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 290 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 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.
Move-in ready 5 bed 4.5 bath West Valley location. Prime Corner Lot next to Park! North South exposure Featuring countless upgrades such as 9' ceilings, , Granite countertops in the kitchen. Whirlpool Stainless steel appliances including the refrigerator. White Shaker cabinets. Energy-efficient features throughout, programmable thermostat, gas water heater, gas range, Whirlpool washer & dryer.
Our Preferred Lender is offering a 1-0 buydown on this property for qualified buyers! Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a versatile den in the desirable Sundance community! Step inside to discover vaulted ceilings, inviting living spaces, and a well-appointed kitchen perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The den offers the ideal space for a home office or
Welcome to refined desert living at it's finest in Buckeye's desirable Blue Horizons community.Built in 2019 by Lennar Homes, this impeccably maintained 3 bed 2.5 bath single-story open concept of thoughtfully designed single-level living. An inviting open layout flows effortlessly from the gourmet kitchen--featuring a center island, rich granite counters, stainless appliances including a gas
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
BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED 5-bed, 3-bath two-story home in Crystal Vista! Displaying a 2-car garage, low-care front yard, & a front porch. The inviting interior features fresh neutral palette, tons of natural light, tile floors downstairs, and soft carpet upstairs. You'll love the seamlessly flowing open layout! The impressive kitchen boasts SS appliances, granite counters, a walk-in pantry, recessed
Beautifully upgraded home in Sun City Festival! Enjoy granite countertops, rich maple cabinetry, and stainless appliances in the open kitchen with breakfast bar and built-in desk area. The flexible space can serve as a coffee bar or workstation. The great room opens to a private, partially walled patio with no rear neighbors--perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Inside, you'll find full-size
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bed + den, 2-bathroom home offering 1,776 square feet of comfortable living space. The open-concept floor plan features a large great room with abundant natural light, creating the perfect setting for everyday living and entertaining. The versatile den is ideal for a home office, playroom, or flex space to fit your lifestyle. Enjoy the added privacy and
OWNED SOLAR provides OUTSTANDING ENERGY SAVINGS! This major buyer benefit provides years of energy savings while keeping your monthly utility costs low.Located in Festival Foothills, this beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bath home w/ 2-car garage is perfectly positioned against serene desert open space w/ MAJESTIC DESERT & MOUNTAIN VIEWS! Wake up to spectacular sunrises & enjoy peaceful desert living
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bath home in the highly desirable Tartesso community! This thoughtfully designed floor plan features a versatile front flex room that can easily serve as a home office, playroom, formal sitting area, or additional living space. .Just off the flex room is a spacious bonus storage room, perfect for seasonal décor, a safe, hobby supplies, or
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
Beautiful two-story home in Watson Estates featuring 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a 3-car tandem garage. Seller will contribute $5,000 toward buyer concessions with a full-price offer! Bright and inviting, this home offers an open-concept layout with tile and carpet flooring, neutral colors, and abundant natural light. The kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, a pantry, mosaic tile
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
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
FULLY Furnished Move-In Ready! Beautifully maintained 2019 single-story home in the desirable active 55+ community of Sun City Festival. Open floor plan features 18'' tile in main areas, NEW wide-plank LVP flooring in the secondary bedroom and master closet, 8-ft doors, soft archways, and upgraded flat-panel alder cabinets with crown molding. Whirlpool stainless steel appliances with 5-burner gas
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
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 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
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
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
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
***Just Listed!!!*** Single story 5BR/3BA home with lots of upgraded finishes. Open floorplan with 9ft ceilings, Gorgeous Kitchen with white shaker cabinets, granite countertops & stainless steel appliances! The master suite has a large subway tiled shower with bench and vanity with dual sinks! The yard is complete with artificial turf and gravel perfect for enjoying the amazing weather! We now
Reimagine what life looks like at Lanai. Here, brand-new apartment homes bring fresh energy to the wide-open beauty of Buckeye, Arizona. Surrounded by desert skies and peaceful neighborhood streets, Lanai offers a refreshing balance of modern comfort and relaxed desert living.Arrive home to a thoughtfully designed community where stylish interiors, inviting spaces, and resort-inspired
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,
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
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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