Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms
KEY CONTACTS
Family Housing Office
1003 Cottontail Rd.
Twentynine Palms, CA 92278
PH: (760) 830-6611
Liberty Military Housing
1003 Cottonwood Rd.
Twentynine Palms, CA 92278
PH: (760) 362-8901
Family Team Building
1522 Fifth Street
Twentynine Palms, CA 92278
PH: (760) 830-3110
School Liaison Office
Building 1417
Twentynine Palms, CA 92278
PH: (760) 830-1574
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
About MCAGCC Twentynine Palms
The Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), also known as 29 Palms, is a sprawling installation located at the southern tip of San Bernardino County, California. With over 998 square miles, it is the largest Marine Corps base in the world. Most of the base is set aside for training, and the main base area, or “Mainside,” is compact and only takes about 15 minutes to traverse. MCAGCC is home to the 7th Marine Regiment, Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School (MCCES), 1st Tank Battalion, Naval Hospital 29 Palms, and several other units.
The Combat Center is adjacent to the town of Twentynine Palms, an oasis in the Mojave Desert. Several evolutions of Navy and Marine Corps installations have been built in this area over the last 70 years, but today 29 Palms is the Marine Corps’ premier training facility. The arid climate, abundant sunshine, and clean air made Twentynine Palms an ideal refuge for soldiers recovering from lung damage caused by gas exposure in World War I. The same qualities that made the encompassing Morongo Basin a successful desert rehab also drew other health seekers to snatch up 160-acre land grants from the government.
Moving to the High Desert can sound intimidating, but it can be a truly remarkable experience if you’re open to it! Naturalists, photographers, and the outdoorsy treasure this region because of the diverse wildlife, incredible rock formations, the ancient and protected Joshua Tree, and the absence of light pollution that facilitates some of the most spectacular sunsets and stellar nighttime displays imaginable. The nearest city (with a Target) is Palm Springs, located roughly an hour and 15 minutes “down the hill.” There are options like Walmart and grocery stores nearby, but you’ll learn to rely on Amazon Prime living here! The local schools have fantastic resources for homeschooling, a popular choice for students ranging from kindergarten to high school seniors.
Energy consumption is important to be aware of when moving to the desert. Be prepared for a utility cost shock. Two main methods for cooling your home are refrigerated air conditioning and “swamp coolers.” The most effective cooling system is air conditioning, but you will pay dearly for the amount of electricity it uses. A swamp cooler, or evaporative cooler, is a much more energy-efficient system, but with a few drawbacks. A swamp cooler pulls air from outside and adds moisture to it, thus cooling it down. This can typically produce humidified air up to 20 degrees cooler than the dry air from outside. However, temps in the desert can reach 100 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and during more humid months, the result can be a less-than-ideal attempt at cooling. Homes with swamp coolers are sometimes harder to sell and require more maintenance. A hybrid of air conditioning and evaporative cooling is an excellent option if you can find it. Otherwise, just be prepared for hidden costs.
On-base housing at 29 Palms is highly recommended and popular for many, especially families. Considerations such as schools, high utility costs off base, and the tight-knit military community are the positives to living on base. However, some fantastic communities nearby can be a great fit for you and your family if you choose to live off base.
We’ve heard that 29 Palms is one of those “love it or hate it” duty stations; some people never look back, and some return and retire here. With the infinite beauty to take in and the quiet pace that allows ample opportunity, you’re encouraged just to stop and smell the roses, or at least the desert wildflowers. The lack of distractions (i.e., amenities) has the unintended effect of fostering friendships that can last a lifetime.
It’s also been said of 29 Palms, “You’ll cry when you go, and you’ll cry when you leave!”
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Nearby Neighborhoods
Popular Neighborhoods
Joshua Tree
About
Joshua Tree is an eclectic community that welcomes visitors to the immense 800,000-acre Joshua Tree National Park wilderness preserve. The iconic trees are believed to have been named by Mormon pioneers who thought the tree was reminiscent of the biblical character Joshua waving his arms towards the heavens. However, they acquired the name the Joshua Tree groves can only be found here and are estimated to be between 500 and 900 years old!
This quirky, artistic refuge is a tourist destination and yogi mecca. Vacationers from Europe join weekenders from nearby Palm Springs, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Las Vegas to take in the art galleries and tucked-away restaurants and spend time in the park. It is also a favorite year-round destination for rock climbers.
Those who choose to live on base at 29 Palms typically come to Joshua Tree to hang out and explore. It’s about ten degrees cooler in Joshua Tree than in the lower desert communities and a bit warmer in winter. There is enough local shopping here to meet your day-to-day needs and a Von’s grocery store. If you need more options, head “down the hill” a bit to next door Yucca Valley or slightly farther to Palm Springs.
Neighbors
Joshua Tree has a great mix of about half military families and half locals. Many are coming and going, with people leaving for the weekends to Palm Springs, Los Angeles, San Diego, or even Las Vegas, and just as many people coming in for a visit. The land is abundant here, so that you might find yourself next door to an animal rescuer or equestrian.
Neighborhood Feel
The homes here are mostly older and date back to the 1980s, but that’s not to say newer homes aren’t available. There are a few master-planned subdivisions with new construction and swimming pools. Many homes are set on acreage, and it’s common to have six or more acres between you and your closest neighbor. The yards are sandy with cacti and, of course, the revered Joshua Trees.
Neighborhood Info | Joshua Tree
Points of Interest
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Joshua Tree Rock Climbing School
- Hi-Desert Medical Center
- Joshua Tree Music Festival
- Copper Mountain Community College
- Joshua Tree Park and Recreation Community Center – Playgrounds, tennis courts, handball courts, a skate park for skateboarders, and picnic facilities.
Big Plus
- Small shops satisfy the necessities, and you have a small assortment of health food stores, Von’s Supermarket, a local coffee roaster, hair salons, and even a saloon.
- There is minimal light pollution, so get ready for some epic stargazing. Forget stars —you can see galaxies from out here!
- Quiet communities with friendly neighbors and lots of space.
Things to Consider
- Understand the cooling systems in homes. You can choose refrigerated air, swamp coolers, or a hybrid. You can use cost-conscious swamp coolers and potentially sweat out a couple of the hotter months to save your wallet, or opt for air conditioning and improve your chances of resale. Many buyers look for homes with both systems, so keep that in mind if you’re buying a home! People often move on base after getting their first electric bill, so research before you get there.
- The hospital and clinics at 29 Palms are small, and most specialty referrals are seen “down the hill” in Palm Springs or at Loma Linda University (which, although closer than 29 Palms, is still over an hour-long drive).
School Scoop
- Joshua Tree contains three primary and secondary schools. One of the best schools is Friendly Hills Elementary School. Public schools in Joshua Tree are part of the Morongo Unified School District.
- Transitional kindergarten is available at Twentynine Palms Elementary and Joshua Tree Elementary for students who turn five years old on or between September 2 and December 2. Make sure you get your application in early and remember that parents must provide all transportation for transitional kindergarteners.
- On January 1, 2016, a law was signed to practice that mandates that all students in the state of California are to be fully vaccinated to attend a public or private school and child care unless they have a documented medical exemption. That means no more personal belief exemptions (PBEs). Students attending home-based schools or independent study are not required to submit immunization forms.
- The local schools have fantastic resources for homeschooling, a popular choice for students ranging from kindergarten to high school seniors.
- Private schools are also popular in this area, and Calvary Chapel is highly recommended.
Highlighted Areas
- Sherman Heights
Yucca Valley
About
Located roughly 20 miles west, Yucca Valley is one of the larger communities that military families choose when moving to 29 Palms. Sweeping views of the lower valley, cooler temperatures, and a more developed commercial district draw many to this area.
Yucca Valley is a great ‘happy medium’ for many reasons. It’s halfway between 29 Palms and Palm Springs, allowing working spouses to find employment in the city. You’re still in the desert, but the valley is fertile with shopping, dining, and a few name-brand stores and restaurants to make you feel at home. And there are vintage clothing shops that cater to the desert bohemian style (think nearby Coachella Music Festival), art galleries, antique shops, and some chain stores and car dealerships.
Neighbors
There are a lot of retirees in Yucca Valley, as well as those who work in Palm Springs. There are military families, but uniforms start to thin out this far from the base.
Neighborhood Feel
The homes in Yucca Valley are stucco with red tile roofs in the adobe style. They are typically newer homes, built in the last 15 to 20 years, and some have pools. The population density is higher here, and the houses are closer together than in neighboring communities.
Neighborhood Info | Yucca Valley
Points of Interest
- Morongo Canyon Preserve
- Old Town Yucca Valley
- Sky Village Outdoor Marketplace
Big Plus - Yucca Valley is considered to be the commercial hub of the Morongo Basin.
- Close to Palm Springs — those that like to keep a little distance from the base are happy here. The proximity to a larger city also opens employment opportunities for career-minded spouses.
- Homes on the western hills, higher up on the mesa, offer dramatic views of the entire valley.
- There is minimal light pollution, so get ready for some epic stargazing. Forget stars — you can see galaxies from out here!
Things to Consider
- Though Yucca Valley has more shopping options than in other MCAGCC neighbors, you’ll still need to go “all the way down the hill” to Palm Springs for things like Target, Old Navy, and Costco.
- Understand the cooling systems in homes. You can choose refrigerated air, swamp coolers, or a hybrid. You can use cost-conscious swamp coolers and potentially sweat out a couple of the hotter months to save your wallet, or opt for air conditioning and improve your chances of resale. Many buyers look for homes with both systems, so keep that in mind if you’re buying a home! People often move on base after getting their first electric bill, so research before you get here.
- The hospital and clinics at 29 Palms are small, and most specialty referrals are seen “down the hill” in Palm Springs or at Loma Linda University (which, although closer than 29 Palms, is still over an hour-long drive).
School Scoop
- Yucca Valley has 11 primary and secondary schools. One of the best schools is Onaga Elementary School. Public schools in Yucca Valley belong to Morongo Unified School District.
- Transitional kindergarten is available at Twentynine Palms Elementary and Joshua Tree Elementary for students who turn five years old on or between September 2 and December 2. Make sure you get your application in early and remember that parents must provide all transportation for transitional kindergarteners.
- On January 1, 2016, a law was signed to practice that mandates that all students in the state of California are to be fully vaccinated to attend a public or private school and child care unless they have a documented medical exemption. That means no more personal belief exemptions (PBEs). Students attending home-based schools or independent study are not required to submit immunization forms.
- The local schools have fantastic resources for homeschooling, a popular choice for students ranging from kindergarten to high school seniors.
Highlighted Areas
- Western Hills Ranchos
- Copper Valley
- Sky harbor
- Paradise Valley
- Storey Park
Twentynine Palms
About
Legend has it that miners used to refer to a favored oasis in the Mojave Desert by the ring of palm trees surrounding the watering hole — 29 fabled palm trees, to be exact! Today, Twentynine Palms is home to MCAGCC 29 Palms, and the two are inextricably linked. The community is mostly home to military families, and those that choose to retire here love this High Desert oasis!
It’s a small community, primarily residential, with very little shopping but it boasts some of the best dining around. Its pride and joy are the Joshua Tree National Park, whose headquarters and the main entrance are in Twentynine Palms. The town caters to vacationers and has a reputation for being a refuge to those seeking to unplug and reconnect with nature.
Neighbors
Twentynine Palms is predominantly home to military families and retirees. It’s a quaint, small town, so expect to have involved neighbors!
Neighborhood Feel
There are some in-demand, new communities with large homes with gorgeous views. You’ll find similar floor plans in these master-planned neighborhoods that vary in color. There are also neighborhoods with custom builds and older homes with lots of character.
Neighborhood Info | Twentynine Palms
Points of Interest
- Luckie Park – a park with pools, sports, dance, and a community center
- 29 Palms Inn
- Smith’s Ranch – Old school drive-in theater
- 49 Palms Oasis Trail
- Sky’s the Limit Observatory
- Tortoise Rock Casino
Big Plus
- Twentynine Palms boasts some of the region’s most delectable foods.
- This vacation destination attracts some random visitors, including celebrities! Keep your autograph book handy.
- There is minimal light pollution, so get ready for some epic stargazing. Forget stars —you can see galaxies from out here!
- The community is tight-knit and slow-paced.
Things to Consider
- Twentynine Palms is very spread out, and you may not have close neighbors.
- Coming from a big city to this rural community may be a culture shock.
- Shopping is minimal, and you’re far from most name-brand stores in Yucca Valley and Palm Springs. You’ll most likely be going on base for most of your shopping.
- Understand the cooling systems in homes. You can choose refrigerated air, swamp coolers, or a hybrid. You can use cost-conscious swamp coolers and potentially sweat out a couple of the hotter months to save your wallet, or opt for air conditioning and improve your chances of resale. Many buyers look for homes with both systems, so keep that in mind if you’re buying a home! People often move on base after getting their first electric bill, so research before you get here.
- The hospital and clinics at 29 Palms are small, and most specialty referrals are seen “down the hill” in Palm Springs or at Loma Linda University (which, although closer than 29 Palms, is still over an hour-long drive).
School Scoop
- Twentynine Palms contains seven schools. One of the best schools is Condor Elementary School. The public schools in Twentynine Palms are in Morongo Unified School District.
- Transitional kindergarten is available at Twentynine Palms Elementary and Joshua Tree Elementary for students who turn five years old on or between September 2 and December 2. Make sure you get your application in early and remember that parents must provide all transportation for transitional kindergarteners.
- On January 1, 2016, a law was signed to practice that mandates that all students in the state of California are to be fully vaccinated to attend a public or private school and child care unless they have a documented medical exemption. That means no more personal belief exemptions (PBEs). Students attending home-based schools or independent study are not required to submit immunization forms.
- The local schools have fantastic resources for homeschooling, a popular choice for students ranging from kindergarten to high school seniors.
Highlighted Areas
- Desert Knoll
- Desert Heights
- Sherman Heights
- Campbell Hill
- Four Corners
- Harmony Acres
- Indian Cove
- Smoke Tree Villas
Looking at relocating?
Enter your information below and we will reach out to help the process.
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.
