Moving to MacDill Air Force Base
MacDill sits on a peninsula in South Tampa and hosts the 6th Air Refueling Wing plus the headquarters of U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command. Families enjoy big-city Tampa Bay amenities and a joint, high-tempo community.
| Branch | Air Force |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Tampa, FL |
| Airports | Tampa International (TPA) |
| Climate | Hot humid summers, mild winters, hurricane season June-November. |
| Cost of living | Above the US average; South Tampa is expensive. |
| On-base housing | Harbor Bay at MacDill (macdillfamilyhousing.com) |
| Medical care | 6th Medical Group, 3250 Zemke Avenue |
| Family support center | Airman & Family Readiness Center, 8105 Condor Street, Bldg 18 |
Where families live
South Tampa
Walkable, pricey, popular with officers and joint staff.
Brandon
Large suburb with many homes and shopping.
Riverview
Newer subdivisions and more affordable housing.
Ybor City
Historic district with dining and nightlife.
Schools
There are no schools on base; children attend Hillsborough County Public Schools. The School Liaison Office helps with enrollment and choice programs.
- Hillsborough County Public Schools — Large district serving the Tampa area.
MacDill School Liaison Office, 8105 Condor Street, Bldg 18 (813-828-0146)
Things to do near MacDill Air Force Base
- International Plaza and Bay StreetfamilyUpscale shopping and dining.
- Ybor CitynightlifeHistoric district known for dining and nightlife.
- Tampa Bay beachesoutdoorsGulf beaches within an hour.
- Bayshore BoulevardoutdoorsLong waterfront walking and running path.
- WestShore PlazafamilyLarge shopping center in Tampa.
Realtors & local services
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Local programs & support
- Florida Department of Veterans' AffairsState agency for veteran benefits, Hope Florida navigators and employment resources.
- MacDill Airman & Family Readiness CenterRelocation help and family support.
PCS tips for MacDill Air Force Base
- Traffic on Dale Mabry and the Selmon Expressway can be heavy; plan commute accordingly.
- Hurricane flooding risk is real in South Tampa; check flood zones.
- Housing is competitive; contact Harbor Bay early.
- Tampa Bay summer storms are frequent; keep hurricane supplies.
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 Southeast
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.