Moving to Coast Guard Island & Base Alameda
Coast Guard Island is a 67-acre artificial island in the Oakland Estuary with over 1,200 personnel, including Pacific Area command and four Legend-class cutters. Bay Area costs are very high.
| Branch | Coast Guard |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Alameda / Oakland, CA |
| Formerly known as | Government Island |
| Population served | Over 1,200 personnel assigned |
| Airports | Oakland International (OAK); SFO also reachable |
| Climate | Mild Mediterranean, foggy summers |
| Cost of living | Among the highest in the US |
| On-base housing | Limited; Coast Guard housing office provides referrals |
| Medical care | Medical and dental clinic on the island |
| Family support center | Coast Guard Work-Life |
Where families live
Alameda
Island city with historic homes.
Oakland
Urban options.
San Leandro
More affordable.
Hayward / Castro Valley
Suburban.
Schools
Alameda Unified serves about 9,500 students.
- Alameda Unified School District — Nine elementary, four middle schools.
Coast Guard Work-Life school liaison
Things to do near Coast Guard Island & Base Alameda
- Alameda PointoutdoorsFormer air station with views.
- USS Hornet MuseummuseumAircraft carrier museum in Alameda.
- San Franciscoday-tripAcross the bay.
- Lake MerrittoutdoorsOakland lake park.
- Jack London SquarefoodWaterfront dining.
- Crown Memorial BeachoutdoorsAlameda beach.
Realtors & local services
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PCS tips for Coast Guard Island & Base Alameda
- Rental market is extremely competitive.
- Island access is only via bridge from Oakland.
- Budget for high costs.
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.