Proudly Serving Those Who Serve
PCS Move to charleston, sc
On orders to your next duty station—or Joint Base Charleston? We’ll help you time the move, leverage VA benefits, and secure the right home fast with virtual tours, on/off-base guidance, and trusted local resources.
Welcome to Charleston AFB & NNPTC
Explore Charleston AFB + Naval Nuclear Power Training Command (NNPTC) & Nearby Communities
Get a boots-on-the-ground feel for Charleston Air Force Base (Air Base) and the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command (NNPTC) at Joint Base Charleston—plus the surrounding neighborhoods that make PCS life easy.
Base Overview
Gate access, typical traffic/commute windows, and key on-base services—Charleston AFB (North Charleston) and NNPTC (Weapons Station, Goose Creek).
Neighborhood Snapshots
Summerville, Goose Creek (closest to NNPTC), Hanahan, Ladson, North Charleston, West Ashley, Mount Pleasant, and James/Johns Island—compare by BAH fit, commute, and housing style.
Life Essentials
Schools, Trident/MUSC healthcare access, commissary/PX, gyms, parks, beaches, and weekend must-dos.
Watch the Tour
Use our area walkthrough to visualize commutes, shortlist neighborhoods, and plan housing recon like a pro.
Charleston AFB & NNPTC Housing Options
On-Base, Unaccompanied, and Off-Base Housing — What to Know
Privatized Family Housing (On-Base)
- How it works: Military family housing is privatized. You’ll sign a tenant lease with the on-base housing partner; rent is typically covered via a BAH allotment and includes a military clause.
- Apply early: As soon as you receive orders, contact the Housing Management Office (HMO) for waitlists, eligibility, required docs, and base-specific policies. Then apply with the on-base leasing office.
- Amenities you can expect: Playgrounds/tot lots, fitness centers, pools, walking trails, dog parks, community centers, and 24-hour maintenance. Check your neighborhood page for floor plans and included services.
- Utilities & insurance: Some neighborhoods bundle basic utilities; others meter separately. Carry personal property & liability insurance—confirm coverage requirements with the property manager.
Unaccompanied Housing (UH/Dorms)
- Who lives in UH: Generally E-1 to E-3 and some E-4s (time-in-service dependent). Private sleeping room with government-provided furnishings; common areas maintained to base standards.
- What to expect: In-processing with the UH office, room inspections, posted community standards (no smoking/overnight guests, pet limits, etc.), and access to common-area amenities (laundry, lounges, rec rooms).
- Arriving after hours: Coordinate with your sponsor and UH office for key pickup or a temporary hospitality room; report to UH the next duty day to complete check-in.
Community (Off-Base) Housing
- HMO support: The HMO can provide rental listings, landlord/lease guidance (including a military release clause), and help with dispute resolution.
- Popular areas near base: Goose Creek (closest to NNPTC), Hanahan, North Charleston/Air Base area, Summerville, Ladson, West Ashley, Mount Pleasant, and Moncks Corner—compare by commute, BAH fit, and housing style.
- Schools & daily life: Districts commonly considered include Dorchester Two, Berkeley County, and Charleston County. Ask us for school reports, healthcare options (MUSC/Trident networks), and everyday amenities near your target neighborhood.
- Protect your move: Carry renters insurance, review your lease with HMO, and confirm any HOA/utility responsibilities before signing.
Tip: Start with HMO to confirm timelines and eligibility, then choose on-base vs. off-base based on waitlist, commute, and lifestyle. We can coordinate tours (virtual or in-person), connect you to vetted property managers, and align your housing timeline with report-no-later-than dates.
Your Essential Checklist
PCS to Charleston AFB & NNPTC — Made Easy
New assignment, tight timeline? Use this concise, Charleston-specific checklist to stay organized from orders to move-in—whether you’re headed to Charleston AFB (Air Base) or NNPTC (Weapons Station, Goose Creek).
Orders & Sponsor
Lock in report dates (RNLTD), connect with your sponsor, and note in-processing for Charleston AFB or NNPTC.
Housing Plan
Call the Housing Management Office early; decide on on-base vs. off-base and target areas by commute—NNPTC: Goose Creek/Hanahan/Moncks Corner; AFB: North Charleston/Summerville/Ladson; coastal options (Mount Pleasant/West Ashley/James & Johns) with traffic in mind.
Budget & Financing
Check current BAH, estimate utilities/HOA, line up VA loan pre-approval; reserve TLF or short-term housing if needed.
Movers & Timing
Schedule government or commercial movers; align pack/pickup with keys/closing; photo-document valuables.
Docs, Schools & Access
Keep orders/IDs/medical/school/pet records handy; start enrollments (Dorchester Two/Berkeley/Charleston County); handle vehicle registration and base access.
Setup & Safety
Pre-schedule power/water/internet; file USPS change of address; update banking/Tricare/insurance; prep hurricane & flood plan (June–Nov) and consider flood insurance.
Free Relocation Guide
RELOCATING TO Charleston & Summerville, SC
Make a seamless transition into your new home with this comprehensive guide. From neighborhood insights and moving checklists to local amenities and community highlights, you’ll have everything you need for a stress-free relocation.
