← 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, schools, 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 any installation in the state, the Phoenix metro area is one of the best places in the country for military families. Here's everything you need to know.


    Why Military Families Love Arizona


    Arizona consistently ranks as one of the most military-friendly states in the nation. Here's why:


  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.


    Popular off-base areas near Luke AFB:

  11. Surprise (10–15 min) — Affordable, family-friendly, new construction
  12. Peoria (10–20 min) — Great schools, parks, and dining
  13. Glendale (5–15 min) — Closest city, diverse housing options
  14. Goodyear (15–20 min) — Growing community with modern amenities

    15. Best Neighborhoods for Military Families


    Peoria, AZ

    Peoria is a favorite among military families for good reason. Top-rated schools (Peoria Unified School District), beautiful parks, and neighborhoods like Vistancia and Lake Pleasant offer resort-style living at reasonable prices.


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

    Commute to Luke AFB: 15–25 minutes


    Surprise, AZ

    Master-planned communities like Marley Park and Sun City Grand (for retirees) make Surprise one of the fastest-growing cities in the Valley. It's also one of the most affordable.


    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

    For those looking for upscale living, Scottsdale offers luxury homes, world-class dining, and outdoor recreation. It's further from Luke but ideal for families stationed at other facilities.


    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 (many highly rated)
  17. Private schools with military discounts
  18. Online/homeschool programs through Arizona's ESA program

    19. Top School Districts Near Luke AFB

  19. Peoria Unified School District — A-rated schools
  20. Deer Valley Unified School District — North Phoenix
  21. Dysart Unified School District — Surprise/El Mirage

    22. 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.


    Stephen Levesque

    Stephen Levesque

    Veteran Realtor | Team Leader, The VA Real Estate Team

    Related Articles