Shaw Air Force Base
Key Contacts
Shaw AF Base Operator 803-895-1110
Military & Family Readiness Center 803-895-1253
Carolina Pines Inn 803-895-3803/803-895-3805/1-800-769-7429
Child Development Center 803-895-2247
Clinic–Shaw Air Force Base 803-895-2273
Dental Clinic 803-895-6106/8
Education Office 803-895-1838
Housing Office 803-895-2421
Outdoor Recreation/Recreation Supply/ FamCamp 803-895-0449
Pediatric Clinic 803-895-2273
Shaw AFB Youth Programs 803-895-2251
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.
Shaw Air Force Base
Welcome to Shaw Air Force Base! Shaw Air Force Base is a major United States Air Force installation located near Sumter, South Carolina. It's one of the largest military bases in the US and falls under the Air Combat Command (ACC).
Key points about Shaw AFB:
- Host Unit: The 20th Fighter Wing (20th FW), operating F-16CJ Fighting Falcons.
- History: Established in 1941, it played roles in major conflicts including World War II, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and more recent operations like Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
- Named After: 1st Lieutenant Ervin David Shaw, a World War I pilot and Sumter County native.
- Mission: Supports Air Combat Command's mission to provide airpower for global reach and global power.
- Other Units: Houses various associate units like the Army and Air Force Exchange Service and Air Force Audit Agency.
About Sumter County
LOCATION
Shaw Air Force Base is located in Sumter County, South Carolina. It is approximately 8 miles west of the city of Sumter, providing easy access to city conveniences while maintaining a quintessential military community environment. The nearest major airport is Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), about an hour’s drive away. Charleston International Airport (CHS) and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) are other regional airports offering additional travel options for military personnel and visitors.
ATTRACTIONS
The area surrounding Shaw Air Force Base offers a variety of cultural and recreational attractions:
- Swan Lake Iris Gardens: A beautiful public garden known for its swan-filled lakes and stunning seasonal blossoms.
- Sumter Opera House: An architectural gem hosting community events and performances.
- Palmetto Park: Ideal for outdoor activities like walking, picnicking, and sports with family-friendly facilities.
- Sumter County Museum: Offers an insight into the local history and features period exhibits.
- Congaree National Park: Located a short drive away, perfect for hiking, canoeing, and exploring South Carolina’s natural beauty.
- Shaw Air Force Base Heritage Park: A small park on the base with aircraft displays and historical markers.
Helpful hints
The cost of living in Sumter County is generally lower than the national average, providing an affordable option for military families. When selecting a neighborhood, consider factors such as commute times, access to schools, and nearby amenities. Traffic around the base can increase during peak hours, so planning travel in advance is advisable.
WEATHER
Shaw Air Force Base experiences a humid subtropical climate with distinctly hot summers and mild winters. The average annual rainfall is about 47 inches, with precipitation highest during the summer months. Winters are generally mild, with January temperatures averaging around 41°F. Summers can be quite hot, with July temperatures often climbing into the high 80s and low 90s. The area enjoys numerous clear days, making it favorable for year-round outdoor activities.
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Nearby Neighborhoods
HOUSING
On-base housing at Shaw Air Force Base is managed by Hunt Military Communities. It offers a variety of homes designed to accommodate military families comfortably. The housing units range from two-bedroom to four-bedroom floor plans, providing options to suit different family sizes. All homes are equipped with modern amenities such as energy-efficient appliances, ample storage, and attached garages. Shaw Family Housing aims to create a lively community with features such as playgrounds, sports courts, and events for residents. The area is pet-friendly and has easy access to base facilities, providing a convenient and supportive setting for military families.
Sumter, SC
ABOUT
Sumter is an essential town for those stationed at Shaw Air Force Base, with its vibrant community and historical significance. Here are some highlights:
Popular Neighborhoods
- Sunset Country Club
- Historic District
- Carolina Palms
Nearby Attractions
- Sumter Gallery of Art
- Crystal Lakes Golf Course
- Sumter Farmers Market
By the Numbers
- Population: 40,000
- Median Household Income: $49,000
- Median Home Value varies widely.
Big Plus
- Close to base with a tight-knit community
- Numerous parks and recreational facilities
Things to Consider
- Lack of larger city amenities
- Localized traffic congestion during peak hours
Columbia, SC
ABOUT
As the state capital, Columbia offers a bustling urban experience and is located about an hour from Shaw:
Popular Neighborhoods
- Shandon
- Forest Acres
- University Hills
Nearby Attractions
- Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
- South Carolina State Museum
- Congaree Vista
By the Numbers
- Population: 136,000
- Median Household Income: $55,000
- Median Home Value varies widely.
Big Plus
- Rich cultural activities and shopping
- Diverse dining and nightlife scene
Things to Consider
- Longer commute to Shaw AFB
- Higher population density
Conclusion
Relocating to Shaw Air Force Base presents a dynamic living situation with its blend of history, community, and southern charm. The region offers diverse living options, from quiet suburban to vibrant urban settings, ensuring you find a place that suits your lifestyle. Whether it's your professional career that brings you here or the chance to explore new surroundings, you'll be welcomed into a community that values its military connection and the contributions it brings. For relocation assistance and personalized services, contact our dedicated experts. Welcome to Shaw Air Force Base—your new home base!
*Population and annual household income data retrieved from data.census.gov/cedsci February 2024.
*The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
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.
