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.

Army8,500+ soldiers

Fort Wainwright

Fort Wainwright · Fairbanks, Alaska

Fort Wainwright is home to the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Arctic Warriors) and the Arctic Combat Training Center. Located adjacent to Fairbanks in interior Alaska, it offers extraordinary wilderness access, unique cultural experiences, and significant additional pay for the Alaska cost of living, including COLA and special housing adjustments.

E-5 BAH: $1,989
O-3 BAH: $2,538
Avg Home Price: $295,000
Branch: Army

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Neighborhoods

Fort Wainwright On-Post

On-Post

On-Post BAH/mo

Highly recommended for newcomers, heated by base infrastructure, manage the extreme cold effectively

Fairbanks City

Off-Post

$1,400 to $1,900/mo

Urban options, restaurants and shopping, heating costs are significant in winter

North Pole

Off-Post

$1,200 to $1,700/mo

Suburban community south of post, Christmas-themed town, family friendly

Ester

Off-Post

$1,300 to $1,800/mo

Small community west of Fairbanks, quieter, good for those who love rural living

Schools

Fairbanks North Star Borough Schools

Grades K to 12

District serves the Fairbanks area, good programs overall with strong outdoor education focus

North Pole Middle School

Grades 6 to 8

Popular with military families in the North Pole community

Lathrop High School

Grades 9 to 12

One of the top high schools in Fairbanks, strong academic and athletic programs

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Managed by Lendlease. On-post housing is heavily recommended for first-timers due to infrastructure for extreme cold. Heating included in BAH allocation for on-post residents.

Off-Post Rental Market

Fairbanks rental market is limited. Heating costs can be $400 to $800 per month in winter with fuel oil. Factor this into your budget when considering off-post.

Commute

Short commutes within the installation and to Fairbanks. Vehicle block heaters are essential, plug in your car overnight in winter. ACS and Carlson Center are key locations.

Installation Highlights

Arctic Combat Training Center, world-class cold weather military training
Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) visible September through March
Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend paid annually to Alaska residents
No Alaska state income tax, significant financial advantage
Extraordinary wilderness access, hunting, fishing, and hiking second to none

Insider Tips

Buy extreme cold weather gear before arriving, commercial gear beats military issue for daily life
Vehicle block heaters are not optional in winter, install one immediately
Apply for the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend shortly after establishing residency
Take every opportunity for outdoor adventure, hunting and fishing access is unmatched
Northern Lights photography is a skill you will quickly develop during your tour

Nearby Attractions

Denali National Park and Preserve (3 hours south)
Chena Hot Springs year-round outdoor hot springs
Northern Lights viewing September through March
World Ice Art Championships in Fairbanks each March
Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race starting in Fairbanks

School Liaison Officer

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

Phone: 907-353-7300
DSN: 317-353-7300
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Moving to Fairbanks?

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

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Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Fort Wainwright 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.