Installations / Desert Southwest

Kirtland Air Force Base

Albuquerque, NM · Air Force

Moving to Kirtland Air Force Base

Kirtland sits in southeast Albuquerque, sharing runways with the Albuquerque Sunport. The host 377th Air Base Wing supports more than 100 mission partners, including the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, the 58th Special Operations Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory directed-energy work and Defense Threat Reduction Agency schools. Families get big-city amenities, mountains next door and over 300 sunny days a year.

BranchAir Force
Nearest cityAlbuquerque, NM
Population servedAbout 3,800 residents in the base census area (2020); the base employs over 23,000 people
AirportsAlbuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), adjacent to the base; about 8 miles from the terminal to the Truman Gate and Kirtland Inn
ClimateSunny, dry high-desert climate with about 9 inches of rain a year; cool winters (some snow) and warm summers with a July-August monsoon
Cost of livingModerate; a local housing source recommends budgeting for cooling and energy-efficient homes
On-base housingHunt Military Communities (Kirtland Family Housing LLC); dorms for unaccompanied Airmen on the east side
Medical care377th Medical Group clinic on Kirtland AFB
Family support centerMilitary and Family Readiness Center

Official installation website

Where families live

On-base Kirtland Family Housing

Minutes to the work area · Albuquerque Public Schools

Privatized single-family homes and duplexes grouped in villages with parks, a pool and community centers; elementary schools on base are part of Albuquerque Public Schools.

Southeast Albuquerque / Nob Hill area

Closest off-base option; the base is about 6 miles from the city center · Albuquerque Public Schools

Older mid-century neighborhoods near the base and the lively Nob Hill shopping and dining strip, popular with families who want a short drive.

Northeast Heights

Across town; check drive time to your gate · Albuquerque Public Schools

Large, established part of the city described by local agents as having good schools and family amenities, with homes ranging from modest to upscale.

Tijeras and Edgewood (East Mountains)

East of the base via the I-40 corridor; longer drive · Varies by address (APS and other East Mountain districts)

More rural, cooler, with bigger lots and views of the Sandia and Manzano mountains for those willing to commute.

Rio Rancho

North of Albuquerque; longer commute across the metro area · Rio Rancho Public Schools

Fast-growing suburb across the Rio Grande with newer construction and its own school district; a longer commute that some families accept for newer homes.

Schools

Most Kirtland families are served by Albuquerque Public Schools (APS), and Kirtland, Sandia Base and Wherry elementary schools are the ones near base housing. New Mexico allows families to look at charter and open-enrollment options. The installation's full-time School Liaison office works with APS and other districts and can help before you arrive.

  • Albuquerque Public Schools — Largest district in the area; has a military families page and a partnership policy with the armed services

On the installation: Kirtland Elementary, Sandia Base Elementary, Wherry Elementary

Kirtland School Liaison Program; duty line (505) 846-6477

Things to do near Kirtland Air Force Base

  • Albuquerque International Balloon Fiestafamily
    The world's largest hot-air balloon gathering, held every October at Balloon Fiesta Park.
  • Sandia Peak Tramwayoutdoors
    One of the longest aerial tramways in the world, rising from the city's northeast edge to Sandia Peak and its ski area.
  • Old Town Albuquerquemuseum
    Historic plaza with adobe buildings, shops, restaurants and the 1793 San Felipe de Neri Church.
  • National Museum of Nuclear Science & Historymuseum
    Local museum covering the Manhattan Project and the nuclear age, relevant to Kirtland's own history.
  • ABQ BioParkfamily
    Combined zoo, aquarium and botanic garden area good for families.
  • New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Sciencemuseum
    Dinosaurs, space and geology exhibits suited to kids.
  • Explorafamily
    Hands-on children's science museum in Albuquerque.
  • Indian Pueblo Cultural Centermuseum
    Showcases the culture and art of New Mexico's Pueblo peoples.

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Real estate offices

Movers, storage, pets & more

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Local programs & support

PCS tips for Kirtland Air Force Base

  • Check in with the Military Housing Office (hours are limited and the office closes on wing training days) before signing any lease or purchase contract.
  • The airport shares runways with the base; there is no scheduled military transportation and the base discourages relying on rideshare, so arrange a ride with your sponsor or rent a car.
  • Base child development centers have waiting lists, so apply early and keep a backup plan such as the youth programs at the on-base elementary schools.
  • Prepare for dry air, intense sun and cold winter nights: look for homes with good insulation, cooling and shaded outdoor space.
  • Balloon Fiesta week in October fills hotels and rental cars, so avoid scheduling your arrival or house hunting then if you can.

Benefits to use on this move

See every program and benefit

Other installations in the Desert Southwest

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