Moving to Fort Jackson
Fort Jackson, in Columbia, South Carolina, is the Army's largest initial-entry training center, with a steady flow of new recruits and drill sergeants. Families live on post or throughout the Columbia metro, with DoDEA-style on-post schools and a moderate cost of living.
| Branch | Army |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Columbia, SC |
| Population served | About 3,500 active duty, 5,000 civilians and contractors, and nearly 12,000 family members |
| Airports | Columbia Metropolitan (CAE) |
| On-base housing | Fort Jackson Family Homes (privatized; fortjacksonfamilyhomes.com) |
| Medical care | Moncrief Army Health Clinic |
| Family support center | Army Community Service / Military and Family Support Center |
Where families live
On-post family housing
Fort Jackson Family Homes manages heated and air-conditioned units; wait times depend on bedroom count and arrival date.
Columbia
State capital with the widest rental choices and entertainment.
Blythewood
Northern suburb popular with families seeking newer subdivisions.
Irmo
Lake Murray-area suburb west of Columbia.
Schools
Four on-post schools serve Fort Jackson children from Pre-K through high school. Off-post families can choose from Richland One, Richland Two, Lexington-Richland Five and other nearby districts, and the School Liaison Office can help.
- Richland County School District One — Columbia core and parts near the post.
- Richland County School District Two — Northeast Columbia including Blythewood.
- Lexington/Richland School District Five — Irmo and Chapin area.
On the installation: Pierce Terrace Elementary (Pre-K to 2), Pinckney Elementary (grades 3 to 6), Dent Middle School (grades 7-8), Richland Northeast High School
Fort Jackson School Liaison Office, 803-751-6150
Things to do near Fort Jackson
- Congaree National ParkoutdoorsOld-growth floodplain forest with boardwalk hiking and paddling.
- Riverbanks Zoo and GardenfamilyLarge zoo and botanical garden in Columbia.
- South Carolina State MuseummuseumScience, art and history museum downtown.
- EdVenture Children's MuseumfamilyHands-on museum for young kids.
- Soda City MarketfoodSaturday market on Main Street with food and local makers.
- Colonial Life Arena eventssportsUniversity of South Carolina basketball and concerts.
Realtors & local services
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Local programs & support
- Fort Jackson Army Housing OfficeFirst stop for on- and off-post housing, including lists of off-limits complexes (803-751-9339).
PCS tips for Fort Jackson
- Do not sign an off-post lease before visiting in person, and ask the housing office about off-limits complexes.
- Certain dog breeds such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers and Dobermans are restricted in on-post housing.
- Single E1-E4 soldiers live in the Freddie Stowers complex; E6 and above may live off post.
- Request accessible homes early through Fort Jackson Family Homes if you have an EFMP need.
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.