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.

MCAS Beaufort PCS Guide, Housing, Schools & BAH

MCAS Beaufort

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort · Beaufort, South Carolina

MCAS Beaufort is home to Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet and F-35B Lightning II training and operational squadrons. Located in the South Carolina Lowcountry, the station sits adjacent to the charming historic city of Beaufort and is just minutes from Parris Island. The area offers a distinctly Southern coastal lifestyle with live oaks, marshes, and mild weather.

Neighborhoods

Beaufort (downtown/historic)

Historic city

$1,100 to $1,600/mo

The charming historic downtown of Beaufort is one of the most beautiful small cities in the South. Walkable, with great restaurants and antebellum architecture. About 10 minutes from base.

Port Royal

Small town

$1,000 to $1,400/mo

Adjacent small town between MCAS Beaufort and the city. Affordable, waterfront access, and very close to the station. A favorite for young families and junior officers.

Burton

Suburban

$900 to $1,200/mo

Most affordable unincorporated community in Beaufort County. Good value for junior enlisted families. Close to both the base and shopping on Boundary Street.

Bluffton / Sun City

Suburban

$1,300 to $1,800/mo

Growing community 20 miles west toward Hilton Head with newer construction, good schools, and a suburban feel. About 25 to 30 minutes from the station.

Schools

Beaufort High School

Grades 9-12

Beaufort County School District flagship in the city with a large military child enrollment.

Battery Creek High School

Grades 9-12

Beaufort County school serving the Burton and Port Royal communities adjacent to the base.

May River High School (Bluffton)

Grades 9-12

Newer Beaufort County school in Bluffton with higher ratings and a growing enrollment.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Lincoln Military Housing manages on-base quarters. Limited inventory for a small station. Apply early.

Off-Post Rental Market

Beaufort County is very affordable compared to other coastal duty stations. BAH covers comfortable housing in most neighborhoods.

Commute

Port Royal and Burton are 5 to 10 minutes from the station. Downtown Beaufort is 10 to 15 minutes. Bluffton is 25 to 30 minutes via US-278. Hilton Head Island is 30 to 35 minutes.

Installation Highlights

F/A-18 and F-35B training in a scenic Lowcountry setting
Historic Beaufort ranked one of the most charming small cities in America
Proximity to Parris Island, Hunting Island State Park, and Hilton Head Island
Mild winters and warm coastal climate year-round
Affordable cost of living in a high-quality-of-life area

Insider Tips

Beaufort is a hidden gem. Take time to explore the historic district, waterfront park, and local restaurants on Bay Street.

Hunting Island State Park is 20 minutes from base and one of the most beautiful state parks on the East Coast.

Parris Island is minutes away. Attending boot camp graduations as a family activity and community event is a local tradition.

The Lowcountry lifestyle is slower and more relaxed. Embrace it as a welcome change of pace from high-operational-tempo stations.