A smooth commute can shape your day and your home choice. If you live in Anthem Parkside, or you are thinking about moving here, it helps to know the fastest, most reliable ways to reach Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and the Deer Valley business area. This guide covers the best routes, when to use them, and how commute quality fits into buying and selling decisions.
Quick snapshot: Anthem Parkside location and commuting context
Anthem Parkside sits in the North Valley with direct access to Interstate 17. The community connects to I‑17 at Anthem Way, which is the main route into Phoenix and to Deer Valley. Typical trips include work, school, shopping, flights, and weekend fun. Most drivers weigh drive time, predictability, and the choice between freeway and surface streets. For orientation and contacts, see local resources for Parkside and Anthem’s community center locations here and here.
Commuting considerations before you choose a route
Before you tap “Go,” consider these factors:
- Your priority: shortest time or most predictable time.
- Time of day and day of week. School drop-off, rush hour, and weekend events can shift traffic.
- Live traffic and roadwork. Check ADOT’s AZ511 for cameras, incidents, and closures here.
- I‑17 construction. Ongoing improvements between Anthem Way and Sunset Point can shift lanes and close ramps at times. See project updates here.
- Safety and comfort. Think about night driving, heat, rain, or dust. Carry water in summer and keep fuel above a quarter tank.
- Passengers and luggage. If you have kids or gear, simpler routes can be worth a few extra minutes.
Best routes from Anthem Parkside to downtown Phoenix and PHX
Distance and time vary with traffic. Under normal non‑peak conditions, the drive from Anthem Parkside to PHX is about 35 to 37 miles and roughly 35 to 45 minutes, based on regional trip calculators and typical freeway speeds source. Always verify with live navigation.
Route A: I‑17 south to the Phoenix freeway network, then follow airport signs
- How it works: Enter I‑17 south at Anthem Way. Stay on I‑17 into metro Phoenix. Follow signage to I‑10 east or AZ‑143 as your app suggests. Exit to E Sky Harbor Blvd for the terminals. Sky Harbor maps and directions are listed here.
- Why it’s good: It is direct with the fewest turns. Signage is clear. Good for most trips.
- Watch for: Typical pinch points near Loop 101, Peoria Ave, and the I‑10 system interchanges. If an incident occurs on I‑17, delays can stack up fast. See example incident impacts reported by local media here.
- Ideal for: Drivers who want the shortest, simplest path and are traveling off‑peak or with real‑time traffic tools.
- Tips: Stay in middle lanes through busy interchanges for easier merges. Set a backup route in your app in case I‑17 slows. A route overview of I‑17 southbound is available here.
- Peak vs. off‑peak: Very reliable off‑peak. During rush hour or an incident, consider Route B or C.
Route B: I‑17 south, then Loop 101 east or west to connect with I‑10 or Loop 202
- How it works: From I‑17 south, use Loop 101 east to connect to Loop 202 or AZ‑143, or go Loop 101 west to hit I‑10 east. This spreads traffic across multiple corridors that also feed the airport. Sky Harbor provides corridor options by quadrant here.
- Why it’s good: A flexible option when central I‑17 is slow. You can route around incident zones and rejoin the airport approaches from another angle.
- Watch for: Added miles and more interchanges. Loop 101 can back up near I‑17 and US‑51.
- Ideal for: Drivers who value predictability and want choices if congestion builds.
- Tips: Let your app compare delays on Loop 101 east versus west. Keep right for exit-only lanes as you approach the connectors.
- Peak vs. off‑peak: Useful during peaks or closures. Off‑peak, Route A is usually faster.
Route C: Surface‑street assist with freeway finish
- How it works: If I‑17 is jammed near your entry point, use Anthem Way or Daisy Mountain Dr to access I‑17 from the better‑flowing side, or use surface arterials briefly to bypass a bottleneck before hopping back on the freeway.
- Why it’s good: It helps you avoid a localized slowdown without committing to a long detour.
- Watch for: More stoplights and speed changes. Local school traffic can affect timing.
- Ideal for: Drivers who know the local grid and prefer steady motion to stop‑and‑go freeway queues.
- Tips: Keep eyes on the app for ramp meter delays. Re‑enter I‑17 where cameras show green flow on AZ511 here.
- Peak vs. off‑peak: Handy during incident spikes. Off‑peak, stick to Route A.
Airport arrival planning
- PHX recommends arriving 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. This affects your planned departure time details.
- PHX lists curbside, rideshare, taxi, parking, and Sky Train info here: Parking and Transportation. Use the cell phone lot for pickups.
Best routes from Anthem Parkside to Deer Valley (North Phoenix)
Deer Valley, including Phoenix Deer Valley Airport at 702 W. Deer Valley Rd, sits around the I‑17 and Loop 101 area. The typical drive is about 15 miles and 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic airport directions. Local planning info for the Deer Valley Village is also available from the City of Phoenix here.
Route A: I‑17 south to Deer Valley Road exit
- How it works: Take I‑17 south from Anthem. Exit at Deer Valley Rd, then head east or west as needed. For DVT, follow the signed airport access points listed in the airport directions above.
- Why it’s good: Fast, simple, and well signed. This is the go‑to route most days.
- Watch for: Peak slowdowns near Loop 101 and the business park clusters.
- Ideal for: Commuters to the I‑17 corridor, DVT flights or training, and business park visits.
- Tips: If going to the south side of DVT, use Deer Valley Rd. For the north side, Airport Rd or Seventh St may be better, per the airport’s guidance.
- Peak vs. off‑peak: Off‑peak is smooth. During rush hour, leave 5 to 10 extra minutes.
Route B: Surface‑road approach using Carefree Hwy and 7th St or 19th Ave
- How it works: From Anthem, go west to I‑17 via Carefree Hwy, or continue on Carefree Hwy and use north‑south arterials like 7th St or 19th Ave to reach your destination.
- Why it’s good: It avoids I‑17 merges if there is a short‑term backup.
- Watch for: Lights and variable speeds. School zones can add time.
- Ideal for: Drivers who prefer steady surface pace when freeway speeds drop.
- Tips: Use your app to compare I‑17 versus Carefree Hwy at departure. Avoid left‑turn choke points at peak periods by planning earlier turn lanes.
- Peak vs. off‑peak: Better as a backup during spikes. Freeway is usually faster off‑peak.
Route C: Scenic or off‑peak connectors
- How it works: In low traffic windows, you can string together local arterials for a calm drive. This works for flexible schedules or leisure trips.
- Why it’s good: Lower stress, fewer high‑speed merges, and easier on new drivers.
- Watch for: Longer total time and more lights.
- Ideal for: Flexible schedules, learner drivers, or those who dislike freeway rush.
- Tips: Keep an eye on neighborhood speed limits and watch for cyclists.
- Peak vs. off‑peak: Use only off‑peak to avoid stacking delay at signals.
Transit and alternative options
- Public transit: There is no fast, direct bus service from Anthem into Phoenix. Trips require transfers and take far longer than driving, so most residents drive or use rideshare overview.
- Rideshare, taxi, shuttle: These are common for airport trips and early flights. Costs can range widely, often from several dozen dollars to roughly 70 to 100 dollars one way, depending on time and provider. Reserve early for holidays and mornings. Sky Harbor pickup and drop‑off info is here: Parking and Transportation. Sample shuttle listings are available from Anthem Shuttle.
- Park and ride, carpool: If your office offers parking or carpools, compare total cost and time. This can reduce stress and fuel costs.
- Biking and micromobility: Great for short local errands in Anthem. For Deer Valley work commutes, distances and speeds make biking less common.
Timing, planning, and tools for a smoother commute
- Check AZ511 for cameras, incidents, and lane closures before you go: AZ511.
- Track I‑17 improvement work and weekend closures: I‑17 Improvement Project.
- Use your navigation app’s “leave by” alerts and compare two routes in real time.
- For PHX flights, set a firm buffer. PHX advises 2 hours for domestic and 3 hours for international guidance.
- Vehicle prep: Keep tires inflated, fluids topped, and fuel above one quarter. Pack water in summer.
- Parking: For downtown Phoenix events, prebook if available. In Deer Valley business parks, arrive a few minutes early for garage or surface lot access.
How commute quality should factor into your buying or selling decision
- Buyers: Balance price, space, and commute. If you drive daily, favor predictability. Test your route at your real commute time before you buy.
- Sellers: Highlight actual drive times to PHX and Deer Valley in your listing. Note nearby freeway access and options. Simple, honest details build trust.
- Our approach: We tailor home searches and showing windows to your commute needs. We share route options and time comparisons so you can decide with confidence.
Next steps and local help
Want a route plan that fits your schedule, school runs, and flight times? Schedule a neighborhood and commute consult. We will map best‑case and worst‑case times, set up real‑time alerts, and plan showings outside peak windows.
If you want a custom commute plan tied to your move, reach out to Wende Bartolomeo. We are ready to help you compare neighborhoods, routes, and timing so your next home works for your life.
FAQs
How long is the drive from Anthem Parkside to PHX?
Under normal, non‑peak conditions, expect about 35 to 45 minutes for roughly 35 to 37 miles. Always check live traffic before you go source.
What is the fastest route most days?
I‑17 south into Phoenix, then follow airport signs to E Sky Harbor Blvd. It is the most direct path with the fewest turns. See route overviews here and airport directions here.
What about construction on I‑17?
ADOT is adding capacity and making improvements between Anthem Way and Sunset Point. Expect lane shifts and night or weekend work through the project timeline. Watch updates here.
How far is Deer Valley from Anthem Parkside?
Roughly 15 miles, often 15 to 25 minutes via I‑17 south to Deer Valley Rd. DVT access details are listed by the airport here.
Are there good alternatives if I‑17 is backed up?
Yes. Use Loop 101 and Loop 202 to approach PHX from another corridor, or use short surface‑street segments to bypass the choke point before rejoining the freeway. Check AZ511 for incidents and live cameras here.
Is public transit practical from Anthem to PHX?
Not usually. There is no fast, direct transit option from Anthem to the airport. Most residents drive, rideshare, or use a shuttle. PHX pickup points and the Sky Train are detailed here.
When should I leave for a flight?
PHX recommends arriving 2 hours before domestic and 3 hours before international flights. Add more time during holidays or storms guidance.
