Moving to NAS Meridian
NAS Meridian is a Navy pilot training base about 20 miles northeast of Meridian, Mississippi, home to McCain Field. It is a small, quiet posting with a very low cost of living and a close training community, but fewer amenities than larger Navy towns.
| Branch | Navy |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Meridian, MS |
| Population served | About 1,200 active duty and 500 civilians per one guide |
| Airports | Meridian Regional Airport (MEI); Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers (JAN) is the larger option |
| Climate | Hot humid summers, mild winters |
| Cost of living | Well below the US average; one guide cites roughly 25% below |
| On-base housing | Privatized family housing under the Navy Southeast housing privatization program; confirm current manager with the housing office |
| Medical care | Naval Branch Health Clinic Meridian |
| Family support center | Fleet & Family Support Center |
Where families live
North Meridian / NAS area
Affordable with a short commute and strong military community.
Marion / Lauderdale County
Rural, with newer homes and larger lots.
Meridian
The city offers the widest range of shopping, restaurants and rentals.
Schools
No DoDEA schools. The base has an adopt-a-school relationship with Northeast Elementary, Middle and High School in Lauderdale County. Verify boundaries for your address.
- Lauderdale County School District — Includes the Northeast schools adopted by the base.
- Meridian Public School District — City district for families living in Meridian.
NAS Meridian School Liaison Office through the family support center.
Things to do near NAS Meridian
- Gulf Coast beachesday-tripAbout 2.5 hours south.
- Meridian downtownfoodDining and local events in the city center.
- Base MWR facilitiesfamilyOn-base recreation for eligible families.
Realtors & local services
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Local programs & support
- Adopt-a-School ProgramBase partnership with the Northeast schools.
PCS tips for NAS Meridian
- Military pay is exempt from Mississippi state income tax for residents.
- The off-base rental and for-sale market is small, so start looking early.
- Confirm housing management and unit availability with the housing office.
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.