PCS Moving Guide to Jacksonville FL
If you have received PCS orders to NAS Jacksonville, Naval Station Mayport, or another Northeast Florida installation, welcome to one of the most military-friendly cities in America. Jacksonville supports over 60,000 active duty and civilian military personnel, and the community genuinely embraces the military. This guide covers everything you need to plan your PCS move — from housing and schools to the community advantages that make Jacksonville a favorite duty station.
Military Installations
Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NAS Jax): Located on the Westside, NAS Jacksonville is the largest Navy base in the Southeast. Home to multiple helicopter and patrol squadrons, fleet readiness centers, and naval hospital. Nearest housing areas: Orange Park, Argyle Forest, Westside, and Fleming Island. Naval Station Mayport: Located at the mouth of the St. Johns River, Mayport is the third-largest naval fleet concentration area in the US. Carrier and surface combatant homeport. Nearest housing areas: Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach. Camp Blanding (Starke): National Guard training site, 45 minutes west of Jacksonville. Less common for PCS but supports Guard and Reserve training cycles.
Housing Options
On-base housing: Available at both NAS Jax and Mayport through military housing privatization. Waitlists vary from 1–6 months. BAH is forfeited when living on base. Pros: Convenience, community, and no maintenance responsibilities. Off-base renting: Abundant options in all price ranges. BAH easily covers rental costs in most areas. Best areas for renters: Oakleaf (NAS Jax), Atlantic Beach (Mayport), and Mandarin (central). Off-base buying: BAH covers mortgage payments with VA loan in most Jacksonville neighborhoods. Building equity during your tour is financially advantageous — especially if you keep the property as a rental when you PCS out. See our Military Home Buying Guide for detailed buying advice.
PCS Timeline and Logistics
6 months before: Begin researching Jacksonville neighborhoods. Connect with a military-experienced agent for virtual previews. Start working on VA pre-approval if buying. 90 days before: Schedule HHG (household goods) move or DITY/PPM. Book temporary lodging (Navy Lodge at NAS Jax/Mayport, or TLA authorization). Schedule house hunting trip (PTDY — permissive temporary duty). 30 days before: Finalize housing decision. If buying, go under contract during house hunting trip. Enroll children in school (contact gaining school district). Set up JEA utilities, Comcast/AT&T internet. First 30 days: In-process at your command. Complete housing arrangements. Set up Florida driver's license and vehicle registration (active duty members are exempt from some requirements). Register to vote if desired.
Quality of Life in Jacksonville
Why military families love Jacksonville: Cost of living: No state income tax plus affordable housing makes BAH stretch further than many duty stations. Beaches: 22 miles of Atlantic coastline, 15–30 minutes from either base. Weather: Mild winters, outdoor recreation year-round. Schools: St. Johns County schools are #1 in Florida. Clay County is also strong. Duval has excellent magnet programs. Military community: Large military population means schools, businesses, and services are military-aware and supportive. Employment for spouses: Growing job market in healthcare, finance, and logistics. Remote work-friendly city.