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 Force4,000+ military

Ellsworth Air Force Base

Ellsworth AFB · Box Elder, South Dakota

Ellsworth AFB is home to the 28th Bomb Wing and is the primary basing location of the new B-21 Raider, the most advanced stealth bomber in the world. Located near Rapid City and the Black Hills of South Dakota, it offers no state income tax, stunning outdoor recreation, Mount Rushmore, and one of the most unique and rewarding duty assignments in the Air Force.

E-5 BAH: $1,260
O-3 BAH: $1,638
Avg Home Price: $295,000
Branch: Air Force

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Neighborhoods

Rapid City

Off-Post

$1,100 to $1,500/mo

Primary community near Ellsworth, downtown revitalization, Black Hills access

Box Elder

Off-Post

$950 to $1,300/mo

Adjacent to post, most affordable and convenient, growing community

Black Hawk

Off-Post

$1,050 to $1,400/mo

Suburban community west of Rapid City, popular with families wanting more space

Ellsworth On-Post

On-Post

On-Post BAH/mo

Managed by Balfour Beatty, smaller base community, strong camaraderie

Schools

Rapid City Area Schools

Grades K to 12

Primary district serving the Ellsworth community, improving programs

Box Elder School District

Grades K to 12

Serves the adjacent community, small district with military population focus

Douglas School District

Grades K to 12

Box Elder area, popular with military families, good community feel

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Managed by Balfour Beatty. Smaller base means more intimate community. Off-post options in Rapid City are very affordable.

Off-Post Rental Market

Rapid City is very affordable housing market. No state income tax means your paycheck goes further. Strong buyer market with VA loans common.

Commute

Short commute from Box Elder or Rapid City to the main gate. Interstate 90 connects Rapid City to the base corridor. Most commutes are under 20 minutes.

Installation Highlights

Home of the B-21 Raider, most advanced stealth bomber in the world
No South Dakota state income tax, one of the best financial assignments in the Air Force
Mount Rushmore, Badlands, and Black Hills National Forest all within 1 hour
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August if that is your thing
Clean air, stunning scenery, and outdoor recreation second to none

Insider Tips

Buy a National Parks Pass immediately, you are surrounded by some of the best parks in the country
No state income tax makes South Dakota financially outstanding for military members
Sturgis Rally in August brings 500,000 motorcyclists, plan accordingly or embrace it
The Black Hills are stunning year-round, ski in winter, hike in summer
Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial are worth multiple visits with different guests

Nearby Attractions

Mount Rushmore National Memorial (30 min)
Badlands National Park (1 hour)
Crazy Horse Memorial (45 min)
Custer State Park and Wildlife Loop
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally each August

School Liaison Officer

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

Phone: 605-385-5040
DSN: 675-5040
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Moving to Box Elder?

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

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Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Ellsworth 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.