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 Patuxent River PCS Guide, Housing, Schools & BAH

NAS Patuxent River

Naval Air Station Patuxent River · Lexington Park, Maryland

NAS Patuxent River is the Navy's premier flight test and evaluation center, home to the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division and the Naval Test Pilot School. It is the primary development and testing site for F-35 and other advanced naval aircraft. Located in St. Mary's County in Southern Maryland, the base offers a quiet, rural lifestyle with occasional access to the Washington DC metro area.

Neighborhoods

Lexington Park

Small city

$1,400 to $1,900/mo

The town directly adjacent to the base with the highest concentration of military families. Most affordable and most convenient. Growing commercial area.

California / Wildewood

Suburban

$1,500 to $2,000/mo

Planned community in St. Mary's County with newer construction, golf course, trails, and a suburban feel. About 10 minutes from the main gate and very popular with officer families.

Great Mills

Suburban

$1,300 to $1,800/mo

Affordable St. Mary's County community between Lexington Park and California. Good value housing and close to base.

St. Mary's City area

Rural/small town

$1,400 to $1,800/mo

Near the historic St. Mary's City site and St. Mary's College. Rural feel with water access to the St. Mary's River and Chesapeake Bay.

Schools

Great Mills High School

Grades 9-12

St. Mary's County Public Schools high school closest to the base. Improving under strong military family engagement.

Leonardtown High School

Grades 9-12

St. Mary's County seat school with stronger academic ratings and a broader extracurricular program. About 20 minutes from base.

Chesapeake Hills Golf and Middle School area

Grades 6-8

Several middle schools in the California/Wildewood area serve the military family population adequately.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

On-base housing through Lincoln Military Housing. Adequate supply for the installation size. Apply early nonetheless.

Off-Post Rental Market

St. Mary's County is significantly more affordable than the DC suburbs. BAH covers comfortable off-base housing.

Commute

Lexington Park and California are 5 to 15 minutes from the main gate. Leonardtown is 20 minutes. Washington DC is 65 to 80 miles north on MD-4/US-301, typically 75 to 90 minutes with traffic. Many personnel find the drive worthwhile for weekend trips.

Installation Highlights

Navy's premier flight test center and home of the Naval Test Pilot School
F-35 and advanced aircraft development mission, highly technical and career-enhancing
Chesapeake Bay and Patuxent River access for boating, crabbing, and fishing
Rural Southern Maryland lifestyle with lower cost of living than DC suburbs
Close enough to DC for cultural events while maintaining a peaceful community feel

Insider Tips

Pax River is an engineering and aviation test community. Strong professional networks form quickly and career development opportunities are excellent.

Crabbing and fishing in the Chesapeake Bay and Patuxent River are world-class. Get a Maryland fishing license immediately upon arrival.

The commute to DC is long but doable for weekend trips. Annapolis is closer (about 1 hour) for a day trip with excellent dining and history.

Southern Maryland has a strong craft beer and wine scene for a rural area. Support local.