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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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 331 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 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.
Enjoy true small town Verrado living in this darling home just ONE block away from Main Street where there's community events, shopping, dining, farmers markets, golf and more! Tree lined street and parks with real grass welcome you home! This single story beauty has a charming front porch, 2 bedrooms plus a flex office/den space. A Gas fireplace glows as you enter this remodeled beauty featuring
Welcome to Verrado living at its finest! This Former Model Home is Perfectly positioned facing a beautiful green space with stunning mountain views, this exceptional home offers resort-style living inside and out. Enjoy all that Verrado has to offer including community pools, fitness center, golf, hiking trails, concerts, shopping, dining, and endless community events -- all just a short bike
THIS HIGHLY UPGRADED PURSUIT MODEL WITH OWNED SOLAR IS A MUST SEE! The Manicured Front Entrance will lead you to an Open Concept Floorplan w/the Stylish Finishes you Deserve. The Inviting living area features a Media Wall, Lots of Natural Light & Plenty of room for Dining & Entertainment. The Impressive Kitchen is equipped w/Upgraded Cabinets w/soft close, slide outs & lighting features. The
Our preferred lender is overing 1-0 buydown for this property. Come view this beautiful Move-in ready Santarra Gem featuring fresh paint, new flooring, new HVAC system and new A/C unit. This is a great home with lots of room for the family. 5 Bedroom 3.0 bathroom, with all new additions making it a 3616 sq ft added loft, game room. This is a must see!!
Well-maintained 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home located in the Tartesso community of Buckeye. This property offers a functional split floor plan with an open-concept layout designed for everyday living. The kitchen features ample cabinetry, granite countertops, and a walk-in pantry, providing both storage and workspace. Also a New Dishwasher and microwave! The backyard is finished with low-maintenance
SMOKING DEAL! Assumable mortgage at 4.25% and solar panels that gets a credit from APS! Loaded with upgrades, views, and unmatched value, this stunning home in Sun City Festival is designed for entertaining! The backyard is a private oasis featuring custom pavers, a one-of-a-kind Arizona stone waterfall, mature landscaping with automatic drip system, mountain views, and no homes directly behind
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.
Desirable Spirit floor plan offering 1,375 sq ft with 2 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms plus private office & den. No carpet throughout with new plank tile flooring in both bedrooms & den for a clean, modern look & easy maintenance. Kitchen features granite countertops, ample cabinetry, dining nook & a functional layout that opens to the main living area, creating an inviting space ideal for both everyday
Tartesso living at its finest! This 2019-built 4BD/3BA + den impresses from the stone exterior to the finished backyard with no rear neighbors for added privacy. Brown plank tile flows throughout the open layout to double sliding doors. The kitchen shines with staggered upgraded cabinets, stainless appliances, oversized island & walk-in pantry. A private guest suite with full bath, two spacious
Set within the sought-after Verrado community, this Regent Hills residence delivers a fresh take on desert living with a focus on space, flexibility, and effortless indoor-outdoor flow. Framed by sweeping mountain views, the home pairs clean Western Regional design with practical comfort, creating an environment that feels both relaxed and refined. Thoughtfully designed for convenience and
PREPARE TO BE IMPRESSED WITH THIS LIGHTLY LIVED IN, FURNISHED, TURN-KEY HOME WITH 2023 HVAC & 3 CAR GARAGE! The charming front courtyard leads you to a tastefully funished, open concept floorplan. Large picture windows flood the spaces w/natural light. Sprawling living area offers plenty of room for dining & entertainment. The chef's kitchen boasts upgraded cherry cabinets, miles of counterspace,
Beautiful single-story home in Buckeye featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a 2 car garage. Offering 1,920 sq ft of living space with granite counter tops, an open layout, and a large sliding glass door that fills the home with natural light and connects to the backyard-perfect for the everyday living and entertaining.
Live comfortably and confidently in this thoughtfully designed 3 bed, 2 bath home with a versatile den -- perfect for a home office, craft room, or guest retreat. Built for effortless everyday living, the home features an accessible roll-in shower, widened doorways and pathways, and an open floor plan that flows naturally from living to dining. The kitchen offers generous cabinet storage, and the
Why wait for new construction when you can enjoy this beautifully maintained, nearly new home today? Move-in ready and in excellent condition, this affordable gem offers modern finishes and an inviting open layout designed for easy living. Pride of ownership is evident throughout, making this a true turnkey opportunity. Located in the desirable Tartesso community, residents enjoy miles of walking
Exquisite 2024 David Weekley residence set on an expansive premium corner lot, offering a rare blend of modern luxury, thoughtful design, and breathtaking mountain views. This single-level home showcases impeccable craftsmanship and comes complete with structural and HVAC warranties for ultimate peace of mind. A private gated courtyard creates a grand sense of arrival, leading into an elegant
Welcome to your new home! Located in the peaceful Sienna Hills community, this beautiful rental residence is nestled in the scenic foothills of the White Tank Mountains. Offering 4 beds, 2 baths, 3-car garage, RV gate, & a low-care landscape. Discover a spacious, seamlessly flowing open layout for everyday living & entertaining! Abundant natural light, a neutral palette, tall ceilings, tile
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!
Welcome to this charming two-story home offering an exceptional use of space with 1,926 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a den, and a spacious great room floor plan. The home features tile flooring throughout the main living areas and wood flooring in all bedrooms. The full-size kitchen is designed for both functionality and style, granite countertops, and plenty of room for cooking. Outside,
Experience an effortless blend of elegance and tranquility at The Bungalows at Sundance. Nestled within an intimate, single-story community, our homes provide the perfect retreat for those seeking serenity and ease. With your own private backyard oasis, gourmet kitchen, and luxurious finishes, every detail has been thoughtfully designed to nurture your desire for both comfort and style. Picture
Beautiful home for lease in Buckeye featuring spacious living areas, an open layout, and a comfortable backyard perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Enjoy a well maintained property with pest control and landscape maintenance included for added convenience and peace of mind. Located near parks, schools, shopping, dining, and easy freeway access. This home offers comfort, value, and convenience
Introducing Marketside Villas at Verrado, a brand-new and exclusive complex where sophistication meets comfort in a desert oasis. Industrial aesthetics, premium amenities, and spacious interiors offer the very definition of luxury living inside our houses for rent in Buckeye, AZ.Offering spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom single-family homes and duplexes, we have options that fit any
LOCATION! The Cardinal floor plan has, 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 story and a 2 car garage. The kitchen overlooks the great room. New Paint and New Carpet in this home. Kitchen has all stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops and upgraded cabinets. Other amazing features of this home include Smart Home technology, rain gutters, Texx Built-In Pest Control, an electric stainless steel
Yardly® at Verrado is an innovative community built by Taylor Morrison, featuring single-story apartment homes for rent. Each home comes with a landscaped, private backyard with turf that provides flexible living for you and your pet. We offer maintenance and repair services to our renters, which allows for a low-maintenance lifestyle. When you rent at a qualifying Yardly community, receive up to
2024 build rental home with all appliances included ! This popular Abbot floor plan features 4 bedrooms and 2 baths. White shaker style cabinets, 18 x 18 -inch tile through main living areas, upgrade carpet in bedrooms only. Gourmet kitchen has stainless steel appliances, range/oven, microwave and dishwasher and fridge. Single basin sink with high arc faucet. Window blinds throughout with
NOW OPEN! Solana Villas brings together the perfect blend of southwest tradition and contemporary design to apartment living. Solana is a Spanish name meaning “sunshine” — fitting for a community located in Buckeye, AZ on the outskirts of Phoenix, a.k.a. the Valley of the Sun. The 200 apartments at Solana Villas will offer a mix of warm finishes and unique features to enhance your daily routine,
Beautiful energy efficient home in Buckeye! Located within the quiet community of Village at Sundance, this single-level house has 1,345 square feet of living space which includes a large living room with tall ceilings, three bedrooms, two full bathroom, and a luxurious kitchen with built-in water purifying system, custom cabinets, granite counter-tops, and stainless-steel appliances. The also
Welcome to Main Street Lofts at VerradoFind a newly renovated studio, one, two, or three-bedroom apartment home at Main Street Lofts at Verrado. Walk into spacious and stylish updated floor plans featuring high-end finishes, like quartz countertops and glass-tile backsplashes. Our pet-friendly apartments in Verrado offer a modern lifestyle with endless amenities close at hand. Located in the
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