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.

Army6,000+ students and staff

Fort Leavenworth

Fort Leavenworth · Leavenworth, Kansas

Fort Leavenworth is the intellectual center of the U.S. Army, home to the Command and General Staff College where officers from across the services and allied nations come to study the art and science of warfare. As the Army's oldest active installation west of the Mississippi River, Fort Leavenworth carries enormous historical significance and a sense of tradition. The Kansas City metro area is a 30-minute drive and provides big-city amenities while Leavenworth itself has a charming small-town feel.

E-5 BAH: $1,383
O-3 BAH: $1,767
Avg Home Price: $260,000
Branch: Army

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Neighborhoods

Leavenworth City

Historic small city

$1,100 to $1,600/mo

Walkable to the post, historic architecture, good community feel

Lansing

Suburban town

$1,200 to $1,700/mo

Adjacent to Leavenworth, newer housing stock, good schools

Basehor

Suburban community

$1,400 to $1,900/mo

Growing community with excellent Basehor-Linwood schools, 15 miles from post

Shawnee/Overland Park

KC suburb

$1,500 to $2,200/mo

Full Kansas City amenities, 30 minutes from post, popular with senior officers

Schools

Leavenworth USD 453

Grades K-12

Serves the city of Leavenworth, improving, diverse military family population

Basehor-Linwood USD 458

Grades K-12

Highly rated suburban district, popular destination for military families

Lansing USD 469

Grades K-12

Good district adjacent to post, strong community involvement

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Historic on-post housing available, waitlists exist for larger homes

Off-Post Rental Market

Affordable options in Leavenworth, Lansing, and Basehor

Commute

On-post commutes are short and simple, with most housing within minutes of the main post. Kansas City commuters face 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic on I-70 or US-73.

Installation Highlights

Command and General Staff College is one of the most prestigious professional military education programs
Fort Leavenworth is the Army's oldest active installation west of the Mississippi
The Frontier Army Museum on post is outstanding for military history
Kansas City is 30 minutes away with major league sports, world-class BBQ, and a vibrant arts scene
Officer student assignments at CGSC typically last one year, creating an intense intellectual community

Insider Tips

CGSC students should embrace the academic community and build relationships across the joint environment
Basehor-Linwood schools are worth the slightly longer drive for families with children
Kansas City BBQ is a serious matter, explore both the Missouri and Kansas sides
The Frontier Army Museum on post is free and excellent for military history buffs
The Missouri River bluffs near Leavenworth are beautiful for walking and cycling

Nearby Attractions

Frontier Army Museum at Fort Leavenworth
Kansas City Country Club Plaza
National WWI Museum and Memorial (Kansas City)
Leavenworth Landing Park on the Missouri River
Atchison, Kansas historic town

School Liaison Officer

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

Phone: (913) 684-2772
DSN: 552-2772
Hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600

Moving to Leavenworth?

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

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Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Fort Leavenworth 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.