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

Mountain Home AFB

Mountain Home Air Force Base · Mountain Home, Idaho

Mountain Home AFB is home to the F-15E Strike Eagle and is one of the Air Force's premier combat training bases, known for its unrestricted airspace over the Idaho desert. The base sits in the high desert of southern Idaho about 50 miles southeast of Boise, offering access to a major metro area while maintaining a small-town community feel. Outdoor enthusiasts love the proximity to skiing, hiking, hunting, and fishing in the Idaho mountains.

E-5 BAH: $1,440
O-3 BAH: $1,860
Avg Home Price: $285,000
Branch: Air Force

Build My PCS Plan →

Neighborhoods

Mountain Home

Small Town

$900 to $1,300/mo

The primary community adjacent to base with affordable housing and close proximity.

Boise

Urban

$1,400 to $2,000/mo

Idaho's capital city 50 miles west offers a vibrant urban lifestyle with higher costs.

Meridian

Suburban

$1,500 to $2,000/mo

Fast-growing Boise suburb with top schools and modern amenities, popular for families willing to commute.

Nampa

Suburban

$1,200 to $1,700/mo

More affordable Treasure Valley community between Mountain Home and Boise.

Schools

Mountain Home High School

Grades 9-12

The primary high school for on-base and Mountain Home area families.

Mountain Home Junior High

Grades 7-9

Serves the junior high population of Mountain Home with solid academic programs.

Mountain Home Elementary

Grades K-6

Neighborhood school convenient to the base community with a high military family enrollment.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

On-base housing is managed by Hunt Military Communities with family homes; waitlists can be short due to many members choosing Boise.

Off-Post Rental Market

Mountain Home offers very affordable rentals. Boise area housing is pricier but provides access to Idaho's fastest-growing metro.

Commute

Mountain Home is 5 to 10 minutes from the main gate. The Boise/Meridian commute is 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic on I-84.

Installation Highlights

F-15E Strike Eagle wing with world-class unrestricted Idaho desert training airspace
Exceptional outdoor recreation including skiing at Sun Valley and Bogus Basin
Access to Boise metro area 50 miles west for shopping and entertainment
Strong hunting and fishing culture in a beautiful high desert and mountain setting
Tight-knit military community with a high quality of life for outdoor-loving families

Insider Tips

Many families split the difference by living in Nampa or Caldwell, balancing commute and Boise amenity access.
A vehicle with four-wheel drive is recommended for winter road conditions on I-84.
Sun Valley ski resort is about 2.5 hours away and worth the drive for ski season.
The Snake River offers excellent whitewater rafting and fishing just miles from the base.
Stock your pantry before winter storms; Mountain Home has limited grocery options compared to Boise.

Nearby Attractions

Boise River Greenbelt and downtown Boise
Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area
Bruneau Dunes State Park
Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area
Sun Valley and Sawtooth National Recreation Area

School Liaison Officer

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

Phone: 208-828-6055
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Moving to Mountain Home?

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

Build My PCS Timeline

Help Us Help the Next Family

Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Mountain Home 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.