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 Force6,000 active duty and students

Maxwell AFB

Maxwell Air Force Base · Montgomery, Alabama

Maxwell AFB is the intellectual center of the Air Force, hosting Air University and the Air War College where officers from across the services and allied nations pursue advanced professional military education. Situated along the Alabama River in Montgomery, the base offers a unique mix of history, academia, and Southern culture. Assignments here are highly sought after for career development and the quality of life Montgomery provides.

E-5 BAH: $1,230
O-3 BAH: $1,590
Avg Home Price: $210,000
Branch: Air Force

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Neighborhoods

Cloverdale

Historic

$1,100 to $1,500/mo

Walkable historic neighborhood with Craftsman bungalows and proximity to base.

Prattville

Suburban

$1,200 to $1,600/mo

Popular suburb northwest of Montgomery with newer homes and excellent schools.

Pike Road

Suburban

$1,300 to $1,800/mo

Fast-growing community east of Montgomery known for top-rated schools.

Midtown Montgomery

Urban

$1,000 to $1,400/mo

Close to base with access to downtown dining and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival.

Schools

Pike Road High School

Grades 9-12

One of the highest-rated schools in Alabama, located in fast-growing Pike Road.

Prattville High School

Grades 9-12

Strong academics and athletics in a community with a large military family presence.

Cloverdale Elementary School

Grades K-5

Neighborhood school in historic Cloverdale convenient for families living near base.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

On-base housing is available for families and includes historic homes near the flight line and newer construction in residential areas.

Off-Post Rental Market

Montgomery's affordable market offers a wide range of single-family homes and rentals at prices well below national averages.

Commute

Most Montgomery neighborhoods are 10 to 20 minutes from the base. Prattville is about 20 minutes northwest and Pike Road is 20 to 25 minutes east.

Installation Highlights

Home to Air University and the prestigious Air War College
Rich civil rights history with the National Memorial for Peace and Justice nearby
Low cost of living with some of the most affordable housing near any major base
Southern hospitality and a welcoming military community
Alabama River corridor with parks and outdoor recreation

Insider Tips

Pike Road schools are worth the slightly longer commute for families with school-age children.
Montgomery is deeply connected to American civil rights history; take time to explore the museums.
The Alabama Shakespeare Festival runs year-round and offers world-class performances at low cost.
Many students at Air University are short-term TDY; connect with permanent party families for community roots.
Prattville is highly recommended for its strong schools, newer neighborhoods, and military-friendly community.

Nearby Attractions

National Memorial for Peace and Justice
Alabama Shakespeare Festival
Rosa Parks Museum
Alabama River parks and walking trails
Hank Williams Museum

School Liaison Officer

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

Phone: 334-953-5716
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Moving to Montgomery?

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

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Did We Miss Something?

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