Moving to NAWS China Lake
Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake is a massive Navy research, testing and development site in the Mojave Desert, with a mostly civilian workforce and a small community. Ridgecrest is remote, affordable and quiet, with desert landscapes and outdoor recreation but few big-city amenities.
| Branch | Navy |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Ridgecrest, CA |
| Airports | Inyokern Airport (IYK) locally; Bakersfield or Las Vegas/LAX are several hours' drive |
| Climate | High desert with very hot summers, cold nights and little rain. |
| Cost of living | Housing is lower than most of California; median home price about $263,000. |
| On-base housing | Liberty Military Housing, 192 single-family homes |
| Medical care | Branch health clinic on base; Ridgecrest Regional Hospital in town |
| Family support center | Fleet & Family Support Center China Lake |
Where families live
Ridgecrest
The main town, with rentals, shopping and most services.
Inyokern
Small and rural with larger lots.
On-base housing
Four on-base areas: Murray Ridge, Mountain View Estates, Vista del Sol and Larkspur.
California City
Remote and very affordable.
Schools
Sierra Sands Unified serves Ridgecrest and the base, including Burroughs High School; Cerro Coso Community College is also in town. There are no DoDEA schools.
- Sierra Sands Unified School District — K-12 for Ridgecrest and the base.
China Lake School Liaison through Fleet & Family Support.
Things to do near NAWS China Lake
- Death Valley National Parkday-tripStarkly scenic park about 1.5 to 2 hours away.
- Red Rock Canyon State ParkoutdoorsColorful desert cliffs.
- Maturango MuseummuseumNatural and cultural history of the region.
- Petroglyph sites and festivaloutdoorsAncient rock art in nearby canyons.
- Trona PinnaclesoutdoorsUnusual tufa spires for off-roading and photography.
- Rademacher HillsoutdoorsLocal hiking trails.
Realtors & local services
Want a realtor who knows NAWS China Lake?
Tell us your report date, budget and whether you're buying or renting. We'll connect you with an agent who works with military families here.
Get matchedReal estate offices
- Ridgecrest RealtyRidgecrest, CASays it helps military personnel relocating to NAWS China Lake.
- Coldwell Banker Frontier RidgecrestRidgecrest, CASays it helps military families from China Lake find homes.
Listings come from public sources and are not endorsed or vetted. Own a business that serves families at NAWS China Lake? Claim or add a listing.
PCS tips for NAWS China Lake
- Summer temperatures are extreme; plan for air conditioning and sun protection.
- The nearest large city is hours away, so stock up and plan for shopping trips.
- Contact the Navy Family Housing Office (760-939-4450) before arrival.
- Off-base rentals can be found through Homes.mil or the Housing Referral 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 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-air-weapons-station-china-lake/housing/housing
- https://www.ridgecrestguide.com/blogs/relocating-for-naws-china-lake-living-guide-for-new-hires
- https://ridgecrestguide.com/businesses/ridgecrest-realty
- https://ridgecrestguide.com/businesses/coldwell-banker-frontier-ridgecrest
- https://valoannetwork.com/china-lake-guide