Moving to Grand Forks Air Force Base
Grand Forks AFB hosts the 319th Reconnaissance Wing, which flies RQ-4 Global Hawk surveillance missions, and also supports Customs and Border Protection Predator B operations. It sits west of a college town on the Red River, offering affordable living, a university-town atmosphere and notably harsh winters.
| Branch | Air Force |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Grand Forks, ND |
| Airports | Grand Forks International (GFK) |
| Climate | Heavy snow and ice from roughly October through April; summers bring mosquitoes and ticks. |
| Cost of living | Modest; median home price in Grand Forks was around $225,000 as of 2024. |
| On-base housing | Balfour Beatty Communities (grandforksafbhomes.com) |
| Medical care | 319th Medical Group clinic |
| Family support center | Airman & Family Readiness Center |
Where families live
On-base family housing
Privatized housing run by Balfour Beatty; request an application once you have orders.
Grand Forks (west side)
Newer subdivisions and apartments with shopping nearby; close to the base.
Grand Forks (south side)
Established residential neighborhoods near the university area and retail.
East Grand Forks, MN
Minnesota side of the Red River with single-family homes and apartments.
Emerado and nearby towns
Smaller towns near the base for families seeking a quieter setting.
Schools
The base has no schools; military children attend Grand Forks Public Schools. The University of North Dakota and Northland Community & Technical College offer higher education locally. The School Liaison Office can help with enrollment.
- Grand Forks Public Schools — Serves the city and on-base housing.
Grand Forks AFB School Liaison Office (through the Airman & Family Readiness Center)
Things to do near Grand Forks Air Force Base
- Red River recreationoutdoorsBoating, fishing and camping along the Red River.
- Grand Forks GreenwayoutdoorsRiverside trails and parkland running through the city.
- Ralph Engelstad ArenasportsHome of University of North Dakota hockey.
- North Dakota Museum of ArtmuseumArt museum on the UND campus.
- Turtle River State ParkoutdoorsState park west of town with trails, camping and winter activities.
- Columbia MallfamilyThe area's main indoor shopping center.
- Fargo-Moorheadday-tripLarger metro area south of Grand Forks for shopping, dining and events.
Realtors & local services
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Local programs & support
- Winter incentive payAir Force one-time payment ($1,000 without dependents, $2,000 with) for winter-related costs for eligible Airmen arriving after summer 2024.
PCS tips for Grand Forks Air Force Base
- The base no longer provides temporary lodging, so ask your sponsor about downtown hotels before you arrive.
- Create a militarychildcare.com account early; on-base childcare often has a waitlist and off-base care can be expensive.
- Winterize your vehicle and bring serious cold-weather gear; heavy snow and ice last roughly October to April.
- Contact the Balfour Beatty housing office as soon as you have orders, and see the Military Housing Office before signing any lease.
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.