Calico Ridge vs Anthem: Which Henderson Community is Right for You?

by Ryan Rose

Two of Henderson's most sought-after communities with completely different approaches to residential living. Here's how they compare for buyers trying to decide.

Quick Comparison

Factor	Calico Ridge	Anthem
Total Homes	~400-650	~12,000+
Median Price	$600K - $673K	$550K - $750K
HOA (Annual)	$175	$1,800 - $3,000+
Community Type	Boutique custom	Large master-planned
Amenities	Minimal	Extensive (pools, parks, centers)
School Ratings	Good elementary, average secondary	Above average all levels

Size and Scale

This is the fundamental difference. Calico Ridge has roughly 400 to 650 homes. Anthem has over 12,000. Anthem is essentially a small city with multiple villages, commercial centers, parks, and its own identity.

Calico Ridge offers intimacy. You'll know your neighbors. Anthem offers variety. You could live there for years and still discover new sections.

HOA and Amenities

Anthem's higher HOA fees ($150 to $250+ monthly) fund serious amenities: community pools, fitness centers, parks, sports courts, and organized programming. Anthem Country Club adds golf and even more facilities for members.

Calico Ridge's $175 annual fee covers basic maintenance. No pools, no gyms, no clubhouses. You keep that money and decide how to spend it yourself.

Over 10 years, the difference exceeds $15,000 to $25,000. Whether Anthem's amenities are worth that depends entirely on whether you'll use them.

Schools

Anthem wins on schools. Elise L. Wolff Elementary, Del E. Webb Middle School, and Coronado High School consistently rate among Henderson's best. Families prioritizing education often choose Anthem specifically for school access.

Calico Ridge's Josh Stevens Elementary is solid, but middle and high school options rate lower. Families here sometimes supplement with private schools or accept the tradeoff for other benefits.

Location and Commute

Destination	From Calico Ridge	From Anthem
Las Vegas Strip	~20 min	~20-25 min
Lake Mead	~15 min	~25-30 min
Henderson Water Street	~10 min	~15 min

Commute times are similar for most destinations. Calico Ridge has an edge for Lake Mead and outdoor recreation. Anthem has slightly better freeway access for some routes.

Home Character

Calico Ridge delivers custom Mediterranean homes with character. No two properties look identical. Established landscaping and mature trees add warmth.

Anthem has more variety but also more production-style homes in certain villages. You can find custom properties in Anthem, but they're mixed with builder-grade construction.

Who Should Choose Which?

Choose Calico Ridge if you: Want minimal HOA overhead. Prefer smaller, quieter communities. Value large lots and custom architecture. Prioritize outdoor recreation access. Don't need community amenities included.

Choose Anthem if you: Want extensive amenities included. Prioritize top-rated schools. Prefer larger communities with more activity. Want variety in home options. Don't mind paying higher monthly fees.

The Bottom Line

Calico Ridge is boutique and value-focused. Anthem is comprehensive and amenity-rich. Both deliver quality Henderson living with different priorities and tradeoffs.

Want to tour both? Let's set up showings and see which feels right. Already own in Henderson? Check your home's current value.

Frequently Asked Questions: Calico Ridge vs Anthem Henderson

Q1: What is the main difference between Calico Ridge and Anthem?

The main difference is size and community type. Calico Ridge is a boutique community with 400-650 custom homes and minimal amenities, while Anthem is a large master-planned community with over 12,000 homes and extensive amenities including pools, fitness centers, and parks. Calico Ridge has a $175 annual HOA fee versus Anthem's $1,800-$3,000+ annual fees.

Q2: Which community has better schools?

Anthem has stronger school ratings across all levels. Schools like Elise L. Wolff Elementary, Del E. Webb Middle School, and Coronado High School consistently rank among Henderson's best. Calico Ridge has good elementary options with Josh Stevens Elementary, but middle and high school ratings are average, leading some families to consider private school alternatives.

Q3: How much can I save on HOA fees in Calico Ridge compared to Anthem?

Over 10 years, homeowners in Calico Ridge save approximately $15,000 to $25,000 compared to Anthem residents. Calico Ridge charges just $175 annually for basic maintenance, while Anthem fees range from $150 to $250+ monthly ($1,800-$3,000+ annually) to fund community amenities and services.

Q4: What amenities does Anthem offer that Calico Ridge doesn't?

Anthem offers extensive amenities including multiple community pools, fitness centers, sports courts, parks, walking trails, and organized programming. The Anthem Country Club provides additional golf facilities for members. Calico Ridge has minimal shared amenities, allowing residents to choose their own recreational spending.

Q5: Which community is better for outdoor recreation access?

Calico Ridge has an edge for outdoor recreation, being approximately 15 minutes from Lake Mead compared to Anthem's 25-30 minutes. This makes Calico Ridge more convenient for hiking, boating, and other outdoor activities in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Q6: Are home prices comparable between the two communities?

Home prices are similar but Anthem has a wider range. Calico Ridge median prices run $600K-$673K, while Anthem ranges from $550K-$750K. The broader price range in Anthem reflects its larger size and variety of home types, from production-style to custom properties.

Q7: What type of home architecture can I expect in each community?

Calico Ridge features custom Mediterranean-style homes with unique character and established landscaping. No two properties look identical. Anthem offers more variety but includes both custom homes and production-style builder homes across its multiple villages, resulting in less architectural consistency.

Q8: How do commute times compare from each community?

Commute times are similar for most destinations. Both communities are approximately 20-25 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. Calico Ridge is about 10 minutes from Henderson Water Street while Anthem is 15 minutes. Anthem may have slightly better freeway access for certain routes, while Calico Ridge offers quicker access to outdoor recreation areas.

Q9: Which community is better for families with children?

Anthem is typically preferred by families prioritizing education, as it offers top-rated schools and numerous family-friendly amenities like pools, parks, and organized activities. Calico Ridge appeals to families who value larger lots, quieter surroundings, and lower HOA costs, though they may need to supplement with private schools or accept lower-rated secondary schools.

Q10: Will I know my neighbors better in one community versus the other?

Calico Ridge's smaller size (400-650 homes) creates a more intimate neighborhood feel where you're likely to know more neighbors. Anthem's 12,000+ homes make it essentially a small city—you could live there for years and still discover new sections and meet new people. Your preference depends on whether you want tight-knit community or diverse variety.

Q11: Can I have larger lot sizes in one community over the other?

Calico Ridge generally offers larger lot sizes as part of its custom home approach. The community emphasizes spacious properties with mature landscaping. Anthem has varied lot sizes across its many villages, ranging from smaller production lots to larger custom parcels, but the boutique nature of Calico Ridge means more consistent access to generous lot sizes.

Q12: Which community offers better resale value?

Both communities hold value well, but for different reasons. Anthem's strong schools, extensive amenities, and name recognition attract a broad buyer pool. Calico Ridge appeals to buyers seeking custom homes with low HOA fees and generous lots. Your resale advantage depends on market conditions and what buyers prioritize when you sell.

GET MORE INFORMATION

Ryan Rose

Agent | License ID: S.0185572

+1(702) 747-5921 | ryan@rosehomeslv.com