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.

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.

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.

Sun City Palm Desert Active Adult Community by Linda Novick, Realtor

Hi Readers,

It is Friday night and I thought I would share a couple of things that have happened here at Sun City lately. First of all, one of our palm trees fell over last Sunday. I have lived here for 10 years and have never heard of this happening. But there it was, laying across our main street. Fortunately no one was hurt, but you can bet I will be watching for flying palm trees in the future.

I also have been busy making a few videos for those of you who would like to know a bit more about our beautiful guard gated golf and tennis community. The latest one showing our great library can be viewed at the following website: http://www.wellcomemat.com/video/DCDA66BF71. I also did a video on how my husband David and I made the decision 10 years ago to purchase here at SCPD. I tried to be very open and take a look at some of the real questions that face us when choosing to move into a senior retirement home. We are so happy we made the move. The friends that we have made and the adventures that we have shared with them are the best in our lives. Live here is so unbelievable that we have to pinch ourselves on occasion to make sure we aren't dreaming. If you think you would enjoy this lifestyle, please give me a call. I would love to help you find the perfect retirement home, and to introduce you to a life worth living. Give me a call at 760/397-3652. Together we will make your dreams come true. You can also reach me by email at lindanovick@windermere.com.

Hello Friends,

Today I want to chat about our wonderful library here in Sun City Palm Desert. It is truly one of a kind and only second to perhaps a city or college library. There are so many book clubs here in Sun City; after all we have 5,000 homes and 9,000 residents; that current best sellers are often found in the library in multiples. Besides the many novels, mysteries, biographies and autobiographies we have most of today's current magazines and periodicals. The library setting is perfect for sitting around the fireplace and browsing, or just choose and be on your way. Books on tape and CD's are also available, as are video movies. This is a no fee library for all owners.

This is just one of the many amenities found here at Sun City Palm Desert. In addition to two regulation size golf courses we have an 18 hole putting course that winds itself around a beautiful lake, softball diamond, 2 full fitness centers, 3 huge clubhouses, 3 restaurants, a movie/meeting auditorium, a ballroom for dances, lunches or dinners, a dance studio for aerobics, step class, and line dancing, a billiard room with about 10 tables, bocce courts, tennis and paddle courts, 5 swimming pools, walking and hiking trails, biking, travel and gourmet clubs and many other clubs and activities. We have just under 5,000 homes and 9,000 happy home owners here in Sun City.

If this sounds like a lifestyle you would enjoy, then call me and we will find your perfect dream home. Linda Novick, Associate Broker at Windermere Real Estate Coachella Valley

Direct: 760/397-3652 Email: lindanovick@windermere.com Web: www.lindanovick.mywindermere.com

We are into October now and and weather is right on cue, down into the 90's during the day and the low 70's at night. I'm excited to start walking outdoors again and playing golf on Tuesdays with the ladies. I have missed that this summer as I have worked almost daily. This has been one of the most active real estate summers here in the Coachella Valley in many a year. In May we had over 8,000 properties for sale in the Valley and now we are below 5,000. Of course many were foreclosures, and that brought the investors in from all over, primarily Los Angeles County. According to the National Association of Realtors there are still over 7 million foreclosures to be released over the next couple of years.

We have seen between 1.2 and 1.4 million buyers using the $8,000 tax credit to buy their first home (or first within three years). All sales using the tax credit have to close by December 1, 2009. There are, however, 12 more bills in Congress to make money available for home buyers, and not all of them are for first time buyers. The bill that is creating the most buzz is one for a $15,000 tax credit to anyone (not just first time buyers) who plans to occupy the home. We should see the results of those bills within the next month or so.

This is the time of year here in the Valley and at Sun City Palm Desert, where I specialize in real estate, that the golf courses are scalped and reseeded for the coming year. It is amazing to watch as one day the course is beige from the scalping, and within 3 weeks is green and plush. The trees are getting their haircuts and the planting of the winter and spring flowers is beginning. Snowbirds are starting to return and pretty soon the place will be buzzing about summer adventures and travel as friends reunite and begin a new season.

The Clubs here at Sun City Palm Desert are planning their schedules and agendas for season. Schedules for ladies, mens and couples golf will be posted online. Tennis courts are ready for you. Flyers describing hikes, bicycling trips, travel trips and other outings will be posted. The softball season will soon begin and teams will be at the ball diamond practicing. The 2 fitness centers will be full again, artists will be spinning and firing and painting their ceramics, taking classes in oils and pastels, how to make jewelry, create stained glass projects, wood projects, sewing, knitting and all other crafts. The creativity of residents here is quite amazing, as you can see for yourself at our bi-annual craft fairs. And don't forget about the billiard club, the bocce club, pet club, card clubs, writers club, drama, singing clubs and games in general. It is all here, and in abundance at Sun City Palm Desert.

If you are an active senior (55+) and would like to live in one of the most desired gated golf communities in the nation, then give me a call. I will help you find your dream home.

Linda Novick, Associate Broker, Windermere Real Estate Coachella Valley

Direct: 760/397-3952 Email: lindanovick@windermere.com

Website: www.lindanovick.mywindermere.com Blog: www.suncityrealestate.blogpost.com

Sun City Palm Desert Amenities

Welcome to my #2 blog. And now I know what 'real' writers go through when they sit down to write an article, a book or perhaps a poem. It is 9:30 at night and I'm sitting at my desk trying to catch up after being on Jury Duty for the last 2 days. So this is writers block? I've been wanting to interview officers of the many clubs we have here at Sun City Palm Desert, but my flip video has not arrived yet. Yes, I'm going to be posting some video pictures and comments from many of the people who call this paradise. So until my video arrives I think I'm just going to do a quick review of what we have here.

We have slightly less than 5,000 homes within our beautiful guard-gated community. We have two beautiful full size golf courses plus a much loved 18 hole putting course. Visitors, children and grandchildren love the putting course. We are graced with two full size fitness centers, 4 pools (one inside), tennis courts, handball courts, billiard room, bocce courts, softball diamond, 3 restaurants, a full library, onsite post office, a ballroom for dances and concerts, a dance studio utilized for aerobics, yoga, dancing and step classes and a large computer lab where you can learn to use a computer, learn new programs, transfer your pictures to cd's, or just have fun. We also have a model railroad room, an art studio, a ceramics room, sewing room, stained glass room and any number of meeting rooms that can be reserved for clubs and personal events.

In addition to the facilities mentioned above we have clubs that meet almost every need. There is the art club where you can take lessons or just do your thing; all kinds of card and game clubs (bridge, bocce club, canasta, ceramics club (you can even throw your own pots), cribbage, computer club, gin rummy, mah jongg, pan and pinochle; needlecrafts club; crafty ladies club; jewelry making club; square dance club; biking club, hiking club, volunteer club, line dancing club, drama club; financial club; forum club; model railroad club, yacht club, bowling club; gourmet club; travel club; music buffs club; New York club; pet lover's club; quilters club; racquet club; RV owners club; singles club; water aerobics club; stained glass club; genealogy club, veterans club, video club, camera club, many book clubs, wine tasters club and the rainbow club.

Our golf clubs include the ladies golf club, the ladies 9-hole golf club, ladies putters club, mens golf club, mens 9-hole golf club, mens putters club and the couples golf club. Golf is extremely affordable here at Sun City Palm Desert as you pay to play. Golf packages are offered on an annual basis.

I have no doubt left something, and more like many things out, but you get the idea. We truly have it all here. Don't settle for just ok when you could have it all plus the cherry on top.

Linda Novick, Associate Broker Making 'real estate dreams' come true for over 37 years
Windermere Real Estate Coachella Valley
Direct: 760-397-3652
Blog: www.suncityrealestate.blogspot.com
Email: lindanovick@windermere.com
Website: www.lindanovick.mywindermere.com

Living in Paradise

It is absolutely true; we do live in Paradise Toto. I remember when we still lived in Orange County, and our son, who lived in the Coachella Valley where the wonderful cities of Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage and La Quinta are located, would come to visit and cry the whole time he was with us about how cold it was, that the traffic is terrible, and that I lived in a concrete jungle. Was he ever surprised; more like shocked and scared; when I said that we (my husband and I) were moving to Palm Desert and were going to share his little corner of Paradise. What he had done, and not intentionally I must say, is to convince us that this was the place to be. And he was right! We couldn't be happier.

I had sold two friends, from Orange County, homes in Sun City Palm Desert prior to deciding to move here myself, and I still was not convinced that this was where I wanted to be. As a real estate broker I treated myself like a client and previewed all of the communities where I thought we might enjoy living. I had three criteria: 1. The home had to be single story. No more stairs for me. 2 & 3. The community had to have a golf course and be a gated community. After spending many months of viewing properties I knew that Sun City Palm Desert was the place for us. My gosh, the amenities are amazing. We got our gates, our single story, and not just one golf course, but two! In addition to that we have 2 complete fitness centers, 3 clubhouses, 4 pools, a gigantic library, post office, billiard room, 3 restaurants, softball diamonds, tennis courts, driving range, dance studio and over 70 clubs to meet anyone's interests.

Yes indeed! If you are a 55+ active adult and want to live life to the fullest, then this is the place to be. More later....

Linda Novick, Associate Broker Making real estate dreams come true for over 37 years
Windermere Real Estate Coachella Valley
Direct: 760-397-3652
Blog: www.suncityrealestate.blogpost.com
Email: lindanovick@windermere.com
Website: www.lindanovick.mywindermere.com