Moving to Fort Benning
Fort Benning is the Army's Maneuver Center of Excellence, training infantry and armor soldiers and hosting the National Infantry Museum. It borders Columbus, Georgia, and Phenix City, Alabama, and is a lower-cost, Southern-pace posting for most families.
| Branch | Army |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Columbus, GA |
| Formerly known as | Fort Moore (2023-2025) |
| Airports | Columbus Metropolitan (CSG) locally; Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) about 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Climate | Hot, humid summers, mild winters, and tornado risk March through May; hurricane remnants possible in late summer and fall. |
| Cost of living | Below the national average; one guide put it about 7.5% lower. |
| On-base housing | The Villages of Benning (privatized; branded The Villages at Fort Moore during the 2023-2025 name) |
| Medical care | Martin Army Community Hospital |
| Family support center | Army Community Service |
Where families live
Columbus, GA
Largest nearby city with the most rentals, shopping and dining at affordable prices.
Phenix City, AL
Across the Chattahoochee River in Alabama; lower prices and a quieter feel.
Cusseta, GA
Small-town and rural, bordering the post.
Fort Mitchell, AL
Small Alabama community close to the post.
On-post villages
Nine on-post communities such as Custer, McGraw, Patton and Upatoi, assigned by rank; waits can run up to about six months.
Schools
On-post students attend DoDEA schools; off-post families go to Muscogee County, Phenix City or neighboring district schools depending on address. High school assignment for on-post housing depends on the housing area. Talk to the School Liaison Officer before choosing where to live.
- Muscogee County School District — Main district for Columbus, GA.
- Phenix City Schools — Alabama district across the river.
- Chattahoochee County Schools — Serves Cusseta, GA.
On the installation: Dexter Elementary, McBride Elementary, Stowers Elementary, E.A. White Elementary, Faith Middle School
School Liaison Office through Fort Benning MWR; ask the Housing or Army Community Service office for current contact information.
Things to do near Fort Benning
- National Infantry MuseummuseumLarge museum and soldier center covering Infantry history, located near the post.
- Chattahoochee RiverwalkoutdoorsPaved path along the river in Columbus for walking and biking.
- Coca-Cola Space Science CenterfamilyPlanetarium and exhibits in Columbus.
- The Columbus MuseummuseumArt and regional history museum.
- Springer Opera HousenightlifeHistoric theater in downtown Columbus.
- Columbus Botanical GardenoutdoorsGardens and trails in Columbus.
- The Cannon Brew PubfoodLocal brewpub downtown.
- Atlanta day tripday-tripGeorgia Aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park and more, about two hours away.
Realtors & local services
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- Coldwell Banker Kennen, Parker, Duncan & DavisColumbus, GAListed in a Fort Benning area guide for military families.
- ReMax Champions RealtyColumbus, GAListed in a Fort Benning area guide.
- Bickerstaff Parham Real EstateColumbus, GALocal brokerage listed in the same guide.
Movers, storage, pets & more
- Ten 20 Property Managementproperty managementColumbus, GA
- Fort Benning Child and Youth ServiceschildcareFort Benning
Listings come from public sources and are not endorsed or vetted. Own a business that serves families at Fort Benning? Claim or add a listing.
PCS tips for Fort Benning
- Parts of the post are in Eastern time and others in Central; check which zone your housing area or unit follows.
- Call the Housing Office before arrival; on-post waits can run up to about six months, and many families live in Columbus.
- Book hotels far ahead for graduation weekends, which fill the area quickly.
- Tornado season is March through May, and summers are very hot, especially during basic training season.
- Ask the School Liaison Officer about school options before deciding where to rent or buy.
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.