FOrt Huachuca
Key Contacts
Military Family Housing Office
2317 Smith Avenue, Bldg. 52065
Fort Huachuca, AZ 85635
PH: (520) 533-3611
Mountain Vista Communities
2317 Smith Avenue
Fort Huachuca, AZ 85635
PH: (520) 515-9000
School Support Services
Murr Community Center
Cushing Street, Bldg. 51301
Fort Huachuca, AZ 85635
PH: (520) 533-0874
Fort Huachuca Soldier and Family Readiness Center
640 Smith Avenue, Bldg. 50010
Fort Huachuca, AZ 85613
PH: (520) 533-2330
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 Fort Huachuca
"From Sabers to Satellites"
Fort Huachuca is located in Cochise County, in southeast Arizona, approximately 15 miles north of the border of Mexico and at the northern end of the Huachuca Mountains, adjacent to the town of Sierra Vista. The major tenant units at Fort Huachuca are the United States Army Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM) and the United States Army Intelligence Center (USA-ICoE). Libby Army Airfield is on post and shares its runway with Sierra Vista Municipal Airport.
Fort Huachuca is also the headquarters of Army Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS). Other units include the Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC), the Information Systems Engineering Command (ISEC), the Electronic Proving Ground (EPG), and the Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Directorate (IEWTD).
At any given time, Fort Huachuca is home to over 5,600 Military, 8,000 Civilians, and over 11,000 family members. Fort Huachuca also oversees training approximately 9,000 students annually as a joint services installation.
About Cochise County
ATTRACTIONS
For those traveling in and out of the Fort Huachuca area by air, three airports are within a short driving distance: locally, Sierra Vista Municipal Libby Army AirField (FHU), about 50 miles away is Tucson International Airport (TUS), and about 150 miles away is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Very nearby, you’ll find all kinds of southwest adventures in the international border towns and Benson and Tombstone. Tucson, Arizona, is just over an hour to the northwest. Phoenix is located just under three hours northwest. El Paso, Texas, is due east, about four and a half hours away. While stationed at Fort Huachuca, 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, a seven-hour drive west will take you to the beautiful beaches of San Diego, CA.
HELPFUL HINTS
This is considered to be a moderate to the low-cost living area. Based on the United States cost of living average of 100, Cochise County and Sierra Vista rate 87 according to Best Places. Commute times, schools, and accessibility of restaurants and shopping should be considered when choosing a neighborhood and its proximity to Fort Huachuca.
WEATHER
Fort Huachuca is generally a warm and sunny place to live. Average temperatures range from 34-92 degrees Fahrenheit; April, May, and October are some of the most pleasant months. The annual rainfall is around 15 inches, with less than one inch of snow each year. With a dry, desert climate, summers are sweltering, but the winters are very mild, enabling Sierra Vista residents to enjoy the outdoors twelve months out of the year. Spring monsoons, dry heat, and high elevation may take some acclimation for some residents.
LOCATION
Sierra Vista is known as a hidden gem of the southwest. Smaller and less sprawling than nearby Tucson and Phoenix, it is known as both a haven for retirees and a birder’s paradise as the United States hummingbird capital. With over fifteen species of hummingbirds, be sure to add Ramsey Canyon to your bucket list. Located within a stone’s throw of Mexico, the greater Fort Huachuca area has a lot to offer its residents. You will love the lush nature preserves, miles of hiking and biking trails, historic ghost towns, delicious international cuisine, and the welcoming small-town feel.
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Nearby Neighborhoods
ON-BASE HOUSING
Homes on Fort Huachuca are managed by Mountain Vista Communities and offer 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, a cyber center, and even a nine-hole disc golf course. Colonel Johnston Elementary School (K-2), General Myer Elementary (3-5), and Colonel Smith Middle School are located on base. These schools are among the highest-ranking in Cochise County.
OFF-BASE HOUSING
In addition to the on-base housing options, there are several o -post communities where many service families choose to reside. Sierra Vista, Bisbee, and Hereford are three of the most widely popular areas for families. Out of 120 total school districts in Arizona, Sierra Vista and the greater Fort Huachuca area rate as #31 Most Diverse, according to Niche.
Sierra Vista
ABOUT
The most populated and the closest to post of all Fort Huachuca areas, Sierra Vista is a nice place to live with access to shopping, dining, and other amenities.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Village Meadows
- Sierra Vista Estates
- Pueblo Del Sol
Nearby Attractions
- San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area
- Carr Canyon
- Brown’s Canyon Ranch
By the Numbers
- Population 43,000
- Median Home Value $248,000
- Household Income $59,000
Big Plus
- Suburban feel
- Very convenient access to and from stores like Lowe’s, Target, and Safeway
- 6-mile, 14-minute commute to Fort Huachuca via Hatfield Street and N. Buffalo Soldier Trail
Things to Consider
- A variety of home styles and ages of home; many potentially requiring updates
- Heavy retiree population
Bisbee
ABOUT
Bisbee is a great place to live in an area known for its arts and culture scene. With a commute of over half an hour to post, this neighborhood offers some physical distance to help keep that work/life balance.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Warren
- Old Bisbee
- San Rafael
Nearby Attractions
- Old Bisbee Ghost Tours
- Copper Queen Mine
- Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum
By the Numbers
- Population 5,200
- Median Home Value $145,000
- Household Income $65,000
Big Plus
- Cool, historic homes in some neighborhoods, many over 100 years old
- Known as a quirky, colorful town and a creative hotspot with coffee shops and an art scene
Things to Consider
- 37-mile, 29-minute commute to Fort Huachuca via AZ-90 S
- Shopping and dining options are limited
- Sparse suburban feel
Hereford
ABOUT
This affordable area is located east of Fort Huachuca. It offers a small-town feel with the opportunity for finding new construction homes.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Linda Vista
- Charleston Park
- King’s Ranch
Nearby Attractions
- Miller Peak
- Coronado National Memorial
- Montezuma’s Pass
By the Numbers
- Population 6,500
- Median Home Value $179,000
- Household Income $64,000
Big Plus
- Offers a variety of new-construction homes
- Low-maintenance homes and yards with many energy-efficient features
- Convenient to lots of outdoor activities
Things to Consider
- 24-mile, 37-minute commute to Fort Huachuca vis AZ-90 and S. Moson Road
- Smaller neighborhoods so smaller amount of 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.
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.
