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.

Air Force4,500+ military and family members

Aviano Air Base

Aviano Air Base · Aviano, Italy

Aviano Air Base is home to the 31st Fighter Wing flying F-16 Fighting Falcons in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of northeastern Italy, situated at the foot of the Dolomites Alps. Venice is approximately one hour south, the Austrian Alps are an hour north, and Slovenia borders the region to the east, providing extraordinary access to European culture and outdoor adventure. Aviano is widely regarded as one of the finest quality-of-life assignments in the entire Air Force.

E-5 BAH: OHA $2,400 (approx)
O-3 BAH: OHA $3,500 (approx)
Avg Home Price: OHA rates apply; typical OHA is $2,400 to $3,800 depending on rank
Branch: Air Force

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Neighborhoods

On-Base Housing

Military Housing

OHA covered/mo

Limited on-base housing; demand consistently exceeds supply and waitlists are common.

Aviano Town

Italian Town

OHA covered/mo

The charming Italian town directly outside the base gate with local cafes, bakeries, and markets.

Sacile and Pordenone

Italian City

OHA covered/mo

Larger nearby cities with more amenities, Italian culture, and excellent restaurants.

Dolomite Foothills Villages

Alpine Village

OHA covered/mo

Mountain villages north of the base with stunning scenery; popular with outdoor enthusiasts.

Schools

Aviano Elementary School (DoDEA)

Grades K-5

On-base DoDEA elementary with strong academics and a culturally rich environment.

Aviano Middle School (DoDEA)

Grades 6-8

DoDEA middle school serving the Aviano community with excellent programs and small class sizes.

Aviano High School (DoDEA)

Grades 9-12

Highly regarded DoDEA high school with AP courses, international exposure, and strong college placement.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

On-base housing is very limited and competitive. Most families live in Italian towns covered by OHA.

Off-Post Rental Market

OHA covers Italian rental housing well. Living off base in Italian communities is encouraged and provides an authentic cultural experience.

Commute

Aviano is a compact installation. Most personnel live in Italian communities within 20 minutes of the base.

Installation Highlights

Home of the 31st Fighter Wing with F-16 operations at the foot of the Italian Dolomites
Venice is one hour south offering one of the worlds most iconic cultural experiences
Dolomites skiing in winter and hiking in summer from the base doorstep
Italian cuisine, wine, and culture are part of daily life outside the gate
Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia are all within 2 hours for weekend travel

Insider Tips

Learn basic Italian phrases immediately; locals are appreciative and it transforms daily interactions.
Venice is an hour away; go on a weekday to avoid tourist crowds and bring cash for small shops.
Dolomite ski passes are affordable compared to American resorts; ski season runs December through April.
Weekly Italian markets in Pordenone and Sacile have fresh produce and local products at excellent prices.
Take the base orientation trips to understand Italian driving laws, customs, and SOFA requirements.

Nearby Attractions

Venice and the Venetian islands (60 minutes south)
Dolomites ski resorts including Cortina dAmpezzo (90 minutes)
Austrian Alps and Innsbruck (2 hours north)
Trieste historic city and Slovenian border (90 minutes)
Cinque Terre coastal villages (3 hours south)

School Liaison Officer

Free support for military families navigating school enrollment, records transfers, and education options near Aviano Air Base.

Phone: DSN: 632-7494
DSN: 632-7494
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm (Italy time)

Moving to Aviano?

Find a verified veteran or military spouse Realtor who knows Aviano Air Base and the local VA loan market.

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Did We Miss Something?

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