Moving to McConnell Air Force Base
McConnell is the home of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing, which flies KC-135 and KC-46 tankers for Air Mobility Command, and also hosts the Air National Guard's 184th Wing and the Reserve's 931st Air Refueling Wing. It sits in south Wichita, a mid-sized city with affordable housing, an aviation-industry heritage and four-season Midwestern weather.
| Branch | Air Force |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Wichita, KS |
| Population served | About 3,066 active-duty members in the 22nd Air Refueling Wing, plus Guard and Reserve units |
| Airports | Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National (ICT) |
| Climate | Four seasons with hot summers, cold winters and spring severe-weather risk including tornadoes. |
| Cost of living | Generally below the national average for housing. |
| On-base housing | Mayroad (privatized; leasing office on South Arnold Blvd, themayroad.com) |
| Medical care | 22nd Medical Group clinic |
| Family support center | Military and Family Support Center |
Where families live
On-base family housing
Mayroad-managed homes with one-year leases and utilities handled through BAH.
Derby
Suburban city with newer neighborhoods, popular with military families for its proximity and schools.
South Wichita
Older homes and apartments near the base with a mix of price points.
Haysville
Smaller community south-west of the base with affordable housing.
Andover and Maize
Growing suburbs on the east and northwest sides with newer homes.
Schools
On-base family housing is zoned to Derby USD 260, with Wineteer Elementary serving the housing area. Families off base choose among Wichita, Andover, Mulvane, Haysville, Maize and Goddard districts. There are no DoDEA schools; use the School Liaison Office to compare options.
- Derby USD 260 — District that serves on-base housing.
- Wichita USD 259 — Largest district in the area.
- Haysville USD 261 — District south-west of the base.
- Andover USD 385 — Suburban district east of Wichita.
McConnell School Liaison Office (through the Military and Family Support Center)
Things to do near McConnell Air Force Base
- Old Cowtown MuseummuseumLiving-history museum of an 1870s Kansas cattle town.
- Exploration PlacefamilyScience museum on the Arkansas River.
- Sedgwick County ZoofamilyOne of the Midwest's best-known zoos.
- Keeper of the PlainsoutdoorsLandmark statue at the river confluence downtown.
- Kansas Aviation MuseummuseumMuseum of aircraft and local aviation history.
- Wichita Art MuseummuseumArt museum with American collections.
- Flint Hillsday-tripTallgrass prairie region east of Wichita.
Realtors & local services
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Local programs & support
- Child Care Aware of KansasResource for off-base childcare options listed by the base.
PCS tips for McConnell Air Force Base
- You must get counseling at the Military Housing Office before signing any lease or purchase contract.
- Pets in base housing must be registered and microchipped within five working days; the limit is two and banned breeds are not allowed. Wichita requires an annual dog license.
- Firearms kept in base housing must be registered within 72 hours with the 22nd Security Forces Squadron Armory.
- Request childcare through the Military Child Care website early; the CDC serves ages six weeks to five years.
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 Midwest & Plains
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.