Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
Key Contacts
Military Housing Office
88 CEG/CEIH
1450 Littrell Rd
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433
PH: (937) 257-6547
The Properties at Wright Field
Welcome Center/Leasing Office 5924 Hickam Dr. Dayton, OH 45431 PH: (937) 253-6009
School Liaison
2000 Allbrook Drive
Area A, Building 2
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433
PH: (937) 986-0942
Military and Family Readiness Center
2000 Allbrook Drive
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433
PH: (937) 257-3592
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 Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (AFB) is home to the 88th Air Base Wing and the Air Force Materiel Command and is located in Green and Montgomery Counties, northeast of Dayton, OH. The airmen assigned to Wright-Patterson support all aspects of the installation operations, from medical care and security to air defense. On December 15, 1945, Wright and Patterson Fields were established as The Army Air Force’s Technical Base; however, three years later, the base was renamed Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to reflect the names of the airfields. Wright-Patterson AFB has always been the premier location for aeronautics testing, beginning with test flights performed by the Wright Brothers and continuing to present-day testing of modern military aircraft.
The National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) is located on Wright-Patterson AFB and operates as the Air Force’s main analytical center for air and space threats. Other units that call Wright-Patterson AFB home are the 455th Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve Command, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, and the Air Force Research Laboratory.
Wright-Patterson AFB comprises two separate areas: Area A and Area B. The commissary, hospital, and PX are in Area A, while Area B houses The Air Force Institute of Technology and the Air Force Research Laboratory Headquarters. The National Museum of the US Air Force is south of Area B, freely accessible to the public, and fun for visitors of all ages. The United States Air Force Marathon is held at Wright-Patterson AFB in September and attracts athletes from all over the country.
Wright-Patterson AFB is the largest employer in the greater Dayton, Ohio, area, with 31,000 employees. Additionally, the installation provides services to support 54,000 local retirees. The area surrounding Wright-Patterson AFB has endless bike trails, MetroParks, and easy accessibility to various shopping, dining, and entertainment. Those stationed here will appreciate the convenience of both urban and rural life, along with the warmth and generosity of the locals.
About Green and Montgomery County
LOCATION
Portions of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (AFB) are located in both Greene and Montgomery Counties. Wright-Patterson AFB is 13 miles east of Dayton, Ohio. For those traveling in and out of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base by air, the most popular airport is Dayton International Airport (DAY), about 20 miles northwest. Additionally, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is around 90 miles south of Wright-Patterson AFB, and John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) is just over 65 miles east of Wright-Patterson AFB.
ATTRACTIONS
MetroParks, dining, museums, and shopping surround Wright-Patterson AFB. Dayton and the surrounding area boast one of the best children’s museums, the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, along with endless bike paths that weave throughout Ohio. Additionally, shoppers will find themselves overwhelmed by the plethora of stores in the surrounding area. Those interested in day trips will enjoy outings to Cedar Point in northern Ohio, Newport Aquarium just over the border of southern Ohio, or Hocking Hills State Park in eastern Ohio. Those stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB will find themselves in the middle of it all!
Helpful hints
Wright-Patterson AFB is considered a moderate cost of living area compared to the rest of the United States. Being stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB comes with the opportunity to live in a city, suburb, or a more rural community. Commute times, schools, and accessibility of restaurants and shopping should be considered when choosing a neighborhood and its proximity to Wright-Patterson AFB.
WEATHER
The summer months, May through September, are generally pleasant at Wright-Patterson AFB. July and August are the hottest months, with daily temperatures averaging a high of 85°F. Winters at Wright-Patterson AFB bring the occasional snow or ice storm, and daily temperatures average a low of 20°F in January. Those stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB will generally see all four seasons. It may be over the course of a year, but sometimes it happens all in one day. The best advice for those moving to Wright-Patterson AFB is to dress in layers!
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Nearby Neighborhoods
HOUSING
Wright Patterson AFB offers privatized housing managed by The Properties at Wright Field. Housing options include two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes in 2 different neighborhoods: The Woods at Wright Field and The Prairies at Wright Field. Homes feature garages, central air conditioning, and private patios. Neighborhood amenities include a pool, 24-hour emergency maintenance, basketball courts, and playgrounds. Students living in The Woods or The Prairies housing will attend Fairborn School District or Mad River Local School District. In addition to the on-base options, many service families choose to reside in several off-base communities. Huber Heights, Beavercreek, and Fairborn are nearby cities with various shopping, entertainment, and dining.
Huber Heights
ABOUT
Located north of Wright-Patterson AFB and downtown Dayton, Huber Heights is convenient for those looking for an easy commute, fewer suburban amenities, and proximity to farmland.
Popular Neighborhoods
- The Gables of Huber Heights
- Quail Ridge
- The Carriage Trails
Nearby Attractions
- Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
- Rose Music Center at The Heights
- Carriage Hill MetroPark
By the Numbers
- Population 43,000
- Household Income $76,000
- Home values vary widely in this area. Ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- Many career opportunities in medicine, education, and retail
- 15 minutes from Dayton International Airport (DAY)
- A variety of well-established and new-construction homes cost of living compared to nearby cities
Things to Consider
- 15-minute commute to Wright-Patterson AFB
- Fewer options for dining and shopping
Beavercreek
ABOUT
Beavercreek is worth considering for those who desire to be in the middle of it all. Beavercreek is the hub of suburban life in the greater Dayton area, with a variety of shopping, entertainment, and restaurants.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Knollwood
- Farmbrook Estates
- Hunter’s Ridge
Nearby Attractions
- The Greene Shopping Center
- The Mall at Fairfield Commons
- Rotary Park
- National Museum of the US Air Force
By the Numbers
- Population: 47,000
- Household Income: $108,000
- Home values vary widely in this area. Ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- Proximity to shopping, entertainment, and a variety of local and chain restaurants
- Nearby MetroParks are enjoyable for people of all ages
- Career opportunities in medicine, education, and retail
Things to Consider
- 10 to 15-minute commute to Wright-Patterson AFB Area B
- 20 to 25-minute commute to Wright-Patterson AFB Area A
Fairborn
ABOUT
Fairborn, being directly outside the gates of Wright-Patterson AFB, is not only worth considering for the short commute but living here comes with proximity to the suburban amenities of Beavercreek.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Chapelgate
- Arden Place
- Rona Village of Fairborn
Nearby Attractions
- Wright Brothers Memorial
- Young’s Jersey Dairy
- Oakes Quarry Park
By the Numbers
- Population: 34,000
- Household Income: $54,000
- Home values vary widely in this area. Ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- 5 to 10-minute commute to Wright-Patterson AFB
- Opportunity for higher education with proximity to Wright State University and University of Dayton
Things to Consider
- Those looking for land will find acreage further from Wright-Patterson
- Air traffic noise from Wright-Patterson AFB is worth considering when looking at homes in this area
*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.
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.
