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.

Navy11,000+

MCAS New River

Marine Corps Air Station New River · Jacksonville, North Carolina

Marine Corps Air Station New River is located adjacent to Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina and serves as the home of Marine helicopter and MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aviation units that directly support the II Marine Expeditionary Force. The station operates as the East Coast hub for Marine rotary-wing and tiltrotor aviation, making it one of the most operationally active MCAS installations. Jacksonville is a military-centric city with affordable living and easy access to North Carolina beaches.

E-5 BAH: $1,401
O-3 BAH: $1,824
Avg Home Price: $265,000
Branch: Navy

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Neighborhoods

Jacksonville

Military city

$1,100 to $1,500/mo

Entire city caters to military, affordable housing everywhere, all amenities accessible

Sneads Ferry

Coastal community

$1,000 to $1,400/mo

Between base and Topsail Island, waterfront access, quiet community

Richlands

Rural/suburban

$950 to $1,300/mo

Affordable inland community, quieter than Jacksonville, farming area

Surf City

Beach community

$1,300 to $1,800/mo

Topsail Island, beach lifestyle, longer commute, summer rental market

Schools

White Oak High School

Grades 9-12

Serves MCAS New River area, strong JROTC, large military family enrollment

Jacksonville High School

Grades 9-12

Main city high school, diverse student body, improving programs

Clyde Erwin Elementary

Grades K-5

Well-regarded elementary serving Jacksonville area military families

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Family housing available through Atlantic Marine Corps Communities; wait times vary by size

Off-Post Rental Market

Jacksonville is extremely affordable; BAH provides excellent options across the city

Commute

Jacksonville neighborhoods are 5 to 15 minutes from base. Sneads Ferry is 20 minutes, Surf City about 35 minutes.

Installation Highlights

MV-22 Osprey and helicopter aviation mission directly supporting Marine Expeditionary Force operations
Adjacent to Camp Lejeune, creating a combined Marine aviation and ground community with full amenities
Topsail Island and Crystal Coast beaches are within 30 to 45 minutes
Very affordable cost of living with BAH providing comfortable housing options
Strong Marine Corps community with excellent family support programs and unit cohesion

Insider Tips

The Marine community at New River and Lejeune combined is enormous; family support resources are extensive
Topsail Island is underrated compared to the Outer Banks but is beautiful, closer, and less crowded
Deployment cycles for aviation units can be frequent and unpredictable; connect with the FRO before orders are effective
Wilmington is 45 minutes south with a vibrant downtown, good restaurants, and additional shopping
The Jacksonville area has many military-friendly businesses and professionals including real estate agents who understand PCS timelines

Nearby Attractions

Topsail Island and Surf City beaches
Crystal Coast and Cape Lookout National Seashore
Hammocks Beach State Park accessible by ferry
Wilmington historic downtown and riverfront
Raleigh day trip approximately 2 hours west

School Liaison Officer

Free support for military families navigating school enrollment, records transfers, and education options near Marine Corps Air Station New River.

Phone: 910-450-0703
Hours: Mon to Fri 0730 to 1630

Moving to Jacksonville?

Find a verified veteran or military spouse Realtor who knows Marine Corps Air Station New River and the local VA loan market.

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Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Marine Corps Air Station New River that we do not. The best intel comes from families who actually lived there. Tell us what you know and we will add it to the guide.