Set about 40 miles west of Phoenix, Buckeye is one of the fastest growing cities in the country. It began as a small desert town of farmers and pioneers in the early 19th century but surged in the 21st century as the Phoenix metro area’s housing and job markets expanded. From 2000 to 2024, the population grew from about 6,500 to 114,000. “We’re an up-and-coming city; it’s a very attractive place to be for young families,” says John O’Halloran, Buckeye’s deputy director of communications. Despite the huge influx of residents and construction, only 15% of Buckeye’s 640 square miles is built out; the city estimates its population could reach 1.1 million when fully developed.
In 2023, about 2,000 housing permits were approved by the city. “They’re actively building 12 different subdivisions in Buckeye, and I think that helps bring people in because when you’re working with a new build, you get lower interest rates,” says Carmen Lance, a Realtor with Realty One Group and over 10 years of local experience. The 260-acre Buckeye Industrial Rail Park is actively drawing in distribution centers and manufacturing plants, like Rehrig Pacific Company, which are providing new jobs for Buckeye; new retailers continue to pop up around the city as well. “Companies are seeing the growth in Buckeye. It was the fastest-growing city in the nation from 2020 to 2021. So, there are a lot more companies willing to come out here now. We just got a Costco,” Lance says.
Most locals commute outside Buckeye for work, but the city is trying to change that. “We do actively work with employers in the area to keep our residents here in the city and make it a place where you can live, play and work. We have the Reduce the Commute Job Fair twice a year; it’s focused on West Valley employers hiring West Valley residents,” O’Halloran says. Buckeye’s leading industries are advanced manufacturing and energy, and top employers include KORE Power, Canam Steel and Walmart. O’Halloran says the healthcare industry is also taking off here, and healthcare companies like Abrazo and Banner have plans to build hospitals in the city.
The sunsets are often beautiful in Buckeye with mountains in the background.
Buckeye is a changing city on the outskirts of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.
Parents can enjoy quality time playing with their kids at Sundance Park in Buckeye.
Walmart provides residents another option for groceries in Buckeye.
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Master-planned communities with newly constructed houses
Most of Buckeye's homes were built over the past 20 years, many set in master-planned neighborhoods, like Verrado, with its own Main Street, parks and healthcare in northeast Buckeye. Retirement communities, such as Sundance, are also popular draws. New traditional homes with ranch-, Mediterranean- or Craftsman-inspired designs are all typical here, and the average home price is about $475,000.
Victory is a 55+ community tucked into the White Tank Mountains, in Buckeye.
Embrace outdoor adventures and community events for an active lifestyle in Verrado.
Homes in Sun City Festival showcase architectural details that help your home to stand out.
People can find many mediterranean styles sitting on grassy lots.
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Growing shopping and dining scene
Shopping and dining are currently limited in Buckeye, but folks can still easily pick up groceries, try local restaurants and shop in the city. In Old Town, small businesses, including cafes, boutiques and authentic Mexican restaurants, dot Monroe Avenue, many with warm-colored facades and southwestern-inspired stylings, like saloon- or Pueblo-inspired storefronts. Old Town’s mascot is the Hobo Joe Statue, which stands watch over the city, greeting passersby. There are a couple of bars throughout Buckeye, but most nightlife takes place in other communities, like Goodyear or Phoenix, which are 15 and 40 miles west, respectively. The Imagine Buckeye 2040 General Plan aims to transform Old Town into a proper downtown by adding more entertainment options and gathering spaces. To support new small businesses, the Catalyst Program offers reimbursement for eligible investors looking to revitalize existing commercial properties in Buckeye.
Folks also shop around Verrado, where there’s a mix of national chains and small businesses. “There’s a lot of commercial development; we’re starting to build up our retail and restaurants,” O’Halloran says. The 500,000-square-foot Verrado Marketplace is being built off the intersection of North Verrado Way and Interstate 10. “It’s going to have those date-night restaurants, entertainment with a movie theater, an outdoor shopping area, splash pad and a stage for outdoor concerts and things like that,” O’Halloran says.
Enjoy a midday break with lunch from Verrado's restaurants, adding flavor to your work routine.
La Fiesta market has a wonderful butcher for all your meats in Buckeye.
Experience the ultimate comfort food experience at Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers in Verrado.
Discover your new favorite spot for coffee and conversation at ANTHEM in Verrado.
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Public and private school options nearby
Students in kindergarten through Grade 8 may attend public school in the Buckeye Elementary School District, rated C-plus overall by Niche. Teens may attend schools in the B-rated Buckeye High School District, which averages a 94% graduation rate. Grace Fellowship Academy, a private elementary and middle school, is also in Buckeye, but the closest private high schools are 15 miles east in Avondale.
Buckeye Union High School where the hawks soar to new athletic heights has in Buckeye.
Sundance Elementary School in Buckeye receives a C rating from Niche.
Bales Elementary School is passionate about student success.
Buckeye Elementary School gets a rating of 2/10 from GreatSchools.com.
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Getting outside and exploring the White Tank Mountains
The 8,700-acre Skyline Regional Park offers an extensive trail system through the scenic White Tank Mountains. “It has about 30 miles of trails," O’Halloran says. "If you’re into the outdoors, it’s great to go in the cooler months for horseback riding and camping." In 2023, the city expanded Sundance Park over 40 acres to include a splash pad, basketball courts and a stocked fishing lake. “It was a multi-year project that had a lot of community involvement. The park’s great for everything from city events to renting ramadas for birthday parties,” O’Halloran says. Other community highlights include Town Park’s aquatic center and outdoor skate park, as well as Earl Edgar Recreational Facility’s baseball diamonds, playing fields and shaded playground. Neighborhoods like Verrado include their own recreation, from pocket parks to golf courses.
In 2024, Buckeye began reaching out to residents and hosting town hall-style meetings to hear ideas for creating a Parks and Recreation Master Plan to guide further expansion. Folks voted on priorities, like public art, aquatic facilities or new park development, and the city aims to approve a final plan by the end of the year.
Soaring high above Buckeye's Skyline Regional Park with Rainbow Ryders.
Experience the tranquility of the desert landscape at Skyline Regional Park in Verrado.
Buckeye’s Sundance Park has many amenities for residents, including a fishing pond.
Discover a vibrant dog community in Verrado, where wagging tails and furry friends abound.
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Annual events and a new arts initiative
“We just started our own arts and culture program with the city. We’re starting out small with things like mural programs and trying to incorporate arts and culture into our events,” O’Halloran says. In the fall of 2024, Buckeye asked local artists to submit designs for the city’s traffic control boxes along Yuma Road.
The city’s annual events include Buckeye Days in January, which celebrates the city’s pioneer past with food, live music and a cattle parade. In February, there’s also the Buckeye Air Fair that lets folks get up close with military and vintage aircraft before watching talented pilots take to the skies for an exciting aerobatics display. The city also hosts smaller events like concerts and movies in the park throughout the year.
Getting around from Buckeye
Buckeye is about 40 miles west of Phoenix, a 40- to 55-minute drive during rush hour. Interstate 10 leads toward Phoenix, while Route 85 leads 115 miles south to the U.S./Mexico border in Lukeville. Public transportation is limited, but Valley Metro buses stop in the city; streets are generally lined with sidewalks and bike lanes. Abrazo Buckeye Emergency Center and Buckeye Municipal Airport are located in the city, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is about 43 miles east.
Crime and environmental concerns
According to the FBI statistics, Buckeye's total number of reported crimes decreased from 1,400 in 2013 to 1,200 in 2023. Overall, the crime rate in 2023 was 16 incidents per 1,000 people, lower than the national crime rate of about 23 incidents per 1,000 people. To help combat crime, the Buckeye Police Department sponsors programs like Block Watch and Citizens on Patrol, which let local volunteers monitor the city and assess any rising trends in crime.
Extreme heat and wildfires are the main environmental concerns for Buckeye residents. Summer temperatures regularly top 100 degrees, so folks often stay cool inside or visit the Buckeye Aquatic Center to beat the heat. In 2024, the Robbins Fire burned about 30 acres in Buckeye Hills Regional Park; there was no harm to people or structures. There are seven Buckeye fire stations that respond to local emergencies, and folks can sign up for public safety alerts on the city’s website.
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Travis Rocha
Photography Contributed By
John Williams
Video By
Jaried Frogosa
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Buckeye, AZ sell after 341 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Buckeye, AZ over the last 12 months is $405,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Absolutely Stunning 2016 4 bedroom 2 bath home located in Sonoran Vista. Step inside to this open floor plan kitchen open to the dining and front room. Large breakfast bar, granite countertops. All appliances included. Inside laundry. One bedroom is split from the rest of the others. Home has leased solar for more efficient electric. Whole home water filtration system, also has been wired for a
With its inviting front porch made for quiet mornings and relaxing evenings, this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home welcomes you with warmth and style. The heart of the home is the beautifully designed kitchen, featuring granite countertops, a 5-burner gas range, built-in microwave, ample cabinetry, and a walk-in pantry, ideal for any home chef. This home is also built for energy efficiency with vinyl
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!!!! This charming Frank Residential 3 Bed 2 Bath home on MAIN ST offers the perfect blend of tranquility and convenience in the highly sought-after community of Verrado Main St District. Imagine living just moments away from everyday essentials and leisure activities.New PAINT, CARPET, APPLIANCES and more! Enjoy the ease of strolling to the grocery store, teeing off at
ASSUMABLE FHA LOAN! Move-in ready Buckeye home! This beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom property offers 1,920 sq. ft. of living space with an open-concept floor plan that's perfect for modern living. The spacious kitchen features ample counter space and cabinetry, flowing seamlessly into the bright living and dining areas filled with natural light.Enjoy Arizona's indoor-outdoor
Experience modern Verrado living in this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath home just steps from Verrado Main Street with top-rated restaurants, shopping, golf, and resort-style community amenities right outside your door.This move-in ready residence offers a bright open-concept floor plan with designer finishes throughout. The gourmet kitchen is the heart of the home, featuring upgraded
Well located home in the growing Buckeye area featuring functional floorplan and comfortable living space. The kitchen has ample cabinet and counter space. Primary suite includes a full bath and generous closet space . Secondary bedrooms are well sized. Backyard offers room to customize and relax. Convenient to park, schools, shopping, dining ,major roadways. Great opportunity to add your
Upgraded 2024 Leslie Model of Meritage Homes. 3 bed, 2 bath corner-lot home in Canyon Views with an RV gate and paved driveway! This one shines with fresh interior paint (no builder beige here), shutters on every window, and a kitchen made for entertaining. It features granite counters, gas range, soft-close cabinets with some having pullouts, under/over cabinet lighting, and a built-in
Welcome to this beautifully upgraded home located within the desirable adult community of Sun City Festival, known for its active lifestyle and resort-style amenities. Boasting over $120,000 in builder upgrades, this meticulously maintained residence has been kept in pristine condition and still feels like new. The heart of the home is the stunning kitchen, highlighted by a dramatic waterfall
Welcome to this charming Buckeye home in an active adult community, backing to a scenic golf course! Featuring 2 spacious bedrooms, 2 full baths, and a versatile office/den, can be turned into a 3rd bedroom this home offers an open layout filled with natural light. The kitchen flows into a bright living area, perfect for entertaining. The primary suite includes a walk-in closet and private bath.
THIS STELLAR JOURNEY MODEL WITH A 2.25% ASSUMABLE VA LOAN, OWNED SOLAR, 4 FT EXTENDED GARAGE AND SITUATED ON A PREMIUM VIEW LOT IS A MUST SEE! Enter this open concept, split floor plan w/contemporary flooring, lighting & window treatments throughout. The spacious living area w/media wall offers plenty of room for dining & entertainment. A chef's kitchen w/upgraded cabinets, backsplash, center
SPECTACULAR FIESTA MODEL WITH POOL, 3 CAR GARAGE AND 2025 HVAC! The charming front courtyard leads you to an open concept floorplan with neutral tile, window treatments & contemporary lighting features throughout. Upgraded kitchen cabinets w/ pullouts, newer Refrigerator, Huge Center Island & Cafe dining. The Inviting living space offers plenty of room for Dining and Entertainment. Unwind in the
Amazing mountain views in this like-new two-story home designed for effortless living. An open, light-filled layout with soaring vaulted ceilings creates a spacious, welcoming feel the moment you step inside. The chef-inspired kitchen features granite countertops, 42'' upper cabinets, and abundant storage, perfect for everyday life or entertaining. Tile flooring throughout the main areas adds
Your new perfect Home Sweet Home! This stunning custom home is move-in ready and immaculate from ceiling to floor. Upgrades are everywhere you look. You have a clean slate to landscape however you care to imagine. Neutral color paint. Tile flooring throughout. Vaulted ceilings and an open floor plan. Two primary bedrooms with their own baths. 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms total. The kitchen offers
Why wait for a build cycle when you can have the upgrade list of your dreams today? Completed in 2023, this designer-owned home seamlessly blends modern open-concept living with thoughtful versatility. While the 4th bedroom and bonus flex space cater to your work-from-home or fitness needs, the true showstopper is the backyard oasis. Framed by stunning mountain views, the professionally finished
PREPARE TO BE IMPRESSED WITH THIS LIGHTLY LIVED IN, FURNISHED, TURN-KEY HOME ON A LARGE CORNER LOT & 3 CAR GARAGE! !You will be greeted by a charming front courtyard, perfect for morning coffee. Enter the open concept floorplan, the main living area has a cozy fireplace. A large picture window floods the space w/ natural light and offers plenty of room for dining & entertainment. The chef's
Enjoy breathtaking sunsets and views of the mountains with this private backyard. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath has a large kitchen with a custom backsplash, hardwood floors, an extra den and 2 car garage.
This stunning, highly upgraded, energy-efficient Pulte home features 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a single-story layout. The kitchen boasts matching black appliances, an electric cooktop, built-in microwave, and tile floors in the main living areas. Upgrades include a tankless water heater and elegant finishes throughout. Front and back yards are beautifully landscaped?see the pictures! No
AMAZING SPECIALS!!!!!! This home comes with a landscaped, private backyard with turf that provides flexible living for you and your pet, Full-size washer and dryer, Stainless-steel appliances, *High-speed internet with Wi-Fi, Smart thermostat, Doorbell camera, 10′ ceilings, 8′ doors, Ceiling fans, Single-level living, large pantry and Walk-in closets. Pool, Dog park, All pets welcome
AMAZING SPECIALS!!!!!! This home comes with a landscaped, private backyard with turf that provides flexible living for you and your pet, Full-size washer and dryer, Stainless-steel appliances, *High-speed internet with Wi-Fi, Smart thermostat, Doorbell camera, 10′ ceilings, 8′ doors, Ceiling fans, Single-level living, large pantry and Walk-in closets. Pool, Dog park, All pets welcome
Beautiful move-in ready home in the wonderful subdivision of Tartesso! As you enter the home you are welcomed by the beautiful open house. With a large living room and a spacious great room. The kitchen opens to the great room, giving you lots of room to cook and entertain. The kitchen features corian counter tops, a large island and plenty of cabinets, counter space and storage. Upstairs
Beautiful home built in 2023 features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. This Home showcases a front porch, open-concept layout, luxury vinyl plank floors, neutral carpet, neutral paint, and ceiling fans in every room. Solar panels are paid by the landlord and generate monthly savings for you. Eat-in kitchen with expresso cabinets 42'' cabinets, granite counters, pantry, stainless steel
Highly upgraded, super energy efficient, quality built, Pulte, 4 bedroom, 3 bath, single story floor plan. Beautiful kitchen with matching black appliances, electric cook top range, built in microwave, tankless water heater, nicely upgraded everywhere you look!! Nicely landscaped front and back yard. We now offer a no-deposit option O.A.C. For a fee of 10% of the monthly rent, you can forgo a
A beautiful single story, 4 bed, 2 bath, split master floor plan. spacious living & dining areas are in one large, open area. Spacious kitchen matching stainless appliances, granite countertops, recessed lighting, pantry & a large island with breakfast bar. Bright and airy primary suite, complete with an ensuite bathroom & walk-in closet. Private backyard with covered patio, large paver patio &
Easy and immediate move-ins available in this beautifully built 2020 home.Huge kitchen featuring quartz countertops, stainless steel Frigidaire appliances, and a spacious island.Tile flooring throughout the main living areas and a large master suite with a walk-in closet.Private backyard with a covered patio and low-maintenance artificial turf. **No Cats, Pet rent on a sliding scale
Set on a spacious corner lot with a 3-car garage, this move-in ready Buckeye home is made for comfort and convenience. The gorgeous updated kitchen steals the show with quartz countertops, new shaker cabinets, and a large island perfect for gatherings. Stylish flooring flows throughout with no carpet, creating a fresh, low-maintenance feel. The primary suite offers an upgraded bathroom with
The Reserve at Westpark is conveniently located off I-10 and Miller Road. We offer 3, 4, and 5 bedroom homes for rent. Our floor plans are unmatched, with 3 car garages, wardrobe closets, and stainless steel appliances. Don't wait, make The Reserve at Westpark your new home today!
Single-story 4 bed, 2 bath rental in Estrella Vista at Buckeye- bright, move-in ready, and designed for easy living. This well-maintained home features tile in the main living areas and carpet in the bedrooms for a comfortable, low-maintenance layout.The open kitchen with a large island, pantry, and refrigerator included, is ideal for meal prep and casual gatherings. The primary suite offers
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