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 Force26,000 military and civilian

Tinker AFB

Tinker Air Force Base · Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Tinker AFB is the largest single-site employer in Oklahoma and home to the Air Force Sustainment Center, providing depot-level maintenance for B-52 bombers and E-3 AWACS aircraft among many other platforms. Located in the heart of the Oklahoma City metro on the southeast side, Tinker is a massive installation that drives the regional economy and supports a massive military community. Oklahoma City has transformed in recent years with a revitalized Bricktown district, NBA Thunder basketball, and a growing restaurant and arts scene.

E-5 BAH: $1,350
O-3 BAH: $1,710
Avg Home Price: $230,000
Branch: Air Force

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Neighborhoods

Midwest City

Suburban

$1,000 to $1,400/mo

Community directly adjacent to Tinker with the highest military family concentration in the OKC metro.

Del City

Suburban

$900 to $1,300/mo

Affordable community adjacent to Midwest City and within easy reach of the base gate.

Moore

Suburban

$1,100 to $1,500/mo

Popular south OKC suburb with good schools and affordable homes about 20 minutes from Tinker.

Edmond

Suburban

$1,300 to $1,800/mo

Upscale north OKC suburb with the metro's top school districts, 30 to 35 minutes from Tinker.

Schools

Carl Albert High School

Grades 9-12

Midwest City-Del City district high school serving the primary military family community.

Edmond Memorial High School

Grades 9-12

Consistently one of Oklahoma's top high schools for families willing to commute from Edmond.

Schwartz Elementary

Grades K-5

Midwest City elementary school convenient to the base community with military family programs.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

On-base housing managed by Balfour Beatty includes a large family housing area given the installation size.

Off-Post Rental Market

OKC metro housing is very affordable; Midwest City provides the best combination of price and proximity.

Commute

Midwest City and Del City are 5 to 10 minutes from Tinker. Moore is 20 to 25 minutes southwest. Edmond is 30 to 35 minutes north.

Installation Highlights

Largest single-site employer in Oklahoma with massive career development and civilian transition options
Oklahoma City is an underrated major city with NBA Thunder, Bricktown entertainment, and excellent BBQ
Very affordable cost of living for a metro area of its size and amenity level
No state income tax benefit does not apply in Oklahoma, but overall tax burden remains low
B-52 and E-3 AWACS depot mission creates unique career opportunities in sustainment and acquisition

Insider Tips

Edmond schools are excellent but the commute from north OKC to Tinker can hit 45 minutes in traffic.
Oklahoma City Thunder NBA games are affordable and a great community activity for families.
Bricktown and the Midtown district have transformed OKC into a legitimate food and entertainment destination.
Oklahoma tornado season is serious; learn shelter locations at home and on base.
Lake Hefner and Lake Overholser near OKC offer excellent fishing and sailing for outdoor enthusiasts.

Nearby Attractions

Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum
Bricktown Entertainment District and Canal Walk
Myriad Botanical Gardens and Crystal Bridge
National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
Chesapeake Energy Arena for OKC Thunder games

School Liaison Officer

Free support for military families navigating school enrollment, records transfers, and education options near Tinker Air Force Base.

Phone: 405-739-2706
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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Did We Miss Something?

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