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.

Air Force4,000+ military and civilian personnel

Hanscom AFB

Hanscom Air Force Base · Bedford, Massachusetts

Hanscom Air Force Base is the home of the Air Force Research Laboratory Electronic Systems Center and Life Cycle Management Center, serving as a hub for Air Force electronic warfare, command and control, and communications acquisition programs. Situated in Bedford, Massachusetts at the edge of the Boston metropolitan tech corridor, the base is surrounded by some of the most prestigious suburbs and universities in the country. The cost of living is high but the intellectual and cultural environment is exceptional.

E-5 BAH: $3,126
O-3 BAH: $3,951
Avg Home Price: $725,000
Branch: Air Force

Build My PCS Plan →

Neighborhoods

Bedford

Suburban

$2,400 to $3,200/mo

Host community immediately adjacent to the base with good schools and quiet New England character.

Lexington and Concord

Historic Suburban

$2,800 to $4,000/mo

Historic Revolutionary War towns with top-tier public schools; premium rent but exceptional quality of life.

Burlington and Woburn

Suburban

$2,000 to $2,700/mo

More affordable Route 128 corridor towns with good schools and easy access to the base.

Lowell

Urban

$1,600 to $2,200/mo

Former mill city 20 miles north with lower rents; longer commute but significantly more affordable.

Schools

Bedford Public Schools

Grades K-12

Excellent small district right next to the base; one of the best-value school districts in Massachusetts.

Lexington Public Schools

Grades K-12

Consistently ranked among the top public school districts in the nation; competitive and academically rigorous.

Burlington Public Schools

Grades K-12

Strong district with excellent programs at a more affordable price point than Lexington.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Limited on-base housing is available with Corvias Military Living. Demand is high so apply early.

Off-Post Rental Market

Massachusetts housing is expensive. BAH is high but the competitive market means acting quickly on rentals. Bedford and Burlington offer the best balance of cost and commute.

Commute

Bedford is centrally located with most nearby communities within 15 to 25 minutes. Boston commutes of 30 to 45 minutes are common. Avoid I-93 and Route 128 during peak hours.

Installation Highlights

Home of Air Force Research Laboratory Electronic Systems Center in the heart of the Boston tech corridor
Surrounded by world-class universities including MIT, Harvard, and Tufts
New England seasons offer skiing, fall foliage, beaches, and rich colonial history
Boston is 30 minutes away with professional sports, world-class hospitals, and cultural institutions
Strong civilian sector for military spouses in the biotech and tech industries

Insider Tips

Research school districts carefully before choosing a neighborhood; quality varies significantly across nearby towns.
Cape Cod and the Maine coast are within 90 minutes for excellent summer beach trips.
Vermont ski areas are 2 to 3 hours north for world-class skiing in winter.
The MBTA commuter rail and bus service can supplement driving for trips into Boston.
Hanscom has a strong acquisition community with many opportunities for interagency and contractor engagement.

Nearby Attractions

Freedom Trail and historic Boston downtown
Minuteman National Historical Park in Lexington and Concord
Cape Cod National Seashore (90 minutes south)
Walden Pond State Reservation in Concord
Vermont ski resorts including Stowe and Killington

School Liaison Officer

Free support for military families navigating school enrollment, records transfers, and education options near Hanscom Air Force Base.

Phone: (781) 225-1893
DSN: 478-1893
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm

Moving to Bedford?

Find a verified veteran or military spouse Realtor who knows Hanscom Air Force Base and the local VA loan market.

Build My PCS Timeline

Help Us Help the Next Family

Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Hanscom Air Force Base 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.