Moving to Fort Riley
Fort Riley is the home of the 1st Infantry Division, set in the Flint Hills of northeast Kansas. Families choose between low-cost Junction City and college-town Manhattan, with a quiet, small-town pace and strong community support for the military.
| Branch | Army |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Junction City / Manhattan, KS |
| Airports | Manhattan Regional (MHK) is closest; Kansas City International (MCI) about 2 hours east |
| Climate | Hot, muggy summers; cold, dry, windy winters; tornado season in spring. |
| Cost of living | Low; a 3-bedroom rental in Junction City can run $700-$1,000 a month per one guide. |
| On-base housing | Corvias Military Living |
| Medical care | Irwin Army Community Hospital |
| Family support center | Army Community Service |
Where families live
Junction City
The most affordable option with the shortest commute and a small-town feel.
Manhattan
College town (Kansas State) with more dining, newer housing and slightly higher rent.
Chapman
Small town named by spouses for strong schools.
Wakefield
Rural lake-country community near Milford Lake.
On-post housing
Corvias-managed neighborhoods that avoid a commute entirely.
Schools
Fort Riley has no DoDEA schools. Geary County USD 475 operates four elementary schools and a middle school on post, with Junction City High School for older students. Many families live in Manhattan for Manhattan-Ogden USD 383, which spouses rate more highly.
- Geary County USD 475 — Serves Junction City and on-post housing.
- Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 — Manhattan district often preferred for high schoolers.
On the installation: Fort Riley Elementary, Morris Hill Elementary, Seitz Elementary, Ware Elementary, Fort Riley Middle School
School Support Services (School Liaison): https://riley.armymwr.com/programs/school-support-services
Things to do near Fort Riley
- U.S. Cavalry MuseummuseumOn-post museum on the history of the U.S. Cavalry.
- 1st Infantry Division MuseummuseumOn-post museum on the Big Red One.
- Milford LakeoutdoorsBoating, fishing and camping about 20 minutes away.
- Flint Hills Discovery CentermuseumManhattan museum about the Flint Hills tallgrass prairie.
- Sunset ZoofamilyZoo in Manhattan.
- AggievillenightlifeManhattan's college entertainment district near K-State.
- Konza PrairieoutdoorsTallgrass prairie preserve with hiking trails.
- Kansas Cityday-tripBarbecue, sports and shopping about two hours east.
Realtors & local services
Want a realtor who knows Fort Riley?
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 matchedReal estate offices
- RE/MAX Signature PropertiesJunction City, KSListed in a Fort Riley area guide for military families.
- Mathis Lueker Real EstateJunction City, KSLocal brokerage listed in the same guide.
- Weis Real Estate CompanyManhattan, KSManhattan brokerage listed in the guide.
- Fort Riley Real EstateWakefield, KSLocal firm listed in the guide.
Movers, storage, pets & more
- Fort Riley Area Rentalsproperty managementJunction City, KS
- Fort Riley Child and Youth ServiceschildcareFort Riley
Listings come from public sources and are not endorsed or vetted. Own a business that serves families at Fort Riley? Claim or add a listing.
Local programs & support
- Fort Riley Spouses' ClubCommunity and social group for Fort Riley spouses.
- Fort Riley Spouses, Active Duty, and Veterans Support (Facebook group)Peer support group for local families.
PCS tips for Fort Riley
- Decide between Junction City and Manhattan early; the 15-20 minute drive and school quality differ.
- Prepare for winter wind chill and spring tornado season.
- Specialist care is limited, so plan trips to Topeka or Kansas City for complex needs.
- Spouse employment is limited locally; Manhattan offers some university jobs and remote work is common.
- Contact the Corvias housing office and the Housing Office early for on- and off-post options.
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 Midwest & Plains
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.