The BEST Masterplanned Community in Phoenix NOBODY is Talking About

A lot of buyers completely write off Anthem because they think it’s too far north… or because the homes are “too old.”

And honestly? That assumption might be costing them one of the best opportunities in the entire Phoenix area.

I hear it all the time.

“Anthem feels too far.”

“It’s older.”

“There’s no new construction.”

“It can’t compare to the newer master-planned communities.”

But here’s the thing most buyers don’t realize…

Anthem was one of the ORIGINAL master-planned communities in Phoenix that was done exceptionally well. And today, many of the things buyers desperately want in newer communities — community feel, mature landscaping, mountain views, amenities, larger homes, remodeled interiors, and true neighborhood identity — are exactly what Anthem already has.

Now, does that mean Anthem is right for everyone?

Absolutely not.

There are definitely trade-offs you need to understand before making the move.

So let’s break down the real pros and cons of living in Anthem Arizona — so you can decide whether this hidden gem belongs on your shortlist… or whether you should still pass.

WHERE IS ANTHEM ARIZONA?

Anthem is located at the very northern edge of the Greater Phoenix area, right along Interstate 17 between Phoenix and the national forest areas heading north toward Prescott, Sedona, and Flagstaff.

Technically, Anthem is not its own city.

It’s actually a master-planned community within Phoenix, located in the 85085 zip code. That confuses a lot of out-of-state buyers because some listings say “Phoenix” while others say “Anthem.”

But locals absolutely know the difference.

And once you visit, you’ll understand why Anthem has built such a loyal following.

ANTHEM PROS AND CONS

PRO: ANTHEM IS PERFECT FOR OUTDOOR LOVERS

If you love Arizona’s outdoor lifestyle, Anthem’s location is honestly hard to beat.

You’re sitting right off Interstate 17, which means you have immediate access to:

• Prescott
• Sedona
• Flagstaff
• The Grand Canyon
• Northern Arizona lakes
• Hiking trails
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hunting
• Boating
• Off-roading
• Mountain biking

This is a dream setup for people who constantly head north during the hotter summer months.

Instead of fighting through Phoenix traffic just to leave town, Anthem residents are already halfway there.

And if you’re a water lover?

Lake Pleasant is only about 35 minutes away.

That means:

• boating
• paddleboarding
• jet skiing
• pontoon rentals
• houseboats
• lakeside restaurants
• camping right on the water

For many Anthem residents, weekends feel like permanent vacation mode.

CON: ANTHEM IS FAR FROM CENTRAL PHOENIX

Now let’s talk reality.

If your life revolves around:

• Sky Harbor Airport
• Downtown Phoenix
• Tempe
• Central Scottsdale
• frequent cross-valley driving
• outside sales
• heavy commuting

…Anthem may absolutely feel too far.

You are at the far northern tip of the Greater Phoenix area.

And while Interstate 17 makes access relatively easy, mileage in Phoenix can be deceiving.

A drive that looks manageable on a map can feel much longer when it becomes part of your daily routine.

That’s why Anthem works best for:

• remote workers
• retirees
• hybrid workers
• outdoor enthusiasts
• North Phoenix employees
• people prioritizing lifestyle over centrality

EMPLOYMENT NEAR ANTHEM IS EXPLODING

One of the biggest misconceptions about Anthem is that there are no jobs nearby.

That used to be somewhat true.

Not anymore.

The entire northwest valley is rapidly transforming because of the massive economic growth happening around:

• TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor)
• USAA
• North Phoenix tech corridors
• logistics companies
• manufacturing expansion
• aerospace growth

And Anthem is positioned incredibly well for long-term appreciation because it is landlocked.

That’s important.

There’s very limited room for expansion around Anthem because:

• national forest land borders the north
• surrounding development is already established
• major expansion areas are south of Anthem

That creates scarcity.

And scarcity usually increases demand over time.

THE HOMES IN ANTHEM: OLDER… BUT BETTER?

Here’s where Anthem surprises a lot of buyers.

Yes — most homes were built between 1999 and 2006.

So no, you’re not getting brand-new construction.

But here’s the flip side…

A lot of these homes are actually BETTER than many newer builds.

WHY?

1. Construction quality was often stronger 20 years ago

Many homes were built with:

• better materials
• larger floor plans
• more architectural detail
• larger lots
• stronger craftsmanship

2. Many homes have already been updated

This is huge.

You’re now seeing:

• remodeled kitchens
• modern flooring
• updated bathrooms
• new HVAC systems
• newer roofs
• upgraded landscaping
• resort-style backyards

And those backyard renovations alone can easily cost:

• $150,000+
• pools
• pergolas
• outdoor kitchens
• lighting
• landscaping
• mountain-view patios

Buying resale in Anthem often means someone else already paid for all of it.

That can create incredible value compared to brand-new construction.

ANTHEM COMMUNITY AMENITIES ARE INSANE

This is where Anthem absolutely separates itself from many newer communities.

A lot of new master-planned communities advertise amazing amenities…

…but many are still unfinished.

You’re paying HOA fees while:

• clubhouses are still “proposed”
• pools aren’t completed
• amenities are years away

Anthem already has everything built.

And it’s massive.

ANTHEM AMENITIES INCLUDE:

Anthem Community Center

• resort-style pools
• water slides
• lap pools
• fitness center
• splash areas
• community programming

Founders Park

• lake
• walking paths
• train rides for kids
• huge green spaces
• playgrounds
• community events

Recreation

• pickleball
• tennis
• basketball
• skate park
• sports fields

Events Throughout the Year

• Fourth of July celebrations
• Spring events
• Halloween festivals
• food truck nights
• movie nights
• holiday gatherings

The community feel here is VERY real.

And honestly?

That’s becoming harder and harder to find in Phoenix.

ANTHEM SCHOOLS ARE ONE OF THE BIGGEST SELLING POINTS

If you’re raising a family, Anthem consistently ranks among the top communities in Phoenix for family living.

The schools are a major reason why.

Families specifically target Anthem because of:

• strong public schools
• family-oriented neighborhoods
• safety
• parks
• youth activities
• community atmosphere

For many buyers with kids, Anthem becomes one of the strongest lifestyle values in the valley.

DESERT LIVING COMES WITH DESERT REALITY

Now let’s talk about the part many people romanticize online…

…but don’t fully understand until they move here.

Living near the desert means wildlife.

That includes:

• snakes
• coyotes
• javelina
• scorpions
• birds of prey

If you have tiny pets, you absolutely need to be cautious.

And yes — pest control is just normal Arizona life.

Most homeowners treat their homes regularly every other month, and it’s usually very manageable.

The good news?

These issues are common throughout Arizona and are usually easy to maintain when handled properly.

ANTHEM COUNTRY CLUB IS A HIDDEN LUXURY GEM

A lot of luxury buyers initially focus on:

• Scottsdale
• Paradise Valley
• North Scottsdale golf communities

But some eventually realize they want:

• better value
• more community
• stronger neighborhood feel
• better scenery
• less pretentious environments

And that’s where Anthem Country Club becomes incredibly attractive.

Buyers often discover they can:

• buy larger homes
• get better views
• spend less money
• renovate to luxury standards
• still stay well below Scottsdale pricing

And many end up LOVING the social atmosphere.

It attracts affluent buyers without the ultra-flashy luxury vibe some people dislike elsewhere.

SHOPPING AND DINING IN ANTHEM

One thing people are often surprised by:

Anthem is not isolated anymore.

Inside Anthem itself, you already have:

• grocery stores
• restaurants
• coffee shops
• salons
• dentists
• gas stations
• daily conveniences

Plus:

• Anthem Outlets
• nearby hospitals
• expanding retail corridors

And for larger shopping experiences?

You’re usually only about:

• 10 minutes from larger retail areas
• 20 minutes from Cave Creek
• 30–35 minutes from Scottsdale shopping districts

That’s far more manageable than many buyers initially assume.

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER LIVING IN ANTHEM?

Anthem could be a phenomenal fit if you:

• work remotely
• love outdoor recreation
• value community
• want mountain views
• prioritize schools
• want better resale value
• appreciate mature neighborhoods
• want remodeled luxury homes
• prefer lifestyle over trendy zip codes

WHO SHOULD PROBABLY SKIP ANTHEM?

Anthem may NOT be ideal if:

• you commute daily to central Phoenix
• you travel constantly from Sky Harbor
• you want walkable nightlife
• you only want brand-new construction
• you dislike desert wildlife
• you need ultra-urban living

FINAL THOUGHTS ON LIVING IN ANTHEM ARIZONA

Anthem is one of the most misunderstood communities in the entire Phoenix area.

People dismiss it because:

• it’s farther north
• it’s older
• it doesn’t have new construction

But what they often fail to realize is…

Anthem already has many of the things newer communities are still trying to create:

• strong community identity
• mature landscaping
• finished amenities
• excellent schools
• beautiful views
• outdoor lifestyle
• upgraded homes
• long-term stability

And for the right buyer?

It can be one of the BEST values in the entire valley.

If you’re thinking about moving to Anthem — or anywhere in the Greater Phoenix area — you really need someone who understands ALL parts of the valley, not just one neighborhood.

Because what you think you want at the beginning of your search often changes once you truly understand the lifestyle differences between areas.

And that’s exactly where we help.

Give us a call, shoot us a text, or send us an email anytime.

Days, nights, or weekends — we’ve got your back when moving to Phoenix, Arizona.