Moving to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point
Cherry Point is home to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Fleet Readiness Center East and a Navy health clinic. It lies in eastern North Carolina near Havelock and New Bern, a rural, coastal area with a slower pace and quick access to the Crystal Coast.
| Branch | Marine Corps |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Havelock, NC |
| Airports | Coastal Carolina Regional (EWN) in New Bern; Raleigh-Durham (RDU) about 2.5 hours |
| Climate | Humid subtropical with hot summers, mild winters and hurricane-season risk |
| Cost of living | Below the US average |
| On-base housing | Hunt Military Communities (Atlantic Marine Corps Communities) |
| Medical care | Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point |
| Family support center | Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Cherry Point |
Where families live
Havelock
Small town beside the gate with apartments and older single-family homes.
New Bern
Historic river city with more dining, shopping and housing choices.
Newport / Morehead City
Coastal communities near the beaches with a mix of rentals and homes.
Cove City / Vanceboro
Rural areas with larger lots and lower costs.
On-station housing
Hunt-managed communities where residents do not pay utility bills and maintenance is handled by the partner.
Schools
On-station residents generally attend DoDEA schools on the installation, while off-station families use Craven or Carteret County school systems. Check with the School Liaison Office about zoning and transfers.
- Craven County Schools — Serves Havelock and New Bern.
- Carteret County Schools — Serves Newport and Morehead City.
On the installation: DoDEA schools on Cherry Point (including Cunningham Elementary)
MCAS Cherry Point School Liaison Office through MCCS
Things to do near Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point
- Tryon PalacemuseumRestored colonial governor's palace and gardens in New Bern.
- Croatan National ForestoutdoorsTrails, camping and paddling near Havelock.
- Atlantic Beach and Emerald IsleoutdoorsCrystal Coast beaches about 45 minutes away.
- Fort Macon State ParkmuseumCivil War-era fort overlooking Beaufort Inlet.
- Beaufort waterfrontfoodHistoric harbor town with seafood restaurants.
- North Carolina Maritime MuseummuseumCoastal and maritime history in Beaufort.
- Cherry Point base recreationfamilyMCCS fitness, golf and outdoor programs.
- Outer Banksday-tripLighthouses and beaches north along the coast.
Realtors & local services
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Local programs & support
- Cherry Point Family Housing OfficeTakes housing applications (DD Form 1746) and provides off-base rental lists and area information.
PCS tips for Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point
- Submit the DD Form 1746 housing application at least 10 days before your detachment date, with PCS orders and the dependency application.
- The family housing office keeps limited hours (closed weekends and short on Thursdays), so plan arrival accordingly.
- Hurricane season affects the coast; consider renter's insurance with replacement-cost coverage.
- Two temporary lodging facilities on the station can help while you look for housing.
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.