How does USMilitaryMoves work?

USMilitaryMoves connects military families with verified veteran and military-spouse real estate agents. Families browse agents for free, submit referrals, and get matched with agents who understand VA loans, BAH, and PCS timelines. The platform is completely free, no fees, no commissions, no catch.

Is USMilitaryMoves free for military families?

Yes, completely free for military families and for agents. There are no fees, no subscriptions, no commissions, and no obligations. This platform exists solely to serve the military community.

What is BAH and how is it calculated?

BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly tax-free housing stipend paid to service members who live off base. It is calculated based on three factors: your paygrade (rank), your duty station zip code, and whether you have dependents. BAH is set annually by the Department of Defense and is designed to cover median housing costs in each local market. Use the free BAH Calculator at usmilitarymoves.com/bah-calculator to look up rates by rank and installation.

What is a VA loan and can I use it more than once?

A VA loan is a mortgage benefit for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses, backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Key benefits include no down payment required, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), competitive interest rates, and no prepayment penalties. Yes, you can use your VA loan benefit multiple times as long as you have remaining entitlement or have paid off and restored a previous VA loan.

What is PCS and how long does a PCS move take to plan?

PCS stands for Permanent Change of Station, the military's process of ordering a service member to relocate to a new duty assignment. Ideally, PCS planning begins 6 months before your report date. Key milestones include receiving orders, submitting housing applications, completing a house-hunting trip, locking in housing, coordinating TMO or DITY move logistics, and in-processing at the gaining unit. Use the free PCS Mission Planner at usmilitarymoves.com/pcs-planner to generate a personalized T-minus timeline.

How do I find a military-friendly real estate agent at my new duty station?

Browse our verified agent directory at usmilitarymoves.com/agents. Every agent in the network has been identity-verified as a veteran or military spouse. You can filter by state, installation, branch of service, and VA loan experience. Each agent profile shows their military background, transaction history, and reviews from military families they have served.

What military installations have base guides on USMilitaryMoves?

USMilitaryMoves publishes comprehensive PCS guides for major military installations including Fort Liberty (Fort Bragg) NC, Camp Pendleton CA, Joint Base Lewis-McChord WA, Fort Campbell KY, Joint Base San Antonio TX, Naval Station Norfolk VA, Joint Base Charleston SC, Fort Carson CO, and MacDill AFB FL. Each guide covers neighborhoods, school ratings, BAH rates, housing intel, commute tips, and insider advice from military families. Find all base guides at usmilitarymoves.com/bases.

What is the difference between a DITY move and a government move (TMO)?

A government move (TMO or Transportation Management Office move) means the military contracts and pays movers to pack and transport your household goods. A DITY move (Do-It-Yourself, now called PPM, Personally Procured Move) means you move your own belongings and the military reimburses you based on the weight you move. A hybrid move combines both: the government ships large items and you move the rest for additional reimbursement. DITY moves can result in profit if you move efficiently, but require more planning and effort.

Can military families use their BAH to pay a mortgage?

Yes, many military families use their BAH allowance to cover their mortgage payment. With a VA loan, you can purchase a home with zero down payment and no PMI, which often results in a monthly payment comparable to or lower than local rents. A verified military real estate agent can help you determine whether your BAH will cover a mortgage payment in your new duty station market.

Who can submit a referral on USMilitaryMoves?

Anyone can submit a referral on USMilitaryMoves, no real estate license required. Military family members, command spouse leaders, chaplains, VA loan officers, out-of-area agents, and community members are all eligible. It's free to submit and free for the family. Submit a referral at usmilitarymoves.com/refer.

Army20,000+ personnel

Aberdeen Proving Ground

Aberdeen Proving Ground · Aberdeen, Maryland

Aberdeen Proving Ground is home to Army Test and Evaluation Command and multiple critical Army cyber and communications commands, making it one of the Army's most important technology and acquisition hubs. Situated on the Chesapeake Bay in Harford County, Maryland, APG offers access to both the Baltimore metro area and the natural beauty of the upper Chesapeake. The area has undergone significant growth following BRAC relocations and supports a large defense contractor workforce.

E-5 BAH: $1,980
O-3 BAH: $2,514
Avg Home Price: $370,000
Branch: Army

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Neighborhoods

Bel Air

Suburban county seat

$1,800 to $2,400/mo

Harford County seat, excellent schools, popular with families and senior personnel

Aberdeen

Town adjacent to post

$1,400 to $1,900/mo

Closest to the post gates, affordable, good for junior and mid-grade soldiers

Havre de Grace

Historic waterfront

$1,700 to $2,300/mo

Charming town on the Susquehanna River, walkable waterfront, highly desirable

Edgewood

Suburban residential

$1,300 to $1,800/mo

Affordable community close to the south gate, larger rental inventory

Schools

Harford County Public Schools

Grades K-12

One of Maryland's top-rated districts, consistently strong academics and programs

Aberdeen High School

Grades 9-12

Close to post, solid academics, diverse student body reflecting the military community

Bel Air High School

Grades 9-12

Popular choice for families, strong academics and extracurricular programs

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

On-post housing managed by Balfour Beatty, availability varies by rank

Off-Post Rental Market

Aberdeen and Edgewood offer affordable options, Bel Air and Havre de Grace are pricier

Commute

APG has multiple gates with commutes from surrounding communities ranging from 10 to 30 minutes. I-95 traffic toward Baltimore can be heavy during peak hours for those commuting south.

Installation Highlights

Army Cyber Command and major signal and communications organizations call APG home
Chesapeake Bay access for boating, fishing, crabbing, and waterfront dining
Strong defense contractor job market for military spouses with technical backgrounds
Havre de Grace is one of Maryland's most charming historic waterfront towns
Baltimore is 30 minutes away with world-class museums, the Inner Harbor, and professional sports

Insider Tips

Havre de Grace is worth paying slightly more for in housing costs, it is a wonderful community
The Chesapeake Bay blue crab season is a local institution, embrace it
MARC train from Aberdeen to Baltimore and DC is a commuting option for spouses
Harford County has excellent schools throughout, you have flexibility on neighborhood choice
Plan for heavy traffic on I-95 during summer weekends heading to Delaware beaches

Nearby Attractions

Chesapeake Bay and waterfront dining in Havre de Grace
Aberdeen Proving Ground Army Ordnance Museum
Susquehanna State Park
Baltimore Inner Harbor (30 miles)
North East Community Park and beach

School Liaison Officer

Free support for military families navigating school enrollment, records transfers, and education options near Aberdeen Proving Ground.

Phone: (443) 861-4375
DSN: 458-4375
Hours: Mon-Fri 0730-1630

Moving to Aberdeen?

Find a verified veteran or military spouse Realtor who knows Aberdeen Proving Ground and the local VA loan market.

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Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Aberdeen Proving Ground that we do not. The best intel comes from families who actually lived there. Tell us what you know and we will add it to the guide.