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 Force8,000+ military

Travis Air Force Base

Travis AFB · Fairfield, California

Travis AFB is the largest air mobility base in the US, home to Air Mobility Command and the C-17 and KC-10 airlift mission. Located in Fairfield between San Francisco and Sacramento, it provides access to Northern California amenities. Travis has a large David Grant USAF Medical Center and a significant retiree population due to the Bay Area climate and employment market.

E-5 BAH: $2,595
O-3 BAH: $3,414
Avg Home Price: $480,000
Branch: Air Force

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Neighborhoods

Vacaville

Off-Post

$2,000 to $2,700/mo

Most popular with military families, good schools, outlet shopping, 20 min to Travis

Fairfield

Off-Post

$1,800 to $2,400/mo

Adjacent to post, most affordable, direct commute, growing city

Benicia

Off-Post

$2,200 to $2,900/mo

Charming waterfront city, Carquinez Strait, longer commute but higher quality of life

Travis On-Post

On-Post

On-Post BAH/mo

Managed by Lendlease, high demand, apply immediately

Schools

Vacaville Unified School District

Grades K to 12

Well-regarded district, popular with military families in Vacaville

Fairfield-Suisun Unified

Grades K to 12

Larger district adjacent to post, varies by school, improving programs

Will C. Wood High School

Grades 9 to 12

Main Vacaville high school, sports and college prep programs

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Managed by Lendlease. High demand. California BAH rates are among the highest in the Air Force, making off-post living financially viable.

Off-Post Rental Market

California costs are high. Fairfield and Vacaville are most affordable in the area. Expect to spend a significant portion of BAH on rent or mortgage.

Commute

Primary gates on Peabody Road and North Gate Road. I-80 is the main highway connecting to Sacramento and Bay Area. Traffic toward SF can be significant during peak hours.

Installation Highlights

Largest air mobility base in the US, C-17 and KC-10 operations
David Grant USAF Medical Center, one of the Air Force premier hospitals
Bay Area and Sacramento both accessible in 1 to 1.5 hours
Wine country of Napa and Sonoma within 45 minutes
Air Mobility Command, significant career networking for mobility airmen

Insider Tips

California BAH is high but so is the cost of living, research the rental market before arriving
Napa and Sonoma wine country are within easy day trip distance
The Bay Area tech job market is exceptional for veterans in cyber and technology fields
Get outside to Muir Woods, Point Reyes, and Lake Tahoe during your tour
Military retirees should consider that California taxes military retirement pay

Nearby Attractions

Napa Valley wine country (45 min)
San Francisco Bay Area (1 hour)
Lake Tahoe skiing and summer recreation (2 hours)
Sacramento and California State Capitol (45 min)
Point Reyes National Seashore (1.5 hours)

School Liaison Officer

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

Phone: 707-424-3578
DSN: 837-3578
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Moving to Fairfield?

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

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Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Travis 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.