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.

Army5,000+ students and staff

Presidio of Monterey

Presidio of Monterey · Monterey, California

The Presidio of Monterey is home to the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, where military personnel from all branches master critical foreign languages in support of national intelligence and security missions. Situated on a stunning hillside overlooking Monterey Bay, the installation offers one of the most scenic and desirable duty assignments in the entire military. The Monterey Peninsula is world-renowned for its natural beauty, culinary scene, and outdoor recreation.

E-5 BAH: $2,955
O-3 BAH: $3,564
Avg Home Price: $850,000
Branch: Army

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Neighborhoods

Seaside

Urban adjacent

$2,200 to $3,000/mo

Closest community to the Presidio, heavily military, most affordable on the peninsula

Monterey

Coastal city

$2,800 to $3,800/mo

Walkable to the wharf and aquarium, beautiful but expensive

Marina

Coastal suburban

$2,000 to $2,700/mo

More affordable, growing community north of Monterey, good for families

Pacific Grove

Charming coastal town

$2,600 to $3,600/mo

Quaint Victorian architecture, walking distance to the ocean, highly desirable

Schools

Monterey Peninsula Unified School District

Grades K-12

Serves Monterey, Seaside, and Pacific Grove, good options for military families

Seaside High School

Grades 9-12

Diverse student body reflecting the military community, improving academics

Del Rey Woods Elementary

Grades K-5

Highly rated elementary in Monterey proper, popular with military families

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Limited on-post housing, most families live off-post in Seaside or Marina

Off-Post Rental Market

Housing costs are among the highest in the military, plan your BAH budget carefully

Commute

The Presidio sits in the heart of Monterey, making most off-post commutes 10 to 20 minutes. Highway 1 traffic in summer can slow coastal drives but the peninsula is compact and navigation is straightforward.

Installation Highlights

Defense Language Institute is the premier foreign language school in the Department of Defense
Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the finest aquariums in the world and is minutes away
World-class hiking on the 17-Mile Drive, Point Lobos, and Big Sur coastline
Pebble Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea are neighbors to this stunning duty station
Language school assignments typically last 12 to 18 months, enough time to truly explore the area

Insider Tips

Housing costs are extremely high even by California standards, search early and be flexible on location
Seaside offers the most affordable options close to the post gates
Take advantage of the language immersion environment and explore local cultural events
Fog is common in summer mornings along the coast, the interior valleys are sunnier
Big Sur day trips are absolutely essential for anyone stationed here

Nearby Attractions

Monterey Bay Aquarium
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Carmel-by-the-Sea
17-Mile Drive
Big Sur coastline

School Liaison Officer

Free support for military families navigating school enrollment, records transfers, and education options near Presidio of Monterey.

Phone: (831) 242-5766
DSN: 768-5766
Hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600

Moving to Monterey?

Find a verified veteran or military spouse Realtor who knows Presidio of Monterey and the local VA loan market.

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You know things about Presidio of Monterey 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.