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 Force8,000+ military and civilian personnel

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling · Washington, District of Columbia

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling sits at the confluence of the Anacostia and Potomac rivers in Southeast Washington DC, combining the former Anacostia Naval Station and Bolling Air Force Base into a joint installation. Home to the Air Force District of Washington and the Defense Intelligence Agency, this assignment places service members at the center of the national capital region with access to unparalleled history, culture, and federal career opportunities. Housing costs are among the highest in the military.

E-5 BAH: $3,609
O-3 BAH: $4,509
Avg Home Price: $625,000
Branch: Air Force

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Neighborhoods

On-Base Housing (Bolling)

Military Housing

$2,500 to $3,500/mo

Limited on-base housing; waitlists are common and priority goes to higher ranks and families.

Southwest DC and Navy Yard

Urban

$2,800 to $4,000/mo

Closest urban neighborhoods to the base with Metro access; excellent dining and nightlife scene.

Alexandria, Virginia

Urban Suburban

$2,500 to $3,800/mo

Popular with military families for good schools and Metro access across the Potomac.

Prince Georges County, Maryland

Suburban

$1,800 to $2,600/mo

More affordable Maryland suburbs east of DC with MARC commuter rail and Metro options.

Schools

DC Public Schools

Grades K-12

Quality varies widely; many military families opt for charter schools or relocate to Virginia or Maryland suburbs.

Alexandria City Public Schools (VA)

Grades K-12

Strong diverse district in Old Town Alexandria; very popular with military families at JBAB.

Prince Georges County Public Schools (MD)

Grades K-12

Large Maryland district with strong magnet programs; more affordable housing in its boundaries.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

On-base housing is very limited and waitlists are long. Plan to live off base in the DC metro area.

Off-Post Rental Market

Housing costs are extremely high throughout the national capital region. BAH is generous but the DC market is competitive. Virginia and Maryland suburbs offer more space for the price.

Commute

Metro access via the Anacostia and Navy Yard stations. Most personnel commute 20 to 45 minutes from Virginia and Maryland suburbs. DC traffic is notorious so Metro is strongly recommended.

Installation Highlights

Located in the national capital region with access to the entire federal government enterprise
Home of the Air Force District of Washington and the Defense Intelligence Agency
Steps from the National Mall, Smithsonian museums, and historic monuments
Unmatched professional development and joint assignments available
Metro system connects the base area to the entire Washington DC region

Insider Tips

Get on the on-base housing waitlist the moment orders are issued; do not wait until you arrive.
Use the Metro as much as possible; DC traffic and parking costs are severe.
Take full advantage of free Smithsonian museums, monuments, and cultural events unique to DC duty.
Network aggressively in DC; the relationships built here often define mid-career trajectories.
Explore both Virginia and Maryland suburbs before signing a lease; commute direction matters enormously.

Nearby Attractions

National Mall and Smithsonian Institution museums (free)
Old Town Alexandria waterfront and historic district
Arlington National Cemetery
National Harbor and MGM Casino in Maryland
Shenandoah National Park (90 minutes west in Virginia)

School Liaison Officer

Free support for military families navigating school enrollment, records transfers, and education options near Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.

Phone: (202) 767-4322
DSN: 297-4322
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm

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