Moving to Luke Air Force Base
Luke is the Air Force's main F-16 pilot and maintainer training base and is growing into the largest F-35 training operation, hosted by the 56th Fighter Wing with the Barry M. Goldwater Range to its southwest. It sits in the west Phoenix suburbs, so families get big-metro amenities, sports and spring training, and a wide choice of suburban neighborhoods.
| Branch | Air Force |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Glendale, AZ |
| Population served | About 7,500 military members and 15,000 family members, with 80,000 retirees in greater Phoenix (published estimate) |
| Airports | Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), about 30 miles southeast |
| Climate | Hot desert: July highs around 106F, mild winters (January highs near 68F), about 7 inches of rain a year |
| Cost of living | Above the Arizona small-city average; one source lists a median listing price near $442,500 (April 2024) |
| On-base housing | Balfour Beatty Communities (Saguaro Manor and Ocotillo Manor); dorms for unaccompanied Airmen |
| Medical care | 56th Medical Group clinic at Luke AFB |
| Family support center | Airman and Family Readiness Center |
Where families live
On-base Saguaro Manor and Ocotillo Manor
Saguaro Manor (north of Glendale Ave) is in Dysart USD; Ocotillo Manor (south) is in Litchfield Elementary. Luke Elementary and Dysart High serve base children.
Litchfield Park
Small, established community with golf and tree-lined streets, popular with senior enlisted and officers who want a short commute.
Surprise
Large suburb with new construction, parks and shopping, widely used by Luke families.
Goodyear and Avondale
Fast-growing West Valley suburbs with master-planned communities and varied price points.
Glendale and Peoria
Older and newer neighborhoods near the Westgate entertainment district, Arrowhead Towne Center and State Farm Stadium.
Schools
On-base children attend Luke Elementary and Dysart High School in the Dysart Unified School District, while Ocotillo Manor residents fall in the Litchfield Elementary district. About 15 elementary districts lie within 20 miles and some run year-round calendars. Arizona has open enrollment, so verify seat availability. The Child and Youth Education Services School Liaison can help.
- Dysart Unified School District — Serves Saguaro Manor and nearby Surprise/El Mirage areas
On the installation: Luke Elementary School
Luke Child and Youth Education Services School Liaison, 7383 N. Litchfield Rd, Suite 3090; (623) 856-6378
Things to do near Luke Air Force Base
- State Farm Stadium and WestgatesportsArizona Cardinals home and an entertainment district with dining and concerts.
- Camelback RanchsportsSpring training complex of the Dodgers and White Sox.
- Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari ParkfamilyLarge zoo and aquarium in the West Valley.
- Hurricane Harbor PhoenixfamilyWater park for hot summer days.
- Adobe Mountain Desert ParkoutdoorsDesert hiking and nature area in Glendale.
- Falcon Dunes Golf CoursesportsOn-base golf course open to base ID holders.
- Sahuaro Ranch ParkfamilyHistoric ranch park in Glendale.
- Cerreta Candy Co. factory tourfoodGlendale candy factory tours.
Realtors & local services
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PCS tips for Luke Air Force Base
- Get counseled by the Military Housing Office before signing any lease; on-base housing is split into two areas with different school districts.
- Arizona open enrollment means popular schools fill quickly; ask the School Liaison about deadlines and year-round calendars.
- Fourteen suburbs are within roughly a 30-minute drive via I-10 and Loops 101 and 303, so test your commute at rush hour.
- Plan summer arrivals carefully: July highs are above 100F, so arrange A/C and movers early in the day.
- Expect utilities of roughly $150-$350 a month depending on home size and season.
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 Desert Southwest
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.