Anthem at Merrill Ranch offers premier master-planned living in Florence, Arizona, where resort-style amenities meet small-town charm just an hour from Phoenix. Contact me to learn more about homes in Anthem at Merrill Ranch.
Nestled in the heart of Florence, Arizona, Anthem at Merrill Ranch represents one of the most comprehensive master-planned communities in the state, seamlessly blending luxurious resort-style living with the authentic charm of the American Southwest. Located approximately 61 miles southeast of Phoenix and 77 miles north of Tucson, this expansive 8,000-acre development has been transforming the landscape of Pinal County since opening in 2006.
The community strategically positions itself along the Hunt Highway corridor, creating a unique geographic advantage that places residents within comfortable driving distance of major metropolitan areas while maintaining the peaceful, small-town atmosphere that Florence has preserved for over a century. This positioning has made Anthem at Merrill Ranch a destination for both active retirees seeking world-class amenities and families drawn to its top-tier educational opportunities.
What distinguishes Anthem at Merrill Ranch from other developments is its dual-community design, featuring both Sun City Anthem at Merrill Ranch for active adults 55+ and Anthem Parkside for families of all ages. This thoughtful segmentation allows each demographic to enjoy tailored amenities while sharing access to the community’s crown jewel: a sprawling 43,000-square-foot Community Center that rivals the finest resorts in Arizona.
The development’s master planning extends beyond housing to encompass every aspect of modern living. The Poston Butte Golf Course, designed by Gary Panks and managed by Troon Golf, winds through the community’s natural desert landscape, while the Anthem Elementary School provides on-site K-8 education. The community’s commitment to recreation is evident in its 60 acres of dedicated park space, featuring everything from softball fields and basketball courts to a dedicated dog park and miles of walking trails.
Anthem at Merrill Ranch has successfully created a lifestyle destination that attracts residents from across the Southwest, drawn by its combination of modern amenities, natural beauty, and convenient location. The community’s population has grown steadily, with new construction continuing to meet demand from buyers seeking both primary residences and vacation homes in Arizona’s desert paradise.
Housing options within Anthem at Merrill Ranch range from energy-efficient single-family homes to luxury estates, with builders including D.R. Horton, Meritage Homes, and Del Webb offering diverse architectural styles and price points. The community’s infrastructure includes modern utilities, high-speed internet connectivity, and well-maintained roads that provide easy access to major highways while preserving the tranquil residential atmosphere that residents cherish.
When you’re ready to discover the exceptional lifestyle that Anthem at Merrill Ranch offers, I’m here to guide you through every step of the home buying process. As a broker with West USA Realty, I bring extensive knowledge of this master-planned community and the greater Florence area, ensuring you find the perfect home that matches your lifestyle and investment goals.
Whether you’re seeking a luxury retirement home in Sun City Anthem at Merrill Ranch or a family residence in Anthem Parkside, I provide personalized service that includes market analysis, neighborhood tours, and access to both new construction and resale properties. Contact me at 602-617-4440 or email chapman@westusa.com to schedule your private tour of Anthem at Merrill Ranch and discover why this remarkable community represents the pinnacle of Arizona desert living.
The Anthem at Merrill Ranch real estate market demonstrates remarkable stability and growth potential, with current median home prices reaching $410K as of May 2025, representing a 2.5% increase compared to the previous year. This upward trajectory reflects the community’s growing reputation as a premier destination for both primary residences and investment properties. The median sale price for homes over the last 12 months is $401,666, showing sustained market strength.
Market dynamics favor buyers with homes selling after an average of 74 days on the market, indicating a balanced market that provides adequate time for due diligence while maintaining healthy turnover. The community currently features 29 new construction homes for sale, offering buyers opportunities to customize their dream homes with the latest architectural innovations and energy-efficient features.
Investment potential remains strong, with the community’s strategic location between Phoenix and Tucson creating consistent demand from both local residents and out-of-state buyers seeking Arizona lifestyle properties. The presence of multiple builders ensures competitive pricing and diverse housing options, from starter homes to luxury estates. The Town of Florence assesses a $3,700 infrastructure fee called a “CFD tax” on each lot, which buyers can either pay upfront or finance over 20 years, providing flexibility in purchase structuring.
Anthem at Merrill Ranch serves families through the Florence Unified School District, which provides comprehensive educational services with a focus on academic excellence and student achievement. The community’s crown jewel is Anthem Elementary School, located just 0.8 miles from the community center, offering convenient K-8 education with modern facilities and dedicated teachers who understand the unique needs of this master-planned community.
Florence High School serves as the district’s flagship secondary institution, offering International Baccalaureate programs and advanced placement courses that prepare students for college success. The school’s IB participation rate of 6% demonstrates commitment to rigorous academic standards, while its comprehensive programs ensure all students receive quality education regardless of their career aspirations.
The Florence Unified School District has invested heavily in educational technology and infrastructure, recognizing that today’s students require 21st-century learning tools. Sun City Anthem at Merrill Ranch residents enjoy access to an ASU Lifelong Learning Academy, providing continuing education opportunities without leaving the community. This unique partnership with Arizona State University demonstrates the community’s commitment to lifelong learning and intellectual growth for residents of all ages.
Anthem at Merrill Ranch sets the gold standard for resort-style living in Arizona, anchored by its magnificent 43,000-square-foot amenity center featuring a three-story rock climbing wall, indoor basketball courts, a group fitness studio, and a fully equipped fitness center. The centerpiece Parkside Café provides convenient dining options, while the resort-style pool complex includes its own private water park, complete with lap lanes and a diving well.
Outdoor enthusiasts thrive in the community’s 60 acres of dedicated park space, which includes softball fields, basketball courts, pickleball courts, and multipurpose fields. The dedicated dog park and numerous walking trails that weave throughout the community ensure that both residents and their furry companions enjoy abundant recreational opportunities.
The crown jewel of recreational amenities is the Poston Butte Golf Course, an 18-hole, 7,300-yard championship course designed by Gary Panks and managed by Troon Golf. This desert masterpiece features memorable par-3 holes with island greens, stacked stone walls, and bunkers stretching from tee to green, providing challenging play for golfers of all skill levels while showcasing the stunning Sonoran Desert landscape.
Anthem at Merrill Ranch residents enjoy convenient access to essential shopping and dining through the Florence Marketplace and surrounding commercial developments along Hunt Highway. The community’s proximity to the historic Florence Main Street district provides unique shopping opportunities in restored adobe buildings dating back to the late 1800s, offering everything from antiques and Western wear to local artisan crafts.
The Parkside Café within the community center serves as the primary dining destination, offering casual fare and social gathering opportunities for residents. For more diverse dining options, the nearby Casa Grande and Tucson metropolitan areas provide extensive restaurant selections, from authentic Mexican cuisine to contemporary American fare, all within a comfortable driving distance.
Entertainment options within the community include the outdoor amphitheater that hosts seasonal events and concerts, creating a vibrant social calendar that brings neighbors together. The Community Center regularly schedules themed events, holiday celebrations, and educational programs that cater to residents’ diverse interests and age groups.
Anthem at Merrill Ranch benefits from excellent transportation infrastructure, with major roadways including Highway 79 and the Loop 202 freeway providing easy access to neighboring cities and downtown Phoenix. The community’s strategic location places residents within a one-hour drive of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, making travel convenient for both business and leisure purposes.
Public transportation options are limited within Florence, so most residents find owning a car convenient for daily commuting and exploring the surrounding areas. However, the community’s comprehensive amenities reduce the need for frequent trips outside the development, with essential services and recreational facilities available within walking or short driving distance.
The Hunt Highway corridor continues to experience infrastructure improvements, with ongoing projects designed to enhance traffic flow and safety. Future transportation enhancements include potential light rail connections to the Phoenix metropolitan area, though these remain in preliminary planning stages.
Anthem at Merrill Ranch maintains a secure environment through a combination of community design principles and professional safety measures. The master-planned layout includes well-lit streets, strategic landscaping that maintains visibility, and multiple entry/exit points that facilitate emergency response while deterring unwanted activity.
The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office provides professional law enforcement services, with patrol coverage that includes regular community monitoring and rapid response capabilities. The department’s community policing initiatives foster positive relationships between residents and law enforcement, creating a collaborative approach to neighborhood safety.
Fire protection services are provided by the Florence Fire Department, with strategically located stations ensuring rapid response times throughout the community. The department’s advanced equipment and training programs address both structural fires and desert-specific emergency situations, including wildfire prevention and response protocols.
Florence offers various health and wellness facilities, including the Florence Hospital at Anthem and local clinics, ensuring access to quality medical care. The Florence Hospital at Anthem provides comprehensive medical services, including emergency care, diagnostic services, and specialized treatments, all within convenient distance of the community.
Emergency medical services are coordinated through the Pinal County Emergency Medical Services, which maintains strategically positioned ambulances and paramedic units throughout the region. Response times to Anthem at Merrill Ranch typically meet or exceed state standards, providing residents with confidence in emergency medical care availability.
Specialized healthcare services are readily accessible through the broader Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas, with major medical centers including Banner Health, HonorHealth, and the University of Arizona Medical Center providing world-class care for complex medical conditions. The community’s location provides convenient access to these facilities while maintaining the peaceful desert lifestyle that residents value.
The Sonoran Desert surrounding Anthem at Merrill Ranch offers world-class outdoor recreation opportunities, from hiking and cycling to wildlife observation and photography. The community’s extensive trail system connects to regional trail networks, providing safe and scenic routes for outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Poston Butte, the community’s namesake landmark, provides challenging hiking opportunities with spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape. The butte’s trails are well-maintained and clearly marked, making them accessible to both novice and experienced hikers while offering educational opportunities about local flora and fauna.
Seasonal outdoor activities take advantage of Arizona’s exceptional winter weather, with community-organized events including guided nature walks, outdoor fitness classes, and social gatherings in the desert. The Community Center’s outdoor spaces host regular events that celebrate the desert lifestyle while providing opportunities for residents to connect with neighbors and enjoy the natural beauty of their surroundings.
Anthem at Merrill Ranch fosters a vibrant community spirit through a comprehensive calendar of events and activities designed to bring residents together and celebrate the unique desert lifestyle. The outdoor amphitheater serves as the venue for seasonal concerts, featuring both local and regional performers who entertain residents with everything from country music to classical performances.
The community has a full-time activities coordinator who continually provides an exciting lineup of entertaining activities, classes, and events to ensure homeowners enjoy a socially active and physically engaging lifestyle. These programs include fitness classes, art workshops, educational seminars, and social clubs that cater to diverse interests and age groups.
The broader Florence community contributes to residents’ social calendar through historic festivals and Western heritage celebrations. The town’s annual events celebrate its frontier history while showcasing contemporary arts and crafts, creating opportunities for Anthem at Merrill Ranch residents to engage with the broader community and appreciate the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Anthem at Merrill Ranch enjoys the classic Sonoran Desert climate, characterized by abundant sunshine, low humidity, and minimal precipitation throughout the year. During the summer, temperatures can exceed 100°F (38°C), making air conditioning essential for comfort, while winters are mild and pleasant, with temperatures typically ranging from the mid-50s to mid-60s Fahrenheit.
The region’s dry air and low humidity make high temperatures more bearable, while the winter months provide ideal conditions for outdoor activities and recreation. This seasonal pattern allows residents to enjoy golf, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits during the cooler months while taking advantage of world-class indoor amenities during the summer’s peak heat.
Anthem at Merrill Ranch’s elevation and geographic location provide natural advantages, including spectacular sunrise and sunset views, clear starry skies perfect for astronomy, and dramatic monsoon storms that bring brief but intense precipitation during the summer months. These weather patterns contribute to the area’s natural beauty while supporting the diverse desert ecosystem that residents appreciate.
The Florence region’s economy continues to diversify, with Anthem at Merrill Ranch serving as a catalyst for growth and development. The community’s economic impact includes job creation in construction, retail, hospitality, and service sectors, while attracting businesses that cater to the growing population of affluent retirees and families.
Major employers in the area include healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and retail centers such as the Florence Marketplace, which provide employment opportunities for residents seeking local career options. The community’s proximity to Phoenix and Tucson expands employment opportunities significantly, with many residents commuting to professional positions in these metropolitan areas.
The retirement community aspect of Anthem at Merrill Ranch contributes to economic stability through consistent consumer spending and reduced reliance on traditional employment cycles. This demographic brings valuable experience and often continues working in consulting, part-time, or volunteer capacities that benefit the broader community.
Anthem at Merrill Ranch homeownership involves several financial considerations beyond the purchase price. The Town of Florence assesses a flat $3,700 infrastructure fee called a “CFD tax” on each lot, which buyers can either pay off at purchase to save approximately $400 annually in taxes, or amortize over 20 years. This flexibility allows buyers to structure their purchase according to their financial preferences and long-term plans.
Homeowners Association (HOA) fees vary depending on the specific neighborhood and amenities included, but generally provide exceptional value considering the extensive facilities and services provided. These fees cover maintenance of common areas, amenities operation, landscape maintenance, and community programming that contributes significantly to property values and quality of life.
Property taxes in Pinal County remain competitive compared to other Arizona counties, while the area’s growing infrastructure and amenities support long-term property appreciation. The combination of reasonable carrying costs and strong appreciation potential makes Anthem at Merrill Ranch an attractive option for both primary residences and investment properties.
The Town of Florence provides comprehensive municipal services to Anthem at Merrill Ranch residents, including water and sewer services, waste management, and public safety coordination. The town’s government operates with a commitment to sustainable growth and maintaining the community character that attracts residents and businesses to the area.
Pinal County government provides additional services including elections, court services, and regional planning coordination. The county’s growth management policies support continued development while preserving the natural desert environment and maintaining quality of life for existing residents.
Public utilities serving Anthem at Merrill Ranch include Arizona Public Service (APS) for electricity, Southwest Gas for natural gas service, and Global Water for water and sewer services. These providers maintain modern infrastructure and support the community’s continued growth while ensuring reliable service to all residents.