Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay
Key Contacts
Housing Service Center
1063 USS Tennessee Avenue
Kings Bay, GA 31547
PH: (912) 573-2056
NSB Kings Bay Homes by Balfour Beatty Communities
1083 USS Andrew Jackson Dr.
Bldg. 180 Kings Bay, GA 31547
PH: (912) 882-1211
School Liaison Officer
650 USS Wahoo Avenue Bldg. 166
Kings Bay, GA 31547
PH: (912) 573-8986
Fleet and Family Support Center
920 USS James Madison Road
Bldg. 1051
Kings Bay, GA 31547
PH: (912) 573-4512
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 Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay
Enhancing Readiness; Transforming Challenges into Achievements
Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is the home port of the U.S. Navy Fleet ballistic missile nuclear submarines capable of carrying Trident missile nuclear weapons. Initially, Kings Bay was acquired by the Army in 1954 to be used as an ocean terminal for shipping ammunition. In 1975, Kings Bay became the chosen home of the fleet ballistic-missile submarine squadron, Submarine Squadron 16, which was being withdrawn from Rota, Spain.
NSB Kings Bay is also home to Submarine Group 10, Submarine Squadron 20, the Naval Submarine Support Center, and the Strategic Weapons Facility Atlantic. The Trident Training Facility, the largest building on NSB Kings Bay, helps train Navy and international military personnel. All of the tenant units play an essential role in ensuring the success of the Navy’s mission.
Two guided missile submarines and six ballistic missile submarines are homeported at NSB Kings Bay. NSB Kings Bay covers about 16,000 acres of land, with 4,000 acres of protected wetlands, and is home to a variety of animals, some of which are endangered.
Kings Bay is home to service members, DoD personnel, civilians, contractors, visitors from NATO countries, veterans, and family members. It’s not uncommon for retirees to settle in the Kings Bay area for the quiet, small-town feel with reasonable proximity to the urban amenities Jacksonville, FL, offers.
Nellis Air Force Base covers more than 14,000 acres, with an additional 7,700 miles of airspace to the north and east available for military flight operations. It is the largest employer in Southern Nevada, with approximately 13,400 military members, civilians, and contractors.
About Camden County
LOCATION
NSB Kings Bay is located in Camden County, Georgia, near East River and Cumberland Sound, close to the Atlantic coast. It is 40 miles south, by car, from NSB Kings Bay to Jacksonville, Florida, the nearest major city. Savannah, Georgia, is a 2-hour drive north of NSB Kings Bay and a popular weekend destination. For those traveling in and out of NSB Kings Bay by air, the most popular airport is Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), conveniently located about 30 miles south of NSB Kings Bay. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is 110 miles north of NSB Kings Bay and is also an option for those traveling by air.
WEATHER
The southeastern coast of Georgia boasts long, hot summers and short, cool winters. June through September is considered the “wetter” season. Average annual rainfall is 50 inches, with over 100 days of precipitation annually. Average temperatures hover around 45 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and 91 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. As with other coastal living areas, hurricanes, tropical storms, and strong winds are weather conditions to prepare for.
ATTRACTIONS
Located near many coastal attractions, NSB Kings Bay offers a variety of activities for the whole family. For the outdoorsy type, Cumberland Island is popular and can be accessed by taking the Cumberland Island Ferry from St. Marys. Nearby Jacksonville, FL, has many shops, eateries, and entertainment. Those stationed at NSB Kings Bay will find that there is no shortage of activities or adventures.
HELPFUL HINTS
NSB Kings Bay is considered to be a low-cost-of-living area compared to the rest of the United States. When house hunting in the winter months, ensure the home has air conditioning for the long, hot summers. Commute times, schools, and accessibility of restaurants and shopping should be considered when choosing a neighborhood and its proximity to NSB Kings Bay.
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Nearby Neighborhoods
HOUSING
NSB Kings Bay offers privatized housing managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. Housing options include two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes in 3 different neighborhoods, Eagle Estates, Polaris Point, and Trident Terrace. Homes feature fully-equipped kitchens, garages/carports, and ceiling fans. Neighborhood amenities include a splash park, walking trails, a dog park, and playgrounds.
In addition to the on-base options, there are several off-post communities where many service families choose to reside. The closest communities are St. Marys and Kingsland; however, some live on the north side of Jacksonville, FL, for the convenience of urban life. Students living on NSB Kings Bay attend Camden County Schools. Serving over 9,000 students, Camden County Schools have nine elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school.
St. Marys
ABOUT
If you are looking for a quiet coastal vibe, St. Marys is the place for you. Close to work and close to the water, St. Marys is perfect for those looking to find a quaint home with a short commute.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Sugarmill Plantation
- Shadowlawn
- Osprey CoveCumberland Harbor
Nearby Attractions
- Crooked River State Park
- Plum Orchard Mansion
- Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum
- St. Marys Submarine Museum
By the Numbers
- Population 18,200
- Household Income $66,000
- Median Home Value Home values vary widely in this area, so ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- 8-minute commute to NSB Kings Bay via GA-40 Spur Road
- Close to the beautiful Georgia Coast, some properties located on the water’s edge
- Civilian career opportunities on NSB Kings Bay as well as in the local retail industry
Things to Consider
- Small town vibe means fewer options for groceries and other needs
- Because St. Marys is a small town, there is limited home inventory
Kingsland
ABOUT
Kingsland boasts a suburban feel and draws those who desire the convenience of shopping, dining, and recreation options.
Popular Neighborhoods
- The Lakes
- Laurel Island
- The Meadows
Nearby Attractions
- Laurel Island Links Golf Course
- Woodbine Nature Trail & River Walk
- Browntown Wilderness Park
By the Numbers
- Population 18,300
- Household Income $53,400
- Median Home Value Home values vary widely in this area, so ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- A 17-minute commute to NSB Kings Bay via St. Marys Road or Kings Bay Road
- Close to more shops, eateries, and box stores
- The proximity of I-95 makes it easy to travel north towards Savannah and south towards Jacksonville, FL
Things to Consider
- Further from the coast; limited waterfront property
- Considered a smaller town and lacks some urban amenities, although they do have a Publix
Jacksonville, FL
ABOUT
Want to separate work-life and personal life? Living in Jacksonville boasts accessibility to suburban and urban amenities, career opportunities, and many school choices.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Tisonia
- Turtle Creek
- San Mateo
Nearby Attractions
- Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Museum of Science and History
By the Numbers
- Population 950,000
- Household Income $55,000
- Median Home Value Home values vary widely in this area, so ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- Jacksonville provides career and education opportunities for spouses• Plenty of eateries, shops, and entertainment.
- Variety of school options
Things to Consider
- Minimum 30-minute commute to NSB Kings Bay on I-95
- Traffic congestion can be an issue in the suburbs.
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.
