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.
Written By
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 321 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Buckeye, AZ over the last 12 months is $405,999, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to your dream home in the highly sought-after Verrado community! This stunning 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath residence offers 3,098 sq ft of luxurious living space, blending comfort, style, and functionality in one perfect package. From the moment you walk in, you'll be drawn to the spacious open floor plan—ideal for everyday living and entertaining—with elegant tile flooring throughout the main
**Up to $9,000 towards closing cost, plus below- market interest rates when using our preferred lender** Walking Distance to K-12 Schools | Minutes from Hospital, Shopping & Freeway. This beautiful home features 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage, plus an 8'8'' double gate—perfect for extra access and storage. Inside, you'll find espresso shaker cabinets, quartz countertops in the
**Up to $9,000 towards closing cost, plus below- market interest rates when using our preferred lender** Walking Distance to K-12 Schools, Minutes from Hospital, Shopping & Freeway. An exit away you will find Verrado Way were you will find an open mall with a movie theater, eatery, retail and more.This beautiful home features 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 2 car garages. You will find white
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 feels like new. The heart of the home is the stunning kitchen, highlighted by a dramatic waterfall island
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.
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bath home in the Tartesso community of Buckeye, where thoughtful upgrades, a great layout, and outdoor living come together effortlessly.As you walk through the front door, you're immediately greeted by a bedroom at the front of the home, ideal for a home office, guest room, or flex space. Continue inside and the home opens into a bright,
This Buckeye home sits on a spacious corner lot and feels like the kind of place that just works for real life. The 3 car garage gives you space for vehicles, storage, or projects, and the home itself is truly move in ready. The kitchen is the heart of the home with quartz countertops, new shaker cabinets, and a large island that makes hosting and everyday living easy. The flooring throughout
Welcome to one of the most unique and impressive homes in the heart of Tartesso, perfectly situated on an oversized 12,000+ sq ft lot with space, flexibility, and true indoor-outdoor living.This nearly 3,000 sq ft home offers a layout that works for real life. A front living room creates a warm welcome, while the spacious great room opens beautifully to the kitchen, perfect for everyday living
Welcome to Verrado—one of Buckeye's most desirable master-planned communities with tree-lined streets, front-porch charm, two resort-style pools, fitness centers, Verrado Golf Club, Verrado Stairs and miles of scenic trails and A-Rated Schools. Just two blocks from Main Street and walk-able to Bashas', this move-in-ready 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home with a downstairs office or optional 4th bedroom
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
Skip the construction wait! Built in 2023, this home feels better than new and is ready for you now & has bells & whistles too. The open-concept layout brings everyone together, while the 4th bedroom and bonus flex room offer versatile space for a home office, gym, or playroom. The real magic happens outside: unwind in a completely finished backyard featuring mountain views, a cozy fire pit, and
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
Discover comfort and convenience in this spacious 3 bed, 2 bath home with a flexible den—ideal for an office, craft room, or guest space. Thoughtfully designed with handicap accommodations, it features a wheelchair-accessible shower and widened pathways for ease of mobility. The open layout offers seamless flow from living to dining, while the kitchen provides ample cabinet space. The primary
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
This beautiful Tartesso home offers space, comfort, and a backyard built for Arizona living. With 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a HUGE Loft and 3-car garage, there's room for everyone and everything. Inside, you'll find a thoughtfully designed layout with a formal living room and great room, an upstairs split master bedroom for added privacy, plus a massive upstairs loft perfect for a home office,
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.
Welcome to this beautiful home for rent in Verrado Marketside! Save on electric bills with Solar! This home has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and neutral tones throughout. The spacious great room has a center-open sliding glass door that opens up to a charming, covered patio. The kitchen is equipped with stainless steel gas appliances and a kitchen island breakfast bar! Upstairs is a loft, the
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
Welcome to your dream horse property in Buckeye, Arizona! This stunning 4-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on 2 acres, offering the perfect blend of comfort and functionality. The spacious open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area is perfect for entertaining, with a large pantry providing ample storage. Equestrian enthusiasts will love the 200x125' riding arena and 20x20 horse stall, making this
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
Stunning home featuring the popular Clover floor plan! With 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, this spacious property is designed for modern living. The great room opens to a multi-slide door, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor space that's perfect for entertaining. It opens to a large backyard with an extended paver patio and professional landscaping. The owner's suite includes a luxurious bath with a
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 &
Located in the Main Street District of Verrado, this home is stunning! This highly upgraded luxurious, and cozy home is nestled in the eastern part of Verrado across the street from a park. This chef's kitchen was fully remodeled with Thermador appliances and one of a kind walnut island. This home features engineered hardwood throughout and has been recently painted on the interior as well as the
Don't miss this rental two-story gem featuring charming stone accents on the facade! Inside, you'll find an inviting open floor plan, where plush carpeting and tile flooring are thoughtfully placed throughout. Modern kitchen is a chef's delight, boasting stainless steel appliances, sleek granite counters, a walk-in pantry, and a center island with a breakfast bar. Spacious main bedroom offers a
Welcome to this beautiful newly built home in Buckeye, AZ, boasting mountain views and highly upgraded features. This 2-story home offers a spacious loft, four bedrooms, and four bathrooms, providing ample space for comfort and convenience. One bedroom and bathroom are conveniently located downstairs.The open-concept design allows the kitchen island to flow seamlessly into the living room,
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