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.

NAS Lemoore PCS Guide, Housing, Schools & BAH

NAS Lemoore

Naval Air Station Lemoore · Lemoore, California

NAS Lemoore is the West Coast master jet base, home to F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-35C Lightning II strike fighter squadrons. Located in the Central Valley of California between Fresno and Visalia, the base offers a close-knit aviation community, affordable housing compared to coastal California, and access to outdoor recreation in the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains.

Neighborhoods

Lemoore (city)

Small city

$1,100 to $1,500/mo

The adjacent city of Lemoore is the primary community for base personnel. Affordable, close, and improving with new development driven by military demand.

Hanford

Small city

$1,100 to $1,500/mo

Kings County seat 10 miles north of base with a charming historic downtown, more retail options than Lemoore, and slightly lower housing costs.

Visalia

Suburban

$1,300 to $1,700/mo

Larger Tulare County city 20 miles south with excellent schools, more shopping, and dining. Popular with officer families willing to commute.

Clovis / North Fresno

Suburban

$1,400 to $1,900/mo

About 40 miles north in the Fresno metro, Clovis offers top-rated schools and a larger city experience. The commute is longer but many senior officers choose this area.

Schools

Lemoore High School

Grades 9-12

Serves the base community directly. Has improved significantly over time with strong military family involvement.

Clovis North High School

Grades 9-12

One of the top public high schools in California, in Clovis Unified School District. Worth the commute for many families.

Mt. Whitney High School (Visalia)

Grades 9-12

Well-regarded Visalia Unified school popular with families who prefer Visalia over Lemoore for its size and amenities.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

On-base housing is well-maintained and popular given the limited off-base options. Apply early through Lincoln Military Housing.

Off-Post Rental Market

Rental and purchase market is very affordable by California standards. BAH easily covers comfortable housing in Lemoore or Hanford.

Commute

Lemoore city and Hanford are 5 to 15 minutes from the base. Visalia is 20 to 25 minutes via SR-198. Fresno and Clovis are 40 to 50 minutes via SR-99. The drive is straight and flat with minimal traffic outside rush hours.

Installation Highlights

West Coast master jet base for F/A-18 and F-35C squadrons
Dramatically lower cost of living than coastal California
Gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Tight-knit aviation community with strong squadron culture
Central Valley weather is hot and sunny with mild winters

Insider Tips

Summer temperatures routinely exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Air conditioning is essential and plan outdoor activities for mornings.

Use Lemoore's proximity to the Sierras. Mammoth Mountain, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia are all within 2 hours.

Families prioritizing schools often choose Clovis or Visalia over Lemoore itself despite the longer commute.

The base has a strong quality-of-life program. Take advantage of the outdoor recreation center for gear rentals before heading into the mountains.