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Sun City Center

Overview

What Is Sun City Center, Florida?

By Dewey Kopenga and Travis Penny. updated July 2026

TL;DR

Sun City Center is a 55 and older active adult community in Hillsborough County, Florida, in ZIP code 33573. It was founded in 1961 by Del Webb, and today it is home to roughly 34,000 to 37,000 residents across a handful of distinct neighborhoods. People come here for low cost living, golf cart access to almost everything, and one of the deepest amenity lineups of any retirement community in the state.

Founded

1961

ZIP

33573

Residents

34K to 37K

Median age

About 70

The short answer

Sun City Center is a master planned retirement community about 25 miles south of Tampa. It is built for active retirees, most homes sit in a 55 and older setting, and residents get around by golf cart on a dedicated path network. You get big shared clubhouses, pools, golf, and clubs, with a median age near 70 and a resident population of 34,000 to 37,000 across the wider 33573 ZIP.

Where it is

Sun City Center sits in southern Hillsborough County, roughly 25 miles south of downtown Tampa and a short drive from I 75. Sarasota and the Gulf beaches are under an hour away, and two major airports, Tampa International and St Pete Clearwater, are within reach for family visits and snowbird travel.

Who lives here

This is an age restricted community, so most homes require at least one resident aged 55 or older. The vibe is active and social rather than quiet. Residents fill their weeks with golf, pickleball, softball, woodworking, art studios, dance, and hundreds of chartered clubs run by neighbors.

The neighborhoods

  • ◆Sun City Center proper. Mostly single family homes with low base HOA fees.
  • ◆Kings Point. A gated, all included condo and villa community for turnkey living.
  • ◆Renaissance. The showcase neighborhood around Club Renaissance.
  • ◆The Preserve at La Paloma. Newer villa style homes on a nature preserve.
  • ◆Assisted living. Care supported options such as Freedom Plaza for higher levels of support.

Why people choose it

The draw is value. Home prices, taxes, and monthly fees run well below most Florida coastal towns, while the amenity access rivals far pricier resorts. Add year round sunshine, on site healthcare, and a golf cart lifestyle, and you get one of the most popular retirement destinations in the country.

Frequently Asked

Questions about overview.

Yes. Most homes require at least one resident aged 55 or older, which keeps it an active adult community.

Keep reading

More on living in Sun City Center.

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