Moving to Luke Air Force Base
Housing, neighborhoods, schools, and 2026 BAH for families PCSing to Glendale, Arizona.
Also known as: Luke AFB
Luke Air Force Base, in the West Valley of metro Phoenix, is the Air Force’s primary F-35 and F-16 fighter pilot training base. Families PCSing here settle in Litchfield Park, Goodyear, and Surprise, in fast-growing suburbs where newer construction and a warm desert lifestyle draw many buyers.
Last updated: 2026-07-19
On-base vs off-base housing
On-base housing serves families near the flightline, with waitlists on larger homes. Off-base, Litchfield Park sits closest with established neighborhoods, Goodyear and Surprise offer newer master-planned communities, and Glendale provides the widest range of prices. The West Valley’s steady growth and new construction make buying with a VA loan popular.
Where military families live near Luke Air Force Base
Families PCSing to Luke Air Force Base most often settle in Litchfield Park, Goodyear, Surprise. The table below shows typical rents, home prices, and drive time to the gate for each.
| Area | 3-bed rent | Home prices | To gate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Litchfield Park | $1,700-$2,300 | $380k-$520k | 5-15 min | Closest to the base with established, well-regarded neighborhoods. |
| Goodyear | $1,750-$2,400 | $400k-$550k | 15-25 min | Newer master-planned communities and strong schools south of base. |
| Surprise | $1,650-$2,200 | $370k-$500k | 15-25 min | Fast-growing suburb with newer, lower-priced construction. |
2026 BAH near Luke Air Force Base
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) at Luke Air Force Base is set by the AZ013 (Phoenix, AZ) military housing area. Rates below are monthly, by pay grade, for 2026.
| Pay grade | With dependents | Without dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-5 | $2,289 | $1,740 |
| E-7 | $2,475 | $2,070 |
| O-3 | $2,490 | $2,391 |
Source: DoD/DTMO 2026 BAH rate table (travel.dod.mil), effective January 1, 2026.
Schools near Luke Air Force Base
| School | Level | District | Town |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millennium High School | High | Agua Fria Union High School District | Goodyear |
| Verrado High School | High | Agua Fria Union High School District | Buckeye |
| Litchfield Elementary | Elementary | Litchfield Elementary District | Litchfield Park |
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Which West Valley suburb is best for Luke AFB families?
Litchfield Park sits closest to the base with established, well-regarded neighborhoods. Goodyear offers newer master-planned communities and strong schools a bit farther south. Surprise is the fastest-growing and often the most affordable for newer homes. All three are common choices for airmen at Luke.
Is it a good time to buy near Luke AFB?
For a multi-year assignment, the West Valley is a popular buy market. Steady population growth and constant new construction keep demand strong, and BAH set to Phoenix costs often supports a mortgage on a newer home. As with any move, weigh your tour length and how quickly homes are selling before deciding.
Related bases
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base
Tucson, Arizona
Air ForceNellis Air Force Base
Las Vegas, Nevada
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More: Air Force bases · Bases in Arizona