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+ soldiers

Fort Riley

Fort Riley · Junction City, Kansas

Fort Riley is home to the 1st Infantry Division, the legendary "Big Red One," one of the most storied combat divisions in U.S. Army history. The installation sits in the Flint Hills of north-central Kansas between Junction City and the college town of Manhattan, offering a mix of military community and Big 12 college atmosphere. The rolling Flint Hills tallgrass prairie is stunning and Kansas State University provides additional cultural and educational opportunities nearby.

E-5 BAH: $1,131
O-3 BAH: $1,458
Avg Home Price: $200,000
Branch: Army

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Neighborhoods

Junction City

Military town

$900 to $1,300/mo

Adjacent to post, heavily military community, affordable and convenient

Manhattan

College city

$1,200 to $1,800/mo

Home of Kansas State University, better amenities and schools, 20 miles east

Ogden

Small community

$800 to $1,100/mo

Very small community adjacent to post, extremely affordable, minimal amenities

Riley

Small town

$850 to $1,200/mo

Quiet small town east of post, affordable family housing option

Schools

Geary County USD 475

Grades K-12

Serves Junction City, high military student turnover, dedicated to military families

Manhattan-Ogden USD 383

Grades K-12

Excellent district in Manhattan, popular choice for military families willing to commute

Riley County USD 378

Grades K-12

Small rural district with tight community, good for families in the Riley area

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

On-post housing managed by Hunt Companies, generally good availability

Off-Post Rental Market

Very affordable in Junction City, better quality options in Manhattan

Commute

Junction City residents have short 5 to 15 minute commutes to most post areas. Manhattan commuters travel about 20 minutes on I-70 with minimal traffic.

Installation Highlights

Home of the 1st Infantry Division, one of the most decorated divisions in Army history
The First Division Museum on post tells the Big Red One story from WWI through today
Manhattan's Aggieville district is a lively entertainment area just 20 minutes away
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in the Flint Hills is a breathtaking natural landscape
Tuttle Creek Lake offers excellent fishing, boating, and camping near Manhattan

Insider Tips

Manhattan is worth the 20-minute commute for the college town atmosphere and better schools
Kansas State University offers continuing education and spouse employment opportunities
The Flint Hills tallgrass prairie is a hidden gem, explore Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Summers on the plains are hot, winters can be bitterly cold with high winds
The Big Red One community pride is real, embrace the division history and traditions

Nearby Attractions

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Tuttle Creek State Park and Reservoir
Kansas State University campus
Konza Prairie Biological Station hiking
First Division Museum at Fort Riley

School Liaison Officer

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

Phone: (785) 239-6061
DSN: 856-6061
Hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600

Moving to Junction City?

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

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Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Fort Riley 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.