Moving to Buckley Space Force Base
Buckley SFB in Aurora, on the east side of the Denver metro area, is a major space-based missile-warning and intelligence installation that also hosts Space Force and Air Reserve personnel. Families get big-city amenities, Rocky Mountain recreation and a wide choice of suburbs, but higher metro housing costs.
| Branch | Space Force |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Aurora, CO |
| Formerly known as | Buckley Air Force Base |
| Airports | Denver International (DEN) |
| Climate | Semi-arid with about 300 days of sun, cold snowy winters and hot summers with afternoon storms. |
| Cost of living | Slightly above the national average in Aurora, and higher in nearby suburbs. |
| On-base housing | Hunt Companies (Buckley Family Housing) |
| Medical care | Buckley medical clinic (TRICARE; 460th Medical Group) |
| Family support center | Airman & Family Readiness Center |
Where families live
On-base family housing
Single-family homes and townhomes in Buckley Family Housing run by Hunt; waitlist starts when orders arrive.
Aurora
Wide range of homes and apartments right next to the base.
Centennial
Quieter suburban feel with well-regarded schools and parks.
Parker
Small-town vibe with a walkable downtown and strong schools; popular with VA-loan buyers.
Denver
Urban neighborhoods with dining and nightlife for those willing to commute.
Schools
No schools are on the base. Families in privatized housing are zoned to Mosley P-8 and Vista Peak Preparatory in Aurora Public Schools, and Colorado's choice enrollment lets you apply to other nearby districts such as Cherry Creek, Douglas County and Denver. Contact the School Liaison Office for guidance.
- Aurora Public Schools — Serves the base area and Aurora.
- Cherry Creek School District — Large district serving Aurora, Centennial and surrounding suburbs.
Buckley School Liaison Office (720-847-6694)
Things to do near Buckley Space Force Base
- Cherry Creek State ParkoutdoorsLarge reservoir park with trails, swimming beach and camping near Aurora.
- Red Rocks Park and AmphitheatrenightlifeIconic outdoor concert venue in the foothills.
- Denver ZoofamilyZoo in City Park with a wide range of animals.
- Denver Museum of Nature & SciencemuseumLarge family-friendly museum in City Park.
- Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife RefugeoutdoorsPrairie refuge with bison and wildlife near the city.
- Colorado ski resortsday-tripMountain resorts west of Denver for winter day trips.
- Coors FieldsportsHome of the Colorado Rockies in downtown Denver.
Realtors & local services
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- Own Luxury HomesAuroraBrokerage with a page addressing Buckley SFB military housing and VA-loan buyers.
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Local programs & support
- Colorado Choice EnrollmentState policy that lets families apply to schools outside their assigned district.
PCS tips for Buckley Space Force Base
- Contact the Military Housing Office once you have orders to join the housing waitlist.
- Register for childcare through MilitaryChildCare.com early; Buckley's two Child Development Centers have limited spots.
- Plan your commute carefully; Denver-area traffic can be heavy, especially from suburbs like Parker.
- Prepare for snow and hail season and altitude of about a mile above sea level.
Benefits to use on this move
- Dislocation Allowance (DLA)Service members relocating a household on PCS orders
- Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)Families who need a hotel or short-term rental while moving within the U.S.
- Personally Procured Move (PPM / DITY)Families who want to move some or all of their own goods
- VA Home Loan GuarantyService members, veterans and some surviving spouses buying a home
- Pet Transportation ReimbursementFamilies moving a cat or dog on PCS orders
- Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military ChildrenSchool-age children of active duty families changing schools
- School Liaison ProgramParents choosing schools and transferring records
Other installations in the Mountain West
Last researched 2026-10. Housing partners, school assignments and phone numbers change; confirm with the installation before you sign anything. Spot an error? Send a correction.
Sources
- https://www.housing.af.mil/Home/Installations/Buckley-SFB/
- https://mymilitarybenefits.com/military-base/military-base-guide-buckley-space-force-base-colorado
- https://www.ownluxuryhomes.com/markets/colorado/situation/buckley-sfb-military-housing
- https://www.aurorak12.org
- https://www.cherrycreekschools.org