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

Dyess Air Force Base

Dyess AFB · Abilene, Texas

Dyess AFB is the only base in the world where both B-1B Lancer supersonic bombers and C-130J Super Hercules operate side by side. Located in Abilene in west-central Texas, it offers no Texas state income tax, very affordable Midwest Texas living, a close-knit military community, and direct access to wide-open west Texas landscape with Big Country hospitality.

E-5 BAH: $1,107
O-3 BAH: $1,440
Avg Home Price: $195,000
Branch: Air Force

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Neighborhoods

Abilene

Off-Post

$950 to $1,300/mo

Only significant off-post community, affordable, growing, three private universities

Wylie

Off-Post

$1,000 to $1,350/mo

Suburb north of Abilene, newer construction, higher-rated schools

Dyess On-Post

On-Post

On-Post BAH/mo

Managed by Corvias, on-post housing popular due to limited off-post market

Schools

Abilene ISD

Grades K to 12

Primary district, varies significantly by campus

Wylie ISD

Grades K to 12

Suburban district north of Abilene, consistently higher-rated, popular with military families

Hardin-Simmons University

Grades University

One of three Abilene private universities, strong veteran programs

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Managed by Corvias. On-post is a popular option given the limited off-post market. Texas BAH covers housing well in Abilene.

Off-Post Rental Market

Abilene is very affordable. Wylie ISD area is most desirable for families. Strong VA loan lender community given large veteran population.

Commute

South 1st Street and Highway 83-84 are primary routes. Abilene is adjacent to post. Wylie is 20 minutes north. Limited traffic makes commutes easy.

Installation Highlights

World only B-1B Lancer and C-130J co-located wing
No Texas state income tax, strong financial advantage
Tight-knit small-city military community with genuine Big Country hospitality
Very affordable cost of living, one of the most financially favorable Air Force assignments
Clear skies and wide-open west Texas landscape for outdoor recreation

Insider Tips

No state income tax makes Texas Dyess one of the financially best Air Force assignments
Abilene is a genuine community, not just a military town, invest in it
The west Texas sky is incredible for stargazing, get outside at night
Frontier Texas museum and Dyess Linear Air Park are local gems
The B-1B static display park on base is accessible and impressive

Nearby Attractions

Dyess Linear Air Park on base, B-1B and historic aircraft
Frontier Texas Living History Museum
Lake Fort Phantom Hill for fishing and boating
Big Spring State Park (1 hour west)
Fort Worth and Dallas metro (3 hours east)

School Liaison Officer

Free support for military families navigating school enrollment, records transfers, and education options near Dyess AFB.

Phone: 325-696-3700
DSN: 461-3700
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Moving to Abilene?

Find a verified veteran or military spouse Realtor who knows Dyess AFB and the local VA loan market.

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Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Dyess AFB 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.