Moving to U.S. Military Academy West Point
West Point is the Army's service academy, set on the Hudson River about 50 miles north of New York City with roughly 4,300 cadets. Staff families live in a campus-like community with on-post DoDEA elementary and middle schools, dramatic scenery and a strong tradition of Army football and ceremony.
| Branch | Army |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Highland Falls, NY |
| Population served | About 4,300 cadets plus faculty, staff and families |
| Airports | Stewart International (SWF) about 30 minutes; LaGuardia, JFK and Newark about 1.5 hours |
| Climate | Four distinct seasons with cold, snowy winters and warm summers |
| Cost of living | Above the national average, especially off-post housing in the Hudson Valley |
| On-base housing | Army-managed on-post housing through the West Point Housing Office |
| Medical care | Keller Army Community Hospital |
| Family support center | Army Community Service / Family Support Center |
Where families live
On-post housing areas
Historic and modern quarters on a tight campus; access to on-post schools and services.
Highland Falls
Adjacent village of about 3,700 people with small-town shops.
Fort Montgomery / Highlands
Quiet river-valley area with a mix of older homes.
Cornwall-on-Hudson
Pretty Hudson River village with shops and dining.
Newburgh / New Windsor
More housing choices and shopping at lower price points.
Schools
West Point operates DoDEA elementary and middle schools on post. High school students living on post attend James I. O'Neill High School in the Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery district. Off-post families live in a mix of districts depending on the town.
- Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery Central School District — Serves Highland Falls and Fort Montgomery; includes James I. O'Neill High School.
- DoDEA (West Point schools) — Operates the on-post elementary and middle schools.
On the installation: West Point Elementary School, West Point Middle School
West Point School Liaison Office, via the garrison site
Things to do near U.S. Military Academy West Point
- West Point MuseummuseumThe oldest military museum in the country, next to the visitor center.
- Trophy PointoutdoorsOverlook with Hudson River views and the Battle Monument.
- Cadet ChapelmuseumNeo-Gothic chapel completed in 1910.
- Army football at Michie StadiumsportsBlack Knights home games on campus.
- Bear Mountain State ParkoutdoorsHiking and Hudson River views nearby.
- Fort Putnam and Constitution IslandmuseumHistoric sites accessible in summer.
- New York City day tripday-tripAbout 50 miles south.
Realtors & local services
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Local programs & support
- West Point Family Support / Army Community ServiceCounseling, financial assistance and family advocacy on post.
PCS tips for U.S. Military Academy West Point
- On-post housing is limited, so contact the housing office immediately after receiving orders.
- Plan for cold, snowy winters and winding Hudson Valley roads.
- Off-post costs are high and inventory is thin; consider Newburgh or New Windsor for more choice.
- Cadet and visitor traffic is heavy on football weekends and graduation, so confirm gate hours.
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.