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 Mayport PCS Guide, Housing, Schools & BAH

Naval Station Mayport

Naval Station Mayport · Jacksonville, Florida

Naval Station Mayport is the third-largest Navy surface fleet homeport in the United States, supporting destroyers, cruisers, and amphibious ships. Located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the St. Johns River, Mayport offers sailors the unique combination of a beach lifestyle and a major fleet concentration.

Neighborhoods

Atlantic Beach

Beach community

$1,600 to $2,100/mo

Directly adjacent to the base, Atlantic Beach is the most popular choice for Mayport sailors. Walkable, beachy vibe, great restaurants, and no commute.

Neptune Beach

Beach community

$1,700 to $2,200/mo

Just south of Atlantic Beach with a charming town center, popular bars and restaurants, and easy access to base. Great for single sailors and young families.

Jacksonville Beach

Beach community

$1,500 to $2,000/mo

Slightly more affordable than its northern neighbors with more rental inventory. About 15 minutes from the main gate.

Ponte Vedra Beach

Upscale suburban

$2,000 to $2,800/mo

Upscale St. Johns County community south of the beaches with top-rated schools and beautiful homes. Higher rent but excellent schools for families with children.

Schools

Fletcher High School

Grades 9-12

Duval County school serving the beaches communities, strong academics and a tradition of excellence.

Ponte Vedra High School

Grades 9-12

Top-rated St. Johns County school about 20 minutes from base. Families willing to commute often choose this area for schools.

Mayport Middle School

Grades 6-8

Local Duval County school close to the base. Many families opt for charter options in the area.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

On-base housing available through Balfour Beatty. Request early as beach-adjacent units are popular.

Off-Post Rental Market

Rental market near the beaches is tight but BAH covers most options. Buying in Neptune or Atlantic Beach is popular for mid-grade sailors.

Commute

Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach are 5 minutes from the gate. Jacksonville Beach is 15 minutes. Families in Ponte Vedra or Mandarin should budget 25 to 35 minutes depending on traffic.

Installation Highlights

Third-largest Navy surface fleet homeport with destroyers and cruisers
On-base access to the Atlantic Ocean with a beach recreation area
Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach offer a tight-knit beach community lifestyle
No state income tax in Florida
Ferry access from Mayport Village to Fort George Island for recreation

Insider Tips

Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach are the top picks for quality of life near Mayport. Small, walkable, and community-oriented.

Flooding is a real concern near the beaches. Check flood zone maps before signing a lease or buying.

The base has a marina and recreation beach, making it one of the better quality-of-life installations in the Navy.

Shop the NAS Jacksonville commissary (20 minutes via I-295) for the best selection.