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 Norfolk PCS Guide — Housing, Schools & BAH

Naval Station Norfolk

Naval Station Norfolk (NSN) · Norfolk, Virginia

Naval Station Norfolk is the largest naval base in the world, home to the Atlantic Fleet and dozens of ships, submarines, and air squadrons. The Hampton Roads area — Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Suffolk — is one of the most military-dense metro areas in the country.

Neighborhoods

Chesapeake / Great Bridge

Off-Post

$1,600–$2,100/mo

Popular with senior enlisted and officers, excellent schools, 30 min to base

Virginia Beach / Kempsville

Off-Post

$1,700–$2,200/mo

Strong schools, beach access, east VA Beach closer to base

Portsmouth / Churchland

Off-Post

$1,400–$1,800/mo

Adjacent to Norfolk, affordable, convenient but check neighborhoods carefully

Suffolk / Harbour View

Off-Post

$1,700–$2,200/mo

Western Hampton Roads, newer development, great schools, growing military community

Schools

Chesapeake City Schools

Grades K–12

Consistently top-rated in Hampton Roads — a major draw for military families

Virginia Beach City Schools

Grades K–12

Large district, strong overall, varies by area within the city

Suffolk City Schools

Grades K–12

Newer schools in Harbour View area are the best-performing

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Various on-base neighborhoods managed by Lincoln Military Housing. High demand — apply immediately upon receiving orders.

Off-Post Rental Market

Hampton Roads is a competitive rental market. Virginia Beach and Chesapeake are most popular but pricier.

Commute

Hampton Roads traffic is notoriously bad — tunnels create major bottlenecks. Budget extra time for tunnel crossings. Many sailors use base parking and carpool.

Installation Highlights

Largest naval base in the world — 75,000+ service members and their families
Atlantic and Pacific Fleet assets home-ported here
Hampton Roads has extensive military support infrastructure
Virginia Beach provides ocean access and recreation
Strong job market for military spouses in the federal contractor ecosystem