Firstly why Buckeye, Arizona?
I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:
- City: Buckeye
- State: Arizona
- Population: 101,226 people
- Buckeye’s quick summary would be Noted for its rapid growth and being a major hub for solar energy initiatives.
Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:
- How many people move-in: 3,000 annually
- While this many move-out: 1,500 annually
- Net Migration: 1500 more people in (net) annual change
- Non-Citizen Move-in: 3,000
- Number of Homeless people: 300
You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features affordable housing and a growing community appealing to families and first-time homebuyers
Perk #1: Buckeye Demographic Mix & Lifestyle
- The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 30%
- Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 66%
- Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
- The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Hispanic
- The median income is (and growing) $74,000
- Income Required to Live Comfortably in Buckeye is $68,000
- Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-6000 in negative cash flow
This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?
Perk #2: Housing & Buckeye’s Cost of Living
- Cost of Living Index: 90 (100 is the US average)
- Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,901
- Property Tax %: 1.86%
- Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,150
- Rent for an average house: $1,900
- Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Tartesso
- Top 5 Growing Areas: Buckeye, Goodyear, Verrado, Sundance, and probably could include Festival-Ranch
- Avg. Age of Homes in Buckeye: 15 years
- The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.2%
If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.
Perk #3: Job Market & Buckeye’s Economy
- 3 Industries gaining traction in Buckeye are Construction, Retail, and Agriculture
- Buckeye Job Scene: growing job market with development in logistics and retail
- The General Tech Scene: rural tech scene with development plans to support growth in infrastructure and innovation , ,
- Buckeye Resident’s pay $800 in City Tax alone!
- Local Sales Tax in Buckeye: 8.6%
- No. of Independent Businesses: 40 (excluding chains and corporates)
- Number of Local Branch Banks: 3
Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.
Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Buckeye
- Monthly Transportation Costs: $100 on average per person
- Freeway Access: I-10 provides north-south connectivity through Buckeye
- Commute Time: 30 minutes (public & private)
- Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic slows on I-10 during peak hours
- Transportation Score: 20 out of 100 described as Minimal Transit
- No. of Vehicles Registered in Buckeye: 44,000
- Cars registered per Person: 0.4
- No. of Car Washes: 3 in and around the city
- DMV Website for Buckeye: azdot.gov/motor-vehicles
- The Bike-Friendly Score: 56 of 100
- Local Airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor International
Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.
Perk #5: Buckeye’s Weather & Natural Factors
- The Most Common Natural Disaster is Wildfires
- General Weather in Buckeye is best described as experiences very hot summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 100°F and mild winters with cool nights
- Winter Weather in Buckeye i’d describe as cool and dry
- Spring Weather in Buckeye can be described as warm and dry
- Summer’s in Buckeye are mostly very hot and dry
- Fall ( the nicest time) in Buckeye is usually warm and dry
- How many days in a row over 90°F: 33 days in summer
- Days in a row in Buckeye below Freezing: 0
- Average Annual Rainfall: 13 inches
- Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality impacted by sun exposure and pollution
- Buckeye Winter Air good air quality but can worsen with dust storms
Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.
Perk #6: Buckeye Education & Schools
- The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
- Number of Colleges and Universities in Buckeye 2
- While the number of trade schools inside Buckeyes’s city limits are 1
- Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Buckeye Public Library
If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.
Perk #7: Healthcare & Buckeye Stats
- Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
- Registered Full-Time Buckeye only Doctors is about 15
- Local Hospitals here is 2
- Full-time Buckeye only Police Officers is about 100
- Crime Rate Index: 45/100
Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.
Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality
- Buckeye’s Monthly utility bill average is $130
- Buckeye’s Monthly Gym Membership: $39
- Buckeye’s Water Quality Score: 67
Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.
Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Buckeye
- Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 6 annually
- The General Local City Vibe: small-town feel with a growing community and agricultural roots
- You might enjoy community events with live performances
- Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Buckeye features a quiet nightlife with local dining options and occasional music events
If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.
Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Buckeye
- The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes fast food options and local family-run restaurants
- The Number of Independent Restaurants are 30 scattered around Buckeye
- The Popular Sports Team is Buckeye Union High School
- Top Level Political Climate in Buckeye can be described as rapidly growing suburban area with conservative leanings
- Buckeye’s Longer standing religious establishment is Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.
Perk #11: Buckeye Parks & Green Spaces
- Did you know Buckeye has 20 Parks?
- Southwest Regional Park is Buckeye’s Green Space Center
- The local favorite Farmers Market is Buckeye Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
- Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are ATV riding, hiking, and camping
Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.
Perk #12: Buckeye Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity
- The Pace of Life in Buckeye can be described as suburban pace with a growing population and outdoor activities
- 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Buckeye playing sports at local parks biking around town community events
- The Cities people commute to from Buckeye are Phoenix 38 miles away Goodyear 18 miles away Avondale 16 miles away
Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.
8 Drawbacks about Buckeye or are they?
No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.
- Traffic/Commute Issues
Maybe you read: traffic slows on I-10 during peak hours. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts. - Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
Buckeye’s Wildfires risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up. - Pricey Neighborhoods
If Tartesso is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Buckeye are Phoenix 38 miles away Goodyear 18 miles away Avondale 16 miles away. - Crime Rate Concerns
With a 45 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this. - Harsh Climate Contrasts
Buckeye has 0 days in a row below freezing and 33 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it. - Limited Extra Funds
After general costs of living here in Buckeye people have an average (positive or negative) $-6000 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here. - Homelessness or Social Challenges
300 homeless people living in Buckeye. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions. - Cultural/Political Mismatch
The general rapidly growing suburban area with conservative leanings could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Buckeye.
Retiree & Senior Life in Buckeye
- Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may qualify for reductions in property taxes based on income and age
- The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookdale Buckeye
- Buckeye Senior Center offers social events educational programs and wellness activities
If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.
Moving to Buckeye, Arizona?
If Buckeye, Arizona ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help
As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.
A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Buckeye, Arizona, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!