If you have orders for a PCS to Buckley Space Force Base, you are headed to a Space Force and Air National Guard installation sitting inside the Denver-Aurora metro with the Rocky Mountains on the horizon. PCS stands for Permanent Change of Station, the military term for moving from one duty station to another. This 2026 guide covers what to expect: where to live, how housing pay works, schools, healthcare, the Colorado climate, and a few things to do once you land.
For a broader look at the state's military installations — including Fort Carson in Colorado Springs — start with our overview of what military bases are in Colorado.
What and Where Is Buckley Space Force Base?
Buckley Space Force Base sits in Aurora, Colorado, on the eastern edge of the Denver metro area. According to the Space Base Delta 2 fact sheet on buckley.spaceforce.mil, the installation is home to Space Base Delta 2, or SBD2, which is the host unit. SBD2 supports installation functions for resident air operations, space-based missile warning capabilities, space surveillance operations, and space communications missions. The Delta serves Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, and retired personnel throughout the Front Range community.
The base supports more than 110 partner organizations. Six major base partners call Buckley home: Delta 4, which focuses on missile warning; the 140th Wing of the Colorado Air National Guard; the Navy Operational Support Center; the Aerospace Data Facility-Colorado; the Army Aviation Support Facility; and the Air Reserve Personnel Center. According to the SBD2 fact sheet, the base contributes nearly an estimated $1 billion annually to the local economy.
If you want more context on the PCS process itself, the ultimate PCS checklist and timeline for active-duty military personnel is a good place to start before you dive into housing and neighborhoods.
Where to Live When PCSing to Buckley SFB
Most families who move to Buckley choose off-post housing in one of the surrounding communities. Your choice usually comes down to commute time, schools, budget, and the lifestyle you want. Aurora is the immediate city, but the Denver metro is large, and many families spread across several communities in Arapahoe, Douglas, and Adams counties.
Approximate one-way drive times to Buckley SFB. Times vary with traffic and which gate you use.
Aurora
Aurora is the city where Buckley sits, and many service members choose to live here for the short commute — roughly 10 minutes to the main gate for those in nearby neighborhoods. Aurora is a large and diverse city with a wide range of housing types, from older established neighborhoods near the base to newer subdivisions in the east. It is a practical first choice, especially if you want to minimize the drive.
Centennial
Centennial is about 20 minutes south of the base in Arapahoe County. It is a well-established suburb with good schools and shopping. Many military families land here for the quieter, suburban feel while staying close to both the base and Denver.
Denver
Parts of Denver are about 25 minutes from Buckley and offer urban amenities, light rail, and a wide range of neighborhoods. Traffic on I-225 and I-70 can stretch that during peak hours, but for families who want city life it is a workable commute.
Parker
Parker is roughly 25 minutes southeast of Buckley in Douglas County, with highly rated schools, new construction, and access to open space. If you are also thinking about a future assignment at Fort Carson, Parker sits between both posts.
Commerce City
Commerce City is about 25 minutes north of the base. It is one of the more affordable communities in the metro and has grown with newer neighborhoods — a solid choice for families watching their budget.
Castle Rock
Castle Rock in Douglas County is about 40 minutes south along I-25. It offers newer homes, more land per dollar, and top-rated Douglas County schools. The commute is the longest on this list, but many families find it worth the trade.
Buckley SFB BAH and the Cost of Living
If you live off post, the military helps cover your housing through BAH, which stands for Basic Allowance for Housing. BAH is a monthly, tax-free payment. The amount depends on three things: your rank, whether you have dependents, and your duty station's Military Housing Area, or MHA. An MHA is the geographic zone the Department of Defense uses to set local housing pay. Buckley SFB falls within the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood MHA, which covers the broader metro.
Because rates change each year and vary by rank and dependent status, we do not publish a rate table here. To find your exact figure, use the official DoD BAH calculator at travel.dod.mil BAH Rate Lookup. Enter your rank and ZIP code to see the current rate. Always confirm your figure before signing a lease or making an offer.
For a sense of buying costs, the typical home value in Aurora was about $463,088 as of May 31, 2026, according to Zillow. That is a typical value, not a median sale price. As of the week of June 18, 2026, Freddie Mac reported the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 6.47 percent. Whether buying or renting makes more sense depends on how long you expect to be stationed here, so run the numbers for your own situation.
If you are thinking about using your VA home loan benefit — a loan backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs — read what are the benefits of a VA loan and how does a 0 down VA loan work before you start your housing search. The Denver metro is a competitive market, and understanding your financing options early gives you an edge.
Schools Near Buckley SFB
The schools your children attend depend on where you live. Several districts serve the communities around Buckley.
Cherry Creek School District 5 serves portions of Aurora and Centennial, along with parts of other Arapahoe County communities. It is one of the larger districts in the state and is well regarded for its academic and extracurricular programs. According to the NCES district detail for Cherry Creek SD 5, the district spans about 108 square miles and serves more than 54,000 students.
