Blog > Neighborhoods and Communities Around Luke AFB
Neighborhoods and Communities Around Luke AFB
Thinking about moving to Luke Air Force Base or nearby? You'll find many great neighborhoods and communities. This guide will help you understand the cost of living and military housing options. It's all you need to make an intelligent choice.
Luke AFB is in Glendale, Arizona, 30 miles northwest of Phoenix. It's near Surprise, Goodyear, Avondale, Peoria, and El Mirage. Litchfield Park, known for its golf, is just 3 miles south.
Living near Luke AFB means easy access to highways like I-10 and Loops 101 and 303. This opens up the Phoenix metro area for you. You'll find top-notch dining, shopping, outdoor fun, and cultural spots.
Schools around Luke Air Force Base are top-notch. The Dysart Unified School District serves the area. Luke Elementary School and Dysart High School are on base. Off base, there are more great schools for your kids.
Key Takeaways
- Luke AFB is located in Glendale, AZ, just 30 miles northwest of Phoenix
- Thriving cities and towns, including Surprise, Goodyear, Avondale, Peoria, and El Mirage surround the base
- Easy access to major highways makes it easy to explore the Phoenix metro area
- There are many excellent public and private schools in the area, both on and off base
- The cost of living near Luke AFB is relatively affordable compared to other major metro areas
Location and Overview of Luke AFB
Luke Air Force Base (Luke AFB) is in Maricopa County, Arizona, near Glendale and Phoenix. It's the biggest fighter wing in the U.S. Air Force. The base is home to 144 F-35A Lightning II aircraft and supports over 8,000 people.
Nearby Cities and Towns
Glendale, where Luke AFB is, has 256,622 people as of 2024. The Phoenix area has over 4,777,000 residents. Nearby cities include:
- Surprise, AZ (163,944)
- Buckeye, AZ (113,261)
- Goodyear, AZ (113,170)
- Avondale, AZ (93,847)
The area around Luke AFB is growing fast, making it a great place to live and work.
Climate and Weather in the Luke AFB Area
The weather at Luke AFB is dry and moderate, perfect for winter. It gets very little rain, just 9 inches a year. Summers are hot, over 100°F, while winters are mild, around 65°F.
| Season | Average High Temperature | Average Low Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 85°F (29°C) | 56°F (13°C) |
| Summer | 105°F (41°C) | 77°F (25°C) |
| Fall | 87°F (31°C) | 58°F (14°C) |
| Winter | 67°F (19°C) | 42°F (6°C) |
Base Amenities and Facilities
Luke AFB has many amenities for its military personnel and families. The housing office helps with finding homes on and off base. Other facilities include:
- Medical and dental clinics
- Commissary and exchange
- Fitness centers and sports facilities
- Child development centers and youth programs
- Library and Education Center
The base is close to I-10, Loop 303, and Loop 101, making exploring easy. While there's no shuttle, you can use ride-share, taxis, or Super Shuttle vans to get around.
Housing Options Near Luke Air Force Base
Looking for housing near Luke Air Force Base? You have many choices, both on and off base. Whether you want to buy a home or rent, significant communities exist for military families and personnel.
On-Base Housing at Luke AFB
Luke Family Homes offers a great living experience for military families. It's right on base, and you can choose from two, three, or four-bedroom homes.
The community is split into two areas: Ocotillo Manor and Saguaro Manor. Ocotillo Manor has homes for ranks E1-E6. Saguaro Manor has homes for all ranks, retirees, DoD civilians, and the public.
"Living on base at Luke AFB has been a great experience for our family. The sense of community and convenience is unmatched." - Sarah, military spouse
Living here means you get to enjoy many amenities. These include:
- Basketball courts
- Playgrounds
- Sand volleyball courts
- Swimming pool
Residents also get utilities, trash pickup, lawn care, and more. Homes have central heating and air, patios, washer/dryer connections, and kitchens with appliances. Rent is paid through your BAH allotment.
Off-Base Housing in Surrounding Communities
For off-base living, consider these cities near Luke AFB:
- Surprise
- Goodyear
- Litchfield Park
- Waddell
When buying a home near Luke AFB, work with realtors who know the area and the base's flight patterns. Living close to the base can be noisy, but most people get used to it.
Goodyear is a good choice for a central location. It's 5-6 miles from Luke AFB and has little jet noise, mostly on weekdays.
Cost of Living and BAH Rates
Plan your budget with the Maricopa County, Arizona, cost of living and Luke Air Force Base BAH rates in mind. BAH rates change based on your rank and if you have dependents.
| Rank | BAH Rate (Without Dependents) | BAH Rate (With Dependents) |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $1,164 | $1,464 |
| E-4 | $1,164 | $1,464 |
| O-1 | $1,236 | $1,536 |
| O-3 | $1,440 | $1,740 |
Remember, living costs, including housing, can change. As of April 2024, homes near Luke AFB cost an average of about $442,500, and the price per square foot was $236.
Conclusion
Moving to Luke Air Force Base in Arizona is an excellent choice for military families. It's located just 15 miles west of Phoenix. Living near Luke AFB means enjoying a high quality of life.
You'll find many housing options, both on and off base. Communities like Glendale, Surprise, Litchfield Park, and Goodyear are thriving. They offer excellent schools, job opportunities, and fun activities for everyone.
When considering moving to Luke Air Force Base, you'll love the growing Phoenix area. It has a perfect climate and lifestyle for those at the base. Arizona is sunny all year, ideal for outdoor lovers. Nearby cities like Phoenix, Flagstaff, and San Diego offer entertainment and culture.
Learning about the neighborhoods, housing costs, and local features around Luke AFB helps with a smooth move. Whether you live on base or in a nearby town, Glendale, Arizona, the Luke AFB area is great for military families. They promise a rewarding and enjoyable stay at this crucial military base.
FAQ
What cities are located near Luke Air Force Base?
Glendale, Litchfield Park, Surprise, Buckeye, Avondale, Goodyear, and Peoria are cities near Luke AFB. They're all within a 30-minute drive.
What is the cost of living like in the Luke AFB area?
Living in the Phoenix area near Luke AFB is pretty affordable. However, housing costs have been going up lately.
What are the BAH rates for Luke Air Force Base?
BAH rates at Luke AFB depend on your rank and if you have dependents. In 2021, rates ranged from $1,197 for E-1s without dependents to $2,007 for O-7s with dependents.
What is the climate like in the Luke AFB area?
The area has a hot desert climate. Summers are long and hot, while winters are short and mild. Temperatures often hit over 100°F in summer and rarely go below freezing in winter.
Are there any on-base housing options at Luke AFB?
Yes, Luke AFB has on-base housing by Balfour Beatty Communities. You can find apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes for enlisted and officers.
What are some popular neighborhoods for off-base housing near Luke AFB?
Litchfield Park, Goodyear, Surprise, and Buckeye are famous for off-base housing. They offer apartments and single-family homes and are close to the base.
What school districts serve the area around Luke Air Force Base?
Schools near Luke AFB are in the Litchfield Elementary, Agua Fria Union High, and Dysart Unified districts. These districts provide various educational options for military families.