Anthem vs. Anthem Highlands vs. Baseline: The Definitive Comparison
Last Updated: February 2026
Anthem, Anthem Highlands, and Baseline are the three flagship master-planned communities in Broomfield, Colorado — and they're all within a few miles of each other off I-25 and Highway 7. But they serve very different buyers at very different price points. Anthem is the most established and expensive, with a median home price near $1,000,000 and a dedicated 55+ section (Anthem Ranch). Anthem Highlands is the sweet spot for families, with homes ranging from $615,000 to $960,000. Baseline is Broomfield's newest community, offering new construction starting at $524,000 with a walkable, urbanist design that's unlike anything else in the area.
I sell homes in all three of these communities, and the question I get most from buyers — especially those relocating from out of state — is "which one is right for me?" The answer depends entirely on your budget, your life stage, and what you value most. Here's the full breakdown.
How Do Anthem, Anthem Highlands, and Baseline Compare on Price?
Price is usually the first filter for buyers, and these three communities cover a wide spectrum. Anthem sits at the top of the market, Anthem Highlands occupies the broad middle, and Baseline provides the most accessible entry point in northwest Broomfield.
Feature Anthem, Anthem Highlands, Baseline
Median Home Price~$950,000–$1,050,000~$615,000–$960,000~$524,000–$975,000
Price Per Sq Ft~$360/sq ft~$272/sq ftVaries (new builds)
Home Age 2000–2015 (resale)2006–2018 (resale)2022–present (new)
Lot Sizes Larger, established landscapingMid-size, mature treesSmaller, modern layouts
New Construction? Yes and no. There are active builders
(Sources: REcolorado MLS, Kenneth James Realty snapshot Jan 2026, builder pricing Feb 2026)
Anthem's premium pricing reflects its maturity, larger lots, and mountain views. Many homes in Anthem proper (not Anthem Ranch) are 3,000–5,000+ sq ft custom and semi-custom builds. Anthem Highlands offers newer construction with a family-centric layout at a lower price per square foot. Baseline gives buyers the rare opportunity to purchase brand-new construction in Broomfield — something you simply can't find in Anthem or Anthem Highlands anymore.
Which Community Has the Best Amenities?
All three communities invest heavily in amenities, but the scale and style are dramatically different. Anthem feels like a resort. Anthem Highlands feels like a well-equipped suburban neighborhood. Baseline feels like a modern urban village.
Anthem boasts the most extensive amenity package in Broomfield. The Anthem Community Center features indoor and outdoor pools, a full fitness center, sport courts, and event spaces. Anthem Ranch's Aspen Lodge is a 32,000 sq. ft. clubhouse exclusively for 55+ residents, with its own pools, fitness classes, pickleball courts, and over 120 social clubs. The community has 48+ miles of trails, 22 parks, a reservoir, and 10 ponds. If amenities are your top priority and you're willing to pay the HOA premium, Anthem is hard to beat.
Anthem Highlands shares some of the broader Anthem trail system and has its own recreation center with a pool, fitness equipment, and community event programming. The vibe is more family-focused — think splash pads, playgrounds, and organized youth activities rather than resort-style lounging. The 48-mile trail network connects Anthem Highlands to the rest of the Anthem master plan.
Baseline is taking a completely different approach. Rather than one central clubhouse, Baseline is building a network of parks, trails, and commercial spaces woven throughout the community. Rally Park — featuring tennis, basketball, pickleball, bouldering, and picnic areas — is scheduled to open in 2026. Parklands, the central greenspace, is under construction now. The community is also developing Center Street, a mixed-use commercial district with planned dining and retail. A planned K-12 STEM school (developed with input from 500+ STEM companies) will be a major differentiator. For buyers who want walkability and an urban village feel, Baseline is the clear winner.
Who Lives in Each Community?
Demographics matter because they shape the culture, events, and day-to-day experience of each neighborhood.
Anthem skews older and wealthier. The community includes Anthem Ranch, a dedicated 55+ active adult section with over 1,300 homes. Even outside Anthem Ranch, many residents are established professionals, executives, and empty nesters. A striking 54.8% of Anthem residents work from home — the highest concentration in Broomfield. (Source: NeighborhoodScout, U.S. Census) This creates a strong daytime community presence and supports midday fitness classes, trail use, and social events.
Anthem Highlands is Broomfield's quintessential family neighborhood. The community has the highest concentration of school-aged children among the three, and programming reflects that: youth sports leagues, family movie nights, holiday events. Residents tend to be dual-income families in the 35–50 age range, many working in tech, healthcare, or corporate roles along the US-36 corridor between Denver and Boulder.
Baseline is attracting a broader mix — young professionals, first-time buyers, growing families, and downsizers drawn to the new construction and low-maintenance living. The modern architectural style and walkable design appeal to buyers relocating from urban environments in other states. Baseline's rental townhomes (Finley at Baseline) also add a rental component that the other communities lack.
What About Schools?
All three communities are within Broomfield, so there's significant overlap in school options. Here's how the school access breaks down:
School LevelAnthemAnthem HighlandsBaseline
ElementaryVarious Adams 12 schoolsVarious Adams 12 schoolsMeridian Elementary (2.9 mi)
Middle Westlake MiddleWestlake MiddleWestlake Middle (3.8 mi)
High SchoolMountain Range HS / Legacy HSMountain Range HSLegacy High School (3.6 mi)
Charter OptionProspect Ridge Academy (K-12)Prospect Ridge Academy (K-12)Prospect Ridge Academy (K-12)
Planned - K-12 STEM School (within Baseline)
(Source: Adams 12 Five Star Schools, GreatSchools, Baseline Colorado)
Prospect Ridge Academy is a high-performing charter school that draws families from all three communities. Legacy High School (rated 9/10) serves Baseline families and is one of the top-rated public high schools in the district. The planned STEM school within Baseline — developed in partnership with over 500 STEM companies, the Broomfield Library, and local businesses — could be a game-changer for families prioritizing STEM education. For a deeper look at school options, check out my post on how to buy a house in Colorado, which covers the school research process.
Commute Times and Location
All three communities share the same general location in northwest Broomfield, clustered around the I-25 and Highway 7 interchange. Commute differences are minimal — we're talking 2–5 minutes between them.
DestinationFrom AnthemFrom Anthem HighlandsFrom Baseline
Downtown Denver~30 min~30 min~28 min
Boulder~25 min~25 min~22 min
Denver International Airport~35 min~35 min~35 min
Interlocken Business Park~10 min~10 min~8 min
Flatiron Crossing Mall~8 min~8 min~10 min
(Commute times based on non-peak traffic via Google Maps)
Baseline has a slight edge for I-25 access since it sits directly at the Baseline Road / I-25 interchange. All three communities provide quick access to US-36 for Boulder-bound commuters and E-470 for airport trips. For more details on commuting from these communities, see the ultimate guide to moving to Broomfield.
Which Community Should You Choose?
After selling homes in all three communities, here's my shorthand for who should buy where:
Choose Anthem if: You want the largest lots, mountain views, and resort-style amenities. You're an empty nester, retiree, or established professional with a budget above $900,000. You value a mature, fully built-out community with established landscaping and a strong social infrastructure. If you're 55+, Anthem Ranch specifically is one of the best active adult communities in Colorado.
Choose Anthem Highlands if: You're a family with school-aged kids and a budget in the $615,000–$960,000 range. You want access to the Anthem trail system and community amenities without paying Anthem-level prices. You prefer a resale home with some yard space in a well-established but still relatively new neighborhood.
Choose Baseline if: You want brand-new construction and modern architecture. You prefer walkability and an urban village feel over a traditional suburban layout. Your budget is $524,000–$975,000 and you want the lowest monthly carrying costs (no HOA, metro district only). You're drawn to the vision of a planned STEM school and mixed-use commercial district.
For a deeper dive into each community, visit my comprehensive guides: Anthem Community Guide, Anthem Highlands Guide, and Baseline Community Guide.
Ready to see these communities in person?
I live and work in this area — I can show you all three communities in a single afternoon and help you figure out which one fits your family, your budget, and your lifestyle. Most buyers narrow it down to one after a two-hour tour.
📧 Email Nick directly: nickahrensrealestate@gmail.com
Nick Ahrens is a Broomfield real estate expert with the North Denver Report, specializing in Anthem, Anthem Highlands, Baseline, and the North Denver metro.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between Anthem, Anthem Highlands, and Baseline?
As of early 2026, Anthem has the highest median home price at approximately $950,000–$1,050,000 for resale homes. Anthem Highlands ranges from $615,000 to $960,000 depending on size and lot. Baseline, Broomfield's newest community, offers new construction starting around $524,000 and topping out near $975,000. (Sources: REcolorado MLS, builder pricing)
Does Baseline have an HOA?
Baseline does not have a traditional HOA. Instead, homeowners pay metro district fees of approximately $236 per quarter ($79/month), which cover trash and recycling, common area landscaping, and snow removal for shared spaces.
Which Broomfield community is best for families?
All three communities serve families well, but Anthem Highlands is the most family-focused with the highest concentration of school-aged children and family-oriented programming. Baseline appeals to younger families seeking new construction and walkability. Anthem skews older, with the 55+ Anthem Ranch section and a higher concentration of empty nesters and retirees.
What schools serve Anthem, Anthem Highlands, and Baseline?
All three are within the Adams 12 Five Star Schools district. Prospect Ridge Academy (a high-performing K-12 charter) serves all three communities. Baseline students attend Thunder Vista P-8 and Legacy High School, with a new K-12 STEM school planned within the community.
Is Anthem or Anthem Highlands better for retirees?
Anthem is significantly better for retirees, specifically the Anthem Ranch section — a dedicated 55+ active adult community developed by Del Webb with over 1,300 single-level ranch homes, a 32,000 sq. ft. clubhouse, pools, and 120+ social clubs. HOA fees of $300–$350/month cover extensive amenities and lawn maintenance.
