10 Things to Know Before Moving to Anthem, AZ

About 32 miles north of Phoenix’s downtown lies the massive, master-planned community of Anthem, Arizona. Anthem, created in 1999 by Del Web, is located in the northern Phoenix Valley foothills. It has a reputation for being a great place for families to settle down.

All year round, Anthem offers family-friendly locations and activities. It’s an excellent spot for retirees as well. A wide variety of sports, including baseball, basketball, soccer, and tennis, are played at the community center. In addition to a community water park, it features an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

Let’s check out ten things to know before moving to Anthem, AZ!

1. Anthem’s cost of living is 17% higher than the national average

Compared to the rest of the country and Arizona, Anthem has a cost of living that is 17% higher on average. Everything from groceries to electricity to transportation to the Anthem real estate market will be more expensive for newcomers. Despite this, healthcare costs are slightly lower than average.

Many Anthem residents opt to own their homes, contributing to the city’s high homeownership rate of 79%. Anthem real estate typically sells for $549,950 on average, or $252 p/sq. ft.

2. Anthem’s crime rates are lower than the national average

Anthem has a lower crime rate than the rest of Arizona (by 55%) and the United States (by 48%). Living in Anthem is risk-free because of the town’s family-friendly features and safe neighborhoods.

Brave men and women serving their communities as part of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office keep Anthem residents safe and secure.

3. Live in Anthem West, Ironwood, or the Anthem Villages.

There are a lot of great neighborhoods to pick from, even if the overall area isn’t that big. Some of the top Anthem neighborhoods are Anthem West, Ironwood, and the Anthem Villages.

There are more than five parks in Anthem, and residents can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. The Anthem Community Council is in charge of these locations and their operations.

The Outlets at Anthem, Fry’s, CVS, Safeway, Dollar Tree, and Goodwill are just a handful of the local Anthem stores that locals have access to.

4. Anthem summers are hot, dry, and humid

Anthem experiences hot, dry summers and somewhat cold winters, just like the rest of Phoenix, according to its arid desert climate. It’s important to have water and sunscreen on hand during the summer to protect yourself against sunburn and dehydration.

At its warmest, Anthem has summertime temperatures that sometimes reach into the triple digits. Wintertime lows drop into the 40s and mid-60s, while highs are in the 70s and 80s. When you live in Anthem, you probably won’t need an umbrella very often because the annual rainfall is only approximately 13 inches.

5. Savor the food at The Tennessee Grill or Two Brothers Kitchen

If you’re not a fan of cooking at home, you might want to see if Anthem has any decent restaurants before you move there.

If you’re looking for some great American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, check out Two Brothers Kitchen, one of the best restaurants in Anthem. Indulge in some of their delectable omelets, skillets, burgers, and sandwiches when you stop by.

If you’re looking for some excellent BBQ in Anthem, look no further than The Tennessee Grill, one of the top restaurants in town. Their extensive menu offers a wide variety of delicious meats, including pulled pork, brisket, chicken, and ribs, among many others.

6. Work in companies like Honeywell, Amazon, or Intel

Are you seeking job opportunities in Anthem before moving to the area? Some top employers in Anthem include Honeywell, Amazon, Intel Corporation, GoDaddy, and Wells Fargo.

The average annual income in Anthem amounts to $45,627, and the region imposes a state income tax rate of 4.2%. 

7. The Deer Valley Unified School District serves the city

Comprising roughly 29% of the population, Anthem is home to more than 6,515 children aged between 0 and 18 years old. The highly-rated schools and secure neighborhoods make Anthem an exceptional residential choice for families.

Anthem’s schools fall under the Deer Valley Unified School District and feature some top-rated schools like Gavilan Peak Elementary, Diamond Canyon Elementary, Anthem School, and Boulder Creek High School.

The closest higher education options near Anthem are Franklin University and Brown Mackie College-Phoenix.

8. Go golfing at the Anthem Country Club

The Anthem Country Club provides a challenging golf course surrounded by stunning desert landscapes, offering an enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels.

Apart from golfing, it offers upscale amenities such as tennis courts, fitness centers, dining options, and social events.

9. Explore the outdoors at Anthem Community Park or Daisy Mountain

Anthem Community Park offers a myriad of prime outdoor activities. It encompasses various amenities, ranging from a kids’ play area to a splash pad. Additionally, the park provides facilities for pickleball, hiking trails, a skate park, and a tranquil fishing lake where catch-and-release fishing is permitted.

The nearby Daisy Mountain and surrounding areas offer a variety of trails suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and nature exploration. Residents can also experience the beautiful Sonoran Desert landscapes, wildlife, and stunning views while engaging in outdoor activities

10. Visit the Arizona Living History Museum

An absolute must-visit in Anthem is the Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum, offering an exclusive glimpse into the region’s past as a Western town. This museum showcases an array of captivating exhibits, notably featuring the blacksmith shop, carpenter shop, and the historic Flying V Cabin. Guests can immerse themselves in various other exhibits depicting the rich heritage and lifestyle of the area’s pioneer days, providing a comprehensive and engaging experience of the Old West era.

In Summary

Anthem, Arizona, presents a family-friendly community known for its lower crime rates, diverse neighborhoods, outdoor activities, and excellent schools under the Deer Valley Unified School District. However, the city has a high cost of living, and if you’re not a fan of hot summers, this city is not for you.