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.

Navy3,000+

Naval Postgraduate School

Naval Postgraduate School · Monterey, California

The Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California provides advanced education and research to active duty military officers from all US services and allied nations. Situated on the former Hotel Del Monte property in downtown Monterey, the campus overlooks Monterey Bay and provides a world-class academic environment in one of the most beautiful coastal settings in California. Students typically attend for one to two years while earning master's or doctoral degrees in defense-relevant technical and policy fields.

E-5 BAH: $2,730
O-3 BAH: $3,432
Avg Home Price: $895,000
Branch: Navy

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Neighborhoods

Monterey

Coastal city

$2,400 to $3,200/mo

Walking distance to campus, historic downtown, Cannery Row nearby

Seaside

Military community

$1,900 to $2,500/mo

Adjacent to Fort Ord area, more affordable, large military community

Pacific Grove

Victorian coastal village

$2,600 to $3,400/mo

Charming small town, excellent schools, directly adjacent to Monterey

Marina

Suburban coastal

$1,800 to $2,400/mo

Most affordable in the area, 10 to 15 minute drive, former Fort Ord campus

Schools

Pacific Grove High School

Grades 9-12

Outstanding academic programs in a safe and beautiful coastal community

Monterey High School

Grades 9-12

Diverse student body, arts and cultural programs, IB curriculum available

Seaside High School

Grades 9-12

Serves the military community area, supportive of transient families

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Family housing available at La Mesa Village on the NPS campus and adjacent areas

Off-Post Rental Market

Monterey is expensive; Seaside and Marina offer the best value for families

Commute

The campus is walkable from Monterey. Seaside is 10 minutes and Marina is 15 minutes.

Installation Highlights

Graduate-level education at a world-class institution while maintaining full military pay and benefits
Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the finest marine science institutions in the world
Big Sur coastline immediately south is among the most dramatic landscapes in America
17-Mile Drive and Pebble Beach Golf Links provide iconic California coastal experiences
Carmel-by-the-Sea village offers exceptional art galleries, restaurants, and white sand beach

Insider Tips

NPS assignments are typically one to two years; accept the cost of living knowing the education and lifestyle are exceptional
La Mesa Village family housing on campus is worth the wait list as it saves significantly on California housing costs
Take a Big Sur road trip within your first month; the drive down Highway 1 is one of America's iconic experiences
Monterey Farmers Market and Fisherman's Wharf provide access to incredible local seafood at reasonable prices
The academic environment at NPS is demanding; family support systems and time management are critical to success

Nearby Attractions

Monterey Bay Aquarium on Cannery Row
Big Sur Highway 1 coastal drive
Carmel-by-the-Sea village and beach
17-Mile Drive and Pebble Beach
Santa Cruz boardwalk and University of California Santa Cruz

School Liaison Officer

Free support for military families navigating school enrollment, records transfers, and education options near Naval Postgraduate School.

Phone: 831-656-2441
Hours: Mon to Fri 0730 to 1630

Moving to Monterey?

Find a verified veteran or military spouse Realtor who knows Naval Postgraduate School and the local VA loan market.

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Did We Miss Something?

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