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 Force10,000+ military and civilians

Edwards Air Force Base

Edwards AFB · Lancaster, California

Edwards AFB is the home of Air Force flight test and is one of the most storied aviation bases in history where Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier and the Space Shuttle landed. Home to the Air Force Test Pilot School and Air Force Research Laboratory, it is located in the high desert of California Antelope Valley. Los Angeles is 90 minutes south.

E-5 BAH: $2,337
O-3 BAH: $3,060
Avg Home Price: $380,000
Branch: Air Force

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Neighborhoods

Lancaster

Off-Post

$1,500 to $2,000/mo

Largest off-post city, growing amenities, direct highway to base, affordable for California

Palmdale

Off-Post

$1,600 to $2,100/mo

Adjacent to Lockheed Skunk Works, strong aerospace community, good schools

Edwards On-Post

On-Post

On-Post BAH/mo

Managed by Lendlease, remote desert location makes on-post living popular

Schools

Lancaster School District

Grades K to 8

Antelope Valley district, quality varies, research specific campuses

Antelope Valley Union High

Grades 9 to 12

Serves the broader Antelope Valley area, STEM magnet programs available

Palmdale School District

Grades K to 8

Slightly higher-rated than Lancaster, good magnet program options

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Managed by Lendlease. Remote location makes on-post living convenient and popular. Apply early.

Off-Post Rental Market

Lancaster and Palmdale are affordable by California standards. California BAH is high enough to cover good housing in the Antelope Valley.

Commute

Highway 14 connects to Lancaster and Palmdale. The remote desert location means most daily needs require a drive. Los Angeles is accessible via Highway 14 to I-5.

Installation Highlights

Home of Air Force flight test, Test Pilot School, and aviation history
Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier here in 1947, Space Shuttle landing site
California BAH is very high due to LA proximity
Los Angeles, beaches, and mountains all within 90 minutes
Strong aerospace and defense contractor employment in the Antelope Valley

Insider Tips

The Air Force Flight Test Museum on post is world-class and free
Los Angeles is 90 minutes away, plan regular city trips to avoid remote isolation
The desert heat in summer exceeds 100 degrees frequently, have good air conditioning
The Antelope Valley poppy fields bloom in spring and are stunning
Lockheed Skunk Works and Northrop Grumman are both in Palmdale for career connections

Nearby Attractions

Air Force Flight Test Museum on Edwards
Los Angeles and beaches (90 min south)
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve (spring)
Death Valley National Park (2 hours)
Joshua Tree National Park (2 hours)

School Liaison Officer

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

Phone: 661-277-3841
DSN: 527-3841
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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

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Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Edwards 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.