Both offer quality active adult living under $500K all-in. Encore is new construction in Mesa. Solera is Del Webb in Pinal County. Different locations, different brands, different carrying costs. The complete comparison.
Encore at Eastmark and Solera at Johnson Ranch serve similar buyer profiles — buyers who want quality 55+ community living in the East Valley without resort premiums. Here's how they actually compare.
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Talk to a Specialist →| Factor | Encore at Eastmark | Solera Johnson Ranch |
|---|---|---|
| Builder | KB Home | Del Webb / Pulte |
| Location | Mesa, Maricopa County | San Tan Valley, Pinal County |
| Price Range | $350K–$600K | $280K–$500K |
| Combined HOA | $388–$413/mo (two HOAs) | $288–$325/mo (single HOA) |
| County Tax Rate | Maricopa ~0.63% | Pinal ~0.60% |
| Sky Harbor | ~25 min | ~45 min |
| Scottsdale | ~25 min | ~50 min |
| All-In Monthly ($420K) | ~$1,050/mo | ~$940/mo |
Solera runs approximately $110/month cheaper all-in at comparable home values — a combination of lower HOA (single vs two-HOA), Pinal County's slightly lower tax rate, and lower insurance on lower-priced homes. Over 10 years: ~$13,200 in cumulative savings at Solera.
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The trade-off: Mesa's location is significantly more convenient. Sky Harbor at 25 minutes vs 45 minutes, Scottsdale at 25 minutes vs 50 minutes, Banner Gateway at 15 minutes vs 25 minutes. For buyers who make frequent airport trips or need regular Scottsdale access, the location premium of Encore's Mesa address may be worth the $110/month extra. For buyers whose daily life is largely self-contained, Solera's financial efficiency wins.
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