Moving to Naval Base San Diego & Naval Base Point Loma
Naval Base San Diego is the Pacific Fleet's main surface-ship homeport on San Diego Bay, with Point Loma hosting submarine and related commands. Families get mild weather and endless outdoor options, but very high housing costs and heavy freeway traffic.
| Branch | Navy |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | San Diego, CA |
| Airports | San Diego International (SAN), about 20-30 minutes |
| Climate | Mediterranean: mild, dry and sunny most of the year. |
| Cost of living | Far above the US average; housing is the main driver. |
| On-base housing | Liberty Military Housing (public-private venture); Navy Housing Service Center at 2625 LeHardy St. |
| Medical care | Naval Medical Center San Diego |
| Family support center | Fleet & Family Support Center San Diego |
Where families live
National City
Lowest cost near base; urban and dense.
Chula Vista
The most house for the money, from condos to larger family homes.
Spring Valley / La Mesa
Larger yards and a village feel.
Point Loma / Ocean Beach
Premium coastal pricing, usually beyond BAH alone.
Lemon Grove / El Cajon
Most affordable single-family options with longer drives.
Schools
San Diego has no DoDEA schools; families attend public districts based on address, from San Diego Unified to the South Bay districts. Ask the School Liaison about open-enrollment and boundary rules.
- San Diego Unified School District — Serves Point Loma and much of the city.
- Sweetwater Union High School District — South Bay secondary schools for National City and Chula Vista.
Navy School Liaison Office, San Diego region.
Things to do near Naval Base San Diego & Naval Base Point Loma
- Balboa ParkmuseumMuseums, gardens and the San Diego Zoo nearby.
- Cabrillo National MonumentoutdoorsPoint Loma tide pools and views; free for active duty.
- USS Midway MuseummuseumAircraft carrier museum on the waterfront.
- Coronado BeachoutdoorsWide beach near the Hotel del Coronado.
- Old Town San Diego State Historic ParkmuseumEarly California buildings and Mexican food.
- San Diego ZoofamilyLarge zoo in Balboa Park.
- Anza-Borrego Desertday-tripDesert hiking and wildflower seasons about two hours away.
Realtors & local services
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Local programs & support
- City of San Diego Military and Veterans Homebuying WorkshopCity-hosted workshop on buying a home as a service member or veteran.
PCS tips for Naval Base San Diego & Naval Base Point Loma
- Housing is the biggest challenge; contact the Navy Housing Service Center (619-556-8443) before you arrive.
- Plan for I-5/I-805 traffic; commute choices matter more than distance.
- Enroll early; some districts have open-enrollment windows.
- Some Liberty neighborhoods offer discounted rates, so ask when applying.
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://installations.militaryonesource.mil/military-installation/naval-base-san-diego/housing/housing
- https://pcspayitforward.com/buying-a-home-near-naval-base-san-diego/
- https://valoannetwork.com/naval-base-san-diego-guide
- https://www.sandiego.gov/event/military-and-veterans-homebuying-workshop
- https://www.sandiegounified.org/