Moving to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
Camp Lejeune, the self-described Home of Expeditionary Forces in Readiness, hosts major Marine Corps commands, a large Navy command and a Coast Guard unit, along with formal schools and New River Air Station. Jacksonville, the surrounding town, is built around the base, and the coast and beaches are close.
| Branch | Marine Corps |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Jacksonville, NC |
| Airports | Albert J. Ellis (OAJ) in Jacksonville; Wilmington (ILM) about 1 hour; Raleigh-Durham (RDU) about 2.5 hours |
| Climate | Humid subtropical with hot summers, mild winters and hurricane-season risk |
| Cost of living | Near or below the US average |
| On-base housing | Hunt Military Communities and Lincoln/Liberty Military Housing (about 5,204 units across Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River) |
| Medical care | Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune |
| Family support center | Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Information & Referral, Building 59, Molly Pitcher Road |
Where families live
Jacksonville
The main hub with shopping, apartments and houses at a wide range of prices.
Hubert / Swansboro
Coastal communities with quieter streets and newer subdivisions; Swansboro is a historic waterfront town.
Sneads Ferry / North Topsail Beach
Beach and fishing towns with water access and some rentals.
Richlands
Small rural town with lower costs and larger lots.
On-base housing areas
Privatized communities with central AC, washer/dryer hookups and maintenance handled by the partner.
Schools
Residents of on-base housing generally attend DoDEA schools on the installation, while off-base families use Onslow County Schools. The base's School Liaison Office can explain both options and help with transfers.
- Onslow County Schools — Public district for Jacksonville and surrounding communities.
On the installation: DoDEA schools on Camp Lejeune (including Tarawa Terrace and Brewster Middle)
Camp Lejeune School Liaison Office through MCCS
Things to do near Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
- Onslow BeachoutdoorsBeach access on the installation for military families.
- Hammocks Beach State ParkoutdoorsBarrier island reached by ferry near Swansboro.
- Topsail Island beachesoutdoorsPopular beach towns up the coast.
- Swansboro waterfrontfoodSmall historic harbor town with seafood restaurants.
- Jacksonville riverfrontfamilyWaterfront park and community events along the New River.
- Camp Lejeune base recreationfamilyMCCS offers fitness, golf and outdoor programs.
- Wilmingtonday-tripHistoric riverfront city and Cape Fear beaches about an hour south.
- Crystal Coastday-tripBeaufort and Atlantic Beach to the northeast.
Realtors & local services
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Local programs & support
- Camp Lejeune Military Housing OfficeOffers rental listings, locator maps and school and worship information for off-base moves; advance applications accepted before arrival.
- Rental Partnership ProgramOff-base lease program with eligibility rules tied to time remaining on contract.
PCS tips for Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
- Submit advance housing applications before you arrive; in-person applications are taken at the Military Housing Office in Tarawa Terrace on weekdays.
- Single service members below E-5 need command approval to live off base.
- Rental Partnership Program leases require a minimum amount of time remaining on your active service, so check eligibility.
- Hurricane season runs from June through November; have a plan and renter's insurance.
- Traffic at the main gates can back up during morning and evening rush hours.
Benefits to use on this move
- Dislocation Allowance (DLA)Service members relocating a household on PCS orders
- Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)Families who need a hotel or short-term rental while moving within the U.S.
- Personally Procured Move (PPM / DITY)Families who want to move some or all of their own goods
- VA Home Loan GuarantyService members, veterans and some surviving spouses buying a home
- Pet Transportation ReimbursementFamilies moving a cat or dog on PCS orders
- Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military ChildrenSchool-age children of active duty families changing schools
- School Liaison ProgramParents choosing schools and transferring records
Other installations in the Southeast
Last researched 2026-10. Housing partners, school assignments and phone numbers change; confirm with the installation before you sign anything. Spot an error? Send a correction.