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.

Space Force3,000+ military and civilian personnel

Los Angeles AFB

Los Angeles Air Force Base · El Segundo, California

Los Angeles Air Force Base is the headquarters of Space Systems Command and the center of the Space Force satellite acquisition and program management enterprise. Located in El Segundo adjacent to LAX airport, the installation sits in the heart of the Los Angeles aerospace industry corridor. Families enjoy proximity to beaches, world-class entertainment, and the full LA metro area at the cost of high housing prices.

E-5 BAH: $3,477
O-3 BAH: $4,422
Avg Home Price: $1,350,000
Branch: Space Force

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Neighborhoods

El Segundo

Coastal Suburban

$2,800 to $3,800/mo

Walkable small-town feel within a major metro; extremely popular with base personnel for short commutes.

Manhattan Beach

Beach Community

$3,500 to $5,000/mo

Premium beach city adjacent to El Segundo; top schools and beach lifestyle at premium rent.

Hawthorne and Lawndale

Urban Suburban

$2,200 to $2,900/mo

More affordable adjacent cities with reasonable commutes and improving neighborhoods.

Torrance

South Bay Suburban

$2,400 to $3,200/mo

Family-friendly South Bay city with good schools and more space for the price.

Schools

El Segundo Unified School District

Grades K-12

Small high-performing district; El Segundo High is consistently ranked among the best in LA County.

Manhattan Beach Unified School District

Grades K-12

One of the top public school districts in California; BAH usually does not fully cover rent in this district.

Torrance Unified School District

Grades K-12

Large high-quality district with multiple strong elementary and high school options.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Limited on-base housing is available. Most personnel live in the surrounding South Bay communities.

Off-Post Rental Market

Housing costs are very high. BAH is generous but may not fully cover premium areas like Manhattan Beach. El Segundo and Torrance offer the best value.

Commute

Most personnel live within 5 to 20 minutes of the base in the South Bay. Avoid commuting from further inland as LA traffic adds significant time.

Installation Highlights

Headquarters of Space Systems Command managing billions in satellite programs
Surrounded by the LA aerospace industry with SpaceX, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon nearby
Beach access within minutes: Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach
World-class dining, entertainment, and culture of the greater Los Angeles metro
Ideal for Space Force guardians interested in industry transitions after service

Insider Tips

Live as close to the base as your budget allows; LA traffic makes long commutes miserable.
The South Bay has a strong military community; connect with the LA AFB family readiness groups early.
Explore the aerospace museum at the California Science Center and the Air Force museum display at the base.
Parking at LAX is convenient from El Segundo for frequent travel assignments.
Cost of living requires careful budgeting; take advantage of COLA and ensure you understand your full compensation package.

Nearby Attractions

Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach boardwalks
Getty Center and Getty Villa art museums
Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park hiking
Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade
Disneyland (45 minutes in light traffic)

School Liaison Officer

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

Phone: (310) 653-5000
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm

Moving to El Segundo?

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

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Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Los Angeles 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.