Moving to Edwards Air Force Base
Edwards is the Air Force's flight test center in the Mojave Desert, where new aircraft and weapons are tested. It is remote, so many families live on base or in Antelope Valley towns such as Rosamond and Lancaster, trading big-city access for affordable housing and wide-open desert.
| Branch | Air Force |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Rosamond / Lancaster, CA |
| Airports | No major commercial airport nearby; Los Angeles (LAX) or Burbank (BUR) are roughly 1.5-2 hours away, and Bakersfield (BFL) is also an option |
| Climate | High desert: very hot summers, cold winters and strong winds |
| Cost of living | Below much of California; off-base home prices run roughly $250K-$450K in nearby towns per a local guide |
| On-base housing | Corvias Property Management |
| Medical care | 412th Medical Group clinic on Edwards AFB (confirm services with the base); hospitals in Lancaster for major care |
| Family support center | Edwards AFB Family Services / Airman and Family Readiness Center |
Where families live
On-base housing
Corvias-managed homes, roughly $1,700-$2,500 a month depending on rank and family size; the easiest option given how isolated the base is.
Rosamond
Closest town, with the most affordable homes (around $350K) and a small-town feel.
Lancaster
Largest nearby city with shopping, a hospital and a performing arts center; homes around $400K.
Palmdale
Bigger suburban options and newer homes (around $450K) for those who accept a long drive.
California City / Mojave
Lowest prices ($250K-$300K) and a very rural setting.
Schools
Children living on base attend Muroc Joint Unified School District, with no DoDEA schools on base. Families living in Lancaster or Palmdale use local elementary districts and the Antelope Valley Union High School District. Check boundaries with the School Liaison Office before choosing a home.
- Muroc Joint Unified School District — Serves Edwards AFB housing.
- Lancaster School District — K-8 district serving Lancaster.
- Antelope Valley Union High School District — High schools in Lancaster and Palmdale.
Edwards AFB School Liaison Office via the Airman and Family Readiness Center.
Things to do near Edwards Air Force Base
- Edwards AFB MuseummuseumAerospace and flight-test history on base.
- Red Rock Canyon State ParkoutdoorsColorful desert cliffs and camping about an hour from base.
- Antelope Valley California Poppy ReserveoutdoorsSpring wildflower displays when the bloom is good.
- Aerospace Valley Air ShowfamilyLocal air show featuring aircraft from the region.
- Willow Springs International RacewaysportsRoad course racing events near Rosamond.
- Lancaster Performing Arts CenternightlifeConcerts and shows in Lancaster.
- DryTown Water ParkfamilySummer water park in Palmdale for beating the heat.
Realtors & local services
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Get matchedReal estate offices
- Jackie's Homes 4 U (Palmdale)Palmdale / Antelope ValleyRealtor and Certified Relocation Specialist listed in the Aerotech News Edwards business directory.
Movers, storage, pets & more
- Meathead Moversmoving & storageRosamond
- SecurCare Self Storageself storageRosamond
- StoreLocal storage unitsself storageLancaster
- CitizenShippervehicle shippingEdwards AFB
Listings come from public sources and are not endorsed or vetted. Own a business that serves families at Edwards Air Force Base? Claim or add a listing.
Local programs & support
- Aerotech News business directory (Edwards)Local directory of businesses serving the Edwards community.
- Military OneSource: Edwards pet shippingOfficial pet relocation guidance for Edwards.
PCS tips for Edwards Air Force Base
- Edwards is remote: groceries, hospitals and shopping are 20-40 miles away, so many families choose on-base housing.
- Summer temperatures are extreme and wind can be strong; plan for car and pet heat safety.
- Compare off-base commutes carefully: Rosamond is about 20 miles, Palmdale about 40.
- Book flights into LAX or Burbank and arrange a rental car, as commercial flights do not serve the base.
- California vehicle emissions and registration rules apply to out-of-state cars.
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 California
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.