Couple picks Sun City Anthem

When Karen Wheeler-Williams and Louis Long decided that Southern Nevada would be their retirement destination, they didn't have to look long to find their home and community. Sun City Anthem in Henderson satisfied their requirements perfectly, according to the couple.

"We had been visiting Southern Nevada for many years prior and loved it here," said Wheeler-Williams, a retired public school teacher and university professor from New York City. "We watched the valley grow and would casually look at new homes and neighborhoods during our visits. When it came time for us to move here permanently, we looked more seriously -- in all areas of the valley -- and ultimately found everything we wanted at Sun City Anthem."

A development of Del Webb, Sun City Anthem is an age-qualified community that offers a choice of 12 single-story floor plans in three distinct collections. Priced from the low $300,000s to the mid-$500,000s, homes range from about 1,496 to 3,175 square feet with two or three bedrooms and two to 31/2 baths.

Wheeler-Williams, who is a Realtor in Henderson, said there were several factors that influenced the couple to buy at Sun City Anthem.

"During my previous visits, I had become familiar with Del Webb's age-qualified communities and was impressed by the quality of the homes and the community amenities," Wheeler-Williams said. "There are many beautiful areas in Southern Nevada, but when I drove into Sun City Anthem I knew the search was over. The quality of the homes, the streetscape and the amenities impressed me immediately, and I became excited about the idea of living here."

Wheeler-Williams said the comprehensive planning of Sun City Anthem was a key factor in the couple's buying decision.

"We wanted an age-qualified community, but we're very active, so we wanted plenty of opportunities for recreation as well," she said. "Both Louis and I have been medalists in the Nevada Senior Olympics running competition. We are avid bicyclists and enjoy a number of other recreational activities as well.

"At Sun City Anthem, we have easy access to so many wonderful recreation and leisure facilities -- all right here within our own community. It's a very pleasant and convenient lifestyle," she said.

Long and Wheeler-Williams were impressed enough with Sun City Anthem to buy not one, but two homes in the community. Initially, in 2004, they chose a Lincoln design, which they resided in for two years.

"A little over a year ago, we wanted to move up, in terms of square footage, so we purchased a Trenton design, which afforded us more interior space and a few other advantages, including a wonderful view of the Las Vegas skyline," Wheeler-Williams said.

The Trenton design is a 2,722-square-foot home featuring dual master bedrooms plus a den, guest suite, great room, dining room, dining nook and 31/2 baths. The home also has a courtyard, covered back patio and two-car garage with golf cart storage.

"We love the private courtyard, the openness and spaciousness of the floor plan and the dual master suite format," Wheeler-Williams said. "We have family members visiting us frequently and the master suites are well-separated, which affords plenty of space and privacy for everyone."

Along with purchasing a second home in Sun City Anthem, Wheeler-Williams as a Realtor has also sold many homes in the community, including four during the past four months.

"I am affiliated with the United Federation of Teachers and specialize in relocation services," she said. "When I have a client who is interested in active adult living, I can always feel comfortable about taking them to Sun City Anthem, as well as other Del Webb properties in Southern Nevada."

Residents of Sun City Anthem have access to leisure facilities.

Anthem Center, measuring more than 70,000 square feet, offers a fitness center, indoor walking track, areas for games and card players, business center, computer lab, library, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, conference rooms, a ballroom and Trumpets restaurant. The center is situated along the community's two golf courses and offers views of the Las Vegas Valley.

Next door, Independence Center features more than 30,000 square feet of workshops and rooms for specialized activities.

A third activities center, currently in the planning stages, will measure more than 20,000 square feet, according to the developer.

All new homes within Sun City Anthem are constructed with Environments for Living building technology, making them 30 percent more energy efficient than even Energy Star-certified homes. Environments for Living homes use blown-in cellulose insulation, conditioned attic spaces, 15 SEER air-conditioning units and dual-paned, vinyl-framed low-emittance windows to conserve energy.

To visit Sun City Anthem, take Interstate 215, the Las Vegas Beltway, to Eastern Avenue, then go south on Eastern, past St. Rose Parkway, to Anthem Parkway. Turn left, then right on Alexandria Drive and follow the signs to the sales pavilion and model village.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Wednesday when the sales pavilion opens at noon.

For more information, call 914-4000 or visit delwebb.com.