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.

Air Force10,000+ military and civilians

Offutt Air Force Base

Offutt AFB · Bellevue, Nebraska

Offutt AFB is home to US Strategic Command (STRATCOM), Air Force Global Strike Command, and the 55th Wing (one of the largest reconnaissance wings in the Air Force). Located in Bellevue near Omaha, it offers affordable Midwest living, a strong military community, and a low-key quality of life with Omaha business and cultural amenities nearby.

E-5 BAH: $1,362
O-3 BAH: $1,764
Avg Home Price: $275,000
Branch: Air Force

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Neighborhoods

Bellevue

Off-Post

$1,100 to $1,500/mo

Primary military community adjacent to post, affordable, family-friendly, Bellevue schools are good

Papillion

Off-Post

$1,200 to $1,600/mo

Top-rated suburb south of Omaha, excellent schools, slightly longer commute

La Vista

Off-Post

$1,150 to $1,550/mo

Between Bellevue and Papillion, newer construction, good middle-ground option

Offutt On-Post

On-Post

On-Post BAH/mo

Managed by Balfour Beatty, affordable Midwest housing makes on-post competitive

Schools

Papillion-La Vista Schools

Grades K to 12

One of the top districts in Nebraska, military families consistently choose this district

Bellevue Public Schools

Grades K to 12

Serves the primary military community around Offutt, improving ratings

Omaha Public Schools

Grades K to 12

Large urban district, varies significantly by campus

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Managed by Balfour Beatty. Affordable Midwest prices make the off-post market very attractive for many families who choose to buy.

Off-Post Rental Market

Bellevue is the primary market. Papillion and La Vista are excellent suburbs. Very affordable by national standards. Strong VA loan market.

Commute

Highway 75 and Galvin Road are primary routes. Bellevue and Papillion commutes are 15 to 25 minutes. Omaha is 20 minutes north for additional amenities.

Installation Highlights

US Strategic Command and AFGSC headquarters, premier strategic mission
Very affordable Midwest cost of living, housing is a significant advantage
Omaha offers good restaurants, arts scene, and College World Series baseball
Nebraska military retirement tax exemption growing annually
Strategic career networking with STRATCOM and intelligence community

Insider Tips

The cost of living at Offutt is one of the best deals in the Air Force, buy a house
Omaha Steaks, Warren Buffett connection, and the College World Series are part of local culture
Henry Doorly Zoo is world-class, a must-visit with families
Papillion-La Vista schools are worth the 20-minute commute from near the base
Tornadoes are a reality in Nebraska, learn the local warning system and shelters

Nearby Attractions

Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (20 min)
College World Series in Omaha each June
Joslyn Art Museum and Old Market in downtown Omaha
Boys Town National Research Hospital and campus
Lincoln, Nebraska State Capitol (45 min)

School Liaison Officer

Free support for military families navigating school enrollment, records transfers, and education options near Offutt AFB.

Phone: 402-294-8870
DSN: 271-8870
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Moving to Bellevue?

Find a verified veteran or military spouse Realtor who knows Offutt AFB and the local VA loan market.

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Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Offutt AFB 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.