Moving to Shaw Air Force Base
Shaw is home to the 20th Fighter Wing and its F-16s, and also hosts Ninth Air Force and U.S. Air Forces Central headquarters. It sits about 10 miles from Sumter in central South Carolina, with low living costs, a quiet small-town setting and easy trips to Columbia and the coast.
| Branch | Air Force |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Sumter, SC |
| Population served | Supports more than 5,400 military and civilian employees and about 11,000 family members |
| Airports | Columbia Metropolitan (CAE), roughly 45-60 min |
| Climate | Hot, humid summers and mild winters; humidity is heaviest from May through September. |
| Cost of living | Low relative to the US average; off-base 3-bedroom rentals in Sumter are reported around $800-$1,200. |
| On-base housing | Privatized housing (633 homes) owned and managed by Hunt Military Communities |
| Medical care | Shaw AFB clinic (20th Medical Group); Prisma Health Tuomey in Sumter for civilian care |
| Family support center | Airman & Family Readiness Center |
Where families live
Sumter
Small, friendly city with affordable housing and a quiet pace.
Dalzell
Small community very close to the base with rural lots and lower prices.
Rembert
Rural area outside Sumter, popular with families wanting larger lots.
Columbia area
Much bigger job market, restaurants and nightlife, but a long daily drive; some families choose Columbia-area suburbs for school options.
On-base housing
Hunt-managed homes with moderate waitlists reported.
Schools
There are no DoDEA schools on or near the base. Sumter School District serves most families and is generally described as adequate rather than top tier, so some families look at Kershaw County (Camden) or Columbia-area districts. Research district boundaries early and talk to the School Liaison Office.
- Sumter School District — Serves Sumter and the on-base housing area.
- Kershaw County School District — Alternative for families willing to live toward Camden.
Shaw AFB School Liaison Office, through the Airman & Family Readiness Center
Things to do near Shaw Air Force Base
- Swan Lake Iris GardensoutdoorsSumter park known for swans and a spring iris bloom.
- Poinsett State ParkoutdoorsHiking, fishing and camping in the High Hills of the Santee.
- Sumter County MuseummuseumLocal history museum in Sumter.
- Lake MurrayoutdoorsLarge lake about an hour away for boating and swimming.
- Riverbanks Zoo and GardenfamilyColumbia zoo and botanical garden that offers a military admission price.
- Columbia Vista and Five PointsnightlifeRestaurant and nightlife districts in the state capital.
- Myrtle Beachday-tripRoughly 90 minutes east for beaches and attractions such as Ripley's Aquarium.
- South Carolina State ParksoutdoorsMilitary families receive a campsite discount at state parks.
Realtors & local services
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Local programs & support
- South Carolina State Parks military discountMilitary members get 50% off campsite reservations at South Carolina state parks.
PCS tips for Shaw Air Force Base
- Call the Military Housing Office before you arrive; the housing office is on Rhodes Avenue and privatized housing is run separately by Hunt.
- Research Sumter school boundaries early, since many families weigh Kershaw or Richland County districts.
- Expect humid summers and the occasional hurricane season impact; have renters insurance and an emergency plan.
- Spouse jobs in Sumter are limited; Columbia has more options and remote work is common.
- Fly into Columbia (CAE) and budget for a rental car to cover the drive to the base.
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.