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Air Force7,500+ reservists and support personnel

March Air Reserve Base

March Air Reserve Base · Riverside, California

March Air Reserve Base is a major Air Force Reserve Command installation in the Inland Empire region of Southern California, home to KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling operations and numerous tenant units. The base offers access to Southern California amenities at a noticeably more affordable price point than coastal LA or San Diego. Riverside County provides a blend of suburban living, desert landscapes, and reasonable commutes to base.

E-5 BAH
$2,511
O-3 BAH
$3,168
Avg Home Price
$475,000
Branch
Air Force
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Neighborhoods

Moreno Valley

Suburban

$1,800 to $2,400/mo

Closest major city to the base with diverse housing options and improving amenities.

Riverside

Urban Suburban

$1,900 to $2,600/mo

University town with good schools, a historic downtown, and easy freeway access to the base.

Perris

Affordable Suburban

$1,600 to $2,100/mo

More affordable city south of the base; great for families wanting newer homes on a budget.

Hemet

Rural Suburban

$1,400 to $1,900/mo

Further inland with very affordable housing; longer commute but more space and lower costs.

Schools

Moreno Valley Unified School District

Grades K-12

Large district with varied school quality; research individual schools before choosing a neighborhood.

Riverside Unified School District

Grades K-12

Strong district with several highly rated magnet and STEM programs.

Val Verde Unified School District

Grades K-12

Smaller district between Perris and Moreno Valley with good elementary options.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Limited on-base housing; most active duty and reserve personnel live in surrounding Riverside County communities.

Off-Post Rental Market

Inland Empire offers significantly more affordable housing than coastal Southern California. BAH covers most options in Moreno Valley and Perris.

Commute

Moreno Valley and Riverside are the closest communities with 10 to 20 minute commutes. Freeway access on the 215 corridor is the main route.

Installation Highlights

  • Home of Air Force Reserve KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling operations
  • More affordable Southern California living compared to LA or San Diego coastlines
  • Air Mobility Command Museum on base with historic aircraft open to the public
  • Close to Big Bear Mountain for skiing and hiking in under 90 minutes
  • Inland Empire wine country in Temecula is just 30 minutes south

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