Is Buckeye the right place to spend your golden years? For many retirees, this growing suburb in the Phoenix metro area offers an appealing mix of affordability, healthcare access, senior-friendly amenities, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Let’s take a closer look at what retirement living in Buckeye is really like and whether it might be the ideal destination for your next chapter.
Overall, we give Buckeye a retirement suitability score of 82 out of 100. The city earns high marks for its relatively low cost of living, proximity to quality healthcare, range of senior services, and active adult communities. The main factors holding it back from a perfect score are the summer heat, which can be intense for some seniors, and the need to drive to many destinations.
Healthcare Access for Seniors
One of the top priorities for retirees is convenient access to quality healthcare. Buckeye has you covered with several highly rated hospitals and medical centers in the area. Banner Estrella Medical Center, just 20 minutes away in west Phoenix, offers a full range of services including a 24-hour emergency room, heart care, orthopedics, and geriatric medicine.
For specialized needs, the world-renowned Mayo Clinic has a campus in north Phoenix, about a 45-minute drive from Buckeye. Seniors with Medicare will find broad acceptance and coverage at facilities throughout the Phoenix metro.
Within Buckeye itself, there are several urgent care centers and primary care practices that cater to seniors. The city also has a good number of pharmacies, physical therapy providers, and home health agencies to support aging in place. While some specialist visits may require a trip into Phoenix, most routine healthcare needs can be met close to home.
Senior-Friendly Amenities and Services
Buckeye offers an array of amenities and services tailored for seniors. The Buckeye Senior Center is a popular gathering spot, with daily activities, fitness classes, educational workshops, and social events. Membership is free for Buckeye residents 55 and older.
For those who no longer drive, the city operates the Buckeye Express transit service, which offers discounted fares for seniors and includes a dial-a-ride option for ADA paratransit. Several grocery stores, including Fry’s and Walmart, offer delivery service to help seniors age in place more easily.
Buckeye is also home to the Sundance Active Adult Community, a 55+ neighborhood with amenities like a clubhouse, pool, and golf course. The community offers a mix of single-family homes, attached villas, and condos, many with accessibility features like single-story living and low-threshold showers.
Cost of Living for Retirees
Compared to many retirement destinations, Buckeye offers a relatively affordable cost of living. The median home price in Buckeye is around $350,000, which is lower than the Phoenix metro average. Retirees can find even better values in the city’s active adult communities, where condos start in the low $200,000s and single-family homes in the $300,000s.
Arizona is moderately tax-friendly for retirees. The state does not tax Social Security benefits, and there are several deductions and credits available for other types of retirement income. However, Buckeye’s combined sales tax rate of 8.3% is on the high side.
Utilities tend to be reasonable in Buckeye, although the summer cooling bills can get steep. Fortunately, the Buckeye Municipal Water Conservation Department offers free home water and energy audits to help seniors save on their bills.
| Monthly Expense | Modest Lifestyle | Comfortable Lifestyle |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (mortgage or rent) | $900 | $1,500 |
| Healthcare (insurance, copays) | $450 | $600 |
| Food (groceries, dining out) | $350 | $600 |
| Transportation (car costs, transit) | $250 | $400 |
| Utilities (electricity, water, etc.) | $250 | $350 |
| Entertainment (hobbies, travel) | $200 | $400 |
| Miscellaneous (gifts, donations) | $150 | $250 |
| Monthly Total | $2,550 | $4,100 |
Estimates based on average senior spending patterns and local costs. See our full guide to the cost of living in Buckeye for more details.
Community and Social Opportunities
Buckeye has an active and welcoming senior community. In addition to the programs at the Senior Center, there are several clubs and interest groups that cater to older adults, from book clubs and garden societies to hiking and golf groups.
The city hosts a number of annual events that are popular with seniors, including the Buckeye Air Fair, Holiday Boutique Craft Show, and the Senior Prom, a dinner dance for those 55 and better. Buckeye also has a strong faith community, with many churches offering senior ministries and volunteer opportunities.
For lifelong learning, the Buckeye Public Library offers free computer classes, educational lectures, and cultural events. Estrella Mountain Community College, located just outside the city limits, allows seniors to audit classes for a nominal fee and offers some programs specifically for older adults.
Aging in Place Considerations
Buckeye has several resources to help seniors age in place comfortably and safely. The city’s Community Services Department offers a free Senior Home Repair program for qualifying homeowners, which can help with minor home modifications and accessibility upgrades.
There are also several in-home care agencies and medical equipment providers serving Buckeye, making it easier for seniors to get the support they need to stay in their homes. For those who may need more assistance, Buckeye has a few highly rated assisted living facilities and memory care communities.
One challenge of aging in place in Buckeye is the summer heat. Triple-digit temperatures are common from June through September, which can be dangerous for seniors. It’s important to have reliable air conditioning, stay hydrated, and limit outdoor activity during the hottest times of day. The city’s Office of Emergency Management offers free emergency preparedness workshops to help seniors plan for extreme weather and other potential hazards.
FAQs About Retirement in Buckeye
- What’s the average cost of retirement in Buckeye?
Depending on your lifestyle and housing choices, you can expect to spend between $2,500 and $4,000 per month as a retiree in Buckeye. Our cost of living guide breaks down the expenses in more detail. - How good is healthcare access for seniors?
Buckeye has very good healthcare access for a city its size, with several hospitals, urgent care centers, and specialist practices in the area. Most providers accept Medicare, and the renowned Mayo Clinic is just a 45-minute drive away in Phoenix. - Are there active senior communities?
Yes, Buckeye has several 55+ communities that offer a range of housing options and amenities for active seniors. The Sundance Active Adult Community is one of the most popular, with a golf course, clubhouse, and social clubs. - What are the tax implications of retiring in Arizona?
Arizona is moderately tax-friendly for retirees. Social Security benefits are not taxed, and there are deductions available for other retirement income. However, Buckeye’s sales tax is on the high side at 8.3% combined.
Making the Move: Is Buckeye Right for Your Retirement?
Retiring in Buckeye offers a lot of appealing advantages: affordable living costs, plentiful sunshine, a strong senior support system, and easy access to healthcare and amenities. The city’s active adult communities and senior-focused services make it an attractive option for those looking to age in place or enjoy resort-style living.
On the flip side, Buckeye’s hot summers and driving-dependent layout may be drawbacks for some retirees. It’s a good idea to visit at different times of year and test out the transportation options to see if the city is a comfortable fit for you.
If you’re considering Buckeye for your retirement, be sure to explore our other resources on the pros and cons of living in Buckeye according to locals and the monthly costs you can expect as a retiree. With some careful planning and an adventurous spirit, Buckeye just might be the perfect place to write your next chapter.