Anthem 55+ Retirement Communities

Anthem, AZ, is a thriving community located in Maricopa County, just north of Phoenix. This area is known for its beautiful desert landscapes, stunning mountain views, and warm year-round weather. Anthem is an ideal location for those seeking an active lifestyle, with several world-class golf courses, hiking and biking trails, and parks located within the town's limits. The community also boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, with regular live performances and events held throughout the year. 

If you are considering visiting or moving to Anthem there are a few websites that might be useful:

• Visit Arizona has information on things to do both in Anthem and throughout the Phoenix area.
• Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce provides info on businesses in the area as well as a visitors guide.
• Anthem Community Council provides resources and information for both residents and visitors.

Affordability and Cost of Living 

Anthem's cost of living is 22.4 percent higher than the U.S. average. Much of the cost increase is due to housing and transportation costs. The median home cost in Anthem is $526,100, somewhat higher than the Arizona median cost of $407,400 and much higher than the U.S. cost of $338,100. Sales tax in Anthem is 6.3 percent and consists of the 5.6 percent Arizona state tax and the 0.7 percent Maricopa County tax. Property taxes in Maricopa County average 0.59 percent of a home's value. Groceries and utilities are right around the U.S. average, healthcare is a bit below average and transportation costs are 20 percent higher than the national average.

Kiplinger rates Arizona as one of the most tax-friendly states. Starting in 2023 the income tax will be a flat rate of 2.5 percent with Social Security and military retirement income being exempt. Arizona does tax other forms of retirement income but does not have inheritance or estate taxes.

Climate and Geography 

Anthem, AZ has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The average high temperature in the summer months, from June to September, ranges from 98°F to 104°F, with low temperatures ranging from 67°F to 77°F. The winter months, from December to February, have an average high temperature of 66°F to 71°F, with low temperatures ranging from 40°F to 45°F. The average annual rainfall is about five inches, with the majority of the precipitation occurring in the summer.

Anthem is located in the Sonoran Desert, which is known for its unique flora and fauna. The saguaro cactus, which can reach heights of up to 40 feet, is a common sight in the area. The desert is also home to a variety of wildlife, including coyotes, bobcats, and rattlesnakes. Located in the foothills of the Daisy Mountain Range, residents enjoy stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. Nearby Lake Pleasant has over ten miles of shoreline and is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and hiking. Anthem is also close to the Tonto National Forest, which is one of the largest forests in Arizona, covering almost 3 million acres. 

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment 

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, history buff, or an art lover, Anthem has something for everyone. Here are some of the interesting activities and places to explore in Anthem:

Golf and Racquet Sports

• Anthem Golf & Country Club
• Ironwood Country Club
• Persimmon Country Club
• Anthem Community Center (pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts)

Hiking, Biking, and Boating

• Daisy Mountain Preserve
• Gavilan Peak
• Anthem Community Park
• Lake Pleasant Regional Park

Museums and Historical Sites

• Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum
• Deer Valley Rock Art Center
• Cave Creek Museum
• Arizona Capitol Museum

Performing Arts

• Musical Theatre of Anthem
• Arizona Broadway Theatre
• Phoenix Symphony
• Desert Foothills Theater

Shopping

• Outlets at Anthem
• The Village at Anthem Shopping Center
• Anthem Marketplace
• Fry's Marketplace

Parks and Gardens

• Anthem Community Park
• Opportunity Way Park
• Anthem Community Center Park
• Anthem Veterans Memorial

Festivals and Fairs

• Daisy Mountain Veterans Parade
• Anthem Autumnfest
• Anthem Days
• Phoenix Film Festival

Health and Wellness 

Anthem provides a variety of health and wellness resources for 55+ active adults making it an excellent place to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. One of the most significant advantages of the area is its proximity to top-notch medical facilities. The HonorHealth Sonoran Crossing Medical Center is located less than 6 miles away, while the Mayo Clinic Hospital is only a 25-minute drive. These medical centers provide a range of general and specialized medical services.

Anthem has several local options for self-care and staying fit. The Anthem Community Center is a state-of-the-art facility that offers fitness classes, swimming pools, and a fully-equipped gym. Anthem Community Park and Daisy Mountain Preserve are great places for walking, biking and hiking. Residents can also take advantage of yoga and Pilates classes at local studios. For those interested in healthy eating, Anthem hosts a weekly farmers market offering fresh, locally grown produce, artisanal food, and handmade crafts.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

If you are considering buying a home in a 55+ community in the area, taking a trip to Anthem is a great way to get a feel for the town and see if it's the right fit for you.

Day One

Morning:

• Start the day off with a delicious breakfast at the Roadrunner Cafe, known for their breakfast burritos and homemade cinnamon rolls.
• After breakfast, head to the Pioneer Living History Museum. This museum showcases what life was like in the Arizona Territory during the 1800s.

Afternoon:

• For lunch, check out State 48 Brewery, a brewery and restaurant that offers a variety of craft beers and pub-style food.
• After lunch, take a scenic drive through the nearby Cave Creek Regional Park, where you can see stunning desert landscapes and wildlife.

Evening:

• Enjoy a relaxing dinner at Legends Bar and Grill. The restaurant features a variety of south of the border favorites as well as steak and seafood.

Day Two

Morning:

• Start the day with a delicious breakfast at the Rock Springs Cafe, known for their pies and home-style cooking.
• After breakfast, visit the Outlets at Anthem, where you can shop for bargains at stores like Coach, Nike, and Banana Republic.

Afternoon:

• Meet with your local 55places expert retirement community partner agent to tour the communities and learn more about the retirement options in the area.

Evening:

• For dinner, check out the Tortas Chano, located in Anthem. The restaurant serves authentic Mexican cuisine and features a festive atmosphere.

Getting to Anthem, AZ

Anthem, AZ is located about 35 miles north of downtown Phoenix. Visitors can easily reach the area by car, with major highways including Interstate 17 and Carefree Highway providing direct access. For those flying in, the closest major airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), which is located approximately 40 miles south of Anthem. PHX is a major hub for several airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest Airlines, offering direct flights to destinations across the US and internationally. Visitors can also consider flying into Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA), which is located about 60 miles southeast of Anthem and serves several budget airlines such as Allegiant Air and Swoop Airlines. From either airport, visitors can rent a car or use rideshare services to travel to Anthem.