Buckeye (Phoenix, Goodyear, Young: apartment complexes, crime, home)

[firefly1976]

Thinking about moving to Buckeye from Ohio. How would you rate their high school? Do they offer honors classes? Do they have a high school band? What is the graduation to college ratio? What about finding a decent apartment. Does Buckeye have a recreation center, movie theater, library, parks, etc.? What about high speed interent/cable service. What are the average cost of utilities for apartment living? Crime? Hospital close by? Shopping?? Is this a family community?

What are the pros and cons of living in Buckeye? Please be honest...

Thanks...

[CodyW]

Buckeye has two high schools;

Buckeye Union High School, which is 9-12 - this is an old school, very established. I hear it's pretty rough, and academics are not so good. They do have a band (A fairly good one, at that!). I couldn't tell you a number for a grad-college ration.

Also in Buckeye is Youngker High School. This school opened for the 2007-2008 school year, and is currently just enrolling freshmen. Though, I imagine they'll start with sophomore classes for the 08-09 year. This school is not established at all, though I imagine they have some sort of honors program.

There aren't more than a few apartment complexes in Buckeye. In fact, only TWO come to mind. Keep in mind Buckeye is a developing community. There isn't a whole lot there.
A few neighborhoods have a rec center, the town has a small (but adequate) library. And of course there are parks. There isn't a movie theatre, in fact, the closest one is in Goodyear. Which is a bit of a drive just to see a movie.

High speed and cable will generally be provided by Cox. An evil corporation along the likes of Comcast. It pretty much has the state of Arizona in a stranglehold. Alternatively, though, Qwest Provides DSL, and they've also got their own digital tv service.

Utilities vary too greatly from location to location, and I'm not that familiar with the costs, so I hope someone else can help you with that.

Most of Buckeye has been constructed within the last 5 years. As such, the newer neighborhoods are fairly safe. They haven't had time to be effected by crime issues plaguing the older parts of the town.

The closest hospital is Banner Estrella, I believe. This is in West Phoenix, and is quite a drive away, for a hospital. Alternatively, there's West Valley Hospital. But, I hear far too many bad things about it. I don't suggest it.

Shopping is serviced by the surrounding communities. You'll likely have to drive to Goodyear to do most of your shopping. Though, Buckeye recently got it's first Walmart, Lowes, etc. Though, this isn't much.

Overall, I feel kids would be bored to death in Buckeye. But they could manage.
In ten years or so, it might be an AMAZING place to live, who knows. The community is just too young at this point. It's affordable, new, and pretty nice. Cons? It's isolated, far from everything, and the commute will make or break you.

Hope I helped you some!

[uponthestair]

Interesting. Moving to Buckeye from the Buckeye state. What kind of work do you do and where will you be working? Buckeye is far out (and I don't mean that in a 60's sense). It's a long commute to anywhere.

[AZ Tracy]

I've heard good things about Verrado High School - I believe it's considered in Buckeye.

[Lovegun]

Just wondering, why are you thinking Buckeye?

[Finger Laker]

verrado is in buckeye - however their schools are not in the buckeye district

the early grades are a part of the Litchfield Elementary School District and Verrado High School is part of Agua Fria Union

[hts]

Originally Posted by Finger Laker

verrado is in buckeye - however their schools are not in the buckeye district

the early grades are a part of the Litchfield Elementary School District and Verrado High School is part of Agua Fria Union

Exactly. May not be a problem to some/anyone, but the split elementary/high schools in different school districts was a major turn-off to us when we were looking at the custom section of Verrado a few years back.

[Finger Laker]

that is very common out here though - a lot of areas have split ESDs and High School districts

Litchfield is a top tier ESD - I'm not sure if I could say the same about Agua Fria, although the actual HS there in verrado beautiful

[firefly1976]

Thank you for the information. I really appreciate it.

[firefly1976]

Don't have to worry about communiting anywhere as I work out of my home as a medical language specialist. I am looking for small town with excellent high school with honors classes. I also want to be closer to CA to visit relatives. I have always wanted to live in Az; visited several times in younger years. Need to find affordable apt. A friend had suggested Buckeye. I will be visiting AZ in June and plan on visiting a few towns.