Hillcrest Ranch Homes For Sale
Hillcrest Ranch · 85310
Are Hillcrest Ranch Homes for Sale in Glendale AZ the Right Choice for Your Luke AFB PCS?
Yes. Hillcrest Ranch delivers what most Luke AFB families prioritize: mature streets, usable yards, walkable Deer Valley schools, and a predictable 20–30 minute counter-flow commute.
Last updated: 2025-11-30 · Service area: Glendale 85301–85310 & Luke AFB
Key takeaways for Hillcrest Ranch & Luke AFB
Fast scan version if you're reading this between briefings, school pickup, and base housing emails.
- 20–30 minute counter-flow commute to Luke AFB using Loop 101 & Northern Parkway.
- Deer Valley Unified schools: Copper Creek, Hillcrest Middle, Mountain Ridge High.
- 1990s 3–5 bedroom homes on real yards; pools are common.
- Hillcrest Ranch has historically attracted VA buyers and military families, though future demand will depend on market conditions.
Is Hillcrest Ranch the right fit for our PCS to Luke AFB?
For many Luke AFB families, Hillcrest Ranch ends up on the short list because it matches PCS life: established streets, kid-focused parks, and homes sized for real furniture instead of whatever survived your last move.
Built mostly in the mid-1990s, Hillcrest Ranch offers:
- 3–5 bedroom floor plans, roughly 1,800–3,000 sq ft.
- A healthy mix of single-story and two-story homes.
- Mature trees, wider streets, and backyards kids can actually use.
- Neighborhood parks and greenbelts woven through the community.
The vibe is settled. You'll see flags on garages, kids walking to Copper Creek, and neighbors who know each other. For families comparing several Glendale neighborhoods and lifestyle options, Hillcrest Ranch usually lands in the "stable, long-term" column.
What's the daily commute really like from Hillcrest Ranch to Luke AFB?
Most service members report a 20–30 minute door-to-gate commute from Hillcrest Ranch (based on Google Maps average travel times and feedback from Luke AFB residents), even at common report times, because you're driving against the heavier Phoenix-bound traffic.
Typical route for Luke AFB commuters:
- South on 67th or 75th Avenue.
- Loop 101 west, then transition to Northern Parkway.
- Exit near Litchfield Road for North Gate access.
With this route you avoid Grand Avenue gridlock and most school-zone slowdowns. Families on swing or night shifts usually report even smoother drives. Compared with newer communities in Surprise or farther west, Hillcrest Ranch offers a predictable commute without feeling isolated from the rest of Glendale.
How does Hillcrest Ranch compare to other Glendale and West Valley neighborhoods for Luke AFB families?
Compared with Arrowhead Ranch, Sierra Verde, and Surprise, Hillcrest Ranch usually delivers the best blend of price, commute, and Deer Valley schools for Luke AFB buyers who care about both quality of life and future resale.
| Neighborhood | Commute to Luke AFB | Typical price range | Approx. HOA | School district | Quick notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hillcrest Ranch | 20–30 min | $550K–$650K[VERIFY: current median price from ARMLS] | Low, roughly quarterly | Deer Valley Unified | Established, walkable schools, has historically attracted PCS & VA buyers. |
| Arrowhead Ranch | 15–25 min | Higher than Hillcrest | Moderate to higher | Deer Valley Unified | Similar schools, more golf and waterfront, higher buy-in. |
| Sierra Verde / North Glendale | 25–35 min | Similar or slightly lower | Moderate | Peoria Unified | Newer homes, longer drive, different school stack. |
| Surprise / Asante | 30–45 min | Similar price band | Moderate to higher | Dysart / Peoria | Newer builds, more traffic, different feel than north Glendale. |
If you want to layer in future resale or renting as part of your plan, Hillcrest's combination of Deer Valley schools and historical military demand makes it easier to use strategies for selling a home in Glendale during a PCS move or hold as a rental when you PCS again.
Which schools serve Hillcrest Ranch, and how do they support military-connected students?
Hillcrest Ranch typically feeds Copper Creek Elementary, Hillcrest Middle, and Mountain Ridge High (verify current school assignments via the Deer Valley Unified School District boundary tool at dvusd.org), a stack many Luke families ask for because of academics, activities, and staff who understand mid-year moves.
What most families like about this part of northwest Glendale:
- Copper Creek Elementary sits right next to the neighborhood, so drop-off runs are quick.
- Hillcrest Middle School is close enough for many kids to walk or bike.
- Mountain Ridge High School offers AP, dual-enrollment, and a strong band and athletics culture.
These schools regularly enroll military kids from Luke AFB, and you're typically in-boundary as a Hillcrest Ranch owner, which avoids open-enrollment lottery stress some out-of-area families deal with.
Can we actually afford Hillcrest Ranch with Luke AFB BAH and a VA loan?
Hillcrest Ranch pricing can align with VA loan and BAH parameters for some buyers, though your specific affordability depends on rank, dependents, debts, and rates. Recent data shows a typical range of $550,000–$650,000 [VERIFY: current median price from ARMLS]. A VA-savvy lender can show how 0% down versus bringing cash affects your payment.
The good news: sellers here routinely accept VA offers. Many are military families themselves or know that Luke drives demand. Where deals fall apart is usually condition, not financing, which is why inspections matter so much in a 1990s neighborhood.
Need PCS-friendly guidance before you pick a neighborhood?
Share your rank, BAH, report-no-later-than date, and whether you have a home to sell. We'll map Hillcrest Ranch against other Luke-friendly areas and send you a short list that actually fits your timing and budget.
What inspection and VA appraisal issues are common in 1990s Hillcrest Ranch homes?
The same 1990s construction that gives Hillcrest Ranch its mature look also brings predictable inspection issues, so VA buyers should go in expecting to evaluate plumbing, roof underlayment, HVAC age, and pool equipment closely.
The big three we see again and again:
- Polybutylene plumbing in some original-owner homes, often hiding behind copper stub-outs.
- Tile roof underlayment at or beyond its intended lifespan, even if tiles look fine.
- Older AC units that have already worked hard through many Arizona summers.
For PCS buyers on a tight clock, the right inspection "battery" is critical. Ask us for our current pre-inspection checklist for VA buyers in Glendale which covers:
- Full plumbing material ID to confirm or rule out polybutylene.
- Roof certification from a roofer, not just a general inspector.
- HVAC age and condition check, especially on multi-unit homes.
- Pool inspection if applicable, including safety features and equipment.
In a balanced Glendale market, it's reasonable to negotiate credits or repairs for big-ticket items so your VA appraisal and closing stay on track.
Can we buy a Hillcrest Ranch home sight-unseen before arriving at Luke AFB?
Yes. We routinely help Luke AFB families buy in Hillcrest Ranch from out of state or overseas using video, strong inspections, and PCS-friendly contract language.
A typical remote Hillcrest Ranch purchase looks like this:
- Curated list of homes that fit your BAH, timing, and must-haves.
- Live video walk-throughs that show streets, noise, and floor plan flow.
- VA-savvy lender pre-approval and clear estimated payment ranges.
- Offers written with appraisal, inspection, and PCS protection clauses.
Power-of-attorney closings are common when one or both spouses can't be present. If orders change mid-escrow, we lean on those PCS clauses to protect your earnest money while we regroup.
Should we sell our current home first or buy in Hillcrest Ranch and then sell?
The smartest sequence depends on your VA entitlement, savings, and comfort with carrying two payments, but most Luke families either use remaining entitlement to buy first or pair a fast, well-priced sale with a tight closing timeline.
Common paths we see:
- Buy first with remaining VA entitlement. Keep your current home as a rental or sell it after you've moved in and settled.
- Sell first with a clean, strong listing. Use military-friendly selling options in Glendale and fastest way to sell in Glendale strategies to reduce overlap.
- Blend with lease-back or flexible close. Buyers sometimes agree to rent-back to you briefly so kids can finish a semester or timing aligns with report dates.
If your current home is in Glendale or the West Valley, you can also plug into specialty content on cash home buyers in Glendale or selling inherited homes in Glendale when life adds extra complications on top of PCS orders.
How does our PCS-ready Hillcrest Ranch home search process work?
We keep your report date, BAH, and current housing situation front and center so you never have to guess what comes next in the process.
- 1
Short PCS strategy call. You share your orders, rank, preferred payment, and whether you're also selling a home. We outline realistic Hillcrest Ranch price ranges and timing options in plain language.
- 2
Curated Hillcrest Ranch home list. We send hand-picked homes in Hillcrest Ranch plus any backup areas, with quick notes on commute, schools, and condition, then walk you through them via video or in person.
- 3
Offer, inspections, and closing support. We write VA-friendly offers, schedule inspections focused on 1990s issues, and coordinate with your lender so closing lines up with your Luke AFB check-in and household goods schedule.
Frequently asked questions about Hillcrest Ranch & Luke AFB PCS
These are the questions we hear most from Luke AFB families deciding whether Hillcrest Ranch is worth the drive compared with living closer to the gate or renting for a short tour.
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Hillcrest Ranch offers family-sized homes, parks, walkable Deer Valley schools, and has historically attracted military and VA buyers. It feels like an established neighborhood, not temporary housing, which many Luke AFB families appreciate for a 3–4 year tour.
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Most service members report a 20–30 minute commute from Hillcrest Ranch to Luke AFB using 67th or 75th Avenue, Loop 101, and Northern Parkway. The drive runs opposite the heavier Phoenix-bound traffic, so travel times are often more predictable than from some newer West Valley suburbs.
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Some buyers find that Hillcrest Ranch pricing can align with their BAH and financial situation when using a VA loan. Your specific affordability depends on your rank, dependents, other debts, and current interest rates. A VA-savvy lender can match your BAH, income, and debts to a realistic Hillcrest price range and show you what 0% down versus bringing cash looks like.
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Yes. Many Luke AFB families close from their current base or overseas using live video tours, thorough inspections, digital signatures, and power-of-attorney. PCS clauses in your contract help protect your earnest money if orders shift while you're under contract.
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The best sequence depends on your VA entitlement, savings, and comfort with carrying two payments. Many Luke families either use remaining entitlement to buy first, then sell or rent their current home, or pair a well-priced listing with flexible selling options for Glendale and a tight closing timeline.
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Renting closer to base can simplify your first year, but buying in Hillcrest Ranch can provide stable monthly payments compared to rent increases. While no one can predict future home values, Hillcrest Ranch has historically attracted military and VA buyers. Your specific outcome will depend on market conditions at the time you sell or rent, along with your savings, BAH, and how long you expect to stay in the West Valley.
Ready to make your Hillcrest Ranch move?
If Hillcrest Ranch checks your boxes for schools, commute, and PCS timing, the next step is simple: match your orders, BAH, and current housing situation to real homes that fit the way your family actually lives.
Hillcrest Ranch offers a steady, family-friendly base for your Luke AFB tour. The next step is to connect with a team that understands both the military real estate specialists near Luke AFB world and the specifics of Glendale's north-side neighborhoods.

