Buckeye AZ

Buckeye – Tucked away in the scenic West Valley of the Phoenix metro area, Buckeye blends small-town charm with big skies and mountain views. Known for its family-friendly vibe, warm community, and easy access to outdoor adventures, this fast-growing Arizona city is where desert beauty meets opportunity. Whether you're hiking in the White Tank Mountains, enjoying a local festival, or soaking up the sunshine, Buckeye offers a laid-back lifestyle with room to grow.

• Population: ~114,000
• Weather: Hot summers and mild winters (45-105°F); low humidity with lots of sunshine year-round.
• Places To Visit: Skyline Regional Park, Buckeye Aquatics Center, Historic Downtown Buckeye, Estrella Mountain Regional Park.
• Top Activities: Hiking and biking scenic desert trails, horseback riding, golfing, attending local fairs and farmers markets, exploring nearby state parks.
• Famous Food: Southwest BBQ, farm-fresh eats at Café 25:35, tacos at La Placita, and ice cream from Scoop & Joy Lounge.

Buckeye, Arizona is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. Located in the Phoenix metropolitan area, Buckeye benefits from expanding industries like healthcare, construction, logistics, and education. The city’s growth brings a rising demand for skilled workers and professionals across various sectors.

Top 5 Jobs in Buckeye, AZ

Buckeye, AZ, might not be as big as some other cities, but it has its unique charm with plenty of spots for students to kick back, relax, and enjoy some downtime. Whether you're into nature, fun activities, or just hanging out with friends, Buckeye has a bit of everything.

Skyline Regional Park – This is the perfect spot for students who love nature. With over 16 miles of trails, you can hike, bike, or just enjoy a peaceful picnic with a breathtaking desert view.

Sundance Park – A great place to unwind with friends. It offers vast green spaces, sports fields, and even a splash pad to cool off during those hot Arizona days.

Buckeye Public Library - Coyote Branch – More than just a place to study, the library often hosts events and workshops that are perfect for students looking to relax and engage in something new.

Festival Marketplace – Head here to catch up with friends, shop, or grab a bite. There's often live music or events happening in the area, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Good Sports Bar & Grill – If you’re in the mood to watch a game or just hang out, this local spot offers good food and a welcoming vibe for students.

Goodyear Ballpark – Just a bit of a drive from Buckeye, but totally worth it for sports fans. Catch a spring training game and enjoy the lively crowd and fun atmosphere.

Buckeye, Arizona, located just west of Phoenix, is rapidly growing and offers access to quality higher education institutions in and around its area. Whether you're seeking a public or private college, the region provides excellent options known for academics, workforce readiness, and personalized education.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Buckeye

Estrella Mountain Community College – Buckeye Educational Center – A part of the Maricopa Community Colleges system, this campus provides associate degrees, certifications, and university transfer programs. It's known for its supportive environment and quality technical education.

Arizona State University (ASU) – West Campus – Located in nearby Glendale, this campus of ASU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees with a focus on liberal arts, business, and education. ASU is recognized globally for innovation and student success.

Glendale Community College – About a 30-minute drive from Buckeye, this popular community college offers affordable education with excellent transfer pathways to four-year universities and career programs in business, healthcare, and IT.

Phoenix College – As one of the oldest community colleges in Arizona, Phoenix College provides top-notch programs in nursing, dental hygiene, and computer science. It’s easily accessible to Buckeye residents and offers flexible schedules.

Luke Air Force Base Education Center – Although primarily a military hub, this center near Buckeye offers classes and degrees through partnerships with public colleges, making it a unique educational option for active-duty service members and their families.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Buckeye

Ottawa University – Arizona (OUAZ) – Located right in Surprise, just a short drive from Buckeye, OUAZ is a private Christian university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, education, arts, and sciences. It is known for its small class sizes and student-centered learning.

Grand Canyon University (GCU) – A highly regarded private Christian university located in Phoenix, GCU offers a wide range of degree programs in education, health sciences, business, engineering, and more. Its online and evening courses are ideal for working adults in Buckeye.

Benedictine University – Mesa Campus – This private Catholic university provides liberal arts education with an emphasis on ethics and leadership. It offers personalized attention, making it a good fit for students who value close-knit campus communities.

Brookline College – Phoenix – A career-focused institution offering healthcare and nursing programs, Brookline College is a private school that serves students pursuing quick entry into high-demand medical fields. The Phoenix campus is within commuting distance from Buckeye.

Arizona Christian University – Located in Glendale, ACU delivers faith-based education across disciplines like biblical studies, education, business, and sports science. The university is recognized for its commitment to moral development and leadership training.

Buckeye, AZ is a fast-growing city in Maricopa County that offers a selection of strong public and private high schools. These schools are known for their commitment to academics, community involvement, and preparing students for college and future careers.

Top Public High Schools in Buckeye, AZ

• Verrado High School – Part of the Agua Fria Union High School District, Verrado is well-known for its strong academic programs and community involvement. It offers AP classes, sports, and arts programs that help students grow in many ways.
• Youngker High School – Operated by the Buckeye Union High School District, Youngker offers a broad curriculum, career and technical education (CTE), and support services to help students succeed.
• Estrella Foothills High School – Located nearby in Goodyear, this school serves Buckeye students and is known for its academic performance, STEM focus, and competitive extracurricular activities.
• Desert Edge High School – Though technically in Goodyear, many Buckeye residents attend this high-performing school, which offers honors courses, AP programs, and outstanding athletics.
• Buckeye Union High School – One of the oldest schools in the area, it serves a diverse student body and provides academic and career-focused pathways along with strong athletics programs.

Top Private High Schools in Buckeye, AZ

• Odyssey Institute for Advanced and International Studies – While charter-based, this school offers a unique private-school feel. It focuses on the International Baccalaureate program and rigorous college prep curriculum.
• Trivium Preparatory Academy – Located in nearby Goodyear, this classical education school is part of the Great Hearts Academies network. It has a private school atmosphere with a focus on liberal arts and character development.
• Skyline Prep Academy – West Campus – Serving the Buckeye area, this tuition-free charter school provides a supportive, structured learning environment that feels like a private institution.
• Glenview College Preparatory High School – Another charter school with private-school qualities, Glenview focuses on individual learning, small class sizes, and college readiness.
• Heritage Academy – Laveen – While located just outside Buckeye, this charter school serves many students from the region and offers a curriculum similar to that of a private high school, emphasizing civic education and classical studies.

Buckeye, Arizona is a growing city with a love for sports, but it does not have any professional sports teams of its own. However, residents of Buckeye are just a short drive away from Phoenix, where they can find a wide range of professional sports teams to support across all major leagues.

🏀 Basketball – Phoenix Suns (NBA)

• Phoenix Suns – Founded in 1968, the Suns are Arizona’s only NBA team. They have reached the NBA Finals three times (1976, 1993, and 2021), though they have yet to win a championship. The team is known for its fast-paced style of play and has featured stars like Charles Barkley, Steve Nash, and Devin Booker.

⚾ Baseball – Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)

• Arizona Diamondbacks – Based in Phoenix, the Diamondbacks began play in 1998 and won a World Series title in 2001, just four years after their debut season. They were the fastest expansion team in MLB history to win a championship. Players such as Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling, and Paul Goldschmidt have worn their uniform.

🏈 Football – Arizona Cardinals (NFL)

• Arizona Cardinals – One of the oldest teams in the NFL, the Cardinals relocated to Arizona in 1988. The team has won two NFL Championships prior to the Super Bowl era and appeared in Super Bowl XLIII (2009), where they narrowly lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Recent stars include Larry Fitzgerald, Kyler Murray, and J.J. Watt.

⚽ Soccer – Phoenix Rising FC (USL Championship)

• Phoenix Rising FC – A top team in the USL Championship, the second tier of American soccer. Though not in Major League Soccer, the team has a strong fan base and has enjoyed several successful seasons. Prominent players over the years include Didier Drogba, who was also part owner of the club.

🏒 Hockey – Arizona Coyotes (NHL)

• Arizona Coyotes – The state’s NHL franchise was founded in 1972 as the Winnipeg Jets before relocating to Arizona in 1996. While the Coyotes have not yet won a Stanley Cup, they reached the Western Conference Finals in 2012. Known for their resilience, the team has featured players like Shane Doan and Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

While Buckeye may not host its own pro teams, the city's love for sports connects it closely to Phoenix and the greater Arizona community of fans. With easy access to major league venues, Buckeye residents can enjoy a full professional sports experience just a short drive away.

Buckeye, Arizona is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., filled with stunning desert views, hometown charm, and lots of surprising facts. From its early roots to its exciting future, here are some fun facts about Buckeye:

1. Fastest-Growing City – Buckeye was named the fastest-growing city in America by the U.S. Census in 2021.
2. Old Roots – The city was founded in 1888 by settlers from Ohio, which is how it got the name Buckeye.
3. Desert Beauty – Buckeye is surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges and the Sonoran Desert, making it perfect for hiking and outdoor fun.
4. Wildlife Hotspot – The nearby Hassayampa River Preserve is home to over 280 bird species.
5. Home of Skyline Regional Park – This local gem has over 8,000 acres of trails for biking, hiking, and horseback riding.
6. Sunny Days Galore – Buckeye averages an incredible over 300 sunny days a year.
7. Rich Agricultural Past – The city started out as a farming community, famous for cotton, citrus, and alfalfa.
8. Patriotic Name Origins – Early settler Malin M. Jackson named the Buckeye Canal after his home state of Ohio, known as the Buckeye State.
9. Sky Watching Paradise – The dark desert skies make Buckeye a perfect place for stargazing and meteor showers.
10. Explosive Population Growth – In 2000, Buckeye had just over 6,500 residents; today, it’s grown to over 100,000 people and still rising fast!