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.

Coast Guard3,500+

USCG Training Center Cape May

United States Coast Guard Training Center Cape May · Cape May, New Jersey

USCG Training Center Cape May is the only Coast Guard recruit training center in the United States, producing all enlisted members of the Coast Guard through an intensive eight-week basic training program. Located at the southernmost tip of the New Jersey shore, the base overlooks Delaware Bay and is surrounded by the historic Victorian resort town of Cape May. Permanent party staff enjoy a unique small-town coastal New Jersey lifestyle while supporting one of the most important training missions in the service.

E-5 BAH: $1,962
O-3 BAH: $2,505
Avg Home Price: $520,000
Branch: Coast Guard

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Neighborhoods

Cape May City

Victorian resort town

$1,800 to $2,600/mo

Iconic Victorian architecture, beach town, walking distance to base, seasonal tourism

Cape May Court House

Inland suburban

$1,500 to $2,000/mo

County seat, more affordable, quieter, 15 minute drive to base

Wildwood

Shore community

$1,300 to $1,800/mo

Retro boardwalk town north of Cape May, affordable off-season rentals

Villas

Working waterfront

$1,200 to $1,600/mo

Delaware Bay waterfront, affordable, quiet, fishing community

Schools

Lower Cape May Regional High School

Grades 9-12

Serves the lower Cape May County area, small class sizes

Cape May Elementary School

Grades K-8

Small school in the city, close-knit community

Middle Township High School

Grades 9-12

Cape May Court House area, larger enrollment, more programs

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Limited family housing on base; most permanent party staff live in the surrounding communities

Off-Post Rental Market

Off-season rental rates are much lower than summer rates; annual leases are the best value

Commute

Cape May City is 5 minutes from the training center. Cape May Court House is 15 minutes.

Installation Highlights

Only Coast Guard basic training installation in the country, central to the service's enlisted force development
Cape May is consistently named one of the most beautiful small towns in America with Victorian architecture and beaches
Cape May-Lewes Ferry provides Delaware access for day trips and regional travel
World-class bird watching during fall migration at Cape May Point State Park
Off-season Cape May offers a peaceful small community feel distinct from the summer tourist season

Insider Tips

Negotiate annual leases rather than seasonal rates to avoid extreme summer premium pricing
Cape May Point Lighthouse and State Park is a wonderful family destination year-round and costs very little
Atlantic City is 50 miles north for occasional entertainment; Philadelphia is 90 miles for major city access
The Cape May dining scene is exceptional for a small town; independent restaurants are far superior to chains here
Winter at Cape May is quiet and cold but remarkably beautiful; embrace the off-season character of the Shore

Nearby Attractions

Cape May Point State Park and lighthouse
Cape May-Lewes Ferry to Delaware
Wildwood boardwalk and amusement piers
Philadelphia historical sites and museums
Atlantic City casinos and boardwalk

School Liaison Officer

Free support for military families navigating school enrollment, records transfers, and education options near United States Coast Guard Training Center Cape May.

Phone: 609-898-6995
Hours: Mon to Fri 0730 to 1630

Moving to Cape May?

Find a verified veteran or military spouse Realtor who knows United States Coast Guard Training Center Cape May and the local VA loan market.

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