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.

Camp Lejeune PCS Guide, Housing, Schools & BAH

Camp Lejeune

Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune · Jacksonville, North Carolina

Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is the largest Marine Corps installation on the East Coast and the home of II Marine Expeditionary Force. With over 246 square miles, the base encompasses multiple sub-installations including Camp Geiger, Stone Bay, and Camp Johnson. Jacksonville, NC is a military town built around the Marine Corps, offering a close-knit community and affordable lifestyle.

Neighborhoods

Jacksonville (city)

Military city

$1,200 to $1,700/mo

Most Marines live in Jacksonville off base. Very affordable, heavily military, and extremely convenient to Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River. Western Blvd is the main commercial corridor.

Sneads Ferry

Coastal small town

$1,100 to $1,500/mo

Quiet fishing community east of the base with access to Topsail Island beaches. More rural feel and slightly longer commute but popular with families seeking a coastal lifestyle.

Richlands / Swansboro

Small town

$1,000 to $1,400/mo

Inland Onslow County communities with affordable housing and a quieter pace. Swansboro is a charming waterfront town on the Intracoastal Waterway.

Holly Ridge / Hampstead

Suburban

$1,100 to $1,600/mo

Growing Pender County communities south of Surf City offering newer homes, slightly better schools, and beach access. About 20 to 30 minutes from the main gates.

Schools

Northside High School

Grades 9-12

Onslow County school serving the primary Marine Corps family population in Jacksonville.

Swansboro High School

Grades 9-12

Better-rated Onslow County school in the western part of the county. Families sometimes choose this area for improved academics.

Dixon High School

Grades 9-12

Onslow County school in the Holly Ridge area with solid academics and strong athletic programs.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Hunt Military Communities manages on-base housing. Demand is high with a large population. Apply immediately.

Off-Post Rental Market

Jacksonville is one of the most affordable military cities in the country. BAH comfortably covers housing in most neighborhoods.

Commute

Jacksonville is 5 to 20 minutes from various gates depending on your unit location. Sneads Ferry is 20 to 25 minutes to the main side. Holly Ridge and Hampstead are 25 to 35 minutes. Traffic is manageable outside of shift change times on Western Blvd.

Installation Highlights

Largest East Coast Marine installation, home of II Marine Expeditionary Force
Strong Marine Corps community with robust family support programs
Crystal Coast and Topsail Island beaches within 30 to 45 minutes
Very affordable cost of living in Jacksonville
New River Air Station adjacent for aviation community support

Insider Tips

Research which unit area of Camp Lejeune (main side, Camp Geiger, Stone Bay) before choosing housing to optimize your commute.

Onslow County schools are a common concern. Private and charter school options exist and many families use the base School Liaison Officer for guidance.

The Crystal Coast (Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach) is stunning and only 30 to 45 minutes from Jacksonville. A major quality-of-life asset.

Marine deployments from Lejeune are frequent. Connect with the unit Family Readiness Officer well before the first deployment.