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 Station Great Lakes PCS Guide, Housing, Schools & BAH

Naval Station Great Lakes

Naval Station Great Lakes · North Chicago, Illinois

Naval Station Great Lakes is the home of Recruit Training Command, the only Navy Boot Camp in the United States. The installation processes every Navy recruit, making it the gateway to the fleet for tens of thousands of sailors per year. Located in Lake County, Illinois, on the shores of Lake Michigan north of Chicago, the base also hosts various schooling and technical training commands.

Neighborhoods

Gurnee

Suburban

$1,500 to $2,000/mo

Popular Lake County suburb about 15 minutes from base with excellent retail (Gurnee Mills outlet mall), good schools, and a family-friendly feel.

Waukegan

Urban

$1,100 to $1,500/mo

Adjacent city to the base with the most affordable rents. Undergoing revitalization near its historic downtown. Closest off-base option.

Libertyville

Suburban

$1,600 to $2,200/mo

Upscale Lake County suburb with a charming downtown, top-rated schools, and a quieter lifestyle. 20 to 25 minutes to base. Popular with officer families.

Kenosha, WI

Suburban (Wisconsin)

$1,100 to $1,500/mo

Just across the Wisconsin border, 15 minutes from base. No Illinois state income tax. Affordable, improving downtown, and Lake Michigan access.

Schools

Libertyville High School

Grades 9-12

Consistently rated one of the top public high schools in Illinois. Families frequently choose Libertyville for this school.

Gurnee School District 56 / Warren Township High

Grades 9-12

Large Lake County school district serving the Gurnee area with solid academics and robust extracurriculars.

Kenosha Unified / Bradford High School

Grades 9-12

Wisconsin school district option for families choosing to live across the state line for tax and cost advantages.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

On-base housing through Lincoln Military Housing. Available for permanent party (non-RTC student) personnel. Apply early.

Off-Post Rental Market

Lake County has a moderate cost of living for the Chicago metro. BAH covers comfortable housing in Gurnee and Waukegan. Libertyville is a stretch for junior enlisted.

Commute

Waukegan is 5 minutes from base. Gurnee is 15 minutes. Libertyville is 20 to 25 minutes. Kenosha, WI is 15 minutes via I-94. Chicago commutes are 45 to 60 minutes on a good day. Metra North Line stops in Waukegan for train access to downtown Chicago.

Installation Highlights

Only Navy Recruit Training Command in the United States, a historically important and stable duty station
Lake Michigan shoreline access for beaches, swimming, and recreation
Chicago metro area cultural and sports amenities within 45 minutes
Strong North Shore Chicago communities with excellent schools
Metra commuter rail connects the base area to downtown Chicago

Insider Tips

Winters in Northern Illinois are brutal. Invest in proper cold-weather gear before your first January.

Great Lakes Metra train to Chicago takes about 1 hour. An excellent way to enjoy the city without driving.

Kenosha, Wisconsin is an underrated option for military families. Lower taxes than Illinois, Lake Michigan access, and a growing restaurant and arts scene.

Recruit Training Command has a unique rhythm. If you're a Recruit Division Commander (RDC), your schedule will be demanding. Family support programs are strong.