Moving to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base
Davis-Monthan sits inside Tucson, about 5 miles southeast of downtown, and hosts the 355th Wing, the Air Force's only A-10 pilot training unit, plus Twelfth Air Force headquarters and the 309th AMARG aircraft boneyard. Families get a true city setting with desert scenery, a university town feel and a lower cost of living than much of the Southwest.
| Branch | Air Force |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Tucson, AZ |
| Population served | About 6,100 airmen and 1,700 civilians (2020); the wider base community is often described as around 60,000 including families |
| Airports | Tucson International (TUS), on the south side of the city |
| Climate | Hot desert: summer highs around 98-102F, mild winters (highs 65-70F), about 10 inches of rain with a July monsoon |
| Cost of living | Reported as below the national average; a base-area source calls Tucson affordable |
| On-base housing | Soaring Heights Communities (privatized family housing at 8090 Ironwood St); dorms for unaccompanied Airmen |
| Medical care | 355th Medical Group clinic at Davis-Monthan |
| Family support center | Airman and Family Readiness Center (355th Force Support Squadron) |
Where families live
On-base Davis-Monthan Family Housing
Privatized 2-4 bedroom homes managed by Soaring Heights; Borman Elementary and a charter school are on base.
Midtown / central Tucson
Established neighborhoods near the University of Arizona and city amenities, with older homes and a mix of price points.
Sahuarita
Suburb south of Tucson with newer subdivisions and a quieter feel; popular for space and newer homes.
Vail
Growing community southeast of town with newer housing and its own school district.
Oro Valley and Marana
Master-planned communities in the Catalina foothills area northwest of the city, with trails and newer neighborhoods; a longer drive to the base.
Schools
On-base Borman Elementary (K-5) is a Tucson Unified School District school, and Sonoran Science Academy runs a tuition-free charter school (grades 6-12) on base. TUSD's Palo Verde High School and Roberts Naylor K-8 also serve base students. Arizona has open enrollment, so families can apply to other public, charter or private schools. The Davis-Monthan School Liaison can help with choices.
- Tucson Unified School District — Serves most on-base and central Tucson families
On the installation: Borman Elementary (TUSD, K-5), Sonoran Science Academy (charter, grades 6-12)
Davis-Monthan School Liaison Office; (520) 228-6040
Things to do near Davis-Monthan Air Force Base
- Saguaro National ParkoutdoorsEast and west districts with giant saguaro cacti, desert hiking and sunset viewing.
- Pima Air & Space MuseummuseumLarge aircraft museum in Tucson, adjacent to the aircraft boneyard area.
- Titan Missile MuseummuseumCold War missile site about 25 miles south near Sahuarita.
- Mission San Xavier del BacmuseumHistoric mission south of the city, often called the White Dove of the Desert.
- Old TucsonfamilyWestern film studio and theme park.
- Tucson Museum of Art and DeGrazia Gallery in the SunmuseumArt museums with Southwestern collections.
- Biosphere 2familyUniversity of Arizona research facility open for tours.
- Downtown Tucson and the Sun Link StreetcarnightlifeSix downtown districts connected by streetcar with dining and nightlife.
Realtors & local services
Want a realtor who knows Davis-Monthan Air Force Base?
Tell us your report date, budget and whether you're buying or renting. We'll connect you with an agent who works with military families here.
Get matchedListings come from public sources and are not endorsed or vetted. Own a business that serves families at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base? Claim or add a listing.
Local programs & support
- DM50Nonprofit volunteer group supporting Davis-Monthan and its Airmen.
PCS tips for Davis-Monthan Air Force Base
- Visit the Military Housing Office for counseling before signing any lease or sale contract.
- Gate hours differ: Craycroft is open 24 hours, while other gates such as Swan and Wilmot have weekday limits and can change on short notice; check the base site before you arrive.
- Arizona allows open enrollment, so ask the School Liaison about charter and transfer deadlines well before the school year.
- Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100F; prioritize a home with good air conditioning and covered parking.
- Base passes for visitors are issued at the Craycroft Visitor Center on weekdays.
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.