Are you being PCS’d to Luke Air Force Base and looking to live off base? Or perhaps, you got a job on base and would like to live nearby? In any case, it is always the best idea to research your options before moving. It can be devastating to pack your boxes, schedule a moving truck, move in, and then discover you don’t like the area or find that there was actually a much better option available to you.
Before looking at any homes, you should note what is most important to you in a home. Is it the size of the house and yard, the proximity to outdoor activities and shopping areas, designated school zones, etc.? Knowing your priorities makes a considerable difference in where you should begin your search and will also help your realtor know how to narrow down or rule out specific areas.
Also, before getting boots on the ground and scheduling some home walk-throughs, you should let your fingers do the walking by researching online. Find blogs, search through social media groups and threads, and find realtors in the area who talk about your areas of interest.
Once you have a good idea of what you’re looking for, figuring out where to live near Luke AFB will be much easier. Below is a brief breakdown of your options to start with.
On Base Housing
Of course, the nearest option to Luke AFB is actually living on base. But if you have a large family, aren’t active military, or if housing is full, this isn’t an option. Additionally, if your spouse works off base or your children attend a specific school, you may wish to live closer to their job or school.
But for those who wish to apply to live on-base, Luke AFB has two neighborhoods with all the amenities and community perks you would find in an off-base neighborhood, such as community and fitness centers, playgrounds, and parks.
On-base housing at Luke Air Force Base is privatized and managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. Leasing and payments operate in the same manner as living off-base using BAH pay. For more information regarding on-base housing, contact the housing management office.
Off Base Housing
If you desire to live in one of the surrounding communities near Luke AFB, you have many different options to choose from. There are 14 cities with roughly less than a 30-minute commute to Luke AFB, each with its own unique draw. Some neighborhoods boast well-rated schools, others are home to expansive shopping options, or you may find another that is prime for boating and hiking enthusiasts. These are just a few of the possibilities and many perks you might find when living in off-base housing.
Whether you wish to buy or rent, there are options for you. But many airmen find that purchasing a home in the areas near Luke Air Force Base is a wise investment. Home prices in this area are on a steady rise, giving you excellent resale value when you are stationed elsewhere. Or, perhaps you are looking for a long-term investment to use as a rental property in the future.
In either case, buying a home near Luke AFB benefits you. Living in a home of your own helps to make the adjustment transition much smoother, and securing a rental property near a military base always guarantees a steady stream of renters available to you.
Top “Off Base” Neighborhoods
Of the many cities within commuter distance of Luke Air Force base, there are a few we highly recommend.
Litchfield Park
The closest of the neighboring cities, Litchfield Park, is home to many airforce families. It contains well-rated schools, as well as many parks and family-friendly activities. Though shopping centers are not abundant, shopping in Goodyear and Avondale are not far away, and the commute to work on base cannot be beaten.
Goodyear or Avondale
Just past Litchfield towards I10 are Goodyear and Avondale. Both host many shopping, dining, and activity locations. Goodyear was rated the #22 Best Place to Live in the U.S. by Money Magazine and is home to a gorgeous master-planned community. These locations are also excellent for spouses who are looking for local jobs.
Surprise
Just north of base, Surprise is a quiet community with the peace of a small town but thriving shopping and dining centers of the big city. It boasts the prime location for hiking in the nearby White Tank Mountains, afternoons at the ballpark watching spring training, and miles of walking and biking trails.
Additional Communities
Mentioned above are only a few of the thriving communities available with a short commute to Luke Air Force base. Additional recommendations are Buckeye, Waddell, Peoria, Glendale, and El Mirage, to name a few. Any of these locations are within a short driving distance and offer a plethora of options when it comes to shopping, dining, and activities.
Finding Your Home Near Luke AFB
When you are ready to begin the search for your perfect home near Luke AFB, don’t go it alone. The process of moving is complicated enough without the added stress of deadlines, reporting for duty, and living far away from family. When working with our team at Desert Heroes, we guarantee that you have a realtor who understands the nuances of military family life, as we are all military-affiliated. We can walk you through the process of finding your new home while also working with the financial aspects that come along with being in the Airforce.
Contact us today to begin the search for your new home.