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.

Navy1,200

Naval Support Activity Souda Bay

Naval Support Activity Souda Bay · Chania, Greece

NSA Souda Bay is a joint US-Greek NATO naval facility on the island of Crete, providing critical support for Mediterranean Fleet operations. The installation sits within one of the world's largest natural harbors. Chania, the nearby Venetian port city, is consistently ranked among the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean and offers a superb quality of life for military families.

E-5 BAH: $1,900 OHA
O-3 BAH: $2,700 OHA
Avg Home Price: OHA covered
Branch: Navy

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Neighborhoods

NSA Souda Bay Main Housing

On-Post Family Housing

On-Post OHA/mo

Small on-post housing area; most families live off-post in Chania.

Chania Old Town

Off-Post Cretan

$900 to $1,400 equiv/mo

Venetian harbor area with beautiful stone apartments and vibrant restaurant scene.

Akrotiri Peninsula

Off-Post

$800 to $1,200 equiv/mo

Peninsula between the base and Chania; convenient location with local village character.

Kolymbari / Platanias

Off-Post Coastal

$700 to $1,100 equiv/mo

Coastal villages west of Chania with affordable rentals and beach access.

Schools

Rota Elementary School (Souda Detachment)

Grades K-8

DoDEA satellite program for elementary and middle grades; small class sizes.

Pan-Cretan International School

Grades K-12

Local private school option for families seeking Greek/International curriculum.

Virtual/Homeschool via DoDEA Europe

Grades K-12

Virtual DoDEA option for high school students due to limited on-site DoDEA secondary.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Very limited; most families live off-post in Chania area

Off-Post Rental Market

Greek villas, apartments, and stone houses in Chania and Akrotiri

Commute

Base to Chania center is 15 minutes. The island is compact; most Crete attractions are within 2 hours.

Installation Highlights

Stunning natural harbor, one of the largest and deepest in the Mediterranean
Chania Venetian harbor is a UNESCO-listed architectural gem
World-class beaches including Balos Lagoon, Elafonissi, and Falasarna
Samaria Gorge, one of Europe's longest gorges, is a premier hiking destination
Greek food, olive oil, wine, and hospitality make this an exceptional quality-of-life assignment

Insider Tips

Rent a car with good ground clearance; Cretan mountain roads are narrow and unpaved in places.
Visit the Chania Municipal Market for the freshest local produce, olives, and cheese.
Book the Samaria Gorge hike early in the season (May-October) before summer crowds peak.
Learn a few Greek phrases; even basic efforts are met with enormous warmth by Cretans.
Ferries from Heraklion connect to Athens, Rhodes, and Santorini for island-hopping weekends.

Nearby Attractions

Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island turquoise waters
Elafonissi pink sand beach and shallow lagoon
Samaria Gorge 16-kilometer hike through the White Mountains
Knossos Minoan Palace ruins near Heraklion
Chania Venetian Harbor lighthouse and waterfront

School Liaison Officer

Free support for military families navigating school enrollment, records transfers, and education options near Naval Support Activity Souda Bay.

Phone: DSN 266-3206
DSN: 266-3206
Hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1630

Moving to Chania?

Find a verified veteran or military spouse Realtor who knows Naval Support Activity Souda Bay and the local VA loan market.

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Did We Miss Something?

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