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 Force12,000

JB Anacostia-Bolling

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling · Washington, District of Columbia

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling combines the former Bolling Air Force Base and Naval Support Facility Anacostia along the Anacostia River waterfront in southeast Washington DC. The installation is home to the Air Force District of Washington and serves as the gateway to some of the most prestigious Air Force assignments in the National Capital Region. Direct Anacostia River waterfront access and proximity to the National Mall make this an exceptional DC assignment.

E-5 BAH: $2,736
O-3 BAH: $3,597
Avg Home Price: $480,000 to $780,000
Branch: Air Force

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Neighborhoods

JBAB On-Post Family Housing

On-Post Family Housing

$2,100 to $3,200 BAH/mo

On-post housing along the Anacostia waterfront; limited inventory and competitive waitlist.

Prince George's County MD

Off-Post Suburban

$1,800 to $2,800/mo

Maryland suburbs across the DC line with more affordable family housing options.

Capitol Hill / Navy Yard

Off-Post Urban DC

$2,400 to $4,000/mo

Vibrant DC neighborhoods with restaurants, nightlife, and easy transit.

Fort Washington / Oxon Hill

Off-Post Suburban

$1,700 to $2,600/mo

Southern Maryland suburbs with larger homes and family-friendly neighborhoods.

Schools

DC Public Schools

Grades K-12

Urban district with selective public charter options; research schools carefully by neighborhood.

Prince George's County Public Schools MD

Grades K-12

Large Maryland suburban district with magnet programs in science and arts.

National Cathedral School

Grades K-12

One of DC's most prestigious private schools near Embassy Row.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Available but limited; waitlist recommended immediately upon assignment

Off-Post Rental Market

DC, Maryland, and northern Virginia suburbs with wide price range

Commute

Green Line Metro at Anacostia is 5 minutes. Pentagon and Crystal City are 15 minutes by car. Downtown DC is 10 minutes.

Installation Highlights

Air Force District of Washington headquarters and premier USAF DC assignment
Anacostia waterfront location with scenic river access and rowing programs
National Mall, Capitol Hill, and Smithsonian museums are minutes away
JBAB hosts Air Force One operations support and Presidential airlift
The vibrant DC Wharf and Southwest Waterfront are within walking distance

Insider Tips

The DC Wharf is a transformed waterfront destination for dining and weekend activities 10 minutes from post.
SmarTrip card covers DC Metro, MARC trains to Maryland, and the DC Circulator bus.
Joint Base status means Army, Navy, and Air Force all use the same facilities; coordination is key.
Research DC charter schools early; top charters have lottery applications due in November.
Free Smithsonian museums and National Mall access is one of the greatest perks of any DC military assignment.

Nearby Attractions

National Mall monuments, memorials, and Smithsonian museums
DC Wharf waterfront dining and entertainment district
United States Capitol and Library of Congress tours
National Zoo in Rock Creek Park
Georgetown waterfront and historic shopping district

School Liaison Officer

Free support for military families navigating school enrollment, records transfers, and education options near Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.

Phone: 202-767-5025
Hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1630

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Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling 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.