Buckley Space Force Base
Key Contacts
Garrison/Installation Housing Office
17300 E. Keystone Blvd
Aurora, CO 80017
PH: (720) 847-5815
Buckley Family Housing
Hunt Military Communities
17300 E. Keystone Boulevard
Aurora, CO 80017
PH: (303) 340-2066
School Liaison
18401 E. A-Basin Ave
Bldg. #606
Buckley SFB, CO 80011
PH: (720) 847-6694
Airman and Family Readiness Center
18401 E. A-Basin Ave
Bldg. #606
Buckley SFB, CO 80011
PH: (720) 847-6681Most
Most installation services will be available Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. As always, call first to confirm hours and availability of services.
Helpful hint: Contact these offices early in the week during the morning time frame.
About Buckley Space Force Base
Home of the Big Six mission partners
Buckley Space Force Base (SFB), formerly known as Buckley Air Force Base (AFB), is located in Aurora, Colorado. The installation was initially named Buckley Field after 1st Lt. John Harold Buckley, a World War One fighter pilot. In 1947, Buckley became a Naval Air Station, and in 1960, it transferred hands to become an Air National Guard Base. Buckley was established as an Air Force Base in 2000 and primarily supported the 821st Space Group, which has since been deactivated.
On June 4, 2021, the United States Space Force acquired Buckley Garrison to support the Space Delta 4 (DEL4) Missile Warning Delta operations. Buckley SFB is also home to the 140th Wing, Colorado Air National Guard, the Navy Operational Support Center, the Aerospace Data Facility-Colorado, the Army Aviation Support Facility, and Air Reserve Personnel Center.
Buckley Garrison also supports Space Force Stations in several U.S. locations responsible for detecting incoming ballistic missiles. On Buckley SFB, the 460th Mission Support Group supports base operations through each of its four squadrons. The 460th Medical Group ensures soldiers, families, veterans, and retirees have essential medical support.
Buckley SFB is home to 3,100 Active Duty service members from all branches of service, as well as 4,000 National Guard and Reservists, 2,400 civilians, and 2,500 contractors. The installation also supports 36,000 retirees and 40,000 veterans and dependents.
About Arapahoe County
LOCATION
Buckley SFB is located in Arapahoe County, “Colorado’s First County.” It is 6 miles east of Aurora, Colorado, and 20 miles east of Denver, Colorado. Colorado Springs, Colorado, is about a 1-hour drive south of Buckley SFB, and Boulder, Colorado is a 45-minute drive to the northwest. For those traveling in and out of Buckley SFB by air, the most popular airport is Denver International Airport (DEN), which is 17 miles or approximately 25 minutes by car.
ATTRACTIONS
Located just two hours from the Rocky Mountains, being stationed at Buckley SFB puts you near many downhill ski resorts, so you’ll want to get that Epic season pass now! Popular resorts are Keystone, Breckenridge, and Vail. If winter sports aren’t your thing, there are many golf courses, museums, and restaurants in Aurora, Denver, and the surrounding cities. The opportunities for entertainment and shopping abound, and most can find something they love about this area.
WEATHER
At an elevation of 5,663 ft above sea level, you’ll need to remember that any form of physical exercise will feel more difficult until your body adjusts to the lower oxygen level. Summers at Buckley SFB see high temperatures of almost 90 degrees Fahrenheit, while the winter months see average low temperatures of about 15 degrees Fahrenheit. The average annual rainfall is 15.6 inches, and the average annual snowfall is 54 inches.
HELPFUL HINTS
Buckley SFB is considered a high-cost-of-living area compared to the rest of the United States. Aurora, Colorado, has a lower cost of living than the Denver area, so living closer to Buckley SFB could be an excellent financial decision. Commute times, schools, and accessibility of restaurants and shopping should be considered when choosing a neighborhood and its proximity to Buckley SFB.
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Nearby Neighborhoods
HOUSING
Buckley SFB offers privatized housing managed by Hunt Military Communities. Housing options include two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes in several neighborhoods. Homes feature attached garages, central AC/heating, and 24-hour maintenance services. Neighborhood amenities include walking paths, a swimming pool, and a community center with regular resident activities. In addition to the on-base options, there are several off-base communities where many service families choose to reside. Aurora, Denver, and Highlands Ranch are popular cities for those stationed at Buckley SFB. Students living on base and those living in Aurora attend Aurora Public Schools, including a variety of public, charter, and magnet schools. Denver and Highlands Ranch have their own districts.
Aurora
ABOUT
Those looking to live close to work but outside the gate should consider calling Aurora home. With career opportunities, an abundance of shopping, restaurants, and recreation, everyone will find something they love about Aurora.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Tallyn’s Reach
- East Quincy Highlands
- Serenity Ridge
Nearby Attractions
- Plains Conservation Center
- Cherry Creek State Park
- Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
By the Numbers
- Population 386,000
- Household Income $69,000
- Median Home Value Home values vary widely in this area, so ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- A short 15-minute commute to Buckley SFB via Aspen St. and E. 6th Avenue
- Variety of alternative school options
- Plenty of restaurants, shopping, and entertainment
Things to Consider
- Career opportunities for spouses may be better closer to Denver
- Housing options may be more plentiful further south, increasing commute time
Denver
ABOUT
If you want to experience city life or relax in suburbia, consider Denver an option. With amenities, entertainment, recreation, and excellent restaurants, the whole family will enjoy this city.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Montclair
- Lowry
- Virginia Village
Nearby Attractions
- Denver Art Museum
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Denver Zoo
By the Numbers
- Population 715,500
- Household Income $68,600
- Median Home Value Home values vary widely in this area, so ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- Close to attractions, restaurants, and shopping
- An abundance of career opportunities for spouses in any field of work
Things to Consider
- Commute can be up to 1 hour from Denver city center, but can be a reverse commute depending on the neighborhood.
- Denver has 18 different school districts, so the school search can be overwhelming.
Highlands Ranch
ABOUT
Highlands Ranch is worth considering for those looking to live away from the hustle and bustle of city life. A reasonable distance from Buckley SFB, Highlands Ranch, allows for work-life and home-life separation.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Northridge
- Westridge
- Southridge
Nearby Attractions
- Chatfield State Park
- Highlands Ranch Mansion
By the Numbers
- Population 103,400
- Household Income $132,800
- Median Home Value Home values vary widely in this area, so ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- Suburban feel, with scenic views
- Variety of school choices nearby
- Career opportunities for spouses at the local hospital and school district
Things to Consider
- 30 to 45-minute commute via E-470
- Limited shopping, eateries, and entertainment
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.
