Buying a Home in Anthem, AZ: Commute, Costs & HOA Fees
The short answer
Anthem AZ homes for sale have recently carried a median price in roughly the mid-$500,000s to about $600,000, depending on the source and the month. Anthem is a Del Webb master-planned community in zip code 85086, about 30 miles north of downtown Phoenix along I-17. Before you write an offer, budget for two layers of community fees (the Anthem Community Council plus your Parkside or Country Club association) and plan around the I-17 commute.
Quick facts: Anthem, AZ
Location: Unincorporated Maricopa County, about 30 miles north of downtown Phoenix, on I-17 near Daisy Mountain and Gavilan Peak
Zip code: 85086 (some sources also list 85087 for the surrounding area)
Median sale price: about $559,000 to $595,000 in recent 2026 reports; monthly medians over the past year ranged from roughly $495,000 to $639,000 (varies by source)
Two sides: Parkside (about 7,200 homes, non-gated) and Anthem Country Club (about 2,900 homes, guard-gated, two golf courses)
HOA structure: Anthem Community Council assessment for everyone, plus a Parkside, Country Club, or neighborhood association; Country Club golf/social membership is separate
Built: Developed by Del Webb starting in 1998, so most homes are late-1990s through 2000s construction
2026 conforming loan limit (Maricopa County): $832,750 for a one-unit home
Every week someone asks me some version of the same question: "Is Anthem still worth the drive?" I live in 85028, down near Piestewa Peak, and I define North Phoenix as everything from the Piestewa Peak area up toward Anthem, roughly I-17 to the Scottsdale border. Anthem sits at the very top of that map. It has a different feel than the neighborhoods closer to the core: more open desert, mountain views right off the backyard, and a planned-community layout with its own parks, community center, and shopping.
I've been doing mortgages for 25 years, and as an independent mortgage broker I work with 180+ wholesale lenders and handle every file myself, start to finish. If you're browsing Anthem AZ homes for sale and wondering how the numbers work, here's how I'd walk a client through buying in Anthem in 2026: what homes cost, how the HOA fees actually work, what the commute looks like, and which loan options tend to fit.
How much do Anthem AZ homes for sale cost in 2026?
Prices depend a lot on which data source you read and which month you look at, because Anthem only closes around 30 to 110 single-family sales a month depending on how the area is counted. Here's what the recent numbers show:
Redfin reported a median sale price of about $595,000 for the three months ending August 2026, up about 4.4% from a year earlier, with homes taking a median of about 72 days to sell.
A monthly Anthem market report covering September 2026 closings showed a median of about $559,000 on a small sample of 29 single-family sales, with about 4.1 months of supply, which that report described as a balanced market.
Over the past 12 months, monthly median prices in that same report ranged from roughly $495,000 to $639,000.
Anthem Arizona real estate splits into a few bands. Smaller Parkside homes and condos/townhomes have recently sold in the $400,000s. Typical single-family homes in Parkside often land in the $500,000s to $600,000s. Larger homes and homes inside the gated Anthem Country Club, especially on or near the golf courses, can go well above that.
The bigger story for anyone watching Anthem AZ homes for sale right now is time. Days on market are longer than they were a year ago and sellers are receiving a little under list price on average. That gives you more room to negotiate inspections, repairs, and sometimes seller credits toward closing costs.
Anthem AZ HOA fees: Parkside vs. Country Club
This is the part of buying in Anthem that surprises people the most, so let me make it simple. Anthem has layers:
The Anthem Community Council. Every homeowner pays a quarterly assessment to the Council, which runs the community-wide amenities like the Anthem Community Center and the community parks.
Your side of Anthem. Parkside homes pay the Anthem Parkside Community Association. Homes inside the gate pay the Anthem Country Club Community Association. There are also separate associations for areas like The Landings and The Village condominiums.
The golf club (Country Club only). The Anthem Golf & Country Club is separate from the HOA and has its own membership dues.
The dollar amounts vary by source and change every year. One 2026 fee summary showed combined Parkside and Council assessments a little over $300 per quarter, while Country Club assessments were roughly double that per quarter before separate club dues, which that source listed at about $345 per month. Bottom line: ask for the current Anthem Community Council fee sheet and the specific association's resale disclosure for any home you're considering.
Why does this matter for your loan? HOA dues count in your debt-to-income ratio, so a Country Club home and a Parkside home at the same price can qualify very differently. The 2026 Maricopa County conforming limit of $832,750 covers most Anthem price points, but fees still shape your budget. Let's run your real numbers with the actual fees, not a guess. For a deeper look at fees, taxes, and insurance, see my guide to the true cost of owning a home in North Phoenix.
What amenities do Anthem HOA fees cover?
On the Parkside side, the Community Council manages the community parks, including a large central park with catch-and-release fishing lakes, a skate park, pickleball courts, an amphitheater, and a walking trail, plus the Anthem Community Center with aquatics and fitness facilities. Inside the gate, the Country Club side adds 36 holes of golf, two clubhouses, fitness centers, tennis, pickleball, pools, and dining through the club. The Anthem Veterans Memorial is one of the most striking public spaces in the North Valley. If you're anywhere near it at 11:11 a.m. on Veterans Day, go see the sunlight line up on the Great Seal.
What is the commute from Anthem to Phoenix like?
Anthem is about 30 miles north of downtown Phoenix, and I-17 is the main connection. One local report puts the drive from the Anthem Community Center to downtown Phoenix at roughly 40-plus minutes with no traffic. Rush hour on I-17 is a different story, so test-drive the commute at the time you'd actually be on the road before you commit.
Here's my personal measuring stick. This season my son and I made it to 22 Diamondbacks home games at Chase Field on the D-backs season pass ($299 for access to every home game). From 85028 we hop on SR-51 and we're downtown fast. From Anthem, it's a straight shot down I-17, longer but simple, and plenty of fans make that drive all season. If you can picture yourself doing that drive a few nights a week, the Anthem commute is probably manageable for you.
The good news is that a lot of North Valley employment has moved north. Between the Loop 101 corridor, Deer Valley, and the TSMC campus area along I-17 to the south, many jobs are now closer to Anthem than downtown is. Daily needs are close too: the Outlets North Phoenix is right in Anthem, along with grocery, dining, and services along Anthem Way and Daisy Mountain Drive.
Best mortgage options for Anthem, AZ homebuyers
Working with a mortgage broker instead of a single-bank mortgage lender means I can compare guidelines across many lenders for the same file, which helps when a home has higher HOA dues or a condo association with specific requirements.
There's no single best loan for every buyer in 85086. The right fit depends on your credit, your savings, how long you plan to stay, and the home itself. Here's how the main options usually stack up.
Conventional loans
A conventional loan is the most common choice for Anthem buyers with solid credit. Low down payment options are available for qualified buyers, and mortgage insurance can be removed later once you build enough equity.
FHA loans in Anthem
An FHA loan can be a strong fit for a first-time homebuyer or someone rebuilding credit. FHA allows low down payment options for qualified buyers and is often more forgiving on credit history. One thing to watch: if you're buying a condo or townhome, the specific complex has to be FHA-eligible, so check that early.
VA loans
For eligible veterans and service members, a VA loan is usually worth a serious look. VA loans have no monthly mortgage insurance and are designed to make homeownership more accessible for those who served.
Down payment assistance for Anthem buyers
Through my wholesale lender network I have access to multiple lender-sponsored down payment assistance programs, including forgivable options for qualified buyers. Terms and eligibility vary by program, and the right one depends on your income, credit, and the loan type. If you're a first-time homebuyer, my North Phoenix first-time homebuyer guide walks through the full process.
Using seller credits in a slower market
With homes in Anthem sitting longer than last year, sellers are often more open to credits toward your closing costs or a rate buydown. Each loan program has its own limit on how much a seller can contribute, so we'll structure the offer to stay inside those limits before your agent writes it.
What to check before buying a home in Anthem, AZ
The full fee picture. Council assessment, association dues, any transfer or capital fees at closing, and club dues if you're inside the gate.
Home age. Many Anthem homes were built from the late 1990s through the 2000s. Pay close attention to roof age, AC units, water heaters, and plumbing during your inspection.
Pool equipment. If the home has a pool, have it inspected separately and get an insurance quote early.
Utility and service providers. Because Anthem is in unincorporated Maricopa County, confirm water, sewer, and trash providers for the specific address.
Your commute, at rush hour. Drive I-17 at the time you'd actually be on it.
Before you tour Anthem AZ homes for sale seriously, get a full pre-approval from a mortgage lender, not a quick pre-qualification. In a balanced market, a strong, documented pre-approval still helps you negotiate. Here's why mortgage pre-approval matters to Phoenix sellers. And if you're still working out a budget, start with buying a home in North Phoenix, my overall local guide.
Anthem AZ homes for sale: frequently asked questions
How much are Anthem AZ homes for sale right now?
Recent 2026 reports put the median sale price for Anthem, AZ homes at roughly $559,000 to $595,000, depending on the source and time period. Monthly medians over the past year ranged from about $495,000 to $639,000. Condos, townhomes, and smaller Parkside homes can come in lower, while larger Country Club homes can be much higher.
What are the HOA fees in Anthem, Arizona?
Every Anthem homeowner pays a quarterly Anthem Community Council assessment, plus dues to their own association, such as Parkside or the Country Club association. Country Club homes typically pay higher association dues, and golf or social membership through the Anthem Golf & Country Club is separate. Amounts change yearly, so request the current fee sheet for the specific home.
What is the difference between Anthem Parkside and Anthem Country Club?
Parkside is the larger, non-gated side of Anthem with about 7,200 homes and access to the community parks and Community Center. Anthem Country Club is a guard-gated area with about 2,900 homes, two golf courses, and two clubhouses. Country Club homes carry higher fees, and club membership is separate from the HOA.
What zip code is Anthem, AZ?
Anthem's primary zip code is 85086, and some sources also include 85087 for the surrounding area. Anthem is an unincorporated community in Maricopa County, so it is not part of the City of Phoenix even though many addresses and services connect to the North Phoenix area.
How long is the commute from Anthem to downtown Phoenix?
Anthem is about 30 miles north of downtown Phoenix via I-17. Off-peak, the drive is roughly 40 to 45 minutes, while rush-hour traffic can add significant time. Major employment areas along the Loop 101 corridor and in Deer Valley are a shorter drive.
Can I use an FHA or VA loan to buy a home in Anthem?
Yes. FHA and VA loans can both be used on single-family homes in Anthem, as long as the borrower qualifies and the home meets program standards. For condos and townhomes, the specific complex must be approved for the loan type, so it's smart to check before you make an offer.
Shopping for a home in Anthem, AZ?
I'm a North Phoenix mortgage broker with access to 180+ wholesale lenders, and I'll build your numbers around the real Anthem fees, not estimates.
Data sources: Redfin Anthem housing market data (three months ending August 2026); Arizona Homes and Condos Anthem market report (September 2026 closings); Anthem HOA fee summaries from local real estate sources (2026 and earlier); Anthem, Arizona community background. Figures vary by source and change over time; verify current HOA fees with the Anthem Community Council and the applicable association. FHFA 2026 conforming loan limits.
Peter Seroter / Optimized Home Loans | Powered by Barrett Financial Group
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2701 E Insight Way, Suite 150, Chandler, AZ 85286
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