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.

Navy15,000+

Naval Station Portsmouth

Naval Station Portsmouth / Norfolk Naval Shipyard · Portsmouth, Virginia

Naval Station Portsmouth is home to Norfolk Naval Shipyard, the oldest and largest naval shipyard in the United States, providing maintenance, modernization, and repair for Navy vessels across the fleet. Portsmouth sits directly across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk in the heart of Hampton Roads, one of the largest and most concentrated military communities in the world. Virginia Beach is easily accessible, and the entire region offers exceptional military support infrastructure.

E-5 BAH: $1,887
O-3 BAH: $2,385
Avg Home Price: $340,000
Branch: Navy

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Neighborhoods

Portsmouth Olde Towne

Historic urban

$1,200 to $1,700/mo

Beautiful historic district, walkable waterfront, revitalized downtown

Suffolk

Suburban

$1,400 to $1,900/mo

Growing community west of Portsmouth, good schools, newer construction

Chesapeake

Suburban

$1,500 to $2,000/mo

Family-friendly, good schools, easy access to multiple Hampton Roads bases

Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Beach community

$1,700 to $2,400/mo

Longer commute but resort-area lifestyle, near NAS Oceana as well

Schools

Churchland High School

Grades 9-12

Strong career and technical programs, large military family enrollment

Oscar F. Smith High School

Grades 9-12

Chesapeake area, improving academics, diverse student body

Cradock Middle School

Grades 6-8

Serves Portsmouth area, community-focused programs

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Limited on-base housing; most families live throughout the Hampton Roads metro area

Off-Post Rental Market

Hampton Roads offers much better value than northern Virginia; Portsmouth Olde Towne is undervalued

Commute

Portsmouth to Norfolk is 10 to 15 minutes via tunnel or bridge. Suffolk and Chesapeake add 20 to 30 minutes.

Installation Highlights

Norfolk Naval Shipyard is the largest and oldest naval shipyard in the United States with extensive career opportunities
Hampton Roads is the largest naval complex in the world with unmatched military community support
Olde Towne Portsmouth has a beautiful waterfront and historic architecture rivaling any mid-Atlantic city
Virginia Beach resort area and Chesapeake Bay access provide outstanding outdoor recreation
Proximity to Colonial Williamsburg, Richmond, and Washington DC for weekend exploration

Insider Tips

Hampton Roads tunnel traffic can add 30 to 60 minutes to a commute during rush hour; plan routes carefully
Olde Towne Portsmouth is an underrated neighborhood that is revitalizing quickly and offers excellent value
The Hampton Roads military community is enormous; almost any specialty, support program, or career opportunity exists here
Virginia Beach Oceanfront is accessible for weekend trips and vastly superior to most coastal options near inland bases
Connect with the Norfolk Naval Shipyard Welcome Aboard team for housing and schools guidance early

Nearby Attractions

Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Boardwalk
Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown Settlement
Nauticus National Maritime Center and USS Wisconsin battleship
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Richmond Virginia Capital and James River parks

School Liaison Officer

Free support for military families navigating school enrollment, records transfers, and education options near Naval Station Portsmouth / Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

Phone: 757-396-7278
Hours: Mon to Fri 0730 to 1630

Moving to Portsmouth?

Find a verified veteran or military spouse Realtor who knows Naval Station Portsmouth / Norfolk Naval Shipyard and the local VA loan market.

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Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Naval Station Portsmouth / Norfolk Naval Shipyard that we do not. The best intel comes from families who actually lived there. Tell us what you know and we will add it to the guide.