Couple buys condo in Terra Bella

After living in Illinois for 40 years, Walt and Pat Franke retired and decided to move to a different climate.

They first tried living in California, but chose to settle in Las Vegas to be close to family and golf courses since Walt Franke is an avid golfer. They eventually moved into a single-family home, but after living there several years, decided to move to a smaller residence.

"We're too able-bodied to live in an assisted living facility. But we're not interested in keeping up with all the responsibilities of a big house. So an age-restricted condominium seemed like the perfect fit for us," Walt Franke said.

"Condominium living is a lock-and-leave lifestyle. There's no need to worry about pool maintenance, yard work and other house-related responsibilities."

Each three-story building at Terra Bella includes elevators and features an interior landscaped courtyard accessible only to residents of the building.

Located near the top of Anthem's hillside development, Terra Bella offers views of the Las Vegas Strip, mountains and city.

"The view of the Strip is absolutely incredible," Walt Franke said. "You can see the whole valley from our windows."

"Our floor plan is so large -- we can really spread out. Also, I've always wanted a powder room for when guests come over, so the Tuscan has a half bathroom that works perfectly for that. I also like having a sink in the laundry room. It's a great convenience," Pat Franke said.

The Frankes purchased a two-bedroom, 21/2 bath Tuscan floor plan measuring 1,820 square feet. It features two master bedrooms with adjoining master baths, great room, den and patio terrace, granite countertops and an enclosed garage.

Terra Bella offers five floor plans, ranging from 1,400 to 2,200 square feet. Prices start at $200,000.

Terra Bella is the only age-qualified condominium development in Anthem, a 5,000-acre community that includes golf courses, trails, recreation areas, shopping centers and professionally landscaped common areas.

"The location is so convenient because Eastern Avenue has about three miles of shops and restaurants," Pat Franke said.

The gated neighborhood offers amenities including a fitness center and clubhouse with a fully equipped workout facility, entertainment areas and full kitchen.

Additional features include a resort-style swimming pool and spa, covered barbecue cabanas and an outdoor covered patio with lounge areas and fireplace.

"Now I just walk next door to Terra Bella's big pool and fitness center. It's so convenient," Pat Franke said.

"The residents here are so friendly and welcoming."

"It is a comfortable, pleasant, convenient and secure place to live for folks who are interested in scaling back their home-owning responsibilities," Walt Franke said.

"Now we've moved into Terra Bella, we're so happy with our new home. This place is unique. It's located well and the amenities are very attractive. We made a great choice."

Terra Bella's sales office and five model homes are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. To visit, take Eastern Avenue south to the entrance of the Anthem master plan. Veer left at Anthem's entrance onto Anthem Parkway and continue to 2555 Hampton Road. Turn west on Hampton Road and look for Terra Bella's sales office on the left.

For more information, call 361-1223 or visit terrabellacondos.com.