Construction of Dreamland Villa began in 1958 and the development was open to sales in January, 1959. Joe Farnsworth, and son Ross, began Dreamland Villa's first section with 200 acres of land near the corner of Main and 54th Streets. Ultimately, it grew to become a community of eighteen sections and over five thousand residents.

The oldest 55+ community in Arizona was Youngtown (west of Phoenix), near Sun City. Dreamland Villa (as well as Sun City), are based on the Youngtown model; senior housing with recreational facilities included. The intent by the Farnsworth’s was for this to be a senior community from the beginning.

In late 1959, Del Webb started making headlines with his Sun City development scheduled to open on Jan. 1, 1960. Ross Farnsworth told the Republic in 1995, "When we first heard Del Webb's plans, we thought we were ruined." Del Webb had begun a national advertising campaign, bringing in lots of people in to look at his development." Farnsworth countered with a billboard on Grand Avenue, between Phoenix and Sun City, drawing customers to his development in the east valley.

The first home occupied in Dreamland Villa is located at 5416 E. Akron Street, purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Hatch, from Wisconsin.

Dreamland Villa was the name proposed by Mrs. Annie Farnsworth because “Meet me tonight in Dreamland” was her favorite song.
The Dreamland Villa Community Club was chartered as a non-profit organization by the State of Arizona on June 1, 1961. In May, 1979, the adult 55+ overlay was approved.

Dreamland Villa Retirement Community
320 N. 55th Place, Mesa, AZ 85205
(480) 832-3461

Adult 55+ Community

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