Fort Bliss

PCS Army Base Guide

Planning PCS to Fort Bliss Army Base: Here's Your Comprehensive Guide

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Located in El Paso, TX, Fort Bliss Texas is home to the 1st Armored Division, which returned to US soil in 2011, after 40 years in Germany. It holds a great history in training soldiers.

Fort Bliss Army Base is covers of approximately 1.12 million acres of land in Texas and New Mexico. The Main Cantonment Area of Fort Bliss is located adjacent to El Paso, Texas.

Fort Bliss Zip Codes

If you are considering living off post you may be wondering, what are the zip codes near Fort Bliss where I should focus my home search? While the military base itself encompasses 4 zip codes (79906, 79908, 79916, and 79918) El Paso is also the fourth-largest city in Texas with 139 ZIP codes. The good news is that El Paso is considered one of the safest big cities in the U.S.

Housing options abound in three main areas around El Paso: the Westside, the Northeast, and the Eastside. The Westside is located farthest from the installation and typically runs higher in rent and home sale prices. Residents here cross over Transmountain Road or drive around the mountain on congested Interstate 10 to get to the installation. The trip can take up to 30-plus minutes, depending on traffic.

The Northeast side’s houses are older and smaller. It’s closer to the main spot. The Eastside and the Far East are quickly growing in popularity. New residential communities and retail stores are being built each year.

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Housing at Fort Bliss

Balfour Beatty Communities, commonly referred to as Fort Bliss Family Homes, manages on-base housing. There are 17 different neighborhoods here. Homes range from duplexes to townhomes, and single-family homes in pet-friendly neighborhoods. Many are gated with community centers, picnic areas, community pools, and splash parks, playgrounds, outdoor recreation areas, and two dog parks. If you’re looking for Fort Bliss hotel, the option is available too. On your PCS Army plan, don’t forget to keep housing on your priority.

Schools Near Fort Bliss

Fort Bliss schools for military kids living on post include four elementary schools and one high school run by the El Paso Elementary School District. This is the largest local school district and the one with the most military students. There are a total of ten school districts with excellent education in the off-post area. The one your child may attend is determined by where you live. In some cases, a military child may get permission to attend school in a neighboring district, based on availability.

2024 Fort Bliss BAH

Fort Bliss BAH is designed to match the very low cost of living in Texas. The housing in the area is affordable. Fort Bliss Army Base BAH ranges from $1176 to $2,076 for enlisted. BAH at Fort Bliss begins at $1,176 for 01 without dependents and goes up to $2,076 for 07 with dependents.

Fort Bliss Post Amenities

Freedom Crossing:

Here’s something new. It’s a one-of-a-kind outdoor shopping center with an array of 25 dining options, along with 11 retail stores. Where else will you find an Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chipotle, Starbucks, Texas Road House, Smash Burger, or Dairy Queen on an Army base?

And that’s just a smattering of food choices. An Under Armor store, Dollar Tree, nail salon, an interactive fountain for kids to splash around in, multiple hair salons, seasonal pop-up stores like Spirit Halloween, an outdoor fireplace and patio area, children’s play area, a no-kidding movie theater with stadium seating and your pick of first-run movies, a dry cleaner, summer concert series, a fort bliss fitness center, an eye care center, and a UPS Store- Freedom Crossing has everything.

Freedom Crossing isn’t the only place on post where you can eat, shop, and find services usually only found on the economy. The installation has one commissary; many shopettes and several mini-food courts; a main Exchange at Freedom Crossing and multiple mini-Exchanges throughout main, East, and West Fort Bliss; a Firestone Auto Care Center, a Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru, two Starbucks, and more.

Fort Bliss Hotels:

Are you visiting a friends stationed at Fort Bliss? Are you just traveling through, or moving to or from the installation? IHG operates a number of Holiday Inns across the post. It has a brand-new Candlewood Suites located near a 24-hour gate.

Fort Bliss Gyms:

Army Wellness Center, seven modern fitness centers; two indoor pools and three outdoor community pools; a 52-lane bowling center; and the Warrior Zone, a state-of-the-art recreation center- what more do you want? Soldier Activity Center with a rock climbing wall; a tennis club; golf complex; group fitness classes, Les Mills GRIT and BodyPump, POUND, SPINSANITY, yoga, water aerobics; massage therapy; and personal training options are there. If you’re bored or can’t find a place to exercise here, you’re not looking hard enough!

Fort Bliss Medical:

William Beaumont Army Medical Center is the main hospital serving Fort Bliss. There are an additional six medical clinics and pharmacies located on and off-post to serve service members, their families, and retirees.

Shifting to Fort Bliss Army Base? Let’s pack your bag up. It’s an amazing place to move with your family. What are you waiting for? Start shifting now!

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