Development of Post-World War II Suburbs: The Idyllic Image of The Sun City Retirement Community

First name: 
Richard
Last name: 
Sturtevant
Class Year: 
2023
Advisor: 
Anthony Acciavatti
Essay Abstract: 
Phoenix experienced unprecedented urban growth throughout the 1940s as water flowed into the desert valley. Transformation of the landscape, from ambitious water projects to the redevelopment of cheap farmland, allowed Phoenix to reshape into an expanding metropolitan area. Advertised as a tourist destination and industrial hub, Phoenix promoted the therapeutic nature of the desert to boost the local economy. Politicians and real estate developers promoted this romanticized lifestyle, attracting new residents with year-round warm weather and affordable housing. Tapping into water resources with support of the federal government, real estate developer Del Webb created the most noteworthy retirement community in Phoenix, Sun City. From 18-hole golf courses to swimming pools, Del Webb advertised Sun City as an active and idyllic lifestyle, fueling urban expansion through this paradisal image of the Southwest. Looking beyond the romanticized vision of Sun City and Phoenix unfolds an economy built on idealized advertisement.