NAS Lemoore Housing Guide

Stationed at NAS Lemoore or PCSing soon? Here's what you need to know about housing options in the area.

Your Housing Options

On-Base Housing

NAS Lemoore has privatized military housing managed by Lincoln Military Housing:

Pros:

• No out-of-pocket housing costs (BAH covers it)
• Maintenance handled for you
• Close to work
• Military community
• No lease deposit typically required

Cons:

• Waitlists can be long
• Less privacy than off-base
• Housing condition varies
• Limited control over your living situation

Process:

1. Apply through Lincoln Military Housing
2. Join the waitlist for your rank/family size
3. Wait times vary—could be weeks or months

Renting Off-Base

Many military families rent in Lemoore, Hanford, or surrounding areas:

Pros:

• More housing options and styles
• Choose your neighborhood
• More privacy
• Potentially pocket BAH difference

Cons:

• Responsible for maintenance coordination
• Lease obligations
• May need to break lease if PCS orders arrive
• Security deposits required

Areas to consider:

• Lemoore (closest)
• Hanford (10 minutes, larger selection)
• Visalia (20 minutes, most amenities)

Buying a Home

Purchasing can make sense depending on your situation:

When buying might work:

• Orders of 3+ years
• Planning to keep as rental when you PCS
• Want to build equity instead of "throwing away" BAH
• Have found a home you'd want to keep long-term

When renting might be better:

• Short orders (less than 2-3 years)
• Uncertain about the area
• Don't want landlord responsibilities later
• Market conditions unfavorable

BAH Rates

Basic Allowance for Housing rates for NAS Lemoore (ZIP 93246) change annually. Current rates are published by the Defense Travel Management Office.

Rates vary by:

• Rank
• Dependency status

Check current rates at the official DoD BAH calculator.

Commute Considerations

From various areas to the main gate:

Location	Approximate Drive Time
Lemoore	5-15 minutes
Hanford	10-20 minutes
Visalia	20-30 minutes
Fresno	40-50 minutes

Most military families stay within 20 minutes for quality of life.

VA Loan Benefits

As military, you have access to VA loan benefits:

• No down payment required
• No PMI (private mortgage insurance)
• Competitive interest rates
• Can be used multiple times

If you're considering buying, the VA loan is usually your best financing option.

PCS Considerations

Before buying, think through:

What if you PCS?

• Could you rent the property?
• What would market rent cover vs. mortgage?
• Do you want to be a long-distance landlord?
• Can you afford two housing payments temporarily?

VA loan restoration:

• If you sell before PCSing, your VA entitlement restores
• If you keep as rental, entitlement may be tied up (though you may have remaining entitlement)

Finding Housing

Resources

• Base Housing Office: Information on on-base housing and local resources
• Lincoln Military Housing: On-base housing management
• Local real estate agents: Look for MRP (Military Relocation Professional) certified agents who understand PCS timelines

Timeline

Start early:

• 4-6 months out: Begin researching areas and options
• 2-3 months out: Start serious house hunting if buying, or apartment searching if renting
• ASAP after orders: Apply for on-base housing if interested (get on waitlist)

Military-Specific Tips

• Lease clauses: Look for military clauses allowing lease termination with PCS orders
• Home inspection: Always get one if buying—protects your investment
• Document everything: When renting, document condition at move-in
• Connect with others: Ask colleagues where they live and why

---

PCSing to NAS Lemoore? Contact Greg Franklin or call (559) 816-7780—as a Navy veteran, I understand the process and can help you find the right housing solution.