Dover Air Force Base

Moving to Dover Air Force Base

Dover is a major Air Mobility Command airlift base where the 436th Airlift Wing and the Air Force Reserve's 512th Airlift Wing fly C-5M and C-17 cargo jets. It also hosts the Department of Defense's largest mortuary facility. Families find affordable housing, no state sales tax and easy weekend access to Delaware's beaches and the Mid-Atlantic cities.

Official installation website

Where families live

Schools

There is no DoDEA school and none on base. Capital School District covers Dover and the on-base housing area, while Caesar Rodney School District in Camden is described as well regarded and popular with military families. Contact the School Liaison Office to confirm which district applies to the address you choose.

• Capital School District — Serves Dover; described as adequate.
• Caesar Rodney School District — Based in Camden and popular with military families.

Dover AFB School Liaison Office, through the Airman & Family Readiness Center

Things to do near Dover Air Force Base

• Air Mobility Command Museummuseum
  Restored airlift and tanker aircraft displayed in a historic hangar next to the base.
• Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refugeoutdoors
  Coastal marsh refuge known for migratory birds and driving loops.
• Killens Pond State Parkoutdoors
  Lake, camping and trails close to Dover.
• Cape Henlopen State Parkoutdoors
  Dunes, beach and trails on the Atlantic coast.
• Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beachday-trip
  Boardwalk beach towns about 45 minutes away.
• Dover International Speedwaysports
  NASCAR racing venue in town.
• Dogfish Head breweryfood
  Well-known craft brewery in Delaware's beach area.
• Tanger Outletsfamily
  Outlet shopping near the beaches.

Realtors & local services

Listings come from public sources and are not endorsed or vetted. Own a business that serves families at Dover Air Force Base? Claim or add a listing.

Local programs & support

• Delaware State Parks military pass
  Active-duty, Guard and veteran Delaware residents receive a discounted annual state park pass.

PCS tips for Dover Air Force Base

• Contact the Housing Office early; Hunt's Eagle Heights waitlists are described as moderate.
• Dover has no commercial airline service, so plan for a 1.5-hour drive to Philadelphia or BWI when booking PCS and leave travel.
• Highway 1 toward the beaches backs up on summer weekends and can affect gate traffic.
• Enroll children early; check Capital versus Caesar Rodney district boundaries before choosing a rental.
• Delaware has no sales tax, which can offset other costs when you buy furniture and cars after a move.

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 Guaranty
  Service members, veterans and some surviving spouses buying a home
• Pet Transportation Reimbursement
  Families moving a cat or dog on PCS orders
• Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
  School-age children of active duty families changing schools
• School Liaison Program
  Parents choosing schools and transferring records

See every program and benefit

Other installations in the Mid-Atlantic & D.C. area

• Fort LeePetersburg, VA
• Fort George G. MeadeOdenton, MD
• Fort BelvoirAlexandria / Springfield, VA
• Joint Base Myer-Henderson HallArlington, VA
• Fort DetrickFrederick, MD
• Aberdeen Proving GroundAberdeen, MD