Moving to MCAS Miramar
Miramar is the Marine Corps' main air station on the West Coast, home to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and its fixed-wing and helicopter squadrons, and it sits inside the city of San Diego. Families get big-city amenities and beaches, but housing is expensive and the base has no family housing office of its own.
| Branch | Marine Corps |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | San Diego, CA |
| Formerly known as | Naval Air Station Miramar (pre-1997) |
| Airports | San Diego International (SAN), under 20 miles; McClellan-Palomar (CLD) about 30 miles |
| Climate | Mild Mediterranean coastal-inland climate with dry summers and cool, short wet winters |
| Cost of living | Among the highest in the country; BAH helps but off-base rent is steep |
| On-base housing | Liberty Military Housing (privatized, serves greater San Diego region; applications go through the San Diego Housing Service Center at Naval Base San Diego since Miramar has no local housing office) |
| Medical care | Miramar Medical Acute Care Clinic and Dental Clinic on base; Naval Medical Center San Diego (Balboa) for hospital care |
| Family support center | Marine & Family Services (MCCS Miramar), including Relocation Assistance and Information & Referral |
Where families live
Mira Mesa
Closest large residential area, lots of apartments, townhomes and older single-family homes with plenty of shopping. A common first choice for junior personnel.
Scripps Ranch
Quiet, tree-lined suburb of single-family homes. Pricier, popular with families who want a suburban feel near the base.
Murphy Canyon / Kearny Mesa
Murphy Canyon is a military housing area; Kearny Mesa nearby has apartments and central access to freeways.
University City
Mix of condos, apartments and houses near UCSD with coastal access; busier and more expensive.
Poway
Suburban and family-oriented with single-family homes and a strongly regarded school system; trades a longer drive for more space.
Escondido / San Marcos
North County options with lower prices than central San Diego, but longer drives on busy freeways.
Schools
There are no DoDEA schools on Miramar. Families attend public schools in San Diego Unified or nearby districts such as Poway, Escondido and San Marcos, and San Diego Unified provides only limited busing. The MCAS Miramar School Liaison office can help sort out districts, registration and enrollment dates.
- San Diego Unified School District — Serves Mira Mesa, Scripps Ranch, Serra Mesa, University City and Murphy Canyon; has a military family resources section.
- Poway Unified School District — Suburban district north of Miramar.
MCAS Miramar School Liaison Program through MCCS Miramar (mccsmiramar.com/school-liaison-program); phone 858-577-8625 or 858-577-6633
Things to do near MCAS Miramar
- USS Midway MuseummuseumAircraft carrier turned floating museum on the downtown waterfront.
- San Diego Air & Space MuseummuseumAviation museum in Balboa Park that fits the Miramar crowd.
- San Diego ZoofamilyWorld-famous zoo in Balboa Park, a regular family outing.
- SeaWorld San DiegofamilyMarine-life park and rides on Mission Bay.
- Padres games at Petco ParksportsDowntown baseball with frequent military appreciation nights.
- Old Globe Theatre and La Jolla PlayhousenightlifeTwo well-known regional theaters for a night out.
- Harbor cruisesoutdoorsBoat tours of San Diego Bay and the Navy waterfront.
- Day trip to Los Angelesday-tripA few hours north by car for theme parks and city sights.
Realtors & local services
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Get matchedReal estate offices
- Rieder Homes (military PCS resources)San DiegoPublishes a military PCS checklist for San Diego movers.
Movers, storage, pets & more
- U-Haul (San Diego 92126 locations)self storageSan Diego
Listings come from public sources and are not endorsed or vetted. Own a business that serves families at MCAS Miramar? Claim or add a listing.
Local programs & support
- MCAS Miramar School Liaison ProgramFree help for military parents with school selection, registration and transitions in the San Diego area.
- San Diego Unified Military Family ResourcesDistrict page for military-connected families covering enrollment and support.
PCS tips for MCAS Miramar
- Miramar has no housing office; contact the San Diego Housing Service Center (619-556-8443) early, as on-base waitlists can be long.
- Many families rent off base; start searching as soon as orders arrive since San Diego rentals move fast, especially in summer.
- Freeway traffic on I-15 and SR-52 can double commute times, so test drive your route at rush hour before signing a lease.
- Ask the School Liaison which district covers your address before you choose a home.
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 California
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://www.miramar.marines.mil/Arriving/Housing-Information/
- https://mymilitarybenefits.com/military-base/marine-corps-air-station-mcas-miramar/
- https://www.mciwest.marines.mil/Staff-Offices/School-Liaison/
- https://challenger.sandiegounified.org/community/military_family_resources
- https://www.uhaul.com/Locations/San-Diego-CA-92126/Results/