Moving to Vandenberg Space Force Base
Vandenberg is the West Coast launch site for military and commercial rockets, missile tests and satellite launches, set on the Central Coast of California. Families live on base or in Lompoc, Vandenberg Village, Orcutt and Santa Maria, enjoying beaches and wine country in a small-town setting.
| Branch | Space Force |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Lompoc, CA |
| Formerly known as | Vandenberg Air Force Base (renamed 2021) |
| Population served | About 3,100 military, 4,200 family members, 1,300 DoD civilians and 2,800 contractors, plus roughly 20,000 retirees and dependents in the region |
| Airports | Santa Barbara (SBA), about an hour south; Santa Maria Public (SMX) is closer with limited flights |
| Climate | Cool, foggy and windy coastal climate with mild temperatures year round |
| Cost of living | Santa Barbara County is above the national average, though Lompoc is cheaper than coastal Santa Barbara |
| On-base housing | Balfour Beatty Communities (Vandenberg Family Homes) |
| Medical care | 30th Medical Group clinic on base (TRICARE office 805-606-2273) |
| Family support center | Airman and Family Readiness Center |
Where families live
On-base housing
Balfour Beatty neighborhoods with the on-base Crestview Elementary nearby; popular because off-base rents are high.
Vandenberg Village
Residential community just outside the gate with a large share of military families.
Lompoc
Closest city, with beaches, parks and more affordable housing than the south coast.
Orcutt
Quiet suburban neighborhoods on the way to Santa Maria; popular with families wanting more shopping.
Santa Maria
The area's largest city with the widest retail and dining choices and a range of housing prices.
Schools
There are no DoD schools on base; Lompoc Unified School District serves Vandenberg families. Crestview Elementary (TK-6) is on base and requires base access, while Vandenberg Middle School (7-8) is on base property but open to the public. The district serves several hundred military-connected students.
- Lompoc Unified School District — Serves base housing; offers free meals to all students and a STARBASE STEM program for fifth graders.
On the installation: Crestview Elementary (TK-6), Vandenberg Middle School (7-8)
Vandenberg School Liaison Office (805-606-5698), Education Center, 641 Utah Ave.
Things to do near Vandenberg Space Force Base
- Ocean Beach ParkoutdoorsWide beach and dunes west of Lompoc.
- La Purisima Mission State Historic ParkmuseumRestored Spanish mission near Lompoc with trails.
- Lompoc Valley wineriesfoodTasting rooms such as Montemar Winery and Transcendence Winery.
- Santa Barbaraday-tripState Street shopping, whale watching and art studios about an hour south.
- San Rafael Wilderness and Los Padres National ForestoutdoorsBackcountry hiking and camping.
- The Mission Club and La Purisima Golf CoursesportsGolf options near Lompoc.
- Rocket launch viewingfamilyLaunches from the base can be seen from many Central Coast spots.
Realtors & local services
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Get matchedReal estate offices
- eXp RealtyVandenberg areaPublishes a relocation guide for people moving to Vandenberg.
Movers, storage, pets & more
- Great Guys Movingmoving & storageLompoc
- BringFido Lompoc pet directorypet boardingLompoc
Listings come from public sources and are not endorsed or vetted. Own a business that serves families at Vandenberg Space Force Base? Claim or add a listing.
Local programs & support
- Air Force Housing Referral and Relocation (Vandenberg)Official off-base housing referral help, including seasonal apartment listings.
- Lompoc Unified military family supportDistrict liaisons and special education guidance for military students.
PCS tips for Vandenberg Space Force Base
- Start with the Balfour Beatty office (805-734-1445) early; on-base homes help avoid Central Coast rents.
- Expect frequent fog and wind; layers matter even in summer.
- Santa Barbara airport is an hour away, so arrange a rental or ride after flying in.
- Childcare waitlists are common; register through MilitaryChildCare.com early.
- Housing in Lompoc is generally cheaper than Santa Barbara; check the base apartment listings document when house hunting.
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://mymilitarybenefits.com/military-base/vandenberg-space-force-base/
- https://www.lusd.org/military
- https://exprealty.com/guides/vandenberg-air-force-base-housing/
- https://www.housing.af.mil/Home-depricated/Units/Vandenberg/Referral-and-Relocation/
- https://www.greatguysmoving.com/movers/california/lompoc/commercial/