Fort Irwin
Key Contacts
Army Garrison Housing Office (AHO)
Langford Lake Rd., Building 111
Fort Irwin 92310
PH: (760) 380-6824
The Villages at Fort Irwin
4553 Tippecanoe St.
Fort Irwin, CA 92310
PH: (760) 386-4663
School Liaison
Langford Lake Rd., Bldg. 21
Fort Irwin 92310
PH: (760) 380-6880
Army Community Service
Langford Lake Rd., Bldg. 109
Fort Irwin, CA 92310
PH: (760) 380-3776
Most installation services will be available Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. As always, call first to confirm the hours and availability of services.
Helpful hint: Contact these offices early in the week during the morning time frame.
About Fort Irwin
“Win the First Fight”
Fort Irwin is home to the US Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) National Training Center, commonly known as NTC. Selected as the Army's National Training Center in 1979, Fort Irwin was activated in 1980 and has been operational since. Currently, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment is the opposing force (OPFOR), training units from all military branches, reserves, and foreign militaries that rotate through NTC.
Fort Irwin is also home to the 916th Support Brigade, which supports the installation and visiting units, and the NTC Operations Group, which observes coaches, and trains rotational units. Other units on Fort Irwin include the Joint Center of Excellence, the Reserve Component Operations Plans and Training, and the Mission and Installation Contracting Command. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) also occupies a portion of the western perimeter of Fort Irwin. NASA's Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex hosts the Pioneer Deep Space Station, one of three worldwide stations used to track and control spacecraft.
There are 4,600 Active Duty soldiers and families assigned to Fort Irwin and 4,000 civilians working on-post. Each month, 4,000 - 5,000 soldiers rotate through the National Training Center.
About San Bernadino County
LOCATION
Fort Irwin is in the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County, California. It is 150 miles northeast Los Angeles, 110 miles north of San Bernardino, and 38 miles north of Barstow, California. For those traveling in and out of Fort Irwin by air, the most popular airport is Ontario International Airport (ONT), which is about 110 miles south of Fort Irwin. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, Nevada, are also popular for travel by air.
ATTRACTIONS
Be it culture and art or outdoor recreation and eateries, Fort Irwin is known as a place “in the middle of everywhere” and has many opportunities for adventure. Many attractions are accessible with a two-hour car ride from Fort Irwin. The many National Parks and Forests, beaches, wine country, and skiing are some of the most popular weekend spots. An hour further, there are major cities with activities for the whole family, including San Diego, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, Nevada.
WEATHER
The Mojave Desert is a dry, arid climate year-round. Fort Irwin averages 6 inches of rainfall annually and 284 days of sunshine. Summers are hot, with an average temperature of 100°F in July and August. Winters are cold and partly cloudy, with low temperatures hovering around 40°F in December and January. The average yearly snowfall at Fort Irwin is 0.2 inches.
HELPFUL HINTS
Fort Irwin is considered a high-cost living area compared to the rest of the United States. San Bernardino County, however, is a lower-cost living area in California. Commute times, schools, and accessibility of restaurants and shopping should be considered when choosing a neighborhood and its proximity to Fort Irwin.
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Nearby Neighborhoods
ON-POST HOUSING
Fort Irwin offers privatized housing managed by The Villages at Fort Irwin. Housing options include two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes in 14 neighborhoods. Homes feature fenced-in yards, outdoor patio space, balconies with second-floor views, 74 different floor plans, and one- or two-car garages. Neighborhood amenities include a resort-style pool, splash pad, playgrounds, community centers, and well-lit walking paths. The Villages at Fort Irwin are responsible for 24-hour maintenance, pest control, and general community management.
OFF-POST HOUSING
In addition to the on-post options, there are several o -post communities where many service families choose to reside. Barstow, Victorville, and Apple Valley provide a variety of public, private, and charter schools spanning all grades. The Silver Valley School District operates three public schools located on Fort Irwin: Lewis Elementary (K-2), Tiefort View Intermediate (3-5), and Fort Irwin Middle (6-8). Victor Valley College has a beautiful campus in Victorville, on the border with Apple Valley.
Victorville
ABOUT
Well-known as a stop along Route 66, Victorville provides local access to shopping, restaurants, and entertainment, with even more attractions in nearby San Bernardino.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Sunset Ridge
- Baldy Mesa
- Eagle Ranch
Nearby Attractions
- The California Route 66 Museum
- Mojave Narrows Regional Park
- High Desert Center for the Arts
By the Numbers
- Population 134,800
- Household Income $60,400
- Median Home Value: Home values vary widely in this area. Ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- Historic Downtown
- Variety of department stores, restaurants, and entertainment for the family
- Top employers are Southern California Logistics Airport, the local community college, and the medical center
Things to Consider
- 1 hour 15-minute commute via Interstate 15 and Fort Irwin Road
Apple Valley
ABOUT
If you’re looking for a distance between work life and home life, Apple Valley is the place to be. This town boasts scenic views of the San Bernardino Foothills and a quieter lifestyle.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Sunset Hills
- Desert Knolls
- Desert Knolls Manor
Nearby Attractions
- Victor Valley Museum and Gallery
- San Bernardino Foothills
By the Numbers
- Population 75,800
- Household Income $51,300
- Median Home Value: Home values vary widely in this area. Ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- Smaller, quiet town with scenic views
- Proximity to San Bernardino for shopping and restaurants
- Career opportunities within the Apple Valley Unified School District, as well as the nearby medical center
Things to Consider
- Just an hour's commute to Fort Irwin via Interstate 15 and Fort Irwin Rd.
- Further from shopping, dining, and entertainment
Barstow
ABOUT
Barstow is nearest Fort Irwin, providing local shopping, entertainment, and eateries.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Barstow Heights
Nearby Attractions
- Harvey House Railroad Depot
- Skyline Drive-in Theater
By the Numbers
- Population 25,400
- Household Income $40,600
- Median Home Value: Home values vary widely in this area. Ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- 45-minute commute via Interstate 15 and Fort Irwin Rd.
- Proximity to shopping outlets
Things to Consider
- With a population of only 25,000, this small town may have a more limited inventory of homes.
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.
