Province
Maricopa, AZ · Guard-Gated 55+ Community · Est. 2004 · Engle Homes / Meritage Homes
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This review synthesizes data from 16 sources including public records, resident forums, community websites, and market data APIs. Last researched: March 2026.
What Kind of Place Is This?
Province is a guard-gated 55+ community in Maricopa, Arizona, roughly 32 miles south of downtown Phoenix. The community occupies a substantial footprint with approximately 2,217 planned homesites, of which construction has been ongoing since 2004. Over 30 percent of the total land area is dedicated to parks and open space, including 50 acres of scenic lakes and waterways and 125 acres of landscaped greenbelts. Miles of paved walking and biking trails wind through the property, connecting residential streets to the central amenity complex.
The Physical Environment
Homes in Province range from attached villa-style residences starting at approximately 1,100 square feet to detached single-family homes exceeding 3,000 square feet, with two to four bedrooms and two to three-and-a-half bathrooms. All homes are single-story construction. The original 15 floor plans were developed by Engle Homes, which filed for bankruptcy in 2008 after completing roughly 895 homesites. Meritage Homes purchased the remaining approximately 1,300 undeveloped lots out of foreclosure in October 2009 and continues to build new homes in the community.
The architectural style leans toward Southwestern desert contemporary, and the community's centerpiece is a 32,000 square-foot clubhouse styled after an Italian Villa with Tuscan design elements. The setting is decidedly suburban and car-dependent, surrounded by agricultural land and newer residential development. Maricopa itself was incorporated in 2003 and has grown rapidly from a small town to a city of over 80,000 residents.
Who Thrives Here?
- Residents who want resort-style amenities at a lower price point. Province delivers a 32,000 sq ft clubhouse, multiple pools, and dozens of clubs at median home prices roughly 50% below comparable 55+ communities closer to Scottsdale or the East Valley.
- Residents who prefer a guard-gated environment with a strong sense of enclosure. The staffed guard gate and perimeter walls create a contained neighborhood distinct from Maricopa's surrounding development.
- Residents who enjoy water features and green space. 50 acres of lakes and 125 acres of parks provide daily walking and biking opportunities without leaving the community.
- Residents who want an organized social calendar. A full-time activities director coordinates dozens of clubs and interest groups, from golf and bridge to ceramics and an antique car club.
- Residents who value new or near-new construction. Meritage Homes continues to build in the community, offering move-in-ready homes alongside resale options dating to 2004.
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
Honest assessment: Province is not the right fit for every retirement lifestyle. Here's who should keep looking.
Honest assessment: Province is not the right fit for every retirement lifestyle. Here are reasons to keep looking.
- If you want walkable access to restaurants, shopping, and entertainment — Province has an on-site cafe but no surrounding walkable commercial district. Fry's Marketplace and Walmart Supercenter are a short drive away, but everything beyond the gate requires a car. Walk Score: 13.
- If you want quick access to metro Phoenix medical facilities — The nearest full-service hospital is Banner Casa Grande Medical Center, approximately 20 miles south. Chandler Regional Medical Center is roughly 25 miles north. Mayo Clinic is 45+ miles away. Communities like Sun City Grand or Trilogy at Vistancia offer significantly shorter hospital drive times.
- If you want a championship golf course within the community — Province has an 18-hole putting green but no full golf course. Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club is nearby but is a separate, public facility. Communities like Robson Ranch or PebbleCreek include on-site golf courses.
- If you want to avoid the SR-347 commute — State Route 347 is the primary artery connecting Maricopa to the I-10 freeway and the broader Phoenix metro. SR-347 has two lanes in each direction (four lanes total) with stoplights. It is not a two-lane highway. Congestion during peak hours is a consistent source of frustration for Maricopa residents.
- If you want the highest resale appreciation potential — Province's median sale price declined 2.9% year-over-year as of early 2026, and homes average 89 days on market. Maricopa's distance from the metro core limits the buyer pool compared to closer-in 55+ communities.
Social Temperature
Province employs a full-time activities director who coordinates programming across several dozen clubs and special interest groups. Named groups include Golf, Bridge, Bunco, Canasta, Pinochle, Poker, Craft Group, Wheel Crazy (antique car club), Book Club, and Aviation Group, among others. The range spans sports, cards, arts, and hobbyist interests.
Newcomer Integration
The activities director serves as a central point of contact for new residents seeking to connect with existing groups. The community's ongoing new construction by Meritage Homes means a steady flow of new residents, which can make integration easier than in fully built-out communities where social circles have been established for years. The clubhouse's cafe, ballroom, and shared activity spaces create natural gathering points.
Seasonal Dynamics
Like most Arizona 55+ communities, Province experiences seasonal population shifts. An estimated 15-25% of residents depart during peak summer months (June through September), which reduces participation in clubs and events. The activities director typically adjusts programming schedules during summer, consolidating some groups and reducing event frequency. Peak social season runs from October through April, when the full complement of clubs and events operates.
Governance Reality
Why this matters: HOA governance is the #1 source of complaints in communities — and the topic almost nobody covers honestly. Here’s the reality at Province.
Why this matters: HOA governance is the #1 source of complaints in communities — and the topic almost nobody covers honestly.
Province is managed by CCMC (Community Association Management Company), a firm that has been managing large-scale communities since 1973. The Province Community Association can be reached at 520-568-8315, and the association office is located at 20942 Province Parkway, Maricopa, AZ 85138.
Quarterly HOA fees for single-family detached homes are $767.40 (approximately $256/month). The $856 figure may reflect a different fee tier or an outdated/conflated figure. Villa/Gemini fees are $1,181.15/quarter. Both amounts include a $57 Orbitel cable TV service pass-through charge. Payment received after the 30th of the month incurs a $23.50 late fee.
Province carries the highest HOA fees in the city of Maricopa — by a significant margin. For comparison, the next most expensive community in Maricopa (Cobblestone Farms) charges $326 per quarter, roughly one-third of Province's rate. The premium reflects the cost of maintaining the 32,000 sq ft clubhouse, two pools, 50 acres of lakes, 125 acres of parks, and staffed guard gate.
The fee trajectory has included steady annual increases. The board approved a 3.5% increase effective January 2024. Reserve fund status is not publicly disclosed, which is worth investigating before purchasing.
Because Meritage Homes continues to build new homes, the community is in a transitional governance phase where the developer retains some board influence. Buyers should ask about the developer-to-homeowner transition timeline and current board composition.
Fee Trajectory
| Year | Monthly HOA Fee | Year-over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $230 | |
| 2022 | $240 | +4.3% |
| 2023 | $248 | +3.3% |
| 2024 | $256 | +3.5% |
| 2025 | $265 | +3.5% |
Quick Stats
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Maricopa, AZ 85138 (Pinal County) |
| Developer | Engle Homes (2004-2008) / Meritage Homes (2009-present) |
| Year Built | 2004-present (still building) |
| Total Homes | 2,217 planned |
| Community Type | Guard-Gated 55+ Community (HOPA qualified) |
| Home Sizes | 1,100-3,000+ sq ft |
| Price Range | $225,000-$475,000 |
| Median Sale Price | $345,000 (Jan 2026) |
| Monthly HOA Fee | $256-$394/mo (varies by home type) |
| Property Tax Rate | ~0.84% effective rate (Pinal County) |
Amenities
| Category | What's Available |
|---|---|
| Clubhouse | 32,000 sq ft Italian Villa-style clubhouse with grand ballroom, cafe, library, billiards room, card room, computer lab, and conference room. The clubhouse is the defining feature of Province and punches above the community's price point. The Tuscan styling and scale are comparable to clubhouses in communities costing twice as much. The cafe provides a convenient on-site dining option, though menu variety is limited compared to communities with full-service restaurants. |
| Pools & Spa | Heated resort-style outdoor pool and spa with patio area, plus heated indoor lap pool. Two pools — one indoor, one outdoor — is a genuine advantage. The indoor lap pool provides year-round swimming regardless of weather, and the outdoor resort pool with spa is the social hub during cooler months and early mornings in summer. |
| Fitness | State-of-the-art fitness center with cardio equipment, free weights, and dedicated aerobics and dance studio. The fitness center is adequate for most residents but does not rival a dedicated commercial gym. The separate aerobics and dance studio allows group classes without disrupting individual workout areas. |
| Pickleball | Outdoor pickleball courts. Court count is not prominently published, which typically means fewer courts than demand warrants during peak season. The sport's growth nationally has put pressure on court availability in most 55+ communities. |
| Tennis & Bocce | Tennis courts, bocce ball courts, shuffleboard courts, horseshoe pits, and basketball court. The variety of court sports is a strength. Shuffleboard and horseshoe pits add low-intensity social options. Exact court counts are not prominently disclosed. |
| Putting Green | 18-hole putting green. A nice amenity for casual golf practice, but not a substitute for a full course. Serious golfers will need to drive to Ak-Chin Southern Dunes (~5 miles) or other area courses. |
| Arts & Crafts | Ceramics studio, sewing studio, and arts and crafts studio, all within the clubhouse. Dedicated studio spaces for ceramics and sewing are above average. Many 55+ communities offer multi-purpose rooms that attempt to serve these functions — Province provides purpose-built spaces. |
| Trails & Open Space | 50 acres of scenic lakes and waterways, 125 acres of parks and landscaped natural space, miles of paved walking and biking trails. The lake and trail system is one of Province's standout features. Some trail segments have been reported to be in poor condition. The water features add visual appeal and walking destinations that most desert communities lack. |
| Dining | On-site cafe within the clubhouse with indoor and patio seating. BBQ areas throughout the community. The cafe is a convenient amenity for casual meals and coffee, but Province does not offer full-service restaurant dining. Residents who want varied dining options will need to drive outside the gates. |
Location & Medical Access
| Destination | Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Banner Health Center (Maricopa, primary care) | 4 mi | 8 min |
| Banner Casa Grande Medical Center (nearest ER) | 20 mi | 25 min |
| Chandler Regional Medical Center | 25 mi | 32 min |
| Mayo Clinic (Phoenix campus) | 48 mi | 55 min |
| Fry's Marketplace (nearest grocery) | 3 mi | 6 min |
| Walmart Supercenter (Maricopa) | 4 mi | 7 min |
| Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club | 5 mi | 10 min |
| Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport | 32 mi | 49 min |
| Downtown Phoenix | 32 mi | 45 min |
| Downtown Scottsdale | 42 mi | 50 min |
| Copper Sky Recreation Complex (Maricopa) | 3 mi | 6 min |
Medical Access Assessment
Medical access is Province's most significant location weakness. Maricopa does not have a full-service hospital within city limits. Banner Health Center in Maricopa provides primary care, urgent care, and some specialty services, but emergency room and inpatient services require travel to Banner Casa Grande Medical Center (approximately 20 miles south) or Chandler Regional Medical Center (approximately 25 miles north). Mayo Clinic's nearest campus is over 45 miles away in Phoenix.
For routine medical needs, the Banner Health Center at 17900 N Porter Road in Maricopa is approximately 4 miles from Province. Dignity Health Urgent Care also operates in Maricopa. However, any serious medical emergency will involve a longer transport time than communities located in the Phoenix metro core.
Walk Score and Accessibility
Province's Walk Score of 13 confirms what any prospective buyer can see on a map: this is a car-dependent community. There is no public transit service to Province. All shopping, dining, medical appointments, and entertainment outside the community gates require a personal vehicle. The nearest grocery options — Fry's Marketplace and Walmart Supercenter — are within a 5-10 minute drive. State Route 347 is the primary route north to the I-10 freeway and the broader Phoenix metro area.
Summer Reality Check
The honest answer to the question you're afraid to ask: What does July actually feel like in Province?
The honest answer to the question you're afraid to ask: What does July actually feel like in Province?
Maricopa's elevation is approximately 1,190 feet in the Sonoran Desert. Summer high temperatures regularly exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit from June through September, with overnight lows often remaining above 85 degrees. The heat is relentless, and Maricopa's elevation provides no cooling advantage compared to communities at higher elevations like Prescott or Payson.
Average residential electricity bills in Maricopa run approximately $239/month on average, but summer months can push bills to $400-$700 for a typical 2,000+ square foot home running air conditioning continuously. The electricity provider is Electrical District No. 3 (ED3), and peak summer rates apply during afternoon hours.
An estimated 15-25% of Province residents depart during summer months. This affects club participation, event attendance, and the general energy of the community. Some clubs suspend meetings entirely from June through August. The clubhouse cafe may reduce hours. The outdoor resort pool sees heavy usage as it becomes one of the few comfortable outdoor activities, while the indoor lap pool provides a climate-controlled alternative.
The First Summer vs. The Second Summer
First-summer residents consistently report being unprepared for the sustained intensity of desert heat. It is not the peak temperature that challenges — it is the duration. Three to four months of temperatures above 105 degrees, combined with warm overnight lows, creates fatigue that most newcomers from temperate climates have not experienced. By the second summer, residents have typically adjusted their daily schedules (early morning outdoor activity, indoor afternoons) and made home improvements like window tinting, upgraded insulation, or solar panels that reduce both discomfort and electricity costs.
Best For
Best for: Residents who want a guard-gated 55+ community with a 32,000 sq ft Italian Villa-style clubhouse, 50 acres of lakes, and resort-style amenities at price points well below comparable metro Phoenix communities
Province is best for residents who want a guard-gated 55+ community with a 32,000 sq ft Italian Villa-style clubhouse, 50 acres of lakes, and resort-style amenities at price points well below comparable metro Phoenix communities.
At a median sale price of approximately $345,000, Province delivers amenities — multiple pools, a professional fitness center, dozens of organized clubs, and extensive trail systems — that would cost $500,000-$800,000 in East Valley or Scottsdale 55+ communities. The trade-off is location: Maricopa is 32 miles from Sky Harbor Airport, 35 miles from downtown Scottsdale, and connected to the metro by the congestion-prone SR-347. Residents who prioritize on-site lifestyle over metro proximity will find strong value here.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common complaints center on three issues: the HOA fees (Province has the highest HOA fees in the city of Maricopa, roughly triple the next most expensive community), the SR-347 highway congestion for trips to the Phoenix metro area, and the limited retail and medical infrastructure in Maricopa compared to closer-in Phoenix suburbs. Some residents have also noted that portions of the walking trail system are in poor condition.
As of 2025, quarterly HOA fees for single-family detached homes are $767.40 (approximately $256/month) and $1,181.15 for villas/Gemini attached homes (approximately $394/month). Both include a $57 Orbitel cable TV pass-through charge. Province has the highest HOA fees in Maricopa — roughly three times higher than the next most expensive community. The fees cover maintenance of the 32,000 sq ft clubhouse, two pools, 50 acres of lakes, 125 acres of parks, guard gate staffing, and common area landscaping.
Yes. Province is a HOPA (Housing for Older Persons Act) qualified 55+ community with age restrictions. At least one resident in each home must be 45 years of age or older, and no permanent residents under 18 are permitted. The community follows the federal 80/20 rule, requiring that at least 80% of occupied units have one resident aged 55 or older. Age verification is required at purchase through documentation such as a driver's license, birth certificate, or signed affidavit.
Maricopa does not have a full-service hospital within city limits. Banner Health Center in Maricopa (approximately 4 miles from Province) provides primary care and some specialty services but has no emergency department. The nearest emergency room is Banner Casa Grande Medical Center, approximately 20 miles (25 minutes) south. Chandler Regional Medical Center is approximately 25 miles (32 minutes) north.
Rental policies are governed by Province's CC&Rs and should be verified directly with the Province Community Association (CCMC management, 520-568-8315). Arizona state law limits HOA ability to prohibit rentals but allows communities to set minimum lease terms. Short-term vacation rental policies should be confirmed with the association, as HOPA communities may impose additional restrictions to maintain age compliance.
Province's median sale price was approximately $345,000 in January 2026, down 2.9% year-over-year, with homes averaging 89 days on market (up from 76 days the prior year). The community is not yet fully built out, which means new construction from Meritage Homes competes with resale listings. Maricopa's distance from the metro core (32 miles to Sky Harbor) limits the buyer pool compared to closer-in 55+ communities. The value proposition is strong amenities at a lower price point, but resale appreciation has been modest.
Yes. Meritage Homes continues to build new homes in Province as of 2026. The community has approximately 2,217 planned homesites. Engle Homes completed about 895 homes before filing for bankruptcy in 2008. Meritage purchased the remaining approximately 1,300 undeveloped lots in 2009 and has been building since. New construction prices start in the mid-$290,000s for homes of 1,333 to 1,905 square feet.
Compare Province
See how Province stacks up against comparable communities in the Phoenix metro:
- Full comparison table: All communities rated and compared
- Sun City Grand — Del Webb 55+ community in Surprise with HOPA age restriction, larger amenity complex including golf courses, and closer access to West Valley shopping and medical facilities.
- The Villages at Rancho El Dorado — 55+ community also in Maricopa with lower HOA fees and similar location trade-offs, but smaller clubhouse and fewer amenities.
- Robson Ranch Arizona — 55+ community in Eloy (Pinal County) with on-site golf course, comparable pricing, and similar distance-from-metro trade-off.
- PebbleCreek — Robson 55+ community in Goodyear with two golf courses and significantly closer access to the West Valley and I-10 corridor, at a higher price point.
- Arizona Traditions — Smaller 55+ community in Surprise with comparable pricing, closer metro access, and more established surrounding retail infrastructure.
- CantaMia at Estrella — Shea Homes 55+ community in Goodyear within the Estrella master plan, with newer construction, comparable amenities, and better metro proximity.
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Last updated: March 7, 2026 · Data sources: Maricopa County Assessor, ARMLS, community records, resident forums, Google Reviews (16 sources total)