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 Force40,000+ military and civilians

JB McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst · Burlington County, New Jersey

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst is the only tri-service joint base in the DoD, combining Air Force airlift, Army training, and Navy systems. Located in central New Jersey between Philadelphia and the Jersey Shore, it offers easy access to New York City, Philadelphia, and beach towns. New Jersey ranks high nationally for military spouse employment due to proximity to major metro areas.

E-5 BAH: $2,073
O-3 BAH: $2,709
Avg Home Price: $370,000
Branch: Air Force

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Neighborhoods

Wrightstown

Off-Post

$1,600 to $2,100/mo

Adjacent to post, most convenient, traditional military town near main gate

Mount Holly

Off-Post

$1,700 to $2,200/mo

Charming small city nearby, historic district, good schools

Medford

Off-Post

$2,100 to $2,700/mo

Upscale suburb with excellent schools, worth the commute for many families

JB McGuire On-Post

On-Post

On-Post BAH/mo

Managed by Balfour Beatty, high demand for on-post housing

Schools

Rancocas Valley Regional

Grades 9 to 12

Serves the Mount Holly and Browns Mills area, strong programs

Medford Township Schools

Grades K to 12

Top-rated district in Burlington County, popular with officers and senior NCOs

Pemberton Township Schools

Grades K to 12

Serves Browns Mills area closest to post, heavy military enrollment

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Managed by Balfour Beatty. High demand. NJ BAH is among the highest in the DoD due to metro area cost of living.

Off-Post Rental Market

New Jersey is expensive. NJ BAH is calibrated accordingly. Wrightstown and Browns Mills are most affordable. Medford and Mount Holly are premium.

Commute

Route 537 and Route 68 are primary access routes. Philadelphia is 45 min via I-295. New York City is 90 min via NJ Turnpike or NJ Transit train.

Installation Highlights

Only tri-service joint base in the DoD, Air Force, Army, and Navy
NYC and Philadelphia both accessible within 60 to 90 minutes
Jersey Shore beaches (Point Pleasant, Long Branch) 45 to 60 minutes
Major East Coast airlift hub for 305th Air Mobility Wing
Strong military spouse employment market due to NYC metro proximity

Insider Tips

NJ BAH is high but so is the cost of living, research before arriving
NJ Transit train to Philadelphia and New York City makes car-free day trips possible
The Jersey Shore beaches are worth every minute of the summer crowd
New York City is a 90-minute drive or NJ Transit ride away for world-class culture
New Jersey has excellent military spouse licensing reciprocity laws

Nearby Attractions

New York City (90 min via NJ Turnpike or NJ Transit)
Philadelphia and Liberty Bell (45 min)
Jersey Shore beaches, Point Pleasant and Long Branch (45 to 60 min)
Pinelands National Reserve hiking and nature
Six Flags Great Adventure (30 min)

School Liaison Officer

Free support for military families navigating school enrollment, records transfers, and education options near Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

Phone: 609-754-2258
DSN: 650-2258
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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Find a verified veteran or military spouse Realtor who knows Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and the local VA loan market.

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Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst 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.