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Air Force4,000 active duty

Beale AFB

Beale Air Force Base · Marysville, California

Beale AFB is home to the U-2 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft and RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aerial system, giving it one of the most unique and specialized intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions in the Air Force. Located in the Sacramento Valley of northern California, the base is about 40 miles north of Sacramento near the towns of Marysville and Yuba City. The area offers affordable California living with access to the state capital, the Sierra Nevada mountains, and Lake Tahoe.

E-5 BAH
$1,770
O-3 BAH
$2,310
Avg Home Price
$380,000
Branch
Air Force
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Neighborhoods

Yuba City

Small City

$1,400 to $1,900/mo

Primary off-base community adjacent to Marysville with the most military family housing options.

Marysville

Small City

$1,200 to $1,600/mo

Older community directly south of base with affordable homes and historic downtown.

Lincoln

Suburban

$1,700 to $2,200/mo

Sacramento suburb with strong schools and newer housing about 40 miles south of base.

Grass Valley

Small City

$1,500 to $2,000/mo

Gold Country foothills community east of base with a charming downtown and mountain access.

Schools

Yuba City High School

Grades 9-12

Main high school in Yuba City serving the largest military family community off base.

Marysville High School

Grades 9-12

Marysville Joint Unified high school serving families who prefer to live closer to the gate.

Lindhurst High School

Grades 9-12

Marysville Joint Unified alternative with slightly higher ratings in the same district.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

On-base housing is available through Balfour Beatty with family homes; the waitlist is manageable.

Off-Post Rental Market

Yuba City and Marysville are among the most affordable California communities near a major air base.

Commute

Yuba City is 10 to 15 minutes from the main gate. Marysville is about 10 minutes. Sacramento metro is 40 to 50 minutes south.

Installation Highlights

  • Home to the legendary U-2 Dragon Lady and RQ-4 Global Hawk reconnaissance aircraft
  • Sacramento Valley location with affordable California living standards
  • Lake Tahoe is about 90 minutes east for skiing, hiking, and water sports
  • Sacramento metro access for professional sports, dining, and shopping 40 miles south
  • Gold Country foothills provide outstanding hiking, wine tasting, and historic sites nearby

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