Moving to Picatinny Arsenal
Picatinny Arsenal is a roughly 6,400-acre research installation in Morris County, New Jersey, and the Army's center for developing guns, ammunition and related armaments, plus explosive ordnance disposal technology. Most of the workforce is civilian and engineering-focused, and a small number of families live in privatized housing on post. The area is a high-cost part of northern New Jersey with limited military resources.
| Branch | Army |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Dover, NJ |
| Airports | Newark Liberty International (EWR), roughly an hour away by car |
| Climate | Four seasons with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers |
| Cost of living | High; the garrison itself describes the area as high-cost with limited military resources |
| On-base housing | Balfour Beatty Communities (privatized since 2006) |
| Medical care | No full hospital on post; use the TRICARE network (see the garrison Health Care page) |
| Family support center | Army Community Service (Picatinny) |
Where families live
On-post Balfour Beatty housing
Privatized family housing managed from the community office on Farley Avenue; the easiest way to avoid high local rents.
Dover
Dense town center with apartments and rowhouses; one of the more affordable options nearby.
Wharton
Small borough that borders the arsenal, with modest homes and apartments.
Rockaway Township
Suburban area that includes part of the installation; mix of single-family homes and townhomes.
Jefferson Township
Lake-oriented township that includes part of the arsenal, with more rural and waterfront neighborhoods.
Schools
There are no DoDEA schools. Children attend the public school district where they live; the garrison has run STEM outreach with local schools such as Morris Knolls High School. Contact the garrison School Liaison Office for help with enrollment.
- Rockaway Township Public Schools — Serves families living in Rockaway Township.
- Jefferson Township Public Schools — Serves Jefferson Township.
- Dover Public Schools — Serves families living in Dover.
- Wharton Borough School District — Serves families living in Wharton.
Installation School Liaison Office via Army Community Service
Things to do near Picatinny Arsenal
- Lake HopatcongoutdoorsNew Jersey's largest lake, nearby for boating and summer fun.
- Morristown National Historical ParkmuseumRevolutionary War encampment sites and trails.
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation AreaoutdoorsHiking, paddling and waterfalls within an hour or so.
- Ringwood State ParkoutdoorsGardens, lakes and trails in northern Passaic County.
- New York City day tripsday-tripReachable by NJ Transit or car for museums, shows and sports.
- Picatinny MWR programsfamilyOn-post recreation, fitness and Child & Youth Services listed on the garrison site.
Realtors & local services
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- Balfour Beatty Communities (Picatinny)property managementPicatinny Arsenal
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Local programs & support
- Housing Services OfficeProvides lists of local real estate agents and rental listings for off-post housing; phone 973-724-2190.
- Picatinny Army Community ServiceNewcomer, relocation and family support services for arriving families.
PCS tips for Picatinny Arsenal
- On-post housing has a limited number of homes, so apply right after you get orders.
- Off-post rents and home prices in Morris County are high; compare BAH for ZIP code 07806 with real listings before choosing a town.
- The garrison notes the area has limited military resources, so plan on using civilian providers through TRICARE.
- Winter storms can disrupt commutes on Route 15 and local roads.
- New Jersey tolls and parking add up if you commute into the city for work or recreation.
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 Northeast
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.