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.

Naval Base Kitsap PCS Guide, Housing, Schools & BAH

Naval Base Kitsap

Naval Base Kitsap · Bremerton, Washington

Naval Base Kitsap is home to the Trident ballistic missile submarine fleet and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, one of the Navy's premier ship repair facilities. Spanning the Bremerton and Bangor areas of the Kitsap Peninsula, the base offers the stunning Pacific Northwest lifestyle with ferry access to Seattle and a vibrant local community in Silverdale.

Neighborhoods

Silverdale

Suburban

$1,800 to $2,400/mo

The commercial hub of Kitsap County. Excellent retail and dining at Kitsap Mall, good schools, and centrally located between Bremerton and Bangor. Most popular neighborhood for military families.

Bremerton (downtown area)

Urban

$1,500 to $2,000/mo

Undergoing significant revitalization with new waterfront development and restaurants. Ferry terminal to Seattle is a major draw for those who want city access.

Poulsbo

Small town

$1,700 to $2,300/mo

Charming Scandinavian-heritage town on Liberty Bay north of Silverdale. Walkable downtown, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community. Popular with families.

Port Orchard

Suburban

$1,600 to $2,100/mo

South Kitsap community across Sinclair Inlet from Bremerton. More affordable than Silverdale, growing rapidly with new construction and good schools.

Schools

Central Kitsap High School

Grades 9-12

Central Kitsap School District flagship school in Silverdale. Strong academics, competitive athletics, and a large military family enrollment.

North Kitsap High School (Poulsbo)

Grades 9-12

Well-regarded school in the Poulsbo community with strong test scores and community involvement.

Olympic High School (Bremerton)

Grades 9-12

Bremerton School District high school serving the southern peninsula, with improving academics and renovation efforts.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

On-base housing through Lincoln Military Housing at both Bremerton and Bangor. Apply early, particularly for Bangor sub community.

Off-Post Rental Market

Kitsap County is significantly more affordable than Seattle across the water. BAH at most rates comfortably covers housing in Silverdale and Bremerton.

Commute

Silverdale is 15 to 20 minutes from Bremerton and 10 to 15 minutes from Bangor. Poulsbo is 20 minutes from Bangor. Bremerton is 5 minutes from the shipyard and 30 to 40 minutes from Bangor. Factor in ferry time if commuting to Seattle.

Installation Highlights

Home of the Trident submarine fleet, the sea-based leg of the nuclear triad
Puget Sound Naval Shipyard provides massive civilian employment for military spouses
Ferry service from Bremerton to Seattle provides big-city access without big-city rent
No state income tax in Washington
Stunning Pacific Northwest scenery, hiking, and recreation on the Olympic Peninsula

Insider Tips

Silverdale is the sweet spot for most families. Good schools, central location, excellent shopping, and reasonable prices.

The Bremerton ferry to Seattle is a game-changer for shopping, entertainment, and day trips. Buy a multi-ride pass.

Submarine duty at Kitsap involves significant underway periods. Connect with the Family Readiness Group early for support during deployments.

Rain is a constant. Embrace it or you will be miserable. The mild, grey climate is simply the trade-off for the beauty and affordability.