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.

Army18,000+ soldiers

Fort Drum

Fort Drum · Watertown, New York

Fort Drum is home to the 10th Mountain Division, the most deployed division in the Army since 9/11. Located in the North Country of New York near Watertown, it is known for harsh winters and a tight-knit military community. The proximity to the Adirondacks, Thousand Islands, and Canada offers unique outdoor recreation.

E-5 BAH: $1,458
O-3 BAH: $1,872
Avg Home Price: $185,000
Branch: Army

Build My PCS Plan →

Neighborhoods

Watertown City

Off-Post

$1,000 to $1,400/mo

Closest city to post, affordable, small-town feel, improving downtown

Carthage

Off-Post

$900 to $1,200/mo

Small town 10 min south, very affordable, convenient to post

Evans Mills

Off-Post

$950 to $1,250/mo

Small community adjacent to post, short commute

Fort Drum On-Post

On-Post

On-Post BAH/mo

Managed by Balfour Beatty, high demand, apply immediately upon orders

Schools

Watertown City School District

Grades K to 12

Well-regarded North Country district with strong arts and athletics programs

Indian River Central Schools

Grades K to 12

Most popular with military families, serves Philadelphia and Evans Mills area

Carthage Central Schools

Grades K to 12

Small district, more personal attention, near southern gate

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Managed by Balfour Beatty. High demand due to limited local rental inventory. Apply as soon as orders arrive. Wait list is common for junior enlisted.

Off-Post Rental Market

Limited inventory compared to larger Army posts. Watertown and Indian River corridor are most popular. Prices are affordable by New York standards but inventory can be tight.

Commute

Main gates on Route 11 and Townline Road. Traffic is manageable for a post this size. Winter driving is a significant factor, four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive strongly recommended.

Installation Highlights

10th Mountain Division, most deployed Army division post-9/11
Excellent outdoor recreation, Adirondacks, Thousand Islands, and St. Lawrence Seaway
Relatively affordable housing compared to other NY state areas
Tight-knit military community, strong FRG and spouse networks
Canada day trips, Ottawa and Montreal within 2 to 3 hours

Insider Tips

Buy good winter gear before arriving, winters average 100 plus inches of snow annually
Four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle is essentially mandatory in winter
The Thousand Islands region is stunning in summer, explore by boat
New York state has a military retirement tax exemption for active duty retirees
Stock up on supplies before major snowstorms, the North Country can be isolated

Nearby Attractions

Thousand Islands and St. Lawrence Seaway
Adirondack Park, skiing, hiking, and camping
Ottawa, Canada (2 hours) for international experience
Montreal, Canada (3 hours) for city life
Lake Placid Olympic Museum and ski area (90 min)

School Liaison Officer

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

Phone: 315-772-5744
DSN: 772-5744
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Moving to Watertown?

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

Build My PCS Timeline

Help Us Help the Next Family

Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Fort Drum 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.