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 Yuma PCS Guide, Housing, Schools & BAH

MCAS Yuma

Marine Corps Air Station Yuma · Yuma, Arizona

MCAS Yuma is the primary Marine Corps installation for Harrier and F-35B training and is renowned for having the best flying weather in the world, averaging over 350 days of sunshine per year. Located in the Colorado River desert of southwestern Arizona, the station operates in one of the most demanding environments in the military, with extreme summer heat balanced by mild winters ideal for aviation operations.

Neighborhoods

Yuma (city center)

Small city

$1,000 to $1,400/mo

Most affordable option. Improving downtown with new restaurants and amenities. Convenient to base and all commercial services. Yuma is a compact city where most areas are close.

Foothills

Suburban

$1,100 to $1,500/mo

East Yuma community in the desert foothills with newer construction and a slightly more suburban feel. Popular with officer families. Newer shopping centers nearby.

Fortuna Foothills

Suburban

$1,000 to $1,400/mo

Unincorporated Yuma County community east of the city. Affordable, growing, and family-friendly with rural desert views.

San Luis (border community)

Border community

$800 to $1,100/mo

Southernmost point of the metro area near the Mexico border. Very affordable. Some families choose this area for the lower costs and proximity to Mexican border shopping.

Schools

Yuma High School

Grades 9-12

Yuma Union High School District's original school. Adequate academics with ongoing improvement efforts.

Cibola High School

Grades 9-12

Newer Yuma Union school serving the Foothills area with slightly better ratings and facilities.

Kofa High School

Grades 9-12

Serves the east Yuma corridor with solid JROTC and vocational programs popular with military families.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Corvias manages on-base housing. Reasonable availability for this smaller installation.

Off-Post Rental Market

Yuma is among the most affordable duty stations in the Marine Corps. BAH comfortably covers housing in all neighborhoods.

Commute

Most of Yuma is within 10 to 20 minutes of the base. The city is compact and traffic is minimal. Foothills is 15 to 20 minutes. Even San Luis, the furthest common community, is under 30 minutes.

Installation Highlights

Best flying weather in the world with over 350 days of sunshine per year
F-35B and AV-8B Harrier training in extreme desert environment
Very affordable cost of living compared to most duty stations
Colorado River access for water sports, boating, and camping
Mild winter climate attractive to outdoor recreation enthusiasts

Insider Tips

Summer heat in Yuma is extreme, regularly exceeding 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid being outdoors between 11 AM and 6 PM from June through September.

Winters in Yuma are genuinely pleasant, 65 to 75 degrees, and outdoor recreation peaks from October through April.

San Luis, Mexico, across the border, offers affordable grocery shopping, pharmacies, and restaurants for families who are comfortable crossing.

Lake Martinez and other Colorado River recreation areas are 30 to 45 minutes east and provide an excellent escape during the cooler months.