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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Video By
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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 258 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.
Welcome to this upgraded single-story home on a private corner lot with mature landscaping, a paver driveway, exterior lighting, Bluetooth holiday lights, and a security front door. Inside, enjoy 9-foot ceilings, earth-tone paint, custom blinds and drapes, a split floor plan, den/office, upgraded fixtures, and extra laundry cabinetry. The kitchen features a 10.5 ft bullnose kitchen island ,
Welcome to this exceptional custom estate nestled on over one acre in one of Buckeye's most sought-after and rapidly growing areas. Thoughtfully designed for both luxury and comfort, this elegant single-level residence offers 2,318 square feet of beautifully crafted living space, featuring 4 spacious bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and an oversized 3-car garage. Included are floor plans for a
Experience a two-story home that blends open gathering spaces with private retreats in the Montana Vista Collection. The Nightingale is crafted to support everyday living with thoughtful flow and flexible design. The main floor features a bright great room, sunlit dining area, and a spacious kitchen, perfect for hosting or relaxing. A private study and powder room add function and
This home brings comfort, style and value together for the perfect modern lifestyle! This beautifully maintained homes features a spacious open-concept floor plan creating an inviting space for everyday living & entertaining. The natural light beckons you into the home. Kitchen offers warm cabinetry, quartz counters, SS apps(including a gas range)kitchen island w/ breakfast bar and pantry, too!
Your new home awaits right here! Located in the beautiful and sought after subdivision of Tartesso. Offering an open floor plan and a home in fantastic condition. The first thing you'll appreciate is the landscaping which is both attractive and low maintenance. 4 good sized bedrooms all with ceiling fans. Neutral color paint throughout. The kitchen has large island with breakfast bar, tile
PRACTICALLY BRAND NEW!Welcome to this beautifully remodeled home in the heart of Historic Buckeye!Situated on a desirable corner lot, this spacious home features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a versatile loft perfect for a home office, game room, or additional living space. Every detail has been thoughtfully refreshed, including new interior paint, brand-new carpet, new tile
MOTIVATED SELLER! Built in 2016 this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home complete with a flexible den--ideal for a home office, hobby room, or guest suite. Designed with true accessibility in mind, the open floor plan flows seamlessly from the bright living spaces into a well-appointed kitchen featuring abundant cabinet storage. The private primary suite serves as a relaxing retreat, while the home's
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Welcome to this upgraded single-story home on a private corner lot with mature landscaping, a paver driveway, exterior lighting, Bluetooth holiday lights, and a security front door. Inside, enjoy 9-foot ceilings, earth-tone paint, custom blinds and drapes, a split floor plan, den/office, upgraded fixtures, and extra laundry cabinetry. The kitchen features a 10.5 ft bullnose kitchen island ,
Bring your horses and enjoy the freedom of country living on this exceptional 1-acre+ horse property with no HOA! Offering a dedicated space for riding, and room to customize your ideal equestrian setup, this 5-bedroom home is the perfect opportunity for horse enthusiasts seeking both functionality and a little space to breathe. The property features a large circular driveway, RV gates, 2-car
Fall in love with this beautiful 2-story home in the Sienna Hills Community! Featuring a low-care manicured landscape, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms + powder room, a 3-car tandem garage & RV gate. The interior boasts a designer palette, high ceilings, abundant natural light, and plush carpet & tile floors t/out. Enjoy a formal dining area and an inviting living space that flows seamlessly into the
Former Onyx Model Home ''Highly upgraded'' now available! Single-level 4 bed + study, 3 bath with split floor plan and no interior steps. Features include white staggered cabinets, granite counters, kitchen island, walk-in pantry, wood plank tile, and ENERGY STAR appliances. Efficient comfort with Central Air, programmable thermostat, ceiling fans, and ENERGY STAR HVAC (SEER 14), plus natural gas
*Casita Home*. Welcome to Verrado's charming Main Street District! This stunning 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home offers style, comfort, and flexibility. Enjoy a downstairs primary suite, fully remodeled casita with private entrance--perfect for guests or rental income--paid solar, and high-end inverter A/C systems installed less than 18 months ago. Freshly painted interior with an open layout ideal for
Beautiful, move-in-ready 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in the desirable active-adult community of Sun City Festival. Features include neutral paint, a formal dining room, spacious living area, and an upgraded kitchen with granite countertops, breakfast bar, pantry, stainless steel appliances, gas cooktop, recessed lighting, and upgraded cabinetry. The resort-style backyard offers a heated Pebble-Tec
Welcome to this spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in Buckeye, offering comfortable living spaces and plenty of opportunity to make it your own. The spacious kitchen features stainless steel appliances and ample room for cooking, gathering, and everyday living. The primary bathroom includes a convenient walk-in shower. Step outside to a blank-canvas yard ready for your vision, whether you want
Beautiful and Spacious 2029 Sq. Ft, 4 Bedroom 2.5 Bathroom Home in Verrado! Access to Community Pools, Heritage Pool is just steps away, Splash Pad, Fitness Center Included! Many Local Restaurants & Shopping! Elementary/Middle School within walking distance! Newer 2024 Flooring! Two Gated Yards on a Corner Lot! Freshly Painted 2024. Refrigerator/Washer/Dryer Included. Easy Access to the I10 and
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!
Your dream home is finally here! This delightful cul-de-sac property welcomes you with a 3-car garage, eye-catching stone accents, and a frontpatio that sets an inviting tone. Fall in love with the captivating open layout with high ceilings, a striking wood-feature wall, and durable tile flooring. The gourmetkitchen comes with solid surface counters, crisp white cabinetry with crown moulding, a
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
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 lifestyle in the
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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
Discover your new home at Cholla Ranch Apartments! Every feature in our 2 and 3 bedroom community is designed with you in mind, from the spacious layouts, amazing location and amenities that elevate your lifestyle. A $10.5 million community transformation is coming soon with upgraded apartment interiors, a new fitness center, renovated clubhouse, and enhanced landscaping. Plus, we have an
Start your next chapter at Lanai, a brand-new luxury community in Maricopa County. When you choose a studio, one, or two bedroom home in our upscale community, your daily schedule gets an instant upgrade. Start the day with high-end finishes like quartz countertops, oversized tubs and showers, and walk-in closets, and streamline your schedule with high-tech features like a front-loading washer
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,
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