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 Oceana PCS Guide, Housing, Schools & BAH

NAS Oceana

Naval Air Station Oceana · Virginia Beach, Virginia

NAS Oceana is the East Coast master jet base, home to multiple F/A-18 Super Hornet strike fighter squadrons. Located in Virginia Beach, the largest city in Virginia, sailors enjoy a vibrant beach community, easy access to the Atlantic, and proximity to the broader Hampton Roads military corridor.

Neighborhoods

Great Neck

Suburban

$1,700 to $2,200/mo

Established neighborhood in the northern Virginia Beach corridor. Top-rated schools, close to shopping, and reasonable commute to Oceana.

Kempsville

Suburban

$1,500 to $1,900/mo

Central Virginia Beach neighborhood popular with military families. Affordable, good schools, and central location.

Chesapeake (Greenbrier)

Suburban

$1,600 to $2,000/mo

Just south of Virginia Beach in Chesapeake, Greenbrier offers newer homes, excellent retail, and slightly lower prices than Virginia Beach proper.

Oceanfront/Shore Drive

Beach community

$1,800 to $2,400/mo

For those who want beach living, Shore Drive and the Oceanfront area offer a fun lifestyle. Noisier from flight ops but very popular with junior and senior officers.

Schools

Cox High School

Grades 9-12

One of Virginia Beach's top public high schools, located in the Great Neck area.

Princess Anne High School

Grades 9-12

Strong academics and sports programs, centrally located in Virginia Beach.

Larkspur Middle School

Grades 6-8

Well-regarded Virginia Beach City Public School serving the Kempsville corridor.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Lincoln Military Housing manages on-base units. Demand is high; apply early.

Off-Post Rental Market

Off-base market is competitive. BAH at O3 rates covers most rentals; buying is popular for longer tours.

Commute

Most Virginia Beach neighborhoods are 10 to 25 minutes from the main gate. Traffic on Oceana Boulevard and Virginia Beach Boulevard peaks during morning rush. Chesapeake residents average 20 to 30 minutes.

Installation Highlights

East Coast master jet base with F/A-18 Super Hornet strike fighter squadrons
Located in Virginia Beach, a large city with diverse amenities and entertainment
Atlantic Ocean beaches accessible within 15 minutes of most neighborhoods
Close to Norfolk Naval Station, Oceana, and Langley AFB, offering joint-service community
Strong private school options and magnet programs for military children

Insider Tips

Virginia Beach has no noise zones mapped near the base. Check the AICUZ noise maps before buying or renting near flight paths.

The Oceanfront is fun but noisy from jet noise. Great Neck and Kempsville are quieter family areas.

Virginia has state income tax, so budget accordingly compared to FL or TX bases.

Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek is nearby for additional shopping and recreation options.