the videos on my website to get a taste of what it would be like living here in the beautiful Coachella Valley. We are in the heart of the Valley along with the cities of Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, La Quinta. The Valley is known as the golf capital of the world with over 120 golf courses. Of course there is plenty of upscale shopping (El Paseo) and the some of the best restaurants in Southern California.

For more information please check my website at http://lindanovick.com/, email me at lindanovick@windermere.com for a free copy of my e-newsletter, or call me direct at 760-397-3652. I look forward to assisting you in your search for the perfect full or part time dream home.

Linda Novick, Broker Associate

Windermere Real Estate Coachella Valley

Sun City Real Estate Blog by Linda Novick

I'm sitting here watching another beautiful sunset here in Sun City Palm Desert. It is so beautifully clear and still; I just love fall season here. Sun City is buzzing with activity as most of our snowbirds have returned for season. Both of our championship golf courses are plush with their new green coats. The tennis courts are busy as are all of the swimming pools. Our restaurants are full as most are eating out while getting ready for the big Thanksgiving Day celebration this Thursday. Our main restaurant will have two seatings of Thanksgiving dinners for a very reasonable $25.00 each. It is a good thing we have two fitness centers as we will need them to work off the holiday calories.

Our semi-annual arts and crafts show just ended. It seems to grow larger each year. So many gifted people live here in Sun City and participate in the shows. The writers club featured books for sale, the jewelry club had 5 tables of beautifully handcrafted and elegant bracelets, necklaces and earrings, the ceramics club is always a draw with hundreds of custom handcrafted items from holiday santas, desert creatures, vases, and various decorations for the home. The woodworking club had beautiful birdhouses for sale as well as various wood bowls and carvings for sale. The stained glass club was present with many colorful and decorative items and the sewing, knitting and quilting clubs had beautiful handmade blankets, baby clothes and misc. items on sale. This twice annual show is always received well and very much looked forward to by residents and local neighbors.

Today I drove through the Joshua Tree National Park with my husband and his son and family. They are here visiting from Denver, Colorado and had not seen this 'out of the world' rock scape before. I love the look of the giant bolders and watching the climbers and rapellers in action. People come from all over the world to view and climb these jumbo rocks. I did, however, miss seeing the wildflowers that are only present during the spring season. The park covers 800,000 acres from the low Colorado Desert to the high Majave Desert. We are very lucky to live so close to such a unique National Park.

I better run now as I have to prepare for some home showings tomorrow. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Sun City Palm Desert by Linda Novick

Hello Readers,

I’m blogging today from 38,000 feet while flying to Spokane, WA. Of course I can’t get online while in the air so I am using Word and will copy and paste upon arrival. I am taking a few days to get my energy cells recharged by hugging and kissing my daughter, granddaughters and great grandsons for the next 3 days. It has been too long. It has been raining in Spokane, and according the 10 day weather forecast, will continue to rain, and perhaps snow while I am there. That is perfectly fine with me as all I see everyday in the desert is sunshine, sunshine, and more sunshine. J Just awful isn’t it?

My husband, David, and I stopped at the new Panera’s on Ramon near the airport for a bite of breakfast. I fell in love with their bacon and spinach quiche. It was light and fluffy and absolutely delicious.

After checking my luggage, and as I was walking through the Palm Springs Airport, I was able to observe all the upgrades that were completed during the last 6 months. It looks great, with the new Starbucks and tables and chairs outside, and surrounded by lovely flowers and greenery. It looks like a new restaurant area is in progress.

The growth of the airport is just one of the many markers here in the Coachella Valley that shows our tremendous growth over the last decade. While still considered small town by national standards, the Palm Springs area is definitely the go-to destination of the baby boomers. We have everything they are looking for, i.e., sunshine, golf, tennis, great shopping, hiking, biking, walking and jogging trails, top of the line restaurants and casinos for first class entertainment. While 2nd homes are still a large draw to this area, we are seeing more year round residents every year. Active adults, seniors and retirees find everything they have looked for here in the Valley. We have several gated country clubs that offer single story homes, tennis, golf, swimming, softball, fishing, bocce, fitness centers, restaurants and a multitude of clubs for activities and various interests. If this sounds like the lifestyle you have been thinking about, please give me a call at 760-397-3652 and I will help make your dreams come true. I have been helping people find their dream homes for over 37 years and would love to apply for the job of working with you.

Linda Novick, Broker Associate
Windermere Real Estate Coachella Valley
Email: lindanovick@windermere.com
Website: http://LindaNovick.com
Cell: 760-397-3652

Life in Sun City Palm Desert

Greetings Desert Lovers,

I can hardly believe tomorrow is the 1st of November. Our snowbirds are steadly arriving and you can feel the hum of the community as we ready ourselves for another fabulous season. The activity clubs such as golf, baseball, tennis, biking, hiking, billiards, bocce and bowling are getting organized. Meetings have started for the resident interest groups and all things are under way. You can feel the buzz as friends see one another after a summer away. Life is good.

The Santa Rosa golf course opened this week after scalping and reseeding. The grass looks like velvet. The San Gorgonio course is being scalped and reseeded and should be ready for play in about two weeks. There is no doubt that our championship courses are of the highest quality here in Coachella Valley, home to over 120 golf courses.

Residents have been decorating for Halloween. The quantity is not high but the quality is spectacular. It is really fun to drive through the community and see how talented some of our neighbors are.

Yesterday I added a new video to my website (LindaNovick.com)of the Sun City Palm Desert Yacht Club. There were out in force for a big race on the fishing pond lake. Members are engaged in the sailing of radio controlled boats, both sale and power. Watching a regatta is really a kick. We are talking serious competition here.

The Trim 'N' Tone class just got back from a 5 day party cruise. These girls (and guys) really know how to have a good time. There are many other fitness classes in addition to two complete fitness centers.

Our bi-annual Arts and Crafts Show will be held on November 19th, 20th and 21st. Articals from the Art Club, BZB's, Ceramics Club, Crafty Ladies, Homecrafters Club, Jewelry Club, Paper Arts Club, Quilters, Stained Glass Club, Stitch 'N Sew, and our Writers Circle Club will be providing hand made articles for sale. There is some amazing talent here at Sun City Palm Desert.

If you have been thinking about moving to an active adult community, you must consider Sun City Palm Desert. We are certainly the flagship of gated golf and tennis communitys for the +55 active senior. Many here are retired and many still work. For the most part, those that are retired use the club amenities during the week and those that still work enjoy the activities on the week-end. The main theme here is that everyone is grateful to live in such a beautiful environment where friendships are found at every event. And forget the extremely low association dues.

For addition information on Sun City Palm Desert call me, Linda Novick at 760-397-3652. You can also see videos of activities here at Sun City on my website at www.LindaNovick.com. You can also email me to request a copy of my monthly e-newsletter. I have been helping people find their perfect dream home for over 37 years. I would like to apply for the job of assisting you.

Sun City Palm Desert Activities

Hello Readers,

It is another beautiful day here in Sun City Palm Desert. I am seeing a steady stream of golf carts going down the main street as the Ladies 18 Golf Club has just finished their round and are heading over to PaPa Dan's for lunch and game review. I know they will all be talking about the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies and their new show celebrating the music, dance and comedy of the 1940's, 50s and 60s with renowned guest stars, and a cast of 56 to 86 years young. If you have never seen the Follies, put it on your 'must do' list. People travel from far and wide to see this entertaining extravaganza. The show is held at the historic Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs. For tickets call 760-327-0225.

Outdoor activities rule here during season. Hiking and biking and walking trails run through-out the Valley and up into Joshua National Park. Joshua National Park is just 1/2 hour from the Valley floor, but you would think you were in another world. The landscapes vary as you drive through the Park, from Joshua Tree gardens, to wildflowers in spring, to rocks and bolders that make you feel like you are on another planet. This is a world renown haven for rock climbers. Camping is also permitted in the Park.

Speaking of outdoor activities I want to remind you of all the arts and crafts shows and certified farmers markets that are abundant through-out season. Every week-end at the College-of-the-Desert (COD) there is a huge outdoor festival with art, clothing, jewelry, hats and food. You can easily spend 3 hours wandering up and down the isles viewing all the wonderful goodies. Music too!

The Palm Springs Villagefest is every Thursday evening from 6-10pm along Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. This is somewhat similar to the COD event but differs because it is at night and all the stores and restaurants along Palm Canyon are open for the event. Go early for a good parking spot.

The certified farmers markets are in Palm Springs on Saturday (8-12) at the Palm Springs Mall, in Old Town LaQuinta on Sundays from 8 to 12:30, and in Palm Desert at the Palm Desert Visitors Center on Wednesdays from 8-12:30. The Palm Desert Visitors Center is located at 72567 Hwy 111 and is a worth while stop anytime.

For more information on Sun City Palm Desert, California's premier active adult gated golf and tennis community, or Coachella Valley Real Estate, call Linda Novick, Associate Broker at Windermere Real Estate Coachella Valley. Direct: 760-397-3652. I also publish an e-newsletter once a month and would be happy to put you on distribution.

Email: lindanovick@windermere.com
Website: www.lindanovick.mywindermere.com
Blog: www.suncitypalmdesert.blogspot.com
Linda Novick: Working with happy home buyers for 37 years.