Moving to Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City
Base Elizabeth City sits beside the Elizabeth City Regional Airport in northeastern North Carolina and hosts Air Station Elizabeth City, the Aviation Logistics Center, the Aviation Technical Training Center, a small boat station, the Aviation Projects Acquisition Center and the National Strike Force Coordination Center. It is a small, close-knit community with a quiet small-city feel and easy access to the Outer Banks and Hampton Roads. There is no family housing on base, so most families rent or buy in town.
| Branch | Coast Guard |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Elizabeth City, NC |
| Airports | Elizabeth City Regional (ECG) is on the base; Norfolk International (ORF) is a little over 40 miles away |
| Climate | Humid subtropical: hot, muggy summers, mild winters, and hurricane season exposure |
| Cost of living | Lower than the national average for housing, per local listings; verify current rents |
| On-base housing | No family housing on base; members apply to live on the local economy through the Area Housing Office at Base Portsmouth |
| Medical care | Base Elizabeth City clinic; nearby civilian hospitals include Sentara Albemarle Medical Center |
| Family support center | Base MWR and the Coast Guard Health, Safety and Work-Life service through Base Portsmouth |
Where families live
Elizabeth City
Small historic city on the Pasquotank River with the widest choice of rentals and everyday services.
Weeksville
Rural-edge area around the base with more land and fewer rental choices.
Camden County
Quiet, rural neighborhoods popular with families who want more space.
Currituck County
Growing area toward the coast and Outer Banks with newer subdivisions.
Hertford / Perquimans County
Small-town, riverside living with lower home prices.
Schools
There are no DoD schools on or near the base; children attend North Carolina public schools. Elizabeth City-Pasquotank, Camden and Currituck counties are the districts most Coast Guard families consider.
- Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools — The main district for the city; about 13 schools according to a base guide.
- Camden County Schools — Smaller rural district northeast of the base.
- Currituck County Schools — Serves the Currituck and Moyock area.
Coast Guard families can ask the Work-Life office for school transition help; the Base Portsmouth Health, Safety and Work-Life staff cover this area.
Things to do near Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City
- Outer Banks beachesoutdoorsKitty Hawk, Nags Head and Jockey's Ridge are about an hour away.
- Museum of the AlbemarlemuseumRegional history museum in Elizabeth City listed on the Coast Guard area guide.
- Great Dismal Swamp CanaloutdoorsHistoric canal and wildlife refuge near the city.
- Downtown Elizabeth City waterfrontfamilyWalkable historic district along the Pasquotank River.
- Arts of the AlbemarlemuseumLocal arts center for shows and classes.
- Norfolk and Virginia Beach day tripsday-tripLarge-city shopping, Nauticus and military exchange facilities within a day's drive.
- Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardensday-tripPopular Virginia family destinations listed in the area guide.
- Edenton historic townday-tripColonial waterfront town in the Albemarle region.
Realtors & local services
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Local programs & support
- College of The AlbemarleCommunity college campus in Elizabeth City, a common option for military spouses.
- Elizabeth City State UniversityPublic university in town offering degrees and continuing education.
PCS tips for Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City
- There is no family housing on base; submit a housing application to the Area Housing Office at Base Portsmouth to get permission to live off base.
- Norfolk is the nearest large airport at just over 40 miles, so plan travel and household-goods delivery accordingly.
- Check in at the personnel office after getting directions from the gate; your sponsor handles unit-specific check-in.
- Expect limited shopping and dining locally; many families make trips to Norfolk or Virginia Beach for the exchange and larger stores.
- Budget for hurricane season and review your renter's or homeowner's flood coverage.
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.