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.

NSA Millington PCS Guide, Housing, Schools & BAH

NSA Millington

Naval Support Activity Millington · Millington, Tennessee

NSA Millington is the home of Navy Personnel Command (BUPERS) and serves as the administrative and personnel hub of the entire United States Navy. Most sailors assigned here are working in career management, detailing, or personnel support roles. Located just north of Memphis, it offers an affordable mid-South lifestyle with no state income tax in Tennessee.

Neighborhoods

Millington (city)

Small city

$1,000 to $1,400/mo

Adjacent to the base with the most affordable rents and shortest commutes. Small-town feel with improving amenities driven by the military community.

Bartlett

Suburban

$1,200 to $1,600/mo

Upscale Shelby County suburb east of Memphis with excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and a strong family community. About 20 minutes to base.

Cordova / Germantown

Suburban

$1,300 to $1,800/mo

East Memphis suburbs with top-rated Germantown City Schools and Shelby County Schools. Germantown is one of the wealthiest and safest communities in Memphis area.

Collierville

Suburban

$1,400 to $1,900/mo

Fastest-growing suburb southeast of Memphis with excellent schools, a charming town square, and newer construction. About 30 minutes from base.

Schools

Germantown High School

Grades 9-12

Germantown Municipal School District flagship, consistently rated among the best in Tennessee.

Bartlett High School

Grades 9-12

Well-regarded Shelby County school in a military-friendly community with strong academics.

Collierville High School

Grades 9-12

Top-rated Collierville Schools system with high graduation rates and strong college placement.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

On-base housing available. Millington is a small installation so inventory is limited. Apply early.

Off-Post Rental Market

Memphis metro area is one of the most affordable in the South. BAH easily covers comfortable off-base housing in most suburbs.

Commute

Millington city is 5 minutes from base. Bartlett is 20 to 25 minutes via US-51. Germantown and Cordova are 25 to 30 minutes. Collierville is 30 to 35 minutes. Memphis traffic is manageable compared to most metro areas.

Installation Highlights

Home of Navy Personnel Command, a career-shaping assignment for those in HR and admin roles
Extremely affordable cost of living in the Greater Memphis area
No state income tax in Tennessee
Memphis cultural scene with world-class barbecue, blues music, and Civil Rights history
Central location with easy access to Nashville (3 hours) and other Southeast destinations

Insider Tips

Germantown and Collierville are widely considered the best school districts in the Memphis area. Worth the slightly longer commute for families.

Memphis barbecue is serious business and a way of life. The Beale Street music and food scene is a major quality-of-life benefit.

Tennessee's affordability and no income tax make this one of the financially favorable duty stations in the Navy.

Millington itself is small. Most military families choose Bartlett or Germantown for the combination of schools, safety, and amenities.