Hillcrest Ranch Homes For Sale

Glendale · Hillcrest Ranch · Luke AFB PCS VA buyers welcome Realtor since 2002 · Thousands of sales

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.


We've helped hundreds of Luke AFB families compare Hillcrest Ranch to other Glendale neighborhoods and lifestyle options, then line up purchase, sale, and PCS dates so nothing slips.


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.


PCS reality check: If you're arriving with a full household of furniture and maybe a dog or two, these lot sizes and floor plans feel less like "temporary housing" and more like a real home base for a 3–4 year tour.

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.


Want closer-in options too? If you want something nearer Westgate or Arrowhead along with Hillcrest, we can line up a mixed list that includes Arrowhead Ranch homes for sale near Luke AFB and Glendale homes for sale near Westgate for Luke AFB PCS.

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.


Planning ahead for your next PCS? Strong schools and steady buyer demand make it easier to use free home value analysis tools and flexible selling options for Glendale if you decide to move on short notice later.

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. 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. 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. 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.


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.