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 Miramar PCS Guide, Housing, Schools & BAH

MCAS Miramar

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar · San Diego, California

MCAS Miramar is the former home of the Navy Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun) and is now a major Marine Corps aviation installation in the heart of northern San Diego. Home to F-35C, F/A-18, and helicopter squadrons of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Miramar offers the extraordinary lifestyle of San Diego with the unique challenge of California's high cost of living.

Neighborhoods

Mira Mesa

Suburban

$2,200 to $2,800/mo

Adjacent to the base on the south side, Mira Mesa is the most convenient off-base community. Diverse, affordable for San Diego, and close to base amenities.

Scripps Ranch

Suburban

$2,600 to $3,200/mo

Upscale community bordering Miramar to the west with top-rated Scripps Ranch High School and newer homes. Very popular with officer families.

Poway

Suburban

$2,400 to $3,100/mo

East San Diego County community known for Poway Unified School District, one of the best in California. 15 to 20 minutes from base.

Rancho Bernardo

Master-planned community

$2,300 to $3,000/mo

Large planned community in northern San Diego with affordable prices relative to coastal areas, Poway Unified schools, and convenient I-15 access.

Schools

Scripps Ranch High School

Grades 9-12

One of the top public high schools in San Diego Unified, directly adjacent to the base community.

Del Norte High School (Poway)

Grades 9-12

Part of the prestigious Poway Unified School District. Consistently among San Diego's top schools.

Mira Mesa High School

Grades 9-12

San Diego Unified school serving the community closest to base. Improving and diverse.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Lincoln Military Housing manages Miramar housing. Demand is high. Apply immediately upon receiving orders.

Off-Post Rental Market

Northern San Diego is expensive but BAH at O3 covers most neighborhoods. Junior enlisted should seek Mira Mesa or Rancho Bernardo for best value.

Commute

Mira Mesa is 5 to 10 minutes from the main gate. Scripps Ranch is 10 to 15 minutes. Poway is 15 to 20 minutes via I-15. Rancho Bernardo is 20 to 25 minutes. I-15 southbound toward downtown San Diego can be heavily congested in the morning.

Installation Highlights

Historic home of the Navy Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun) made famous in film
F-35C and F/A-18 operations in one of the premier aviation environments in the world
Northern San Diego location with easy access to beaches, mountains, and desert
World-class year-round weather and outdoor recreation
MCAS Miramar Air Show is one of the largest and most attended air shows in North America

Insider Tips

Poway Unified is widely considered one of California's best school districts. The commute from Poway to Miramar is short and worth it for families.

California's high income tax applies. Budget $400 to $700 per month in state tax liability.

The annual MCAS Miramar Air Show draws hundreds of thousands of visitors. Volunteer or attend as a great community event.

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) at Miramar has excellent facilities including a golf course, fitness centers, and recreation areas.