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.

Fort Carson PCS Guide — Housing, Schools & BAH

Fort Carson

Fort Carson · Colorado Springs, Colorado

Fort Carson sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado Springs, home to the 4th Infantry Division and 10th Special Forces Group. The combination of stunning mountain scenery, world-class outdoor recreation, and a strong military community makes this a highly desired assignment.

Neighborhoods

Fountain / Widefield

Off-Post

$1,500–$2,000/mo

South of post, closest off-post option, most affordable, large military community

Security / Broadmoor

Off-Post

$1,700–$2,300/mo

Central Colorado Springs, varied neighborhoods, good access to base

Briargate / Northgate

Off-Post

$1,800–$2,400/mo

North Colorado Springs, excellent schools, newer construction, 35 min to south gate

Pueblo West

Off-Post

$1,400–$1,800/mo

South of Fort Carson, very affordable, rural feel, longer commute

Schools

Fountain-Fort Carson D8

Grades K–12

Closest to post, serves Fountain area, solid military-experienced district

Academy D20

Grades K–12

Briargate/Northgate area — top-rated district in the Springs, worth the commute

Colorado Springs D11

Grades K–12

Central Springs, mixed ratings, some excellent individual schools

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Balfour Beatty manages on-post housing. Mountain views from some units. Apply early — demand is high.

Off-Post Rental Market

Colorado Springs market has risen significantly. Fountain area offers best value for BAH.

Commute

Post has multiple gates. South Gate serves Fountain best. North Gate for Powers/Briargate commuters. I-25 can be busy during peak hours.

Installation Highlights

14,000 ft Pikes Peak visible from post
World-class skiing at Vail, Breckenridge, Telluride (2–3 hrs)
Hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing at Garden of the Gods (free)
Multiple bases in the Springs: Peterson SFB, Schriever SFB, NORAD
Strong spouse job market in the defense contractor ecosystem