Quick Answer
Sun City Center is one of Florida's largest active adult 55+ communities. Condos and villas start around $175K-$250K and single-family homes run $280K-$500K. Kings Point is the primary gated section. Both communities require at least one resident to be 55+. No Florida state income tax makes this a popular retirement destination. Call Barrett Henry at (813) 733-7907 for current listings.
What Is Sun City Center FL?
Sun City Center is an unincorporated community in south Hillsborough County, approximately 25 miles south of downtown Tampa, between Brandon and Ruskin. Del Webb developed it starting in 1961 as one of Florida's first planned retirement communities. Today, Sun City Center and its sister community Kings Point collectively house more than 16,000 residents in an age-qualified (55+) environment with hundreds of clubs, multiple golf courses, indoor pools, and a fully self-sufficient commercial center.
The community appeal is genuine self-sufficiency: residents can grocery shop, visit the doctor, dine out, and attend entertainment without leaving Sun City Center's footprint. Golf cart travel is legal on designated roadways throughout the community, reducing car dependence. Browse Sun City Center homes for sale and check the Sun City Center housing market for current pricing data.
What Are the Different Communities Within Sun City Center?
Sun City Center (Original Community)
The original Sun City Center development, governed by the Sun City Center Community Association (SCC CA), covers the majority of the footprint. It includes single-family homes, attached villas, and some condo sections. The community association fee is relatively modest (under $300/year for most sections) and covers amenities access including the main clubhouse, multiple pools (including a large indoor pool), fitness facilities, lawn bowling, shuffleboard, and access to over 200 resident clubs.
Kings Point
Kings Point is a gated 55+ community within the Sun City Center footprint but with its own governance (Kings Point Condominium Association). Kings Point is maintenance-free living: exterior maintenance, lawn care, cable, internet, and amenity access are bundled into the monthly condo/HOA fee, which typically runs $600-$900+/month depending on the unit size. Kings Point units are technically condominiums regardless of whether they look like single-family homes, which has insurance and financing implications. The community has multiple clubhouses, 6 pools (including heated indoor), and 27 holes of golf. I covered Kings Point in more detail in the Kings Point neighborhood guide.
Cypress Creek
Cypress Creek is a newer 55+ community adjacent to Sun City Center with its own amenity center. Homes here tend to be newer construction (2000s-2020s) with more modern floor plans. Pricing overlaps with Sun City Center proper, typically $280K-$480K for single-family homes.
How Much Do Homes Cost in Sun City Center?
| Property Type | Price Range | Monthly Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Condo (Kings Point) | $175K-$350K | $600-$900+ | All exterior maintenance included, condo financing rules apply |
| Villa (SCC original) | $220K-$380K | $200-$400 | Attached villas, some with enclosed lanais |
| Single-family (SCC original) | $280K-$480K | $150-$350 | 3-2 or 2-2 floor plans, many updated |
| Golf course / premium lot | $380K-$600K | $200-$500 | Larger floor plans, golf or water views |
What Golf Is Available in Sun City Center?
Golf is central to Sun City Center's identity. The community has multiple courses available to residents:
- Scepter Golf Club: Semi-private 18-hole course within Sun City Center, primarily for SCC residents. Very affordable rates for members.
- Caloosa Golf and Country Club: Another resident-focused 18-hole course within the SCC footprint.
- Kings Point Golf: 27 holes at Kings Point, exclusive to Kings Point residents and guests.
Golf membership costs and accessibility vary by community. Buyers who are avid golfers should confirm golf rights with the specific property and community before purchasing.
What Do Buyers Need to Know Before Buying in Sun City Center?
- Age qualification (55+): At least one resident per household must be 55 or older. At least 80% of occupied homes in the community must have a qualifying resident. Verify occupancy rules during the inspection period.
- Condo vs. HOA distinction (Kings Point): Kings Point units are legally condominiums. Florida's SB 4D condominium inspection and reserve funding requirements apply. Ask for a copy of the most recent milestone inspection report and reserve study before closing.
- Financing for condominiums: Conventional mortgage financing for condos requires Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac project approval. Some Kings Point buildings are not on the approved list, limiting buyers to cash or portfolio loans. Verify financing options early in the process.
- Total monthly cost: The purchase price is only part of the cost equation. Add HOA/condo fees, property taxes (Hillsborough County rate plus any CDD if applicable), homeowners insurance, and flood insurance if the lot is in a flood zone. Many Sun City Center buyers are surprised by total carrying costs.
- Flood zone: Sun City Center is inland, but some sections have flood zone designations. Confirm via FEMA flood maps for any specific property.
- Rental restrictions: Most Sun City Center and Kings Point governing documents restrict short-term rentals and may have minimum lease terms of 6-12 months. Confirm before buying as an investment property.
How Far Is Sun City Center from Tampa?
| Destination | Miles | Drive (non-peak) |
|---|---|---|
| Brandon | 15 miles | 18-22 min |
| Downtown Tampa | 26 miles | 30-40 min |
| Sarasota | 40 miles | 45-55 min |
| St. Pete Beach | 35 miles | 45-55 min |
| Tampa International Airport | 30 miles | 35-45 min |
Shopping for a Sun City Center Home?
Barrett Henry is a Broker Associate at REMAX Collective with 23+ years of real estate experience and deep familiarity with Sun City Center, Kings Point, and surrounding Hillsborough communities. Call or text (813) 733-7907.
Sun City Center FL Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age requirement to live in Sun City Center?
At least one resident per household must be 55 or older to qualify under the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA). At least 80% of the community's occupied homes must have a qualifying resident. Minor children cannot permanently reside in the community, though short visits are typically permitted.
What is the difference between Sun City Center and Kings Point?
Sun City Center is the original Del Webb development with its own community association and lower monthly fees. Kings Point is a gated 55+ community within the Sun City Center area with its own separate association, significantly higher monthly fees ($600-$900+), and full maintenance-free living including exterior maintenance, lawn care, cable, and amenity access. Kings Point units are legally condominiums.
How much are HOA fees in Sun City Center?
In the original Sun City Center community, annual association fees are generally under $300 per year for basic amenity access. Many individual neighborhood sub-associations also have separate fees of $100-$300/month for lawn care and neighborhood maintenance. Kings Point runs $600-$900+/month all-inclusive. Always request the full fee disclosure from any property before making an offer.
Can you finance a Kings Point condo with a mortgage?
It depends on the specific building and its approval status with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Some Kings Point buildings are project-approved for conventional financing. Others are not, which limits buyers to cash purchases or portfolio/non-QM loans at higher rates. Always verify financing options before going under contract on a Kings Point unit.
Is Sun City Center in a flood zone?
Much of Sun City Center is in FEMA Zone X (minimal flood hazard), but individual lots vary. Always check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center using the specific property address before closing. Properties in flood zones AE or AH require flood insurance, which adds significantly to carrying costs in Florida's current insurance market.