Search for sunshine brings couple to Sun City

Richard and Anne Walters have achieved a longtime goal to live in an area where the sun shines most of the year. The former residents of Beaverton, Ore., have been married for 40 years and now enjoy an active lifestyle in Sun City Anthem, an age-qualified community in Henderson.

"Southern Nevada gets well over 300 days of sunshine. We love it here," said Richard Walters, a regional manager for a respiratory therapy equipment company who plans to retire soon.

The couple's search for a retirement home ended during a visit to the Del Webb Corp. community.

"We considered locations in California and Arizona for retirement. We had never really thought about building a home in Las Vegas until one spring break we came here and fell in love with this place. Once we looked at Anthem our search was over," Anne Walters, a retired school district employee, said.

"We love the concept. And Sun City Anthem has so many amenities, it's just a wonderful place to live."

Anne Walters has been active since moving to the community by joining its book and hiking clubs and volunteering at Hinman Elementary School. She also uses exercise equipment and the indoor track at the community's fitness center, which is located in the 75,000-square-foot Anthem Center. In addition to offering fitness, social and recreational opportunities for residents, the facility features Trumpets Restaurant and Lounge, which is open to the public.

Her husband likes to take long walks in the neighborhoods when he is not traveling.

"It's amazing how easy it is to meet people in Sun City Anthem," he said. "Everyone here extends a hand. We've made lasting friendships."

From the 17 models offered, the couple selected the Independence plan, to which they added an optional second owner suite for visitors.

Homes measure from 1,080 to 3,009 square feet and more through the Gold Key program at the community. Prices start from the high $130,000s to more than $500,000.

To visit, take Eastern Avenue south, two miles past St. Rose Parkway. Models are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Real Estate home