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.

Army20,000+ personnel

Fort Knox

Fort Knox · Radcliff, Kentucky

Fort Knox is home to Army Human Resources Command and the Army Accessions Command, and retains the legacy of the Armor School that made it famous. Most widely known as the location of the U.S. Gold Bullion Depository, Fort Knox sits in the heart of Kentucky horse country between Louisville and Elizabethtown. The surrounding area offers affordable living, excellent outdoor recreation, and easy access to Louisville's bourbon trail and cultural scene.

E-5 BAH: $1,146
O-3 BAH: $1,464
Avg Home Price: $215,000
Branch: Army

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Neighborhoods

Radcliff

Military adjacent city

$1,000 to $1,400/mo

Primary off-post community, affordable, very military-oriented

Elizabethtown

Suburban city

$1,100 to $1,600/mo

Better amenities and restaurants than Radcliff, 10 miles south on I-65

Vine Grove

Small town

$900 to $1,300/mo

Small community adjacent to post, quiet and affordable

Louisville suburbs

Metro suburban

$1,400 to $2,000/mo

About 35 miles north, more housing options and big city amenities

Schools

Hardin County Schools

Grades K-12

Serves Radcliff, Elizabethtown, and surrounding area, military-friendly district

North Hardin High School

Grades 9-12

Large high school in Radcliff serving a heavily military student population

Elizabethtown Independent Schools

Grades K-12

Smaller district in E-town with strong community support

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

On-post housing managed by Balfour Beatty, good availability in most ranks

Off-Post Rental Market

Very affordable in Radcliff and Elizabethtown

Commute

Radcliff and Vine Grove provide very short commutes of 5 to 15 minutes. Elizabethtown commuters travel 10 to 20 minutes on US-31W with generally light traffic.

Installation Highlights

Army Human Resources Command manages Army-wide personnel assignments from Fort Knox
The U.S. Bullion Depository stores a significant portion of the nation's gold reserves
Patton Museum of Cavalry and Armor preserves Armor and Cavalry history
Kentucky Bourbon Trail is accessible from Fort Knox, with dozens of distilleries nearby
Louisville is 35 minutes away with Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby, and excellent dining

Insider Tips

Elizabethtown has noticeably better dining and shopping options than Radcliff, worth the short drive
Explore the Kentucky Bourbon Trail on weekends, many distilleries are within an hour
Louisville's cultural scene including museums and restaurants is worth regular visits
Kentucky horse farms and pastoral landscapes are genuinely beautiful, explore by car
Mammoth Cave National Park is about an hour south, a must-see natural wonder

Nearby Attractions

Patton Museum of Cavalry and Armor
Churchill Downs and Kentucky Derby Museum
Mammoth Cave National Park
Kentucky Bourbon Trail distilleries
My Old Kentucky Home State Park

School Liaison Officer

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

Phone: (502) 624-6613
DSN: 464-6613
Hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600

Moving to Radcliff?

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

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Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Fort Knox 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.