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.

MCB Hawaii PCS Guide, Housing, Schools & BAH

MCB Hawaii

Marine Corps Base Hawaii · Kailua, Hawaii

Marine Corps Base Hawaii is located at Kaneohe Bay on the windward side of Oahu, widely considered one of the most beautiful military installations in the world. Home to the 3rd Marine Regiment and supporting units, the base offers stunning views of the Ko'olau Mountains, access to some of Hawaii's best snorkeling, and the charming beach town of Kailua as its backyard.

Neighborhoods

Kailua

Beach town

$2,800 to $3,800/mo

One of the most desirable communities in Hawaii, directly adjacent to the base. Beautiful Kailua Beach, great restaurants, boutique shopping, and walkability. Expensive but iconic.

Kaneohe

Suburban

$2,400 to $3,200/mo

Adjacent town on the windward side with slightly more affordable rents than Kailua. Good schools and a quieter residential feel with easy access to the main gate.

Aiea / Pearl City

Suburban

$2,200 to $3,000/mo

Accessible via the H-3 freeway through the Ko'olau mountains, these Pearl Harbor-adjacent communities offer lower costs with a 20 to 25 minute commute through a scenic tunnel.

Hawaii Kai

Suburban/marina community

$2,600 to $3,400/mo

Upscale east Honolulu community on Maunalua Bay with marina access, hiking to Koko Head Crater, and excellent quality of life. About 25 to 30 minutes from base via H-1.

Schools

Kailua High School

Grades 9-12

Hawaii DOE school directly serving the Kailua and MCB Hawaii military community.

Kalaheo High School (Kailua)

Grades 9-12

Second Kailua high school option with solid academics and strong community involvement.

Le Jardin Academy (private)

Grades K-12

Well-regarded private school in Kailua, popular with officer families seeking higher-rated academics.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Lincoln Military Housing at MCB Hawaii is extremely desirable and demand is very high. Apply immediately upon receiving orders.

Off-Post Rental Market

Windward Oahu is slightly more affordable than the Pearl Harbor side but still very expensive. BAH helps significantly but families should budget carefully.

Commute

Kailua and Kaneohe are 5 to 15 minutes from the main gate. Aiea and Pearl City via H-3 are 20 to 25 minutes but traffic in the tunnels can add time. Hawaii Kai is 25 to 35 minutes via H-1 and the Pali Highway. H-3 is one of the most scenic commutes in the military.

Installation Highlights

Located at Kaneohe Bay on the stunning windward side of Oahu
World-class snorkeling, hiking, and beach recreation steps from the main gate
Kailua Beach consistently rated one of the top beaches in the world
Ko'olau Mountain Range provides dramatic scenery and hiking
Smaller, tighter-knit Marine community than Pearl Harbor side installations

Insider Tips

On-base housing at MCB Hawaii is some of the best in the Marine Corps. Fight hard for it. The wait list can be long but is worth it.

The windward side gets more rain than the leeward side of Oahu. Pack rain gear and embrace it, because it keeps the Ko'olaus lush and green.

Take every opportunity to explore the island. You may only get one Hawaii assignment. Hike Kailua's trails, snorkel Kaneohe Bay, and visit every beach.

Groceries and goods are significantly more expensive than the mainland. Shop the commissary and exchange aggressively.