Moving to Cannon Air Force Base
Cannon is the home of the 27th Special Operations Wing in Air Force Special Operations Command, flying AC-130J and MC-130J gunships and transports, CV-22 Ospreys, MQ-9 Reapers and U-28 aircraft. It sits on the high plains of eastern New Mexico about 7 miles from Clovis, near the Texas line, in a quiet, wind-swept and affordable part of the state.
| Branch | Air Force |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Clovis, NM |
| Population served | About 2,500 lived on the base at the 2000 census (no newer figure verified) |
| Airports | Not verified; check the base welcome page for current commercial airport guidance (large airports are several hours away) |
| Climate | Semi-arid high plains with frequent strong winds, warm summers, cold winters with several weeks of snow, and spring thunderstorms (southern edge of Tornado Alley) |
| Cost of living | Small-town market; no figures verified |
| On-base housing | Cannon Family Housing, managed by Balfour Beatty Communities; dorms for unaccompanied Airmen |
| Medical care | 27th Special Operations Medical Group clinic at Cannon AFB |
| Family support center | Airman and Family Readiness Center |
Where families live
On-base Cannon Family Housing
Privatized homes run by Balfour Beatty; the leasing office is in the Chavez Housing Area.
Clovis
The main off-base option, with downtown historic theaters, parks, a community college and the widest range of rentals and homes.
Portales
Smaller community south of the base with a quieter feel and typically lower-priced housing.
Schools
Most Cannon families are served by Clovis Municipal Schools. The installation school liaison office can explain zones, transfers and charter or private options.
- Clovis Municipal Schools — Main district serving Clovis and the base area
Cannon School Liaison Office (through the Airman and Family Readiness Center)
Things to do near Cannon Air Force Base
- Norman Petty Recording StudiosmuseumHistoric Clovis studio where Buddy Holly and other artists recorded.
- Clovis Music FestivalfamilyAnnual mid-April festival celebrating the city's music legacy.
- Historic downtown theatersnightlifeThree historic movie theaters downtown, including the State Theater.
- Special Events CentersportsRodeos, auctions and concerts next to the county fairgrounds.
- Clovis-Carver Public LibraryfamilyFree events including author readings and children's summer reading programs.
- Eastern New Mexico University and Clovis Community College eventsfamilyConcerts, drama and community performances at area colleges.
Realtors & local services
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- Coldwell Banker Prime Real EstateClovis, NMListed in a military housing directory for Cannon AFB
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PCS tips for Cannon Air Force Base
- You must visit the Military Housing Office for counseling before signing any lease, rental or purchase contract.
- Winters bring several weeks of snow and cold while spring brings strong winds and storms, so plan for vehicle and home prep.
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 Desert Southwest
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.