Quiet master-planned living centered around community activities and recreation
Roughly 60 miles southeast of Phoenix, the master-planned, HOA-governed community of Anthem at Merrill Ranch offers recreation options and events that attract both retirees and families with young children. "We've got anything you want to do, whether it's crafts, dances, dinners, or pickleball,” says resident Claudia Wilson, an agent with Realty One Group. “It’s very pet friendly and you see people out and about all day long walking their dogs, riding their bikes, driving golf carts,” adds resident Ayanna Hawkins, a Realtor with Simple Realty Professionals. Within this largely residential development, the northern Sun City section welcomes buyers aged 55 and older, the southern Parkside section is open to residents of all ages, and everyone comes together at a shared community center. The CAP Index crime score is 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4 out of 10. Residents can do some grocery shopping and dining right in the neighborhood, but Hawkins notes that the area's shopping, dining and entertainment options are increasing with the continued development of nearby communities. "We're within striking distance of Queen Creek and San Tan Valley, which are growing exponentially right now,” she says.
Anthem at Merrill Ranch is a mater planned community in the Sonoran Desert.
Pickleball is a growing sport among Anthem at Merrill Ranch residents.
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Private recreation amenities at the community center and neighboring park, plus a public golf course
While residents in the age-restricted portion of Anthem at Merrill Ranch have access to their own private pickleball courts, the Anthem Parkside Community Center welcomes everyone who lives in the community. The center offers outdoor tennis, pickleball and volleyball courts, as well as a pool with waterslides and lap-swimming lanes; indoors, residents can shoot hoops in the gym, climb the rock wall, or use the fitness center. The adjoining community park offers a large playground and splash pad, as well as fishing ponds, a dog park and fields for soccer and softball. On the neighborhood’s east side, the 18-hole Poston Butte Golf Course is open to the public; on a clear day, golfers teeing off from the fairway can catch a glimpse of the Temple of the Sun, a landmark built on top of Poston Butte Peak by explorer Charles Poston, known as the “Father of Arizona."
Golf is played year round in Anthem at Merrill Ranch.
Residents of Anthem at Merrill Ranch use the community center fields for many activities.
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All-ages events at the community center
Residents can enjoy a regular roster of special events at the community center, including trivia on the first Friday of each month and a neighborhood potluck on the second. "The HOA does a really good job of making sure we have regular things to do on a daily basis,” Hawkins says, adding that residents frequently look forward to drive-in movies at the park and golf course, or dive-in movies at the pool. "Every week there's something going on at our community center,” she says. “If you’re bored here, there might be something wrong with you.”
The pool at Anthem Parkside Community Center in Anthem at Merrill Ranch has fun of all.
Anthem at Merrill Ranch is a proud Dell Webb community.
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Cohesive post-2000 builds
Home construction in Anthem at Merrill Ranch began in the early 2000s, but buyers can also find brand-new homes in both the Sun City and Parkside sections. All homes on the Sun City side are single-level ranch-style homes, while Parkside has two-story builds. Modest homes start at around $300,000, while larger versions, often with private swimming pools, can go up to $700,000. Most homes here have neutral-colored stucco walls and clay barrel-tile roofs, but some have brick-accented facades; nearly all homes here sit on quiet, sidewalk-lined streets and have attached, front-facing garages. Properties are well-maintained, and most feature low-water landscaping with gravel and desert plants.
Many residents that choose grass, opt for artificial turf in Anthem at Merrill Ranch.
Curb appeal doesn’t get much better than the homes in Anthem at Merrill Ranch.
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Career courses at Florence High School
Anthem at Merrill Ranch is zoned for the Florence Unified School District. Local students can attend Anthem K-8 on the neighborhood’s south side before moving onto Florence High 10 miles southeast; both receive a C-plus rating from Niche. Florence High has a renowned music and fine arts program with several band and choir ensembles, and students here can enroll in a variety of career and technical education courses in fields like graphic design, agriscience and sports medicine.
Anthem K-8 in Anthem at Merrill Ranch offers an after school program for its students.
Florence High School was founded in 1916.
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Grocery shopping and several restaurants within the community
Residents can do some local dining and shopping on the neighborhood’s west side, at the intersection of Hunt Highway and Merrill Ranch Parkway. There's a Safeway for groceries, Valentino’s Eatery for classic Italian fare and lengthy wine, cocktail and dessert menus, and Chen’s Chinese Bistro for family-style dinners and takeout lunch specials. Further east at Poston Butte Golf Club’s Anthem Grille, folks can order smoked meat by the half pound or enjoy Sunday brunch on the patio. Retail options can be found less than 20 miles northwest in the Queen Creek community, including Target, Walmart and Kohl’s.
Residents of Anthem at Merrill Ranch pick up groceries at Safeway.
Anthem at Merrill Ranch residents enjoy lunch at Anthem Grille.
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Access to major routes via Hunt Highway
While residents don’t have direct freeway access in Anthem at Merrill Ranch, Hunt Highway is a main thoroughfare for the area and wraps around the community to the south and the west, eventually connecting with Loop 202 to the north and State Route 87 to the south, which leads west to Interstate 10.
Residents don’t need to travel far for emergency and specialized medical care, as Florence Hospital can be found right within the community to the northeast. For air travel, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is roughly 25 miles northwest.
Florence Hospital in Anthem at Merrill Ranch is equipped with a helipad for emergencies.
Anthem at Merrill Ranch is 30 minutes away from Phoenix - Mesa Gateway Airport.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ann Adams,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Casa Grande Picnic Area
Main Street Park
Grills
Picnic Area
Playground
Anthem Community Park
Little League Park
Baseball/Softball
Dog Park
Picnic Area
Heritage Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Grills
Padilla Park
Picnic Area
Amphitheater
Multi-Purpose Field
Transit
Airport
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway
41 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Anthem at Merrill Ranch
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Anthem at Merrill Ranch, Florence sell after 72 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Anthem at Merrill Ranch, Florence over the last 12 months is $405,364, consistent with the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This turnkey fully furnished professionally decorated home has everything you need to begin enjoying life in beautiful Sun City Anthem! The home features two bedrooms, 2 baths and a convenient den with a murphy bed for extras. There's room for your toys in the extended 2 car + golf cart garage, and the sunny south facing back patio with remote control heater, shades, and a fire pit make this a
Seller may consider buyer concessions if made in an offer. Come see this charming home now on the market! This home has Fresh Interior Paint. Discover a bright interior tied together with a neutral color palette. You'll love cooking in this kitchen, complete with a spacious center island and a sleek backsplash. Relax in your primary suite with a walk in closet included. Take advantage of the
Stunning 6-Bed, 4.5-Bath Home!This beautiful corner-lot home offers a 4-car garage, low-maintenance landscaping, and a charming paver walkway. Inside, soaring ceilings and abundant natural light enhance the open floor plan. A formal dining room and cozy family room provide perfect entertaining spaces. The gourmet kitchen features white cabinetry, granite countertops, a walk-in pantry, built-in
Experience luxury living in this breathtaking home! The entertainer's kitchen shines with a stylish backsplash, gas stove with hood, oversized pantry, upgraded soft-close cabinets, reverse osmosis system, and elegant canned lighting. Unwind in the Arcadia walk-in master shower or behind your private front security door. Ceiling fans throughout ensure year-round comfort. Step outside to a backyard
Below Appraisal. Want the biggest lot in the subdivision? Looking for an RV gate that will fit your rig? Want an enormous backyard on a cul-de-sac? This is your chance. Enjoy your shaded gazebo for BBQ & drinks. Sunken trampoline for the kids, fenced flower gardens, pomegranate tree and huge grassy area for the pooch. Continue the tradition of outdoor movie night with the fun and friendly
Located in the sought-after Anthem at Merrill Ranch, this popular Paramount model sits on a premium lot with no rear neighbors. It offers 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, plus a den with door—ideal as a third bedroom. The spacious primary suite features a bay window, whirlpool tub, separate shower, dual sinks, and walk-in closet. Enjoy upgrades like maple cabinets with pullouts, granite counters,
Charming 2 bedroom 2 bath on large corner lot, relax in the beautifully designed backyard with water feature and fire pit. Interior has premium window dressings, stainless steel kitchen appliances, and a formal dining area that could be utilized as a den.
No Application Fees! Amazing 6 bedroom, 4 bathroom Florence home located in Anthem at Merril Ranch. This beautiful home has many upgrades throughout, including tile flooring throughout the first floor with upgraded neutral carpeting upstairs, neutral paint throughout, 2'' faux wood window blinds and ceiling fans in each room. Amazing living space with a large front living room, formal dining
Look no further... this beautiful 3 bedroom 2.5 bath home with all the upgrades is available for a short or long term rental. Chef's dream kitchen with double ovens, butlers pantry, and a wet bar ciomplete with wine refrigerator. Gorgeous granite countertops with marble backsplash, and huge island making the kitchen the heart of this home. You'll love the open concept living, and the low
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ann Adams,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
10,559
Median Age
56
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
39.6%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$85,627
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$114,754
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
92.9%
College Graduates
37.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.4%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
56.5%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
7''
Average Winter Low Temperature
42°F
Average Summer High Temperature
105°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
27/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
13/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
