Fort Lee Base Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Your PCS

Fort Lee at a Glance

On the name: Fort Lee was renamed Fort Gregg-Adams in April 2023 to honor Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg and Chairperson Charity Adams as part of the DoD Naming Commission’s renaming of installations previously associated with the Confederacy. In June 2025, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth restored the Fort Lee name — now honoring Private Fitz Lee, a Medal of Honor recipient from the Spanish-American War who rescued wounded service members under direct enemy fire during a coastal assault in Cuba. Your orders, housing application, and TRICARE enrollment should say Fort Lee. You may still see “Fort Gregg-Adams” on older paperwork, some local signage, and legacy websites for a while — that’s fine, but the installation is Fort Lee.

2026 BAH Rates for Fort Lee (Petersburg, VA)

BAH at Fort Lee is based on the Petersburg, VA Military Housing Area (zip code 23801). Rates increased 4.2% in 2026 in line with the national average. Petersburg BAH goes significantly further than installations near Northern Virginia or D.C. — your housing dollar stretches here. For the full picture on maximizing your BAH or applying it toward a VA home loan, visit our complete 2026 BAH guide.

Always verify your exact rate using the DoD BAH calculator — your specific zip code and dependency status affect your final rate. Also check our 2026 military pay charts for full base pay context.

Housing at Fort Lee

On-Post Housing — Fort Lee Family Housing by Hunt Military Communities

On-post family housing at Fort Lee is managed by Fort Lee Family Housing, a Hunt Military Communities property — the largest owner and operator of privatized military housing in the United States. There are over 1,500 homes spread across seven distinct neighborhoods. For active duty families, there are no upfront rent costs, no security deposit, and utilities are paid. The housing community is pet-friendly and all homes are single-family — no barracks-style apartments.

Waitlist reality check: On-post housing has a waitlist, especially during summer PCS season when the logistics schools have high student turnover. Apply the moment you receive orders — don’t wait until you arrive. Summer slots can book out months in advance. Waitlist categories include Junior Enlisted, Senior Enlisted, Company Grade Officer/WO, Field Grade Officer/WO, SGM/CSM, and Senior Officers.

On-post housing contacts:

Off-Post Neighborhoods — The Honest Breakdown

This is where Fort Lee shines for military families. Your BAH goes significantly further here than at most East Coast installations, and the housing market in the Petersburg/Colonial Heights corridor is genuinely affordable. The key is understanding which gate you’ll use and which school district comes with your neighborhood — because those two factors drive most of the housing decision for families with kids.

Real talk on buying here: The Petersburg/Colonial Heights market is one of the most VA-loan-friendly in Virginia. Homes in the $240,000–$330,000 range are common, purchase prices in Prince George County often dip lower, and your BAH can cover a full mortgage payment at these price points — especially at E-6 and above. Virginia does not typically allow out-of-district school enrollment, so research your specific address and district before committing to a neighborhood. Our VA Home Loan guide walks you through the full process — zero down, no PMI, and how to get pre-approved on your current BAH.

Schools Near Fort Lee

There are no DoDEA schools on Fort Lee. Your children will attend schools based on your home address — and because Virginia does not typically allow out-of-district enrollment, your school district choice is driven entirely by where you live. Get this right before you sign a lease or make an offer. The Fort Lee School Liaison Officer can provide guidance on local options — reach them through ACS at (804) 734-6388 or the School Liaison Officer line at (804) 765-3813.

On-Post Residents — Prince George County Public Schools

All students residing in on-post housing are zoned to attend Prince George County Public Schools. This is a frequently overlooked detail — many families assume proximity to Colonial Heights means Colonial Heights schools, but post addresses fall in Prince George County. The district is well-regarded for a smaller rural system, with families reporting positive experiences particularly at the elementary level.

Off-Post School Districts

For EFMP families, contact the EFMP coordinator at (804) 734-6393 as soon as orders arrive. Highly mobile students with IEPs are entitled to expedited evaluations — the SLO can help you navigate that process before you even arrive.

Healthcare — Kenner Army Health Clinic

Kenner Army Health Clinic (KAHC) is the primary military treatment facility at Fort Lee. Kenner is an outpatient health clinic — not a full hospital. It provides robust primary care, specialty care, behavioral health, optometry, pharmacy, and dental services. However, complex procedures, labor and delivery, and emergency care are referred off-post. Families expecting a baby should confirm TRICARE network coverage and identify their off-post hospital before delivery — Southside Regional Medical Center in Petersburg and VCU Health in Richmond are commonly used. Visit kenner.tricare.mil for the full clinic directory.

Dental: The Army dental clinic is on post for active duty. Dependents use TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) — private dental offices in Colonial Heights and Chester accept TDP. Confirm your enrollment before your first appointment.

Getting On Post — Gate Access & Directions

All persons entering Fort Lee must present a valid DoD ID, CAC card, or federally issued government ID. Fort Lee is unique among Army installations — depending on which gate you use, you enter from a different city or county (Colonial Heights, Petersburg, Hopewell, Prince George, Chesterfield, or Dinwiddie all surround the post). This makes the surrounding neighborhood feel different depending on your gate.

Directions from I-295 (most common route): Take I-295 Exit 9B toward Fort Lee/Colonial Heights. Merge onto VA-36 W (Oaklawn Boulevard). Proceed to the fourth traffic light and turn left onto Sisisky Boulevard to reach the Sisisky Gate.

First time on post without a DoD ID? Stop at the Visitor Control Center (VCC) located on Gregg-Adams Avenue, Bldg 5228 (the Dukes Building), open Mon–Fri 0800–1600. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Pre-approval requests (DES Form 190-3 for individuals, 190-2 for groups) can be submitted in advance through your sponsor.

In-Processing at Fort Lee

Because Fort Lee is home to so many schools and agencies, in-processing procedures vary by unit. Your gaining unit should assign you a sponsor — request one before you depart your losing installation. Here are the key offices to hit in your first days:

USO tip: If you’re flying into Richmond International Airport (RIC), the USO Center at the terminal offers free transportation to Fort Lee for active duty and retired personnel and their dependents. Bring two copies of your orders and call ahead: (804) 236-7234. The USO is open daily 0900–2100. For HHG and DITY move questions, bookmark our complete DITY move guide — the reimbursement math is worth understanding before you sign anything.

Recreation & Quality of Life

Fort Lee has MWR facilities that consistently punch above what you’d expect for a TRADOC post. On-post highlights:

Day Trips and Weekend Destinations

The Virginia location is genuinely one of the best geographic perks of Fort Lee. You’re within range of an enormous amount of history, outdoor recreation, beaches, and cities — all within a few hours.

Getting Around — Transportation & Commute Reality

Fort Lee is a POV-required installation — there is no meaningful public transit serving the post. A personal vehicle is essential. Road conditions and commute times vary significantly by gate and neighborhood:

• I-95 is your main artery north (Richmond) and south (Carolinas). Rush hour from 7–9 AM and 4–6:30 PM can double drive times. If your commute goes through Richmond on I-95, plan for it.
• VA-36 (Oaklawn Blvd) runs between Colonial Heights and the main Sisisky Gate — your everyday route for most off-post neighborhoods.
• I-295 provides a bypass around Richmond that’s generally faster than I-95 for getting north or east.
• Commuting from Chesterfield/Midlothian: Budget 35–50 minutes on a normal day; longer during heavy traffic. Many families in Chesterfield use the I-295 or Route 1 route rather than I-95.

Spouse Employment & Community Support

Army Community Service (ACS) at Fort Lee is one of the more robust support organizations you’ll encounter. Located at Bldg 9023 on Sustainment Avenue, ACS offers financial counseling, relocation assistance, employment workshops, Family Readiness support, and direct connection to MilitaryOneSource.

For spouse employment, the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) program is available through ACS. The Fort Lee area has a meaningful defense contractor presence, and the Richmond metro (30 minutes north) significantly expands employment options across healthcare, education, government, and tech sectors. Remote work has also made Fort Lee a more viable assignment for spouses with portable careers.

Check our PCS tax write-offs guide for what you can deduct during your move, and grab our PCS binder checklist to stay organized through the process.

Fort Lee Quick Reference — Phone Directory

Frequently Asked Questions — Fort Lee PCS

What happened with the Fort Lee / Fort Gregg-Adams name changes?

Fort Lee was renamed Fort Gregg-Adams in April 2023 to honor Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg and Chairperson Charity Adams, as part of the DoD Naming Commission’s removal of Confederate-associated names from military installations. In June 2025, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth restored the Fort Lee name as part of a broader reversal — this time honoring Private Fitz Lee, a Medal of Honor recipient who rescued wounded soldiers under fire during a coastal assault in Cuba during the Spanish-American War. The installation, its location, its units, and its mission are unchanged. Your official orders, housing paperwork, and TRICARE enrollment should all reflect Fort Lee. You’ll see Fort Gregg-Adams on legacy documents and older signage for some time.

What is the 2026 BAH rate at Fort Lee?

2026 BAH at Fort Lee is based on the Petersburg, VA Military Housing Area and increased approximately 4.2% from 2025. An E-5 with dependents receives $1,554/month; an E-5 without dependents receives $1,251/month. An O-3 with dependents receives $2,052/month. All rates are tax-free. See the full table above or verify your specific rate with the DoD BAH calculator using your zip code.

Who manages on-post housing at Fort Lee?

On-post family housing is managed by Hunt Military Communities under the brand “Fort Lee Family Housing” — not Corvias. Hunt manages seven distinct neighborhoods with over 1,500 homes in 2–5 bedroom configurations. Active duty families pay no upfront costs, no security deposit, and utilities are included. Contact Hunt at (804) 566-3300, available Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM, with a 24/7 maintenance line.

What school district will my kids attend?

It depends entirely on where you live. Families in on-post housing attend Prince George County Public Schools. Families in Colonial Heights attend Colonial Heights City Schools. Families in Chester or Midlothian attend Chesterfield County Public Schools, which are rated among the strongest in the region. Virginia does not typically allow out-of-district enrollment, so research your school assignment before signing a lease. Contact the School Liaison Officer at (804) 765-3813 for district-specific guidance.

Are there DoDEA schools on Fort Lee?

No. There are no DoDEA schools on the installation. All children — whether living on or off post — attend local Virginia public schools based on their home address. The School Liaison Officer (SLO) can help you identify your assigned school and connect you with enrollment resources before you arrive.

Is Fort Lee a good duty station for families?

Overall, yes — with a caveat on location expectations. The cost of living is genuinely low, BAH goes further here than at most East Coast posts, and you’re within easy range of Richmond, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, and D.C. The trade-off is that Petersburg itself has a mixed reputation, and school quality varies significantly by district. Families who live in Colonial Heights or Chesterfield County typically report very positive experiences. The post’s own facilities — including two 18-hole golf courses, two unique military museums, and a strong MWR program — are consistently praised.

What hospital serves Fort Lee families?

Kenner Army Health Clinic (KAHC) is the on-post military treatment facility at (804) 734-9000. Kenner is a full-service outpatient clinic — not a hospital — so complex procedures, labor and delivery, and emergency care are handled off-post. Southside Regional Medical Center in Petersburg at (804) 765-5000 and VCU Health in Richmond are the primary off-post hospitals. If you are pregnant or have complex healthcare needs, confirm your TRICARE network and your off-post provider before you arrive. Visit kenner.tricare.mil for the full directory.

Is it a good idea to buy a home near Fort Lee?

It can make excellent financial sense — particularly for families staying 3+ years. Home prices in Colonial Heights range from $240,000–$330,000; Prince George County is often lower. Your VA loan benefit — zero down, no PMI — paired with BAH that covers a typical mortgage payment at these price points makes buying a realistic option for E-5s and above. The market is familiar with VA appraisals, and motivated sellers routinely accept VA offers with closing cost assistance. Read our VA Home Loan guide to understand your eligibility and get connected with a military-friendly agent in the area.

How do I get to Fort Lee from Richmond International Airport?

The USO at Richmond International Airport offers free transportation to Fort Lee for active duty and retired personnel and their dependents. Open daily 0900–2100. Call ahead to confirm eligibility and transportation availability: (804) 236-7234. Bring two copies of your orders. Taxi service is also available from RIC; the airport taxi companies at (804) 222-6666 or (804) 233-4444 are authorized to drive on post. The drive from RIC to Sisisky Gate is approximately 30–40 minutes under normal traffic conditions.