Moving to Columbus Air Force Base
Columbus AFB is home to the 14th Flying Training Wing, which runs specialized undergraduate pilot training in the T-6, T-38 and T-1. It is a small, low-traffic base in northeast Mississippi where student pilots and instructors rotate through steadily. Costs are low and commutes are short, but flight options and big-city amenities are limited.
| Branch | Air Force |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Columbus, MS |
| Population served | About 2,700 total force (1,524 military, 1,176 civilians) per a Feb 2026 snapshot |
| Airports | Golden Triangle Regional (GTR), about 25 mi west; Memphis, Birmingham and Jackson are each 2.5-3 hrs |
| Climate | Hot, humid summers and mild winters |
| Cost of living | Low; Lowndes County 3BR rentals average about $1,700 per Military OneSource |
| On-base housing | Columbus Family Housing, a Hunt Military Communities company |
| Medical care | 14th Medical Group clinic |
| Family support center | Military and Family Support Center |
Where families live
Columbus
The host city, with historic homes, affordable rentals and almost no traffic.
Starkville
College town (Mississippi State University) with more housing and dining choices than Columbus.
Caledonia area (Lowndes County)
Rural Lowndes County option; Caledonia School is among those listed for base residents.
On-base Columbus Family Housing
Hunt-managed homes with playgrounds and a community center.
Schools
No schools are on base; students are bused to schools in both Lowndes County and Columbus Municipal districts. The School Liaison Office can explain options for on-base residents.
- Lowndes County School District — Caledonia School is an option for base residents
- Columbus Municipal School District — City schools
14 MSG School Liaison Office, Bldg 730, 662-434-2792, slo2@us.af.mil
Things to do near Columbus Air Force Base
- Antebellum homes and historic downtown ColumbusmuseumHistoric architecture and Civil War sites in the host city.
- Lake Lowndes State ParkoutdoorsFishing, boating, hiking and camping.
- Tennessee-Tombigbee WaterwayoutdoorsBoating and fishing on the waterway.
- Noxubee National Wildlife RefugeoutdoorsWildlife viewing and trails.
- Mississippi State sports in StarkvillesportsBulldogs football and baseball about 25 minutes away.
- Mississippi Catfish TrailfoodRural catfish restaurants along back roads.
- Elvis Presley Birthplace, Tupeloday-tripAbout 1.5 hours north.
Realtors & local services
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Local programs & support
- Columbus AFB school liaison resourcesLocal school and transition guidance for military families.
- Mississippi State Parks military discount15% off camping and lodging for veterans and active service members.
PCS tips for Columbus Air Force Base
- Call the Military Housing Office and Hunt early; the housing office is the gateway for both privatized and off-base listings.
- Plan on a car; GTR has limited service (Dallas and Atlanta) and the base has no airport shuttle.
- Expect hot, humid summers.
- Off-base 3BR rentals run roughly $900-$1,500 per the housing office, so many families rent in town.
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.