Sun City resident led life of adventure

Tom Hayden's resumé is quite long, and quite colorful. He's been a secret agent, machine gunner, commercial pilot and probation officer. Now retired from the U.S. Navy, Hayden is a professional speaker who talks about his spy days during the Cold War.

Having put that exciting past behind him, Hayden and his wife, Peggy, recently purchased a home at Sun City Anthem, an age-qualified community in Henderson built by Del Webb Corp.

"We were living in Flagstaff, Ariz., and wanted a warmer climate," Hayden said. "And we were familiar with the Del Webb reputation. We checked it out and discovered the community is gorgeous, plus Anthem Center has so much to offer. That was a big selling point."

Following a tour in Vietnam, Hayden was recruited and trained in counterespionage operations by the Naval Investigative Service. He interacted with KGB agents, culminating in the defection of a high-level Russian spy. He later worked for the state of Arizona as a peace officer, and as part of an FBI task force tracking down fugitives.

Sun City Anthem is home to Anthem Center, a 75,000-square-foot structure with fitness, social and recreational opportunities for residents, as well as Trumpets Restaurant, which is open to the public.

"One of the things we considered was the cost of using facilities, such as swimming pools, tennis courts, golf courses and fitness centers," Hayden said. "At (the community), there is only one small fee in comparison to other properties. With all the clubs and the gym, tennis and golf and the pool right here, it's like living in a resort."

There are 19 models, ranging from 1,080 to 3,009 square feet and more through the community's Gold Key program. Homes are priced from the low $140,000s to more than $500,000.

"We liked several of the models," Hayden said. "We selected the Quincy model because of its open floor plan, casual feel, lot of windows making it bright and open. At 1,485 square feet, it seems larger, with a nice kitchen, large master bedroom and a great room.

"We have met several residents and they are all friendly," he said. "When you buy a house at Anthem you are buying more than a house, you are buying a lifestyle."

Sun City Anthem is part of the 4,800-acre Anthem master-planned community, located in the foothills of southern Henderson.

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

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