Permanent change of station can be a difficult time for any military family. It helps tremendously if you have a deep familiarity with the area you’ll be living in and hear directly from people who have spent years living and working in nearby cities.
Luke Air Force Base, Arizona
Luke Air Force Base (AFB) is located in Glendale, Arizona. It was built in 1941, and it was the largest fighter training base in the country during World War 2. Today, it is home to 4,300 active duty, 1,300 reserves, and 1,300 civilian personnel, including the Air Corps Advanced Flying Schools, training 75% of all F-35 pilots in the world.
Luke AFB is approximately a 30-minute drive from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. More than 250,000 people live in Glendale, while over 1.6 million live in nearby Phoenix, so there are many places your family can live, shop, dine, and find entertainment.
If you’re looking to buy a home near Luke Air Force Base, Goodyear, Surprise, and Litchfield Park are located within a mile of the base. Here are five reasons your family will enjoy living near Luke Air Force Base:
1. Military Support
One of the best reasons for living near Luke Air Force Base is that you will always have a community of other families and individuals that will offer you all the support you need. There’s nothing like living near military families with first-hand knowledge about the ups and downs of your specific lifestyle. You and your family will feel right at home.
2. Leisure Activities
Luke Air Force Base is in Maricopa County, which is just a few miles away from popular department stores, malls, and high-end boutiques. If you’re looking for a fun shopping spree or just to look around and window shop, there are many options open to you.
If you’re looking for a good restaurant to dine in, a theater to watch movies, stadiums for concerts, and other leisure activities you can think of, living near Luke Air Force Base is more than metropolitan enough for your needs.
3. Outdoor Activities
Arizona is a dry desert landscape, but it is nowhere near boring. There are many varied trails that avid hikers can explore. There are scenic views for climbers and hikers alike. The Salt River Canyon is there if you want to go rafting.
If you want to spend time in the snow, you can do that too. Flagstaff is around three hours away, and you can ski and sled to your heart’s desire. If you’re itching for a view of the ocean, San Diego is a five-hour drive away—just perfect for a weekend trip for you and your family!
4. Professional Sports
The Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Phoenix Suns (NBA), Phoenix Mercury (WNBA), and Phoenix Coyotes (NHL) all train and play in stadiums and arenas near Luke AFB. No matter what sport you enjoy, you can have a fantastic time watching them live and in person.
5. Relaxed, Rural Life
You can find a great balance between metropolitan and rural life near Luke AFB. If you prefer a slower pace, there are numerous farms and farmer’s markets in the area. Fresh produce is available year-round!
Conclusion
Thousands of military personnel are stationed at Luke AFB, and the nearby areas provide a fantastic environment for military families to live and thrive. Everything you need is a quick drive away, whether it’s an outdoor adventure, a local farmer’s market, or a stadium to enjoy a concert. You will not be left wanting at all!
Are you looking for real estate agents in Arizona to help with your PCS? Desert Heroes Team helps military families buy or sell real estate so that you can feel at home no matter where you live. We are champions of the military community, and our way of honoring your sacrifice is to help you make a smooth transition. Contact us and explore our neighborhoods today!