← BACK TO BLOG
    MILITARY RELOCATION2026-03-20•9 min read•Stephen Levesque

    Military Relocation Guide: PCS Move to Phoenix, Arizona

    PCS orders to Arizona? Here's your complete guide to relocating to the Phoenix metro area — housing, base info, and neighborhoods.

    Military Relocation Guide: PCS Move to Phoenix, Arizona

    Military Relocation Guide: PCS Move to Phoenix, Arizona


    Getting PCS orders to Arizona? Whether you're heading to Luke Air Force Base, Fort Huachuca, or another installation in the state, this guide covers housing, base information, and communities in the Phoenix metro. The step-by-step for buying before you arrive is on our Luke AFB PCS page.


    Why Military Families Look at Arizona


    A few rules that show up in almost every PCS conversation:


  1. No state income tax on military retirement pay
  2. Property tax exemptions for disabled veterans
  3. Over 300 days of sunshine per year
  4. Low cost of living compared to California and other western states
  5. Strong veteran community with active VFW and American Legion posts
  6. Excellent VA healthcare facilities throughout the metro

    7. Luke Air Force Base: What You Need to Know


    Luke AFB is located in the West Valley, between Glendale and Litchfield Park. It's home to the 56th Fighter Wing and is the largest fighter pilot training base in the Western world.


    Key Details

  7. Location: 14185 W Falcon St, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340
  8. Gate Hours: North and South gates operate 24/7
  9. Commissary & BX: Full-service facilities on base
  10. Schools: Litchfield Elementary and Agua Fria Union High School districts serve base housing

    11. On-Base vs. Off-Base Housing


    On-base housing at Luke is managed by Corvias and includes single-family homes for various ranks. Wait times can be 3–6 months, so many families choose to live off-base.


    Off-base areas near Luke AFB, with the drive times this guide has used:

  11. Surprise (10–15 min) — Newer construction. See the Surprise page.
  12. Peoria (10–20 min) — City parks and restaurants. ZIP 85383 is covered on the Peoria 85383 page.
  13. Glendale (5–15 min) — The city where the base sits, with a range of housing ages.
  14. Goodyear (15–20 min) — Newer communities south of the base.

    15. Communities Near Luke AFB


    Peoria, AZ

    Peoria is north of Luke AFB. Much of the city is in the Peoria Unified School District. Communities include Vistancia (ZIP 85383) and areas near Lake Pleasant. See the Peoria 85383 page.


    Average Home Price: $420,000–$550,000

    Commute to Luke AFB: 15–25 minutes


    Surprise, AZ

    Master-planned communities in Surprise include Marley Park and Sun City Grand (a 55+ community). See the Surprise realtor page.


    Average Home Price: $380,000–$480,000

    Commute to Luke AFB: 10–20 minutes


    North Phoenix

    If you want to be closer to the action — shopping, dining, and entertainment — North Phoenix offers suburban comfort with easy highway access.


    Average Home Price: $400,000–$600,000

    Commute to Luke AFB: 25–35 minutes


    Scottsdale, AZ

    Scottsdale includes higher-priced homes, dining, and desert recreation. It is farther from Luke AFB than Glendale or Peoria. Some buyers stationed at other installations look here.


    Average Home Price: $600,000–$1,200,000+


    Schools and Education


    Arizona offers school choice, meaning military families can enroll their children in:

  15. Traditional public schools
  16. Charter schools
  17. Private schools with military discounts
  18. Online/homeschool programs through Arizona's ESA program

    19. School Districts Near Luke AFB

  19. Peoria Unified School District — much of Peoria
  20. Deer Valley Unified School District — parts of North Phoenix
  21. Dysart Unified School District — Surprise and El Mirage

    22. Confirm the boundary for the house. A district name is not a rating.


    BAH Rates and Budgeting


    The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for the Luke AFB zip code (85309) varies by rank and dependency status. As of 2026:


  22. E-5 with dependents: ~$1,800/month
  23. E-7 with dependents: ~$2,100/month
  24. O-3 with dependents: ~$2,400/month

    25. These rates make homeownership very achievable in areas like Surprise, Peoria, and Glendale, where mortgage payments often fall within BAH.


    PCS Move Timeline


    60–90 Days Before Move

  25. Research neighborhoods and school options
  26. Connect with a military-friendly realtor
  27. Get pre-approved for a VA loan
  28. Schedule a house-hunting trip (HTRS if eligible)

    29. 30–60 Days Before Move

  29. Start home search remotely with your realtor
  30. Arrange TMO/PPM move
  31. Notify current schools and request records

    32. 0–30 Days Before Move

  32. Close on your new home or sign a lease
  33. Set up utilities (SRP or APS for electric, City of Phoenix/Peoria for water)
  34. Register vehicles with Arizona MVD within 30 days
  35. Get an Arizona driver's license within 30 days

    36. Tips for a Smooth PCS to Arizona


  36. Visit in summer before you commit — Arizona heat is real (110°F+ from June–September)
  37. Budget for cooling costs — Electric bills can spike in summer months
  38. Consider a pool — Most Arizona homes have them, and your family will use it 8+ months a year
  39. Connect with the military community — Luke AFB has an active Spouses' Club and Family Readiness Groups
  40. Work with a veteran realtor — We understand PCS timelines, VA loans, and military needs

    41. Let Us Help You Get Settled


    The VA Real Estate Team specializes in helping military families find their perfect home in the Phoenix metro area. We're veteran-owned and understand the unique challenges of a PCS move.


    Call us at 602-554-8731 or contact us online to start your home search before you arrive. The remote-buying steps are on the Luke AFB PCS page. Eligible buyers can ask about the buyer closing-cost credit.


    Official Resources


  41. VA Home Loans — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
  42. Luke Air Force Base — Official Site
  43. Arizona Department of Veterans' Services

    44. *Last reviewed: October 2026. We review this article regularly and update it when rules or figures change — always confirm current details with the official sources above.*



    Stephen Levesque

    Stephen Levesque

    Veteran Realtor | Team Leader, The VA Real Estate Team

    Related Articles

    PCS to Luke AFB Before You Arrive: Buying a Home Remotely

    PCS to Luke AFB Before You Arrive: Buying a Home Remotely

    2026-11-02 • 8 min read

    PCS to Luke AFB: A Housing Guide for Military Families

    PCS to Luke AFB: A Housing Guide for Military Families

    2026-10-17 • 8 min read