Telosa isn’t the first desert utopia envisioned for the Valley. Some communities have been around for decades, others are still in the dream phase.
Sun City
Developer Del Webb created the “original retirement community” in the early 1960s. The West Valley burg is largely responsible for the Phoenix metro’s status as a haven for seniors.
Arcosanti
Architect Paolo Soleri’s vision of arcology – architecture plus ecology – was manifested in this artsy commune north of Phoenix in the 1970s. Only 5 percent complete, its permanent population is around 80.
Belmont
Bill Gates is a backer of this proposed “smart city” near Tonopah. Plans include autonomous vehicles, data centers, a freeway to Las Vegas and a population akin to Tempe’s (180,000). There have been no updates since it was announced in 2017.
