Victory vs CantaMia 2026: Downsizing Guide for 55+

Victory at Verrado vs CantaMia at Estrella is one of the most common "which one fits us?" questions I'm hearing from active adults downsizing in the West Valley in 2026.

Most downsizers think the decision is about the floor plan. The truth is your Tuesday routine decides whether you love it, or you feel stuck.

In this guide, I'll break down the two communities the way real downsizers actually live, daily walkability, pools you will use, guest flow, HOA layers, golf access, and what each community feels like when the novelty wears off.

I'm Andrew Texidor, Founder of Rewarding Heroes and Clearly Sold, brokered by HomeSmart, and I'm an AI Certified Agent. If you want a one-weekend tour plan and a realistic net sheet for selling your current home, I'll put it together so you can move forward with confidence.

Victory at Verrado vs CantaMia at Estrella: What's the Biggest Lifestyle Difference?

Victory feels like a hillside resort hub connected to the all-ages Verrado community, while CantaMia feels like a lakeside, activity-centered 55+ pocket inside Estrella.

Victory at Verrado sits tucked into the White Tank Mountains with exclusive amenities centered around The Victory Club. CantaMia at Estrella is built around its Village Center, lakes, and access to Estrella's extensive trail system and resident clubs.

Downsizer tip: Ask yourself, where do I want to be "accidentally social"?

If you want your clubhouse to feel like a destination with dramatic views and an on-site restaurant vibe, Victory usually wins. If you want daily paths, lakes, and a central activity hub with indoor and outdoor swimming, CantaMia usually wins.

Which Community Feels More "Resort" Day-to-Day?

Victory reads more "elevated resort," while CantaMia reads more "wellness campus," and both can feel resort-like depending on what you use weekly.

Victory's resort feel is driven by elevation, valley views, The Victory Club, and the social energy around dining and events. The Victory Club includes private pools, fitness, spa services, a hillside vineyard, and Vic Bar + Kitchen.

CantaMia's resort feel comes from the Village Center scale, a 29,000 sq. ft. facility with an indoor lap pool, outdoor resort pool, spa, and an activities calendar that pulls people in daily.

Quick gut-check:

• If your "resort" is cocktails and sunset views after a workout, Victory fits.

• If your "resort" is lap swimming, classes, pickleball, then a spa visit, CantaMia fits.

HOA Fees: What Are You Actually Paying For?

Both communities have HOA layers, but CantaMia owners should expect to navigate both CantaMia and Estrella-related rules and assessments, while Victory owners follow Victory and Verrado documents.

Estrella's HOA assessments are paid quarterly and are not included in your mortgage payment. CantaMia owners benefit from 65+ miles of trails, resident clubs, two community lakes, and the Yacht Club as part of the overall Estrella experience.

Victory has private amenities through The Victory Club, but the broader community is not a gated, controlled-access community according to the Victory Master Disclosure Statement.

Downsizing tip: HOA costs are only half the story. Ask these three questions before you decide:

1. What does the HOA cover that I would otherwise pay out-of-pocket?

2. Are there transfer fees, capital contributions, or resale disclosure costs?

3. How do guest passes work for amenities, especially if family visits often?

Golf Access in Both Communities

Golf is convenient in both areas, but the structure and access depends on the specific club and program.

Verrado Golf Club has two 18-hole championship courses near Victory, the Founders Course and the Victory Course. The Golf Club of Estrella is a Nicklaus Design course managed by Troon, and Estrella and CantaMia residents can take advantage of green fee discounts.

Downsizer tip: If golf is your weekly routine, tour the community, then swing by the golf shop and ask about resident programs and pass options in your exact season.

Which One Is Better for "Lock-and-Leave" and Low Maintenance?

Both can be lock-and-leave friendly, the difference is whether your day-to-day life is centered on a destination clubhouse (Victory) or a neighborhood activity campus with lakes and paths (CantaMia).

Here's what "low maintenance" really means in 2026:

• You want a home that feels easy when you travel, simple yard, durable flooring, and an HOA that keeps the common areas crisp.

• You want community design that supports movement without feeling like you must drive for everything.

Important nuance: "Lock-and-leave" is not just about leaving, it's about coming back and still feeling energized. If you'll return and immediately use the pool, fitness, trails, or restaurants, you chose right.

Location and Getting Around the Valley

CantaMia has straightforward access off I-10 via Estrella Parkway, while Victory's Buckeye location often appeals to people who want White Tank views and Verrado's district feel, even if errands can be a bit more spread out.

CantaMia is easily accessible from I-10 West to the Estrella Parkway or Pebble Creek Parkway exit (Exit 126). Estrella's extensive trails, resident clubs, and lakes reduce "drive boredom" because you have built-in options close by.

Downsizer tip: If you have ongoing medical routines, let's map your top three destinations, preferred grocery, preferred hospital, and your "Friday fun" spot. Then we pick the community that reduces friction.

Victory vs CantaMia: Which Is Better If Grandkids Visit Often?

If grandkids visit often, the best community is the one where visits feel easy, guest parking, places to go, and rules you can live with.

Estrella's Yacht Club has specific guest pass and guest fee procedures, including CantaMia resident identification requirements. Victory's structure as a non-gated community can matter for visitor flow and neighborhood access.

My practical advice: If visits are frequent, prioritize:

• A flexible guest room or den conversion

• A shaded outdoor space

• Nearby "things to do" that are not a big drive

2026 Downsize Decision Scorecard

Use this scorecard to pick what fits, not what looks best on paper.

Victory tends to win if you value:

• Iconic clubhouse experience with big views

• Connection to the all-ages Verrado districts

• Golf lifestyle nearby

CantaMia tends to win if you value:

• Indoor and outdoor swimming options as a weekly habit

• Lakeside walking paths and an activity-first hub

• Access to Estrella amenities like the Yacht Club and trails

My 10-Minute Tour Plan: How to Compare Both in One Weekend

You can compare both communities quickly if you tour in the right order and ask the right questions.

Stop 1: Amenities First (1 hour each)

• Victory: Tour The Victory Club, then take a short drive through the home collections you can afford.

• CantaMia: Tour the Village Center and both pools, then walk the lake path to feel the day-to-day.

Stop 2: Drive the "Errands Loop" (15 minutes)

Your grocery, your favorite coffee stop, and your preferred medical provider.

Stop 3: Pick 2 Homes in Each Community

• One home that fits today

• One home that fits five years from now

Downsizer tip: The best house is the one you still love when the guests leave and it's just you again.

Quick Market Snapshot for Downsizers in 2026

Both communities are active in early 2026, and the right approach is to compare value using price-per-square-foot and HOA layers, not just list price.

CantaMia's median listing price is around $430,084 in its local market view, while Victory (Buckeye) shows a median listing price around $519,000. However, neighborhood and community pages can shift quickly, so I always verify with MLS comps and recent closed sales in the specific pocket you're considering.

How I Help as an AI Certified Agent for Downsizers

Being an AI Certified Agent doesn't replace experience, it supports it. I use AI tools to help active adults downsize with fewer surprises and less back-and-forth.

Here's how it shows up in a real move:

• Smarter tour planning: I create a tight showing route, then send a simple recap after each home so you remember what you liked and why.

• Clear next steps: Checklists for selling, buying, inspections, and moving timelines, so you feel in control.

• Better marketing for your current home: Faster creation of listing copy variations and neighborhood messaging that speaks to the right buyers.

If you're downsizing, my goal is simple, protect your time and your money, and make the move feel organized.

FAQ: Victory at Verrado vs CantaMia at Estrella

Is Victory at Verrado gated?

Victory has private amenity access, but the community as a whole is not a gated, controlled-access community, according to the Victory Master Disclosure Statement.

Does CantaMia have an indoor pool?

Yes, the CantaMia amenities flyer lists an indoor beach-entry lap pool, and the HOA amenities page also references an indoor lap pool.

Do CantaMia residents get access to Estrella amenities?

Many Estrella amenities are designed for residents, and the Yacht Club page specifically references CantaMia resident identification and guest procedures.

Is golf close to both communities?

Yes. Verrado Golf Club has two 18-hole championship courses, and the Golf Club of Estrella is promoted through the Estrella resident information pages and club site.

What's the fastest way to decide between Victory and CantaMia?

Tour the amenities first, then drive the errands loop. If you love the amenities and the errands feel easy, the home choice usually becomes obvious.

Final Thoughts

Victory and CantaMia are both strong 55+ options in 2026. The better choice is the one that fits your weekly routine, your visitor patterns, and the way you want to spend your time.

If you're still weighing your options, remember this: the best community is the one where you actually use what's included: not the one with the longest amenity list.

Ready to Compare Both Communities?

If you want help deciding, I'll put together:

• A one-weekend tour plan for both communities

• A quick "what's actually selling" snapshot for your budget

• A realistic net sheet for selling your current home

Contact Andrew Texidor
Realtor and Founder, Clearly Sold brokered by HomeSmart
📞 Phone: 623-400-5957
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: ClearlySold.com

Schedule your tour and get your personalized downsizing plan at ClearlySold.com.

Andrew Texidor, founder of Rewarding Heroes and Clearly Sold brokered by HomeSmart, is a certified AI agent.