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 Force14,000

RAF Lakenheath

Royal Air Force Station Lakenheath · Lakenheath, United Kingdom

RAF Lakenheath is the only US Air Force F-35A wing in Europe and the largest US Air Force installation in England, hosting the 48th Fighter Wing Liberty Wing. Located in the Suffolk countryside of East Anglia, the base is 70 miles northeast of London. The United Kingdom assignment offers English-speaking immersion in a culturally rich European nation with unparalleled travel access across the continent.

E-5 BAH: $2,400 OHA
O-3 BAH: $3,200 OHA
Avg Home Price: OHA covered
Branch: Air Force

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Neighborhoods

RAF Lakenheath On-Post Housing

On-Post Family Housing

On-Post OHA/mo

Well-maintained on-post housing areas; in high demand given limited off-post stock.

Brandon / Mildenhall Town

Off-Post British

$1,400 to $2,000 equiv/mo

Small English market towns adjacent to the base with British pubs, shops, and schools.

Thetford / Bury St Edmunds

Off-Post Market Town

$1,200 to $1,800 equiv/mo

Historic Suffolk towns with more housing variety and English market culture.

Newmarket / Cambridge Area

Off-Post

$1,600 to $2,400 equiv/mo

University city Cambridge is 30 minutes south; premium British housing with more amenities.

Schools

Lakenheath Elementary School

Grades PK-5

On-post DoDEA school with excellent UK cultural integration programs and field trips.

Lakenheath Middle School

Grades 6-8

DoDEA middle school with European travel opportunities and strong academics.

Lakenheath High School

Grades 9-12

DoDEA Europe flagship school known for AP scores, debate, and athletic excellence.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Available; competitive demand requires early application

Off-Post Rental Market

British homes in Brandon, Mildenhall, Thetford, and Bury St Edmunds

Commute

RAF Mildenhall is 8 miles away. Cambridge is 30 minutes. London Liverpool Street from Cambridge is 50 minutes by train.

Installation Highlights

Home of the F-35A Liberty Wing, the only USAF F-35 wing in Europe
English-speaking assignment with natural cultural integration advantages
London is 70 miles south by train; Cambridge is 30 miles; Amsterdam is a short flight away
British countryside with historic villages, medieval churches, and rolling farmland on every road
Lakenheath High School is consistently one of DoDEA Europe's top-performing high schools

Insider Tips

Drive on the left immediately from day one; the sooner you practice, the faster it normalizes.
Get a British bank account and UK cell SIM; some American cards charge heavy foreign transaction fees.
A National Rail railcard saves 33% on train travel throughout England, Scotland, and Wales.
Explore the Cotswolds, Norfolk Coast, and Yorkshire Dales on long weekends for quintessential England.
The UK SOFA agreement means British NHS healthcare is available alongside on-post medical facilities.

Nearby Attractions

Cambridge University colleges, Backs, and Fitzwilliam Museum
London West End theaters, Tower of London, and British Museum
Sandringham Royal Estate and Norfolk Broads
Ely Cathedral medieval masterpiece 20 miles from base
Norfolk Coast beaches and seal colonies at Blakeney Point

School Liaison Officer

Free support for military families navigating school enrollment, records transfers, and education options near Royal Air Force Station Lakenheath.

Phone: DSN 226-1854
DSN: 226-1854
Hours: Mon-Fri 0730-1630

Moving to Lakenheath?

Find a verified veteran or military spouse Realtor who knows Royal Air Force Station Lakenheath and the local VA loan market.

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