Davis-Monthan Air Force Base
Key Contacts
Military Housing Office
PH: 334-228-3687
Soaring Heights Communities Housing
8090 Ironwood Street
Tucson, AZ 85708
PH: 520-745-5024
CYES School Liaison
3515 S. Fifth Street
Bldg. 3200, Rm. 116
Tucson, AZ 85707
PH: 520-228-6040
Davis-Monthan AFB Airmen
and Family Readiness Center
5355 Granite Street
Tuscon, AZ 85707
PH: 520-228-5690
Most installation services will be available Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. As always, call first to confirm hours and availability of services.
Helpful hint: Contact these offices early in the week during the morning time frame.
About Davis-Monthan Air Force Base
“...deploy, employ, support and sustain attack airpower and Airmen in support of Combatant Commanders anywhere in the world.”
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is located within the city limits of Tucson, Arizona. The 355th Wing is the host unit that provides medical, logistical, and operational support to all tenant units on base, including the 12th Air Force (AFSOUTH), the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG), the 55th Electronic Combat Group, the 943rd Rescue Group (AFRC), and the 214th Attack Group (ANG).
The Wing's missions are to train A-10 and OA-10 pilots and to provide A-10 and OA-10 close support and forward air control to ground forces worldwide. The Wing is also tasked to provide command, control, and communications countermeasures in support of tactical forces with its EC-130H aircraft and, employing the EC-130E aircraft, provide airborne command, control, and communications capabilities for managing tactical air operations in war and other contingencies worldwide. The base is commonly known as the Air Force Materiel Command's (309 AMARG) "aircraft boneyard" location for all excess military and U.S. government aircraft and aerospace vehicles.
Tucson is the second largest city in Arizona, located in the diverse Sonoran Desert region of the Southwestern United States. Other nearby small communities include Marana, Oro Valley, Vail, Sahuarita, and Green Valley. Tucson is located 108 miles southeast of Phoenix and 62 miles north of the U.S. - Mexico border. Davis-Monthan AFB is located in Pima County. The base employs around 6100 airmen and about 1700 civilians and their families.
About Pima County
ATTRACTIONS
For those traveling in and out of the Davis-Monthan AFB area by air, three airports are within a short driving distance: Tucson International Airport (TUS), Sierra Vista Municipal Libby Army AirField (FHU), and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). The base is convenient to many nearby cities worth visiting. Phoenix is located less than two hours northwest of Tucson, Albuquerque, NM, about seven hours northeast, and Las Vegas, NV, about seven hours northwest. While stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, get ready to check off your bucket list with many notable parks, forests, and monuments to see and explore. The natural beauty of the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Petrified, Prescott, and Coconino Forests/National Parks is close by. If you should ever tire of seeing the wonders of the deserts and mountains, you can take a short six-hour drive to hit the beaches of San Diego, CA.
HELPFUL HINTS
This is considered to be a moderate cost-living area. Based on the United States' cost of living average of 100, Pima County and Tucson rate 91 according to Best Places. Commute times, schools, and accessibility of restaurants and shopping should be considered when choosing a neighborhood and its proximity to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.
WEATHER
Davis-Monthan AFB is generally a warm and sunny place to live. Average temperatures range from 32-90 degrees Fahrenheit; March, April, and November are some of the most pleasant months there. The annual rainfall is around 12 inches, with only 0.2 inches of snow each year. With a dry, desert climate, summers are very hot, but the winters are mild, enabling Tucson residents to enjoy the outdoors twelve months out of the year.
LOCATION
Tucson is a booming Sun Belt city known for its beautiful setting, comfortable climate, and cultured nature. It attracts a diverse population, retirees and a younger crowd as a college town with the University of Arizona located about a mile north of downtown. Tucson is a mix of an attractive, modern downtown with a quaint historic district, surrounded by suburbs laid out in a grid. Tall and dense mountains surround the city with an elevation of up to 9,000 feet. Into the mountains are numerous planned communities and higher-priced homes, many around golf courses making Tucson a desirable travel destination as well.
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Nearby Neighborhoods
ON-BASE HOUSING
Winn Companies manage homes on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. Soaring Heights Communities has a variety of two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and four-bedroom homes available for rent. The impressive neighborhoods have access to community centers with meeting spaces, game rooms, fitness centers, internet cafes, splash parks, and swimming pools. Located on base are Borman Elementary School (K-5), a traditional school in Tucson Unified School District, and Sonoran Science Academy, a private (tuition-free) charter school (6-12). DMAFB students attend public, private, home, and charter schools throughout the Tucson area. Arizona allows open enrollment, meaning you can opt for your children to attend a different school if they have available slots outside the Davis-Monthan AFB neighborhood schools.
OFF-BASE HOUSING
In addition to the on-base housing options, there are several off-post communities where many service families choose to reside. Rita Ranch, Catalina Foothills, and San Clemente are three of the most widely popular areas for families. Out of 158 total school districts in Arizona, Tucson Unified School District rates as #12 Most Diverse, according to Niche.
Rita Ranch
ABOUT
Located southeast of downtown Tucson, it is close to Davis-Monthan Air
Force Base. This affordable area is full of contemporary homes with large yards, making it popular with families.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Seasons at Old Vail
- Vistas at Rincon Knolls
- Mountain Vail
Nearby Attractions
- Charron Vineyards and Winery
- Historic Hacienda de la Canoa
- White Stallion Ranch
By the Numbers
- Population 27,000
- Median Home Value $218,000
- Household Income $88,000
Big Plus
- Newer homes with larger yards for personal outdoor space
- Very convenient access to and from the base and the Tucson airport
- 7.7 mile, 17-minute commute to Davis-Monthan AFB via E. Valencia Road
Things to Consider
- Ongoing new construction and very little variety in home styles
- According to AreaVibes.com, rental prices in Rita Ranch are 73% higher
than the Tucson average
Catalina Foothills
ABOUT
Located north of Tucson at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, the foothills are only a 10- to 15-minute drive from the city and offer outstanding views. The architecture in the area is a mix of Southwest-style custom homes and subdivisions designed to blend in with the natural desert landscape. This area boasts the best school district in the city, making it a desirable choice for families.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Foothills Ridge
- Karma Del Sol
- Tierra Serena
- Catalina Del Rey
Nearby Attractions
- Catalina State Park
- La Encantada
- Rillito River Park
- DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum
By the Numbers
- Population 50,000
- Median Home Value $440,000
- Household Income $92,000
Big Plus
- Convenient to major shopping, dining, and entertainment options
- Highly rated schools
- Easy access to many outdoor adventures with nearby parks and trails
Things to Consider
- More heavily populated with a dense suburban feel
- 13.2 mile, 30-minute commute to Davis-Monthan AFB via N. Alvernon Way
San Clemente
ABOUT
This affordable historic neighborhood is located in the eastern part of the city. Due to its proximity to Downtown, the University of Arizona, and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, this neighborhood is one of Tucson’s most popular.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Randolph House
- San Clemente
- Country Club Heights
Nearby Attractions
- Mission San Xavier del Bac
- San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area
- Apache Gold Casino Resort
By the Numbers
- Population 3,000
- Median Home Value $222,000
- Household Income $59,000
Big Plus
- Proximity to Downtown and the University of Arizona
- Quaint older homes with retro vibes
- 5.7 mile, 15-minute commute to Davis-Monthan AFB via Craycroft Road
Things to Consider
- The age of homes in this area could mean smaller square footage and a need for updating.
- Smaller neighborhoods, so there is less available home inventory
7 Reasons You Should Consider Buying a Home
1. TAX ADVANTAGES
To encourage homeownership, the IRS has provided many tax breaks for owning a home. Credits may be available for specific home improvements, such as using clean energy or for qualified first-time home buyers. The way most homeowners see those advantages is through income tax itemization and deductions like mortgage interest and real estate taxes.
2. STABALIZE MONTHLY HOME COSTS
Owning your own house is one of the safest bets on stabilizing your monthly home costs. There’s no worry of rent getting increased significantly after each year of living in someone else’s home. Additionally, when you answer to yourself, there is no worry of landlord changes or unexpected lease termination.
3. HOUSE HACKING
Generally speaking, house hacking is a smart strategy that involves renting out a portion of your primary residence as a means of generating income to offset your own living expenses. Think turning your finished basement or mother-in-law quarters into an AirBnB! Or consider purchasing a multi-unit duplex or triplex: live on one side and rent out the other! If your home making money while you’re living in it doesn’t sound like your thing, there’s always renting it out after you PCS as an income generating investment property.
4. Increased Privacy
Generally speaking, house hacking is a smart strategy that involves renting out a portion of your primary residence as a means of generating income to offset your own living expenses. Think turning your finished basement or mother-in-law quarters into an AirBnB! Or consider purchasing a multi-unit duplex or triplex: live on one side and rent out the other! If your home making money while you’re living in it doesn’t sound like your thing, there’s always renting it out after you PCS as an income generating investment property.
5. Pets Are Welcome!
For those who choose to rent instead of buying, it can be extremely difficult to find rentals who allow for your
four-legged, furry friends. Landlords often require hefty pet deposits or place heavy restrictions on the number of pets and breeds they allow—if they will even allow pets. When considering quality of life, including beloved pets and the indoor and outdoor space available to them matters. Having the flexibility to include ALL members of your family as a homeowner is priceless!
6. Pride of Ownership
One of the greatest benefits of owning your own home is the pride of ownership that comes along with it. Not only are homeowners more inclined to take good care of their investment with routine maintenance and cleaning, but also they are free to make design choices ranging from hanging artwork on the walls, to paint colors, to customization of closets, electronics, and more. As military families who relocate frequently, having your home reflect who you really are feels important.
7. Safe and Stable Long Term Investment + Forced Savings
Owning a home has historically been one of the safest, lowest risk financial investments that tends to have long-term stability and success. As your home value appreciates and your mortgage balance decreases, what’s left is growing equity with an eventual paid off home. Making a monthly house payment is akin to setting aside a specific amount each month into a savings account—it’s a little difficult to access in the moment, but over time it can build into something significant in the form of equity.
FIVE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU IN YOUR RELOCATION PROCESS
Your PCS is underway!
The home buying and moving transition process has begun. Now what? If it feels like there are a million things to do, don’t fret because you don’t have to do them all yourself. During the relocation process, there are many service providers that can assist you in making your move a smooth one.
Consider these five resources to help you in the process
1. MOVING COMPANIES
Sure, the military offers transportation and relocation services, but many service members decide to coordinate the transfer of household goods themselves. Not only can you often earn money on the difference between moving costs and weight allowances, but you can be assured that you have more control over your belongings. Services that moving companies offer can range from delivery of boxes and pods for the “you-pack” model all the way to full-service logistics companies that will do all of the packing, loading, driving, and unpacking for you.
2. STORAGE
Whether you need to store your household goods for a few weeks until you close on your home or you decide that you have more stuff than square footage, storage companies abound. Sizes, conditions, and contracts vary widely so be sure to do your homework before you commit. Particularly in climates with extreme cold, heat, or humidity, it is important to consider using only climate-controlled storage to ensure the protection of your furniture and temporarily unused items.
3. TEMPORARY HOUSING
It is not uncommon for there to be a short gap of time during a military move between when you arrive at your new duty station and your new home being available to inhabit. No longer are hotels the only option for sticking out a few days or weeks during the wait. Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO) and Airbnb are great options to make you feel more at home while you wait for your home. In fact, why not take advantage of seeing your new city through the eyes of a tourist? Find a location near new local attractions and dining and enjoy a few days of getting to know the lay of the land.
4. USPS/IRS
Once you get settled in at your new home, it’s important that you alert agencies that will make sure your current and up-to-date address is on file. The United States Postal Service (USPS) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are two of the most important and by doing so, any important mail or documents in your name should be forwarded or sent along to your new address. It’s also a good idea to notify banks, credit card companies, and other debt collectors of a change of address. These days nearly all of these transactions can be handled online.
5. DISCARD & DONATE SERVICES
No matter how much you purge, toss, organize, minimize, or donate before you pack up the moving truck, it never fails that after you get unpacked on the other side there seems to be more stuff to declutter. Discard and donate services can help with this. Many are a phone call away and will happily come to your residence for a pickup. Others are structured where you simply drop off at a store. A lot of these services are charitable organizations and will offer you documentation for your own taxes based on your donation. It’s a win-win: you downsize by donating, and someone else benefits from your use of your items.
