Anthem, AZ

Set against the foothills of Daisy Mountain just north of Phoenix, Anthem is a master-planned community built along Interstate 17. Originally developed by Del Webb in the late 1990s, it has grown into a thriving desert hometown of more than 23,000 residents. Anthem is an unincorporated community, so local public services depend on where you live. Homes on the west side of the freeway fall under the City of Phoenix, while neighborhoods on the east side rely on Maricopa County. Anyone looking to move here will want to check their specific address to understand local utilities, emergency services, and county regulations.

ATTRneepster from Phoenix, USA / CC BY-SA 2.0

Day-to-day oversight of the community falls to the Anthem Community Council alongside three main homeowner associations. The area is divided into distinct sections: Parkside, known for its family-friendly residential streets; the gated Anthem Country Club, featuring two championship golf courses and private clubhouses; and the Village, which offers low-maintenance condominium living. Quarterly HOA dues cover neighborhood upkeep, desert landscaping, and access to Anthem's extensive recreation amenities. Since dues and guidelines vary between each neighborhood, it helps to review the fee schedules and property rules before choosing a home.

ATTRMarine 69-71 / CC BY-SA 4.0

One of the biggest draws for newcomers is how naturally Anthem blends into the surrounding Sonoran Desert. Developers preserved about 1,400 acres of open desert washes and green space throughout the community. More than 15 miles of paved and unpaved trails wind through neighborhoods, making it easy to head out for a morning run or bike ride with views of the nearby hills. Because these washes serve as natural drainage corridors and protected wildlife habitats, they stay untouched, giving residential streets a quiet, spacious feel.

ATTRMarine 69-71 / CC BY-SA 4.0

Recreation revolves around the 63-acre Community Park, featuring catch-and-release fishing lakes, sports fields, adventure playgrounds, and the miniature Daisy Mountain Railroad. The park is also home to the Anthem Veterans Memorial, where sunlight passes through five towering pillars to illuminate the Great Seal of the United States at precisely 11:11 a.m. each Veterans Day. Residents also enjoy a 43,000-square-foot Community Center complete with a water park, lap pool, fitness classes, a rock climbing wall, and a 14-court pickleball complex. With year-round community events like the Music in May concert series and a regional library branch on the high school campus, Anthem makes settling into desert living simple and welcoming.