The only age-qualified 55+ community within DMB Associates' landmark Eastmark master plan — Taylor Morrison homes, exclusive adult amenities, all the Eastmark infrastructure, and the East Valley location advantage for active adults who want it all.
Encore at Eastmark is a 55+ active adult community embedded within Eastmark — the celebrated master-planned community developed by DMB Associates in east Mesa, Arizona. While the broader Eastmark development is open to all ages and encompasses thousands of homes across multiple sub-communities and price points, Encore represents a distinct gated enclave designed exclusively for residents 55 and better. Inside Encore, Taylor Morrison builds single-family homes with floor plans, features, and finishes specifically calibrated for the active adult lifestyle: main-floor primary suites, wide doorways and hallways, low-maintenance landscaping, covered patios for Arizona outdoor living, and smart-home technology as a standard feature rather than an expensive upgrade.
What makes Encore uniquely positioned among Arizona's 55+ communities is its foundation. Encore residents don't just get an adult clubhouse — they get everything DMB Associates built at Eastmark over the past decade. That means The Mark (Eastmark's resort-style community hub), the 200+ acre Great Park system, a network of walking and biking trails, community farmer's markets, food truck events, seasonal festivals, and a walkable connection to retail and services that is genuinely rare in the Phoenix sprawl. Then, on top of that, Encore adds its own adult-exclusive layer: a private clubhouse with pool, spa, pickleball courts, fitness studio, and full-time Lifestyle Directors who program the community's social calendar year-round.
The address is Mesa AZ 85212 — east Mesa's rapidly evolving zip code at the center of the Gateway Economic District, Intel's East Valley campus, and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. For 55+ buyers who want modern construction, premium community infrastructure, and location that keeps them close to East Valley family and employment, Encore at Eastmark is one of the top addresses in Arizona.
This guide provides everything: DMB's philosophy and what it means for property values, Taylor Morrison's design process and what upgrades actually cost, HOPA qualification rules explained plainly, HOA and CFD cost breakdowns, Gateway Airport noise considerations by lot position, true monthly cost models at two price points, a comprehensive comparison of Arizona's leading 55+ communities, and a step-by-step buyer's guide for both new construction and resale at Encore.
| Location | Mesa AZ 85212 — Eastmark Blvd & Ellsworth Rd |
| Developer | DMB Associates (Eastmark MPC) |
| Builder | Taylor Morrison (primary) |
| Age Restriction | 55+ HOPA qualified |
| Home Types | Single-family, 1–2 story |
| Price Range | ~$450,000–$900,000+ |
| HOA (combined) | ~$255–$335/month |
| CFD Assessment | ~$1,500–$2,200/year |
| Lot Sizes | 5,500–10,000 sq ft typical |
| Gateway Airport | 5–10 min (IWA) |
| Intel Chandler | 20–25 min |
| Banner Gateway | 10–12 min (Level I Trauma) |
Most 55+ communities are built by retirement specialists (Del Webb, Robson, Shea) who focus primarily on adult amenities and then surround them with homes. Encore at Eastmark is different because it sits on a platform built by DMB Associates — Arizona's most celebrated master community developer — whose philosophy is fundamentally about creating a great place before a great product.
DMB Associates is the development firm responsible for some of the most acclaimed communities in Arizona: DC Ranch in north Scottsdale (luxury custom and semi-custom homes, private golf, award-winning master plan), Verrado in Buckeye (traditional neighborhood design, main street, community gardens, walkable design that won national planning awards), Marley Park in Surprise (affordable new urbanism), and Eastmark in Mesa (east Valley's flagship community, 30+ national awards). The thread connecting these communities is DMB's "place-making first" philosophy: build infrastructure, parks, gathering spaces, trails, and community character before homes are sold. Residents move into a community that already feels like a home, not a construction zone waiting for amenities to arrive.
This approach costs more to execute and requires greater developer capitalization than speculative subdivision development. But the results are measurable: DMB communities consistently maintain higher resale values through market cycles, generate stronger resident satisfaction scores, and hold their community character over decades. Encore buyers aren't just buying a Taylor Morrison home in east Mesa — they're buying membership in a DMB-engineered community ecosystem that has been proven to deliver lasting value.
The Mark is Eastmark's primary community amenity center and is fully accessible to Encore residents as part of the Eastmark master HOA. Features include resort-style pools with lazy river and splash features, lap swimming, indoor fitness center with full cardio and strength equipment, community event lawn with regular programming, amphitheater for concerts and seasonal festivals, and indoor gathering spaces. Eastmark hosts community farmer's markets, food truck nights, outdoor movie events, and seasonal celebrations at The Mark throughout the year. Encore residents participate as full Eastmark members while also having their own adult-exclusive amenities in the Encore enclave.
The Eastmark Great Park is one of the development's signature achievements — a 200+ acre park system woven throughout the master plan connecting neighborhoods, amenities, and open spaces. For Encore residents, the Great Park provides daily walking and cycling routes, natural open space, dog parks (bring the family dog), community garden plots, fishing ponds, shaded ramadas, and picnic areas. When grandchildren visit — a frequent occurrence at active adult communities — the Great Park provides genuine family-grade recreation that standalone adult communities can't offer. The ability to host visiting grandchildren in a rich outdoor environment while maintaining access to adult-exclusive amenities is a key quality-of-life advantage at Encore vs. isolated retirement parks.
On top of the Eastmark platform, Encore adds an adult-exclusive amenity enclave available only to Encore 55+ residents and their guests. This layer includes:
Resort-style pool and spa designed for adults — quieter atmosphere, adult swim programming, water aerobics classes multiple days per week, lap lanes, and poolside social events. Heated in winter for year-round use, a critical Arizona amenity.
Multiple dedicated courts with organized leagues, round-robin events, beginner clinics, intermediate workshops, and open play daily. Pickleball is the defining social sport of modern active adult communities and Encore's courts are the social center of daily community life.
Fully equipped gym with cardio machines (treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, rowers), strength training equipment, and a group fitness studio. Classes include yoga, chair yoga, Pilates, Zumba Gold, strength boot camp, and balance training — scheduled weekly by Lifestyle Directors.
Ballroom and social hall for community events, dinners, parties, and celebrations. Demonstration kitchen for cooking classes and culinary events. Billiards and game room. Arts and crafts studio with pottery wheel, painting station, and dedicated workspace. Library and quiet reading room.
Bocce ball courts (extremely popular in active adult communities), shuffleboard, putting green, horseshoe pits, and shaded seating areas. Walking paths within the Encore enclave connect to the broader Eastmark trail system providing 8+ miles of paved routes.
Full-time Lifestyle Directors — professional community programmers — organize the social calendar year-round. Day trips, club meetings, fitness classes, culinary events, art classes, educational speakers, holiday parties, and social mixers run continuously. The programming quality is the strongest differentiator vs. passive retirement communities.
Taylor Morrison is consistently ranked among the nation's top homebuilders by revenue, units closed, and customer satisfaction scores. In Arizona — one of their most active markets — Taylor Morrison builds across a wide price range and product type. At Encore, their product is specifically curated for active adult buyers, reflecting deep experience building 55+ communities across the country.
Taylor Morrison's active adult floor plans at Encore include features that make a genuine difference in daily living:
New construction buyers at Encore work through Taylor Morrison's Design Studio — a dedicated showroom where buyers personalize every aspect of their home's finishes. The Design Studio process requires 2–3 appointments spaced over several weeks. Structural options (room additions, bay windows, extended garage, outdoor kitchen rough-in) must be selected very early in the process — often before the foundation is poured — because they require changes to the build documents. Cosmetic finishes (cabinets, counters, flooring, tile, fixtures) have later deadlines but still require decisions on a schedule set by Taylor Morrison's production timeline.
Design Studio budget reality check: buyers routinely spend $45,000–$95,000 in upgrades above base price. Categories with the highest upgrade costs are typically kitchen countertops (natural stone adds $8,000–$18,000), flooring (full-home tile or LVP vs. base carpet adds $12,000–$22,000), primary bathroom tile (feature walls and walk-in showers add $6,000–$15,000), and structural options. I help clients create a Design Studio budget and prioritize upgrades that genuinely add resale value vs. those that are better added after closing by third-party contractors at lower cost. This preparation typically saves clients $10,000–$30,000 vs. walking in without a plan.
Builder Lender Competition: Taylor Morrison's PartnerFirst Mortgage program offers incentives — rate buydowns, closing cost credits — for buyers who use their in-house lender. These incentives can be genuinely valuable. But they're only valuable if the loan terms are competitive with what an independent lender would offer. Always obtain an independent pre-approval before your first visit to the sales office. I have relationships with multiple lenders who specialize in new construction financing and can structure competing offers within Taylor Morrison's incentive framework. This single step has saved my clients tens of thousands of dollars on comparable-priced transactions. Call me before signing any purchase contract: (480) 227-9143.
Encore at Eastmark operates under the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA), federal law enacted in 1995 that permits age-restricted housing communities. Here is exactly what that means in plain English:
| HOPA Rule | Plain English | What It Means for Buyers |
|---|---|---|
| 80% Occupancy Rule | At least 80% of occupied homes must have at least one resident age 55 or older | Encore maintains well above 80% compliance. The remaining 20% can theoretically include younger residents. You will not be living in a community full of under-55 families. |
| One Resident Requirement | At least one person actually living in the home must be 55 or older | A couple where one partner is 54 and the other is 58 qualifies. Both partners under 55 does not qualify. Single person age 55+ qualifies. |
| Visitor Policy | HOPA restricts residency, not visitation | Grandchildren, adult children, younger friends are welcome to visit. Most Encore CC&Rs limit continuous minor stays to 60–90 days per calendar year. Review specific CC&Rs at purchase. |
| Age Verification | HOA is required to survey residency ages regularly | Buyers sign age verification documentation at closing. Annual or biennial surveys maintain HOPA status. This is routine and non-intrusive. |
| Resale Transfer Rule | Age rules apply to all buyers at resale too | When you eventually sell, the buyer must qualify (at least one resident 55+). This limits the buyer pool to 55+ qualified buyers — but the 55+ buyer market in Arizona is very large and growing. |
| Rental Policy | If renting, tenant must also meet age qualification | Encore may be rented but tenant must be 55+ qualified. Verify current short-term rental policy under ARS 9-500.39 and HOA CC&Rs — policies vary and STR rules are evolving in Arizona. |
Arizona law provides a property tax freeze for qualifying homeowners age 65 and older. Requirements: (1) You must be 65+ years of age, (2) the property must be your primary Arizona residence, (3) you must have owned and occupied it for at least two years, and (4) your household income must be at or below approximately $43,872 (adjusted annually by the Arizona Department of Revenue). The freeze locks your Limited Property Value (LPV) — the value used to calculate property taxes — for as long as you remain eligible. In a rising market, this freeze can save hundreds to thousands of dollars annually in property tax. I walk all eligible clients through the Maricopa County Assessor's application process and help them determine eligibility. This is one of the most underutilized tax benefits in Arizona real estate.
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (IATA: IWA, FAA: AZA) sits approximately 5–10 minutes from Encore — a fact that plays as both an asset and a disclosure item. As an asset: Gateway has become a major commercial airport with Southwest Airlines (their fourth-largest hub in Arizona operations), Frontier Airlines, and American Airlines operating regular service to dozens of destinations. For active adults who travel frequently to visit family or pursue leisure, eliminating the 30–40 minute Sky Harbor drive is a genuine quality-of-life improvement. No navigating Terminal 4's parking structure. No $40/day parking fees. No 40-minute security queue. Gateway is quick, small, and convenient.
As a disclosure item: some homes in Encore are positioned near or under flight approach and departure corridors. Aircraft noise levels vary significantly by lot position — some lots are minimally affected, others are meaningfully under the approach path. This is a material fact that requires investigation for each specific lot. My protocol with clients considering Encore: I pull the current FAA sectional chart and Gateway's published approach corridors, identify which lots are most affected, and require site visits at multiple times of day (early morning 6–8am and afternoon 2–5pm when traffic peaks) before any purchase contract is signed. It's not a disqualifying factor for most buyers — but it's information you need.
Intel's Chandler semiconductor campus (Fab 52 and Fab 62, representing a combined $20+ billion investment) is the East Valley's single largest private employer with 12,000+ direct employees. For Encore buyers with adult children or grandchildren employed at Intel — and this demographic is substantial — the 20–25 minute drive from Encore via Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) to Intel's main campus gates is a meaningful family proximity advantage. The ability for grandchildren to have lunch with grandparents on a workday, or for parents to be 20 minutes away rather than 45, changes the quality of family relationships in retirement in ways that matter but are hard to quantify on a comparison spreadsheet.
| Gateway Airport (IWA) | 5–10 min |
| Intel Chandler Campus | 20–25 min |
| Banner Gateway Medical (Level I) | 10–12 min |
| Chandler Regional Medical | 22 min |
| Banner MD Anderson (Gilbert) | 15 min |
| SanTan Village Mall | 12–18 min |
| Eastmark Fry's and Retail | 3–7 min |
| Downtown Gilbert Heritage District | 18–22 min |
| Downtown Chandler | 20–25 min |
| Tempe Marketplace | 22–28 min |
| Sky Harbor Airport | 30–40 min |
| Mayo Clinic Scottsdale | 35–45 min |
| TSMC North Phoenix Fab 21 | 50–60 min |
Proximity to quality medical care deserves more weight in active adult community selection than most buyers initially give it — and Encore's location delivers strongly in this category. The east Mesa and Gilbert medical corridor has seen massive investment over the past decade:
DMB Associates is an active partner in the development of the broader Gateway Economic District — a long-term vision for transforming the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport area into a research and innovation park, corporate campus, advanced manufacturing, medical office, and retail corridor. The Gateway Economic District represents a genuine economic development anchor for east Mesa over the next 15–20 years. Major employers have already established campuses in the corridor. As the district develops, Encore's proximity means walkable or short-drive access to employment, services, and retail that doesn't currently exist — a long-term property value catalyst that no comparable 55+ community in Goodyear, Surprise, or Eloy can claim.
The list price on a Taylor Morrison home at Encore is the beginning of the cost conversation, not the end. Here's a complete monthly cost model at two common price points. Assumptions: 20% down payment, 30-year fixed mortgage at 6.75% (reflecting mid-2026 rate environment), Maricopa County property tax assessed at approximately 0.57% of LPV (Limited Property Value, typically 60–65% of market value), standard homeowner's insurance, and representative HOA and CFD estimates for Encore. All figures are estimates — verify exact CFD and HOA amounts for your specific lot and phase.
| Monthly Cost Component | $525,000 Home | $725,000 Home | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Down Payment (20%) | $105,000 one-time | $145,000 one-time | Closing costs additional ~$8K–$15K |
| Loan Amount | $420,000 | $580,000 | Both below 2026 conforming limit ($806,500) |
| Principal & Interest | $2,724/mo | $3,760/mo | 30-yr fixed at 6.75% |
| Property Tax (est.) | ~$249/mo | ~$344/mo | ~0.57% Maricopa; see ARS §42-17302 senior freeze |
| Homeowner's Insurance | ~$100/mo | ~$130/mo | Varies widely by carrier; shop annually |
| Eastmark Master HOA | ~$140/mo | ~$140/mo | The Mark, Great Park, community infrastructure |
| Encore Adult Sub-HOA | ~$155/mo | ~$155/mo | Adult-exclusive clubhouse, pool, pickleball, programming |
| CFD Assessment (ARS Title 48) | ~$158/mo | ~$175/mo | On property tax bill; not included in HOA |
| ESTIMATED MONTHLY TOTAL | ~$3,526 | ~$4,704 | PITI + dual HOA + CFD |
| Estimated Annual Cash Outlay | ~$42,312/yr | ~$56,448/yr | Excludes maintenance reserve (budget 1% of home value) |
Understanding CFD Assessments (ARS Title 48): Community Facilities Districts are a common Arizona mechanism used by developers to finance infrastructure — roads, utilities, parks, water infrastructure — through municipal bond issuance. The CFD assessment at Eastmark appears on your Maricopa County property tax bill as a separate line item distinct from your regular property tax and HOA dues. CFD assessments are fixed by bond covenant — they don't change based on HOA board votes — and run until the underlying bonds mature, typically 20–30 years from original issuance. For buyers in early Eastmark phases, bond payoff timelines vary significantly. I pull the specific CFD bond schedule for every lot I show clients — the annual assessment amount, the payoff year, and the total remaining obligation — as a standard part of due diligence. Don't get surprised by your first tax bill.
| Community | Location | Price Range | Construction Era | HOA Est./mo | Airport | Intel Drive | Developer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encore at Eastmark | Mesa 85212 | $450K–$900K | 2015–present | $255–$335 | 5–10 min IWA | 20–25 min | DMB / Taylor Morrison |
| Sun City Grand | Surprise | $290K–$600K | 1996–2006 | $150–$200 | 40 min PHX | 55+ min | Del Webb / Pulte |
| PebbleCreek | Goodyear | $320K–$650K | 1995–present | $280–$350 | 35 min PHX | 60+ min | Robson Communities |
| Sun Lakes | Chandler | $280K–$550K | 1972–2000s | $180–$240 | 22 min PHX | 18 min | Robson Communities |
| Trilogy at Power Ranch | Gilbert | $380K–$650K | 2001–2010s | $220–$280 | 18 min IWA | 22 min | Shea Homes |
| Robson Ranch Eloy | Eloy | $280K–$500K | 2000–present | $350–$450 | 55 min PHX | 75+ min | Robson Communities |
| Sun City AZ Original | Sun City | $200K–$400K | 1960–1978 | $50–$100 | 35 min PHX | 70+ min | Del Webb |
| Sun City West | Sun City West | $230K–$450K | 1978–2001 | $80–$130 | 38 min PHX | 65+ min | Del Webb |
| Encanterra QC (55+) | Queen Creek | $400K–$750K | 2009–present | $300–$380 | 25 min IWA | 30 min | Shea / Tri Pointe |
Taylor Morrison builds new homes at Encore on a rolling basis as new phases open and lots are released. The construction timeline from contract to closing typically runs 6–12 months depending on where in the production queue your home lands and whether supply chain conditions are normal. Shorter timelines are possible on spec homes (homes Taylor Morrison builds without a buyer under contract — common practice to maintain sales floor inventory).
New construction advantages: You configure the home to your preferences through Design Studio. Full builder warranty coverage from day one (Taylor Morrison provides 1-year workmanship, 2-year systems, 10-year structural under Arizona's Right to Repair statute, ARS §12-1361). Latest energy-efficiency standards. No seller motivated by distress or urgency. Builder incentives (rate buydowns, closing cost credits, design credits) available in balanced or soft markets.
New construction risks: Design Studio upgrade budget overruns. Construction delays. Lender incentive comparison trap (always dual-apply). Builder-favorable contract terms (most are non-negotiable, but an experienced agent knows what builders will flex on). Lot premium decisions without full community context.
Encore has been selling homes since approximately 2015, creating an established resale market. Resale advantages are significant: mature landscaping and established plants vs. freshly installed xeriscape on new construction; no construction wait (30–45 day standard closing timeline); Design Studio upgrade value already built into the price at a discount (sellers who spent $70K on upgrades often net $25K–$40K of that at sale — resale buyers get premium finishes at a lower total cost); CFD schedule fully disclosed in public records; potentially negotiable pricing in balanced market conditions.
For resale, Arizona's SPDS (Seller Property Disclosure Statement, ARS §33-422) provides material disclosure of known defects, HOA assessments, and property history. Review the SPDS carefully. The standard 10-day BINSR inspection period applies. Request the HOA financials and reserve fund study under ARS §33-1806 — reserve fund health indicates whether a special assessment is coming.
Arizona "dry funding" means closing, loan funding, recording with the county, and key delivery all happen on the same day — typically in that sequence. There is no gap between funding and recording as in some states. Keys are handed over on recording day. For both new construction and resale at Encore, plan to move in on your closing date. This is standard Arizona practice.
| Feature | Encore at Eastmark (55+) | Eastmark All Ages |
|---|---|---|
| Age Restriction | HOPA 55+ qualified — at least one resident must be 55+ | None — all ages, all households |
| Primary Builder | Taylor Morrison (active adult product) | Multiple: Taylor Morrison, Meritage, Shea, Williams, others |
| Price Range | ~$450,000–$900,000+ | ~$350,000–$1,200,000+ (varies widely by phase/builder) |
| The Mark Access | Yes — full access via Eastmark master HOA | Yes — included in master HOA |
| Adult-Exclusive Amenities | Yes — private 55+ clubhouse, pool, pickleball, spa, programming | No — family-oriented shared amenities only |
| HOA Structure | Eastmark master + Encore adult sub-HOA (~$255–$335 combined) | Eastmark master + builder sub-HOA (~$140–$220 combined) |
| Social Programming | Full-time Lifestyle Directors creating adult-focused calendar | Community events, family-focused programming |
| Community Atmosphere | Quieter, adult-pace social life; no school traffic | Full family energy — school buses, sports, playgrounds active |
| School Relevance | Minimal — Mesa USD serves addresses but most residents don't use it | Mesa USD is a key selection factor for families with children |
| Floor Plan Philosophy | Main-floor primary suite, accessibility forward, low maintenance | Varies by builder — many 2-story with upstairs primary suite |
I specialize in 55+ active adult communities across the East Valley and know the Eastmark campus well — new construction inventory, resale values, lot positioning relative to flight paths, and CFD schedules by phase. Let me help you make a genuinely informed decision before you sign anything.
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