Moving to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
One of the few tri-service joint bases, combining McGuire Air Force Base, Fort Dix and Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. It is a major airlift and air-refueling hub with dozens of tenant commands, and families get the quiet of rural Burlington and Ocean counties with Philadelphia, the Jersey Shore and New York all within a day-trip drive.
| Branch | Joint (Air Force/Army/Navy) |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Wrightstown, NJ |
| Airports | Philadelphia International (PHL) ~47 mi; Newark Liberty (EWR) ~62 mi |
| Climate | Four distinct seasons: hot humid summers, cold winters with some snow. |
| Cost of living | Above the US average, with housing costs rising the closer you get to Philadelphia or the shore. |
| On-base housing | United Communities (McGuire and Dix); Balfour Beatty Military Housing (Lakehurst) |
| Medical care | 87th Medical Group clinic, 3458 Neely Road, McGuire |
| Family support center | Military and Family Readiness Center, Broidy Road, Bldg 3435, McGuire |
Where families live
Wrightstown / North Hanover
Rural township right at the gates with a limited stock of older single-family homes and rentals; best for people who want the shortest commute.
Pemberton Township
Large township with a wide mix of homes and a long military-affiliated population; generally more affordable options.
Jackson (Ocean County)
Suburban subdivisions and newer builds, popular with families who want more space and shopping; commute depends on which part of the base you work in.
Lakehurst / Manchester
Small-town Ocean County communities that suit Navy and Army personnel working on the Lakehurst side.
Bordentown / Columbus area
Historic river towns and newer subdivisions with access to I-295 and the NJ Turnpike for Philadelphia commuters.
Schools
There are no DoDEA schools at JB MDL, so families attend public schools that depend on where they live; the base area is split among several small districts. The School Liaison Office helps with enrollment, transfers and records.
- Pemberton Township Schools — Serves much of the Fort Dix side of the base area and surrounding township.
- North Hanover Township / Northern Burlington County Regional — Covers the township the base sits in and nearby communities.
- Lakehurst and Manchester school districts — Serve the Lakehurst side of the joint base.
87th Force Support Squadron School Liaison Office, 8th Street and New York Avenue, Bldg 5219 (609-562-5411; https://gomdl.com/school-liaison)
Things to do near Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
- John F. Mann Recreation ParkfamilyOn-base park with mini-golf, go-karts, batting cages and playgrounds.
- Camden Children's GardenfamilyWaterfront garden and play space on the Camden riverfront.
- Millennium Skate WorldfamilyRetro roller rink with an arcade and cafe.
- Jersey Shore beachesoutdoorsOcean beaches and boardwalks are within a short drive east.
- Philadelphia day tripsday-tripMuseums, historic sites and sports are roughly an hour west.
- New York Cityday-tripAbout 73 miles north, reachable by car or NJ Transit.
- Atlantic CitynightlifeCasinos and boardwalk entertainment within driving distance.
- Stone House EateryfoodSeafood-focused American grill a few minutes from the base.
Realtors & local services
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Local programs & support
- NJ Department of Veterans AffairsState agency for veterans services, benefits and a veterans registry (split from the former DMAVA).
- JB MDL Military and Family Readiness CenterInstallation relocation, spouse employment and family support services.
PCS tips for Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
- Check which side of the joint base your job is on (McGuire, Dix or Lakehurst); the housing partner and commute change with it.
- Contact the housing referral office before signing an off-base lease; McGuire and Dix housing is run by United Communities and Lakehurst by Balfour Beatty.
- Plan for NJ Turnpike and I-295 traffic and cold-weather driving if you commute toward Philadelphia.
- New Jersey vehicle registration and insurance rules differ from many states, so budget time and cost for that after arrival.
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.
Sources
- https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/military-installation/joint-base-mcguire-dix-lakehurst/housing/government-housing
- https://myairforcebenefits.us.af.mil/Benefit-Library/Resource-Locator/New-Jersey
- https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-culture/the-complete-mcguire-air-force-base-guide/
- https://www.jbmdl.jb.mil
- https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/