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.

Navy12,000+

SUBASE New London

Naval Submarine Base New London · Groton, Connecticut

Naval Submarine Base New London, located in Groton, Connecticut, is the oldest submarine base in the United States and remains the primary training and homeport hub for Atlantic Fleet submarines. Known as the Submarine Capital of the World, the base houses the Naval Submarine School and the Submarine Force Library and Museum. The Thames River waterfront location provides convenient access to both New Haven and Providence, with Yale University and UConn within easy reach.

E-5 BAH: $2,268
O-3 BAH: $2,889
Avg Home Price: $380,000
Branch: Navy

Build My PCS Plan →

Neighborhoods

Groton City

Urban/suburban

$1,500 to $1,900/mo

Closest to base, mixed housing stock, working-class community

Mystic

Historic village

$1,800 to $2,400/mo

Charming maritime town, popular with families, slightly longer commute

Ledyard

Suburban/rural

$1,600 to $2,000/mo

Quiet neighborhoods, good schools, near Foxwoods area

Old Lyme

Coastal suburban

$1,900 to $2,600/mo

Upscale shoreline community, strong schools, 20 to 25 minute commute

Schools

Fitch Senior High School

Grades 9-12

Serves Groton, large military family population

Ella T. Grasso Technical High School

Grades 9-12

Technical and vocational programs, strong job placement

Stonington High School

Grades 9-12

Excellent academics, arts programs, scenic coastal setting

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Family housing available at Thames Landing and other on-base areas; wait lists may apply

Off-Post Rental Market

Groton and Ledyard offer good value; Mystic and Old Lyme carry a premium

Commute

Most neighborhoods are within 10 to 25 minutes. Route 1 and I-95 are the main arteries; expect seasonal traffic near Mystic.

Installation Highlights

Home of the Naval Submarine School, training every new submarine officer and enlisted sailor
Mystic Seaport Museum and Mystic Aquarium are world-class family destinations
Access to Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun for entertainment
New Haven pizza and Yale cultural events within 45 minutes
Strong submarine community esprit de corps and family support networks

Insider Tips

Request or accept submarine school duty knowing assignments can be long and demanding but career-enhancing
Explore housing in Ledyard or Preston for more space at lower cost than waterfront towns
Take the Mystic Seaport membership early, it pays for itself quickly with a family
Winter driving requires snow tires or all-wheel drive; Connecticut storms can be intense
The Submarine Force Museum on base is free and a great way to connect new family members to the submarine community

Nearby Attractions

Mystic Seaport Museum and Mystic Aquarium
Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun
Yale University and New Haven arts scene
Block Island and Rhode Island beaches
Boston and New York City rail connections

School Liaison Officer

Free support for military families navigating school enrollment, records transfers, and education options near Naval Submarine Base New London.

Phone: 860-694-3525
Hours: Mon to Fri 0730 to 1630

Moving to Groton?

Find a verified veteran or military spouse Realtor who knows Naval Submarine Base New London and the local VA loan market.

Build My PCS Timeline

Help Us Help the Next Family

Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Naval Submarine Base New London 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.