Buckeye 55+ Retirement Communities

Buckeye, located in Central Arizona, is a sprawling suburban area to the west of Phoenix. With several master-planned communities in the city, and many more in development, its rapid expansion has led to increased community amenities. Featuring year-round warmth, local shopping and golfing, and many regional parks, Buckeye is a popular destination for retirees seeking small-town charm with big city amenities.

Climate & Geography

The westernmost suburb of Phoenix, Buckeye experiences a hot desert climate similar to most of Arizona. Summers are very hot and dry while winters are short and warm. In the morning before sunrise, temperatures in the winter can reach freezing, but snow is exceptionally rare. Residents can expect 295 days of sunshine with very little rain throughout the year.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment

Outdoor lovers have plenty of recreational opportunities in Buckeye. There are several regional parks with hiking trails and camping areas, including Buckeye Hills Regional Park and Skyline Regional Park. White Tank Mountain Regional Park, located to the north and east of the city, has over 26 miles of hiking trails and is the largest regional park in the country. In addition to these, Buckeye has multiple golf courses, including but not limited to Verrado Golf Club, Sundance Golf Club, Copper Canyon Golf Club, and Victory Course.

The Sundance Towne Center, opened in 2017, is a marketplace full of brand-name shopping, The Buckeye Main Street is the city’s revitalized downtown area with plenty of boutique shops, restaurants, and local businesses. Residents can also enjoy nearby farmers markets in Glendale, Litchfield Park, and Peoria.

Cost of Living & Taxes

The cost of living in Buckeye is just above the national average, and this is mainly do to transportation. Housing and utilities are also slightly above average, whereas health care is on par for the rest of the country and groceries are below.

As a whole, Arizona is moderately tax-friendly for retirees. Though there is no tax on Social Security, but 401(k)s, public and private pensions, IRAs, and other forms of retirement income are fully taxed. Property taxes are relatively low, but sales taxes are high. Buckeye has a combined sales tax of 9.3 percent, one of the highest in the country, but prescription medication and groceries are exempt.

Health Care

There are no hospitals in Buckeye, but there are three U.S. News rated high performing hospitals within 20 miles. Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center and Banner Boswell Medical Center are both in Sun City, and Banner Estrella Medical Center is located in Phoenix. Arizona scores well in Gallup’s Well-Being Index, ranking in the top 15 states. Phoenix, more specifically, ranks in the top 50 communities across the country.