New Anthem Development

Sales started this weekend at Sun City Anthem by Del Webb at Merrill Ranch, the new age-restricted community in Pinal County, west of Florence.

Homes are being sold by appointment only, and no more than 10 appointments will be made each day. "We have over 16,000 people that have shown interest," said Brad Shoenberg, the vice president of field operations of Pulte Homes.

"We have not seen the effects of any type of cooling of the market with those numbers," he added.

The first residents are expected to move in in July. The non-retirement portion of Anthem is expected to begin sales this spring.

The development is expected to take seven years to build out and will have 9,000 homes. Florence's Anthem will have a elementary school, golf course and a community center. When completed, Anthem will triple the population of Florence.

Concerns remain over traffic congestion in this area with only Hunt Highway as the major road accessing the community. More...