What does the HOA really cover at Sun City Grand, and how do you access those famous amenities? If you are comparing active‑adult communities, clear answers can save you time and money. In this guide, you will see what the annual assessment includes, how Activity Cards work for owners and renters, and where optional costs like golf and clubs fit in. You will also find links to the association’s official pages so you can double‑check numbers during escrow. Let’s dive in.
What the HOA covers at The Grand
Sun City Grand is managed by the Sun City Grand Community Association, Inc., also called The Grand. The association posts the current fiscal‑year assessment and buyer fees on its official Buy page. For the period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, the homeowner assessment is $1,921, and it includes up to two Resident Activity Cards per household. You should always verify the current fiscal period and rate in the resale packet on the association’s Buy page.
The annual assessment funds community operations, staffing, common‑area maintenance, landscaping, and reserves. It also covers base access to recreation centers through Activity Cards. It does not include fee‑based services like golf passes, lessons, or special event tickets.
Key documents to review
Before you finalize an offer, review the community’s governing documents. The CC&Rs define assessments, age rules, and the CARE fee. The Bylaws explain how the Board is elected and how votes are counted. The Rules and Regulations outline day‑to‑day policies, including Activity Cards, guest and renter rules, and collection procedures.
Ask for the full resale packet early in escrow. That packet should include current assessments and fiscal period, account status for the property, the operating and reserve budgets, and recent Board meeting minutes describing capital projects.
Activity Cards and amenity access
The Grand uses Activity Cards to manage access to fitness centers, pools, studios, clubs, and resident golf rates. Cards are photo IDs, and you use them to check in at facilities and for club activities.
Resident Activity Cards
Each qualified occupant is entitled to one Resident Activity Card at no additional charge, with a maximum of two cards per lot. If you have more than two qualified occupants in your household, you can purchase an additional card at one‑half of the current annual assessment. Cards are generally valid for one year, and the Membership Office handles issuance. See the Activity Card policies in the Rules and Regulations.
Renter Activity Cards
Renters are not considered guests. To use amenities, a renter must be a qualified occupant and purchase a Renter Activity Card after the owner registers the lease with Membership. The association posts per‑person pricing: 1–3 months $300, 4–6 months $400, 7–12 months $600. Additional renter cards, beyond two per home, are priced at half of the current annual assessment. Confirm details and current pricing on the Rent and Membership page.
Renters with valid Renter Activity Cards have amenity privileges, but they are not Members of the association and do not have voting rights. The Rules and Regulations describe guest limits, conduct expectations, and card issuance steps.
Guest access
Guests must be accompanied by a cardholder. Some facilities use daily guest fees or punch cards, and misuse of guest privileges can lead to suspension. Event‑specific guest limits may apply for certain club gatherings. You can find guest and card rules in the Rules and Regulations.
One‑time buyer fees at closing
Beyond your purchase price and annual assessment, expect several association fees at closing. The Grand’s Buy page shows these common line items:
- CARE fee (Community & Resident Enhancement): $5,000
- Resale disclosure statement: $130
- Resale transfer fee: $100
- ARC (architectural review) fee: $170
The association provides an example total of $5,400 for these one‑time items. Confirm in your purchase contract who pays each fee, since local practice can vary. Always verify amounts and fiscal timing on the official Buy page, and review the resale packet for accuracy.
Ongoing and optional costs to plan for
Beyond the annual assessment, most owners budget for optional or use‑based items that fit their lifestyle.
Maintained‑property surcharges
Certain home types with maintained landscaping, such as Courtyard or Garden Villa categories, carry an additional recurring fee. The association lists categories and example surcharges on the Buy page. If you are considering one of these properties, include the maintained‑property fee in your monthly budget and confirm the exact category during escrow.
Chartered clubs and events
The Grand supports many chartered clubs and interest groups. Most clubs require a valid Activity Card and charge modest annual dues, and some activities, lessons, tournaments, or trips have separate fees. Club governance and dues rules are outlined in the Chartered Club Policies and Procedures. Ask about club dues and any waitlists as you compare options.
Golf passes and daily rates
The community’s golf courses are association‑owned, but golf is not included in the annual assessment. Residents can choose from daily fees or seasonal and annual passes. The association’s 2026 rates include examples such as a Premium Pass at $5,430 per person and an Annual Pass at $1,548 per person plus a per‑round fee, with additional Flex options. Review the current offerings and resident rates in the 2026 Golf Rates and compare that cost to your expected number of rounds.
Sample budgeting checklist
Use this quick list to map your ongoing and optional costs. Verify amounts in the resale packet and on official pages.
- Annual assessment: $1,921 for July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 (includes up to two Resident Activity Cards).
- One‑time buyer fees at closing: CARE $5,000 plus disclosure, transfer, and ARC fees for an example total of $5,400.
- Additional Activity Cards: one‑half of the current annual assessment if you have more than two qualified occupants.
- Renter Activity Cards: $300 for 1–3 months, $400 for 4–6 months, $600 for 7–12 months per person.
- Maintained‑property surcharge: varies by category, if applicable to your home type.
- Clubs and events: club dues and event tickets vary by club.
- Golf: choose daily fees or a pass. See current resident rates and passes.
Renting your Sun City Grand home
If you plan to rent, start with the association’s Rent page and Rules and Regulations. Owners must notify the Membership Office when a property is rented, and renters must be qualified occupants to obtain Renter Activity Cards. The association posts renter card pricing and notes that renters are amenity users, not voting Members. Review minimum terms, age qualifications, and the process to issue cards on the Rent and Membership page and in the Rules and Regulations.
How to verify the details during escrow
- Request the full resale packet early. It should include the current assessment and fiscal period, the owner’s account ledger, operating and reserve budgets, CC&Rs, Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, and recent Board minutes.
- Confirm the CARE fee status and whether any waiver applies for your lot, then agree in writing which party pays each fee.
- Ask the Membership Office about timing and requirements to issue your Activity Cards after closing. Have your documents ready so you can access amenities without delay.
- If golf is important to you, download the current Golf Rates and add the pass or per‑round plan that best matches your play.
What amenities look like day to day
Cardholders check in at recreation centers for fitness, pools, studios, and classes. Some services, such as spa appointments or special classes, carry separate fees. The community also publishes practical facility and operations information in its Resource Guide. For a feel of center offerings and how scheduling works, browse the Resource Guide as a companion to the governing documents.
Local guidance you can trust
Your goal is simple. You want to know what you will pay and what you will enjoy. With a clear view of the annual assessment, Activity Cards, one‑time buyer fees, and optional costs like golf and club dues, you can compare Sun City Grand to other communities with confidence. If you want help confirming numbers in a resale packet or building a clean comparison for your budget, reach out to Suzanne Ross for local insight and a smooth path to closing.
FAQs
Does the Sun City Grand assessment include golf access?
- No. The annual assessment funds operations and Activity Cards, but golf requires separate daily fees or passes. See the association’s 2026 Golf Rates for options.
How do Activity Cards work for Sun City Grand owners?
- Each qualified occupant receives one Resident Activity Card at no extra charge, up to two per lot. Extra cards cost half of the current annual assessment. See the Rules and Regulations.
What one‑time HOA fees should Sun City Grand buyers expect at closing?
- The association lists a $5,000 CARE fee, plus disclosure ($130), transfer ($100), and ARC ($170) for an example total of $5,400. Verify on the Buy page.
Can renters use Sun City Grand amenities and clubs?
- Yes. Owners must register the lease, and renters buy Renter Activity Cards. Posted pricing is $300 for 1–3 months, $400 for 4–6 months, $600 for 7–12 months per person. See the Rent page.
Which Sun City Grand documents should buyers read first?
- Start with the CC&Rs for assessments and CARE, the Bylaws for governance, and the Rules and Regulations for Activity Cards and guest or renter policies.
