One of the things to consider, when considering a move to Sun City, Arizona, is where to live. There are several different styles of homes and condos to see. Some people like the privacy of a single-family home, while others may want the convenience of having a condo. However, there is another style of home in Sun City that you will see quite often. It’s a little different from single-family homes and different from condos. It’s the Gemini Twin home, and it could be the perfect housing option for you in Sun City, Arizona.
What is a Gemini Twin Home?
You’ll see these unique-looking homes in many neighborhoods of Sun City. This type of property looks similar to a single family from the front, but it’s two homes that are attached at one wall. And there’s quite a variety of this style of property available around town; from simple-looking exteriors and single-car garages to more spacious properties with large front patios and two-car garages.
They range in size from a two bedroom, one bath of about 1,000 square feet, to two bedrooms two baths, and three bedrooms two baths that get up to 2,000 square feet in size. This option of home has been available since Del Webb began the development of Sun City in 1960. Through the years, the style of this type of property changed along with the other properties built in Sun City to reflect the popular trends of the time. That’s why there is such a variety of home styles here. Neighborhoods of Gemini homes can be found in many locations in Sun City. Many communities were built alongside golf courses and there are even a few homes that are waterfront… at Dawn Lake.
Quad Style Gemini Homes
Among the Gemini homes is an interesting variety… they are quad homes. These are attached at the sides and the back but have a cutout for a private patio area that’s fenced. They are the few Gemini-style homes that have private areas, which makes these really appealing for some home buyers. The unique style of this home and floorplan are not seen often here. I’ve only found one community like this and it’s located south of Bell Road, between Del Webb Boulevard and Boswell Boulevard in Sun City.
What are the differences between Gemini Twin homes and Single Family homes?
There are a few differences between the Gemini Twin home and the Single Family home. The sales prices for the Geminis are generally lower than for the Single Family homes. They have open back areas so there are no private yards in the back. Each property has private patio space.
Homeowners don’t have to do exterior yard maintenance. There are HOAs in these communities and they take care of the yards, but they charge a maintenance fee. Also, you’ll find grass in the front and back yards of most of these neighborhoods. It’s beautiful and feels cooler in these areas. Some neighborhoods are filled with trees.
Inside the Gemini Twin home
The Gemini twin comes in a variety of floorplans. One of the more popular floorplans has a large sized living room and dining area that leads into a galley kitchen with another eat-in room. This style includes a large fenced front patio or courtyard. The two bedrooms and two bathrooms are at the side.
To me, these properties have an open feel to them; more like a Single-Family home, and not an attached property. Because these homes were built in the 1960’s and 1970’s, many have been remodeled with new materials to reflect today’s popular styles and colors.
You’ll also find this style of home in Sun City West; and just like in Sun City, they come in a variety of designs, from simple to more decorative and detailed. The properties in Sun City West were built between the late 1970s to the early 1990s.
Pros and Cons of the Gemini Twin Home
Why would the Gemini Twin home be a good option? This could be good for people who don’t want to do yard work or outside maintenance but don’t want to feel clustered inside a condo community, and are ok not having a private yard.
Here are the pros and cons of the Gemini home.
Pros; they are generally less expensive to buy than the single family home; owners do not have to maintain the grassy yard areas; they are just as spacious as a single family home; and if you want grass, most of the neighborhoods have grassy yards.
Cons; there is a maintenance fee for the yard upkeep; the maintenance fee is not a fixed amount, it can change; there are no private back yards; and one wall is adjoined to the neighbor.
Many Gemini Communities
There are dozens of these communities throughout the Sun Cities. They are individually managed and and the maintenance fees, and what they include, vary. Most cover water, sewer and trash in addition to the yard upkeep. Some also cover roof repair or replacement. And each community has their own rules, so it’s wise to check out the financials and rules of the HOA if you’re interested in a purchasing a particular Gemini home.
So that’s the rundown of a Gemini Twin home. Perhaps this opens up a new possibility for you as an ownership option in Sun City, Arizona. If you’re interested in learning about moving to Sun City, you can download my relocation guide here.
About the Author: This article was provided by Carla Young, a resident of Sun City, Arizona and real estate agent, with My Home Group, specializing in the Sun City and Sun City West area. Through her videos on YouTube, she has helped dozens of people learn about Sun City and move here.
If you want to chat with Carla about Sun City real estate, please email: [email protected], Carla’s phone number is 808-295-1776.
Her website is www.CarlaYoung.com
