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.

Army24,000+ soldiers

Fort Stewart

Fort Stewart · Hinesville, Georgia

Fort Stewart is home to the 3rd Infantry Division (Rock of the Marne), one of the Army most deployed divisions. Located in coastal Georgia near Hinesville and Savannah, it offers low cost of living, proximity to the beach, and Georgia outstanding outdoor recreation. Hunter Army Airfield is a sub-installation in Savannah.

E-5 BAH: $1,383
O-3 BAH: $1,827
Avg Home Price: $235,000
Branch: Army

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Neighborhoods

Hinesville

Off-Post

$1,100 to $1,500/mo

Primary off-post community, affordable, many military-friendly landlords and builders

Savannah Historic District

Off-Post

$1,400 to $2,000/mo

Beautiful city, longer commute to main post but Hunter AAF is nearby

Midway / Richmond Hill

Off-Post

$1,200 to $1,600/mo

Between post and Savannah, popular middle ground, good schools

Fort Stewart On-Post

On-Post

On-Post BAH/mo

Managed by Corvias, multiple housing areas across large installation

Schools

Liberty County Schools

Grades K to 12

Serves Hinesville area, significant military enrollment, improving ratings

Bryan County Schools

Grades K to 12

Richmond Hill area, higher-rated district popular with military families near Savannah

Savannah-Chatham County Schools

Grades K to 12

Large urban district, varies significantly by campus

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Managed by Corvias. Large housing inventory. Wait times moderate. Apply upon receipt of orders.

Off-Post Rental Market

Hinesville is very affordable. Richmond Hill is growing rapidly. Savannah proper has higher prices but strong rental market due to SCAD and tourism economy.

Commute

Fort Stewart main gate on Highway 144. Richmond Hill corridor is popular for balancing commute to post with access to Savannah. Hinesville traffic manageable.

Installation Highlights

3rd Infantry Division, high operational tempo and deployment history
Georgia no longer taxes military retirement pay
Proximity to Savannah, one of the most beautiful cities in America
Jekyll Island, Tybee Island, and Golden Isles beaches nearby
Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah for aviation units and Space-A travel

Insider Tips

Savannah is one of the best cities in the South, take every opportunity to explore it
The coastal Georgia heat and humidity are intense, homes need good air conditioning
Get to Jekyll Island and Cumberland Island before they get too crowded
River Street in Savannah is touristy but the surrounding neighborhood is worth exploring
Fort Stewart has some of the best hunting and fishing access of any installation in the Army

Nearby Attractions

Savannah Historic District and River Street (45 min)
Tybee Island beach (1 hour)
Jekyll Island and Golden Isles beaches (1.5 hours)
Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (1.5 hours)
Charleston, SC for a weekend trip (2.5 hours)

School Liaison Officer

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

Phone: 912-767-8836
DSN: 870-8836
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Moving to Hinesville?

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

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Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Fort Stewart 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.