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SHOULD VERRADO BE ITS OWN CITY? BY MONICA D. SPENCER S INCE 2020, BUCKEYE’S POPULATION HAS SURGED NEARLY 25%, ONE OF THE STEEPEST INCREASES IN THE U.S. That explosive growth is especially visible in the 85396 ZIP code, home to Verrado and its surrounding developments. Though real estate analysts with Aterio project a more moderate 5.8% population gain from 2025 to 2030, the community’s rapid 55.1% expansion over the past five years means more than a third of its residents arrived this decade. The pace has even sparked neighborhood chatter about whether Verrado could one day stand on its own as an incorporated city. With more than 14,000 homes across 8,800 acres, Verrado already exceeds Carefree, Cave Creek and Paradise Valley in population — and it’s geographically larger than Tolleson, Carefree and El Mirage. To see how locals feel about the idea, we hit Main Street to ask around. For now, most say it’s an open question.
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Our vibrant 21st Century After School Program offers students exciting ways to explore beyond the standard curriculum, including: • STEM-based LEGO Clubs • Sports clubs like soccer and cheer • Reading and math skill building • Opportunities for creative expression • Student Council • Yearbook
I don’t know — maybe. A lot of people already think Verrado is its own place, separate from Buckeye. My husband and I usually tell people we live in Verrado, but we’re actually right across the street from the high school in Litchfield Park. It just feels easier to say “Verrado” than “Litchfield Park” or “Buckeye.”
If they want to separate from the city like Beverly Hills or Hollywood, that’s fine. I’d just be interested in how it would affect tax rates — especially with how much Buckeye has taken on for all these projects around the city. Verrado starts at the freeway, and it feels like Verrado is here and Buckeye is there. It’s such a huge area. I’ve been in Verrado for 10 years, and I care more about what’s better for us. As a Verrado resident, whatever benefits our community is OK with me.
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2400 247th Avenue (623) 250-4570
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InBuckeye.com | November 2025
November 2025 | InBuckeye.com
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