Luke Air Force Base
Key Contacts
Luke AFB Military Housing Management Office
13970 W. Gillespie Street
Luke Air Force Base, AZ 85309
PH: (623) 856-7643
Luke Family Homes
1368 Kachina
Glendale, AZ 85307
PH: (623) 388-3515
Luke AFB CYES School Liaison
7282 North 137th Avenue
Bldg. 1113
Luke Air Force Base, AZ 85309
PH: (623) 856-6550
Luke AFB Airman and Family Readiness Center
7282 North 137th Avenue
Bldg. 1113
Luke Air Force Base, AZ 85309
PH: (623) 856-6550
Most installation services will be available Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. As always, call first to confirm the hours and availability of services.
Helpful hint: Contact these offices early in the week during the morning time frame.
About Luke Air Force Base
“We train the world’s greatestfighter pilots and combat-ready Airmen!”
Luke Air Force Base is located in Glendale, Arizona, in Maricopa County, also known as The Valley of the Sun. Luke AFB is part of Air Education and Training Command and home to 24 squadrons with both F-35A Lightning II and F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. The Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field and the Barry M. Goldwater Range, a military training range spanning more than 1.7 million desert acres, are under the care of the 56th Fighter Wing.
The 56th Fighter Wing is the largest fighter wing in the world and the Air Force's primary active-duty fighter pilot training wing. Each year, over 400 pilots and over 300 air control professionals graduate from programs at Luke AFB. The base's major units are as follows: 56th Operations Group, 56th Maintenance Group, 56th Mission Support Group, 56th Medical Group, 56th Range Management Office, 56th Fighter Wing Sta Agencies, and 944th Fighter Wing. 5566th Operations Group.
Luke Air Force Base was named after Second Lieutenant Frank Luke (1897–1918), a posthumous Medal of Honor recipient and the number two United States ace in World War I. Born in Phoenix in 1897, the "Arizona Balloon Buster" scored 18 aerial victories during World War I in the skies over France. Lieutenant Luke was shot down at Murvaux between Verdun and Stenay, France, on September 29, 1918, after destroying three enemy balloons. Surviving the crash of his Spad, Luke drew two pistols and fired on German soldiers, killing several of them before he was killed. Luke Field, Oahu, Hawaii Territory (now the Naval Air Station Ford Island) was previously named in his honor. Today, Luke Air Force Base in Glendale and the surrounding area is home to 4,800 active duty service members, 1,700 reservists, 800 civilians, 6,700 family members, and nearly 65,000 retirees.
About Maricopa County
LOCATION
Luke Air Force Base, located near Glendale, Arizona, is a suburb of Phoenix. Known for its highly-rated schools and family-friendly vibe, the greater Glendale area is a great place to call home for military families. This area is attractive to nature enthusiasts and sports fans alike. With several Major League Baseball training facilities in the area and professional football and hockey teams in town, there is never a shortage of sporting venues to experience. Whether you enjoy wine tasting and vineyard visiting, golfing, or simply exploring the many hiking trails in the area, being stationed at Luke Air Force Base is sure to please.
WEATHER
Luke AFB is generally a warm and sunny place to live. Average temperatures range from 42-104 degrees Fahrenheit; March, April, and November are some of the most pleasant months there. The annual rainfall is around 10 inches and with no significant snowfall each year. In this dry, desert climate, summers are sweltering but the winters are very mild, enabling those stationed at Luke Air Force base to enjoy the outdoors twelve months out of the year.
ATTRACTIONS
For those traveling in and out of the Luke AFB area by air, three airports are within a short driving distance: Tucson International Airport (TUS) is around 122 miles away, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) is 114 miles away, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is local and about 20 miles from Luke AFB. The base is convenient to many nearby cities worth visiting. Tucson, AZ, is located less than two hours southeast of Glendale. Albuquerque, NM, is about seven hours northeast, and Las Vegas, NV, is under five hours northwest. While stationed at Luke Air Force Base, get ready to check o your bucket list with many notable parks, forests, and monuments to see and explore. The natural beauty of the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Petrified, Prescott, and Coconino Forests/National Parks is close by. If you should ever tire of seeing the wonders of the deserts and mountains, you can take a short five-hour drive to hit the beaches of San Diego, CA.
HELPFUL HINTS
This is considered to be a moderate to high cost-of-living area. Maricopa County's cost of living is slightly higher than the U.S. average. Commute times, schools, and accessibility of restaurants and shopping should be considered when choosing a neighborhood and its proximity to Luke Air Force Base.
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Nearby Neighborhoods
HOUSING
Balfour Beatty Communities manage homes on Luke Air Force Base. Luke Family Homes has a variety of two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and four-bedroom homes available for rent. There are two distinct neighborhoods, Ocotillo Manor and Saguaro Manor. Each has access to community centers with meeting spaces, fitness centers, playgrounds and tot lots, a swimming pool, and even a sand volleyball court.
Besides child care educational centers and child development centers, there are no schools on Luke Air Force Base. Luke AFB students attend a public, private, charter, and home schools throughout the greater Glendale area. Arizona allows open enrollment, meaning you can opt for your children to attend a different school if they have available slots outside the zoned schools.
In addition to the on-base housing options, there are several off-post communities where many service families choose to reside. Glendale, Litchfield Park, and Peoria are the most widely popular areas for families.
Glendale
ABOUT
If professional sports are your thing, then Glendale is where you want to be. Glendale offers a variety of home styles with easy access to shopping, dining, and commerce.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Arrowhead Ranch
- Mountain View Meadow Estates
- Stone Haven
Nearby Attractions
- Westgate Entertainment District
- Gila River Arena (Home to NHL Arizona Coyotes)
- Camelback Ranch (Home to MLB spring training for Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers)
- State Farm Stadium (Home to NFL Arizona Cardinals)
- Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve
By the Numbers
- Population 247,00
- Household Income $55,000
- Median Home Value: Home values vary widely in this area. Ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- Professional sports fan’s paradise with venues for year-round events
- Very convenient access to a variety of shopping and dining options
Things to Consider
- 11-mile, 22-minute commute to Luke AFB via West Northern Avenue
- Dense suburban feel with a high potential for congestion and traffic
- Wide range of home ages, sizes, and conditions-- school zoning should be verified
Litchfield Park
ABOUT
Looking for a more exclusive community where homes keep their value and a short commute to base? Then look no further than the Litchfield Park community.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Canyon Views
- Verrado
- Sarival Farms
Nearby Attractions
- Transplant City Beer Company
- Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium
- Wigwam Golf Resort
By the Numbers
- Population 6,000
- Household Income $83,000
- Median Home Value: Home values vary widely in this area. Ask your real estate agent for a local market analysis.
Big Plus
- Tight-knit small suburban feel
- Highly rated schools
- 3 mile, 5-minute commute to Luke AFB via North Litchfield Road
Things to Consider
- Many expensive areas with high home values
- Most big-box shopping and stores like Target and Lowe’s are in nearby Goodyear or Glendale
Peoria
ABOUT
If getting out of the hustle and bustle and a bit deeper into the suburbs, then Peoria is your place. With a manageable commute to Luke AFB, Peoria offers plenty of newer construction homes for families looking to spread out. Like Glendale, Peoria is considered a major Phoenix suburb in its own right.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Alta Vista Estates
- North Park Highlands
- Westbrook Village
Nearby Attractions
- Peoria Sports Complex (Home to MLB spring training for San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners)
- West Wing Mountain Preserve
- New River Trail
By the Numbers
- Population 168,000
- Household Income $74,000
- Median Home Value: Home values vary widely in this area. Ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- Small town feel outside of a larger city
- 9-mile, 19-minute commute to Luke AFB via West Olive Avenue
Things to Consider
- Fewer well-established neighborhoods
- Many homes built within the last 20 years
7 Reasons You Should Consider Buying a Home
1. TAX ADVANTAGES
To encourage homeownership, the IRS has provided many tax breaks for owning a home. Credits may be available for specific home improvements, such as using clean energy or for qualified first-time home buyers. The way most homeowners see those advantages is through income tax itemization and deductions like mortgage interest and real estate taxes.
2. STABALIZE MONTHLY HOME COSTS
Owning your own house is one of the safest bets on stabilizing your monthly home costs. There’s no worry of rent getting increased significantly after each year of living in someone else’s home. Additionally, when you answer to yourself, there is no worry of landlord changes or unexpected lease termination.
3. HOUSE HACKING
Generally speaking, house hacking is a smart strategy that involves renting out a portion of your primary residence as a means of generating income to offset your own living expenses. Think turning your finished basement or mother-in-law quarters into an AirBnB! Or consider purchasing a multi-unit duplex or triplex: live on one side and rent out the other! If your home making money while you’re living in it doesn’t sound like your thing, there’s always renting it out after you PCS as an income generating investment property.
4. Increased Privacy
Generally speaking, house hacking is a smart strategy that involves renting out a portion of your primary residence as a means of generating income to offset your own living expenses. Think turning your finished basement or mother-in-law quarters into an AirBnB! Or consider purchasing a multi-unit duplex or triplex: live on one side and rent out the other! If your home making money while you’re living in it doesn’t sound like your thing, there’s always renting it out after you PCS as an income generating investment property.
5. Pets Are Welcome!
For those who choose to rent instead of buying, it can be extremely difficult to find rentals who allow for your
four-legged, furry friends. Landlords often require hefty pet deposits or place heavy restrictions on the number of pets and breeds they allow—if they will even allow pets. When considering quality of life, including beloved pets and the indoor and outdoor space available to them matters. Having the flexibility to include ALL members of your family as a homeowner is priceless!
6. Pride of Ownership
One of the greatest benefits of owning your own home is the pride of ownership that comes along with it. Not only are homeowners more inclined to take good care of their investment with routine maintenance and cleaning, but also they are free to make design choices ranging from hanging artwork on the walls, to paint colors, to customization of closets, electronics, and more. As military families who relocate frequently, having your home reflect who you really are feels important.
7. Safe and Stable Long Term Investment + Forced Savings
Owning a home has historically been one of the safest, lowest risk financial investments that tends to have long-term stability and success. As your home value appreciates and your mortgage balance decreases, what’s left is growing equity with an eventual paid off home. Making a monthly house payment is akin to setting aside a specific amount each month into a savings account—it’s a little difficult to access in the moment, but over time it can build into something significant in the form of equity.
FIVE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU IN YOUR RELOCATION PROCESS
Your PCS is underway!
The home buying and moving transition process has begun. Now what? If it feels like there are a million things to do, don’t fret because you don’t have to do them all yourself. During the relocation process, there are many service providers that can assist you in making your move a smooth one.
Consider these five resources to help you in the process
1. MOVING COMPANIES
Sure, the military offers transportation and relocation services, but many service members decide to coordinate the transfer of household goods themselves. Not only can you often earn money on the difference between moving costs and weight allowances, but you can be assured that you have more control over your belongings. Services that moving companies offer can range from delivery of boxes and pods for the “you-pack” model all the way to full-service logistics companies that will do all of the packing, loading, driving, and unpacking for you.
2. STORAGE
Whether you need to store your household goods for a few weeks until you close on your home or you decide that you have more stuff than square footage, storage companies abound. Sizes, conditions, and contracts vary widely so be sure to do your homework before you commit. Particularly in climates with extreme cold, heat, or humidity, it is important to consider using only climate-controlled storage to ensure the protection of your furniture and temporarily unused items.
3. TEMPORARY HOUSING
It is not uncommon for there to be a short gap of time during a military move between when you arrive at your new duty station and your new home being available to inhabit. No longer are hotels the only option for sticking out a few days or weeks during the wait. Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO) and Airbnb are great options to make you feel more at home while you wait for your home. In fact, why not take advantage of seeing your new city through the eyes of a tourist? Find a location near new local attractions and dining and enjoy a few days of getting to know the lay of the land.
4. USPS/IRS
Once you get settled in at your new home, it’s important that you alert agencies that will make sure your current and up-to-date address is on file. The United States Postal Service (USPS) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are two of the most important and by doing so, any important mail or documents in your name should be forwarded or sent along to your new address. It’s also a good idea to notify banks, credit card companies, and other debt collectors of a change of address. These days nearly all of these transactions can be handled online.
5. DISCARD & DONATE SERVICES
No matter how much you purge, toss, organize, minimize, or donate before you pack up the moving truck, it never fails that after you get unpacked on the other side there seems to be more stuff to declutter. Discard and donate services can help with this. Many are a phone call away and will happily come to your residence for a pickup. Others are structured where you simply drop off at a store. A lot of these services are charitable organizations and will offer you documentation for your own taxes based on your donation. It’s a win-win: you downsize by donating, and someone else benefits from your use of your items.
