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.

Air Force4,500 active duty

McConnell AFB

McConnell Air Force Base · Wichita, Kansas

McConnell AFB is home to the KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling mission and is one of the Air Force's premier tanker bases transitioning to the new generation of refueling aircraft. Located in Wichita, Kansas, the self-described Aviation Capital of the World, McConnell sits surrounded by aircraft manufacturing facilities and a community that genuinely appreciates aviation. Wichita offers a surprisingly vibrant mid-sized city lifestyle with major league energy in a small-market setting.

E-5 BAH: $1,290
O-3 BAH: $1,620
Avg Home Price: $250,000
Branch: Air Force

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Neighborhoods

Derby

Suburban

$1,100 to $1,500/mo

Community directly adjacent to McConnell with high military family concentration and good schools.

East Wichita

Suburban

$1,100 to $1,500/mo

Convenient residential areas east of downtown with easy access to base and city amenities.

Andover

Suburban

$1,200 to $1,700/mo

Rapidly growing northeast suburb of Wichita with newer construction and excellent schools.

Downtown Wichita

Urban

$1,100 to $1,600/mo

Revitalized downtown area with the Keeper of the Plains, Old Town entertainment district, and river walks.

Schools

Derby High School

Grades 9-12

Consistently one of the top-rated high schools in Kansas, a top choice for military families.

Andover Central High School

Grades 9-12

Highly regarded Andover school district alternative for families living northeast of Wichita.

Prairie Elementary

Grades K-5

Derby district elementary school popular with families in the primary military community.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

On-base housing managed by Hunt Military Communities with family homes available for most ranks.

Off-Post Rental Market

Wichita metro housing is affordable; Derby offers the best combination of school quality and proximity.

Commute

Derby is 5 to 10 minutes from the gate. East Wichita is 10 to 15 minutes. Andover is 20 to 25 minutes northeast.

Installation Highlights

KC-46 Pegasus tanker transition mission at the forefront of Air Mobility Command modernization
Wichita is a genuine aviation city surrounded by Boeing, Textron, and Spirit AeroSystems facilities
Derby school district is one of Kansas' best and a major draw for military families
Very affordable cost of living with excellent housing options at all rank levels
Old Town Wichita entertainment district and river walk offer surprising urban energy

Insider Tips

Derby is the consensus best community for families; the school district reputation draws military families from across Kansas.
The Kansas Aviation Museum in Wichita is a hidden gem for aviation enthusiasts and families.
Wichita State University has a strong aerospace program and offers spouse employment and education opportunities.
The Keeper of the Plains statue at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers is stunning at night.
Kansas weather includes severe thunderstorms and tornadoes; know your shelter plan and weather app.

Nearby Attractions

Keeper of the Plains and the Arkansas River Pathways
Kansas Aviation Museum
Botanica Wichita Gardens
Old Town Wichita entertainment district
Chisholm Trail Museum in Wellington

School Liaison Officer

Free support for military families navigating school enrollment, records transfers, and education options near McConnell Air Force Base.

Phone: 316-759-5729
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Moving to Wichita?

Find a verified veteran or military spouse Realtor who knows McConnell Air Force Base and the local VA loan market.

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Did We Miss Something?

You know things about McConnell Air Force Base 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.