Moving to Hanscom Air Force Base
Hanscom is a technology and acquisition base about 20 miles northwest of Boston, home to the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's electronic systems work. It is a small installation in an expensive, high-income suburban area, with top schools and a strong job market for spouses but limited on-base housing.
| Branch | Air Force |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Bedford, MA |
| Airports | Boston Logan (BOS), roughly 30 min |
| Climate | Cold, snowy winters, pleasant summers and a pronounced fall-foliage season. |
| Cost of living | High relative to the US average; off-base 3-bedroom rentals in Bedford, Lexington and Concord are reported at $2,200 to $3,000+. |
| On-base housing | Hanscom Family Housing, privatized and managed by Hunt Military Communities (the Landings) |
| Medical care | Hanscom clinic (66th Medical Group); Boston hospitals handle inpatient and specialty care |
| Family support center | Hanscom Military and Family Support Center (Airman & Family Readiness) |
Where families live
Bedford
Closest and most common choice with top-ranked schools, but very expensive and competitive.
Burlington
Convenient to Route 3 and shopping, but one of the most competitive housing markets near the base.
Billerica
A more affordable option that tends to line up better with BAH; schools are good but not at the level of Bedford or Acton.
Chelmsford
Slightly stronger schools than Billerica at somewhat lower prices than the closest towns.
Acton
Highly ranked regional schools and a suburban feel, with a longer cross-town drive.
Nashua, NH
Chosen mainly for tax reasons, since New Hampshire has no state income or sales tax, though property taxes run higher.
Schools
There is no DoDEA school, but Hanscom Primary (K-3) and Hanscom Middle (4-8) operate on base within the Lincoln Public Schools, and older students typically attend Bedford High School. Lexington, Concord-Carlisle and Bedford are repeatedly described as among the strongest districts in the region.
- Lincoln Public Schools (Hanscom Primary and Middle Schools) — Operates the on-base elementary and middle schools.
- Bedford Public Schools — Bedford High is described as among the top public high schools in Massachusetts.
- Acton-Boxborough Regional School District — Highly ranked regional district a bit farther from the gate.
On the installation: Hanscom Primary School, Hanscom Middle School
Hanscom AFB School Liaison Office, through the Military and Family Support Center
Things to do near Hanscom Air Force Base
- Minute Man National Historical Park (Battle Road)museumWalkable Revolutionary War battle trail through Lexington, Lincoln and Concord, including the Old North Bridge.
- Freedom Trailday-tripRed-line walking route through Boston's colonial and Revolutionary sites.
- Museum of SciencemuseumBoston science museum that offers free admission to active-duty members and family.
- New England AquariumfamilyWaterfront Boston aquarium that offers a military discount.
- USS Constitution MuseummuseumFree admission for active-duty and retired military next to the historic warship.
- Fenway ParksportsRed Sox baseball in the heart of Boston.
- Cape Cod beachesday-tripAbout 90 minutes away for summer beach days.
- New Hampshire and Vermont ski areasoutdoorsRoughly two hours away for winter skiing.
Realtors & local services
Want a realtor who knows Hanscom Air Force Base?
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 matchedListings come from public sources and are not endorsed or vetted. Own a business that serves families at Hanscom Air Force Base? Claim or add a listing.
Local programs & support
- Hanscom Military and Family Support CenterBase office for relocation assistance, deployment support, family advocacy, loan closet and exceptional family member help.
PCS tips for Hanscom Air Force Base
- Apply for privatized housing as soon as you have orders; on-base supply is small and off-base rentals and purchases are expensive.
- Compare Billerica and Chelmsford if Bedford and Lexington rents exceed your BAH, and test the commute at rush hour.
- Burlington and Bedford are competitive; if buying, have your VA loan pre-approval ready before you tour.
- Plan for Route 128/I-95 and Route 3 rush-hour traffic and for New England snow removal in winter.
- If you consider Nashua, NH, compare the missing state income tax against higher property taxes and a longer drive.
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 Northeast
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.