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.

MCRD Parris Island PCS Guide, Housing, Schools & BAH

MCRD Parris Island

Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island · Beaufort, South Carolina

Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island is the East Coast boot camp for the United States Marine Corps, responsible for transforming civilian recruits into Marines. The permanent staff community is small, working alongside thousands of recruits at any given time. Located in the South Carolina Lowcountry adjacent to Beaufort, Parris Island staff families enjoy one of the most charming small cities in the South.

Neighborhoods

Beaufort (downtown/historic)

Historic city

$1,100 to $1,600/mo

The primary community for Parris Island staff families. Beaufort's historic downtown on the Beaufort River is beautiful, walkable, and full of excellent restaurants and antebellum history. About 10 to 15 minutes from the base.

Port Royal

Small town

$1,000 to $1,400/mo

Small town between Parris Island and Beaufort with affordable housing, waterfront access, and a short commute. Very popular with junior enlisted staff.

Burton

Suburban

$900 to $1,200/mo

Most affordable unincorporated area in Beaufort County. Close to both Parris Island and MCAS Beaufort, making it convenient for dual-military couples.

Bluffton

Suburban

$1,300 to $1,800/mo

Growing community 20 to 25 miles west toward Hilton Head Island. Newer construction, better schools, and a suburban feel. Popular with families willing to commute.

Schools

Beaufort High School

Grades 9-12

Primary Beaufort County school for staff families. Large military child enrollment with experienced counselors for PCS transitions.

Battery Creek High School

Grades 9-12

Serves the Burton and Port Royal communities closest to both Parris Island and MCAS Beaufort.

May River High School (Bluffton)

Grades 9-12

Newer and better-rated school option for families choosing Bluffton for the longer commute trade-off.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Limited on-base housing for permanent staff. Many families live off base in Beaufort. Apply early through Corvias.

Off-Post Rental Market

Beaufort County is very affordable. BAH covers comfortable housing in Beaufort, Port Royal, and Burton.

Commute

Beaufort and Port Royal are 10 to 15 minutes from the Parris Island main gate via the causeway. Burton is 10 minutes. Bluffton is 25 to 30 minutes. The causeway to Parris Island can back up at shift change for recruit operations.

Installation Highlights

Historic East Coast Marine boot camp with a proud legacy of over 100 years of making Marines
Small, tight-knit permanent staff community with strong unit cohesion
Historic Beaufort, one of the most charming small cities in America
Hunting Island State Park and Lowcountry marshes and beaches
Proximity to Savannah, Georgia and Hilton Head Island

Insider Tips

Attending a recruit graduation ceremony is a meaningful experience and an important tradition at Parris Island. Attend one early in your tour.

The Parris Island Museum on base is excellent for understanding the history of Marine Corps recruit training.

Staff duty as a Drill Instructor is demanding and time-consuming. Family readiness and spousal support networks are critical.

Savannah, Georgia, 45 minutes south, has one of the South's best restaurant and nightlife scenes. An excellent weekend destination.