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 Cherry Point PCS Guide, Housing, Schools & BAH

MCAS Cherry Point

Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point · Havelock, North Carolina

MCAS Cherry Point is the largest Marine Corps air station in the world and home to AV-8B Harrier and F-35B squadrons as well as Fleet Readiness Center East, one of the Navy's primary aviation depot maintenance facilities. Located in Craven County between New Bern and the Crystal Coast, Cherry Point combines a strong aviation mission with access to one of North Carolina's most beautiful coastal regions.

Neighborhoods

Havelock

Military city

$1,000 to $1,400/mo

Adjacent city to the base and the primary community for Cherry Point personnel. Very affordable, military-focused, and extremely convenient to the main gate.

New Bern

Historic city

$1,100 to $1,600/mo

Charming historic city 30 minutes northwest known as the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola. Beautiful waterfront, great dining, and improving schools. Very popular with officer families.

Newport / Morehead City

Coastal small city

$1,000 to $1,500/mo

Gateway to the Crystal Coast, 20 to 30 minutes from base. Newport is affordable and suburban; Morehead City has the Crystal Coast waterfront and ferry to Shackleford Banks.

Emerald Isle

Barrier island beach community

$1,200 to $1,800/mo

Beautiful Crystal Coast barrier island about 30 to 35 minutes from base. Limited rental inventory but stunning beaches. Very popular for those who prioritize beach lifestyle.

Schools

Havelock High School

Grades 9-12

Craven County school directly serving the Cherry Point military community.

New Bern High School

Grades 9-12

Historic city school with improving academics and a strong arts and athletics program.

West Craven High School

Grades 9-12

Rural Craven County school serving the communities west of the base.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

On-base housing through Lincoln Military Housing. Apply early, particularly for larger family units.

Off-Post Rental Market

One of the most affordable coastal duty stations in the Southeast. BAH covers comfortable housing in all surrounding communities.

Commute

Havelock is 5 minutes from the main gate. Newport is 20 minutes. New Bern is 30 minutes via US-70. Morehead City is 25 minutes. Emerald Isle is 35 to 40 minutes including the bridge. US-70 is the primary corridor and can back up near Cherry Point.

Installation Highlights

Largest Marine Corps air station in the world by area
Home of Fleet Readiness Center East, a major career opportunity for aviation maintenance professionals
Crystal Coast beaches (Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Cape Lookout) are world-class
Very affordable cost of living with access to beautiful coastal North Carolina
Gateway location between New Bern and the Crystal Coast

Insider Tips

New Bern is a superior quality-of-life choice over Havelock for most families despite the longer commute. The historic waterfront and dining scene are significantly better.

Cape Lookout National Seashore is accessible by ferry from Harkers Island. One of the most pristine stretches of coastline on the East Coast.

The Crystal Coast is warmer and less crowded than the Outer Banks. Take advantage of it year-round, not just summer.

Check the base school liaison office for options. Craven County schools are improving and the liaison has strong relationships with local principals.