PCSing to Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City & TRACEN Cape May

The Two Installations: What You Need to Know First

Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City (CGAS Atlantic City) sits at the William J. Hughes FAA Technical Center at Atlantic City International Airport in Egg Harbor Township, NJ. The station opened in 1998 following the merger of Air Station Brooklyn and Group Air Station Cape May. Today it is the largest single-airframe Coast Guard air station in the Fifth District, home to roughly 250 aviation personnel and 10 MH-65D Dolphin helicopters. The mission spans search and rescue, law enforcement, marine environmental protection, and port security from Connecticut to Virginia. Additionally, the station assumed a specialized rotary wing air intercept mission in 2006. Specifically, that mission protects Washington, D.C. airspace — a unique and high-visibility role.

Coast Guard Training Center Cape May (TRACEN Cape May) is located at 1 Munro Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204, on the southernmost tip of New Jersey. This is the Coast Guard’s only enlisted accession point — every single enlisted Coastie goes through boot camp here. Furthermore, TRACEN hosts C-schools, specialized training programs, and thousands of permanent party families. If you’re stationed here, you’re at what is rightly called the “birthplace of the Coast Guard enlisted corps.” The installation sits on over 350 acres and includes 86 buildings and 14 tenant commands. On average, more than 1,160 active duty, reserve, auxiliary, civilian, and contractor personnel are on base daily.

The two installations are approximately 45 miles and 45 minutes apart via the Garden State Parkway. Importantly, your duty station determines your BAH rate. Therefore, confirm which installation is on your orders before researching housing or signing a lease. The two installations fall under separate Military Housing Areas (MHAs) with notably different rate tables.

2026 BAH Rates: Atlantic City & Cape May

BAH increased by a national average of 4.2% in 2026, effective January 1. However, because the Department of Defense sets rates based on local rental market data, each MHA differs. As a result, the rates below are not interchangeable between the two installations.

BAH Rates: Atlantic City MHA (CGAS Atlantic City — ZIP 08234)

Pay Grade	With Dependents	Without Dependents
E-1 / E-2 / E-3 / E-4	$2,559	$2,004
E-5	$2,655	$2,298
E-6	$3,291	$2,469
E-7	$3,414	$2,562
E-8	$3,543	$2,784
E-9	$3,735	$2,976
O-1	$2,736	$2,457
O-2	$3,285	$2,628
O-3	$3,624	$3,060
O-4	$4,014	$3,417
O-5	$4,296	$3,486

BAH Rates: Cape May MHA (TRACEN Cape May — ZIP 08204)

The Cape May MHA covers ZIP codes including 08202, 08204, 08210, 08212, 08214, 08218, 08219, 08223, 08226, 08230, 08242, 08243, 08245–08248, 08250–08252, 08260, and 08270.

Pay Grade	With Dependents	Without Dependents
E-1 / E-2 / E-3 / E-4	$2,523	$1,968
E-5	$2,754	$2,172
E-6	$3,072	$2,313
E-7	$3,114	$2,532
E-8	$3,159	$2,823
E-9	$3,312	$2,913
O-1	$2,799	$2,289
O-2	$3,069	$2,682
O-3	$3,186	$2,955
O-4	$3,639	$3,108
O-5	$3,969	$3,129

Get your exact 2026 rate: Use the official DTMO BAH Rate Lookup and enter your duty station ZIP code, pay grade, and dependent status. For CGAS Atlantic City, use ZIP 08234. TRACEN Cape May members should enter ZIP 08204 instead. Additionally, for more detail on how 2026 BAH changes affect your housing budget, check out our 2026 BAH rates guide.

Housing at TRACEN Cape May

On-Base Family Housing

TRACEN Cape May’s housing consists of 174 family units — 48 two-bedroom, 93 three-bedroom, and 32 four-bedroom units, plus 5 single-family homes reserved for staff and command. Additionally, 63 Unaccompanied Personnel Housing (UPH) rooms serve permanent party single members.

Housing at TRACEN is government-managed — there is no privatized housing company here. This differs from most Army and Air Force installations. Consequently, all incoming personnel with dependents are required to submit a housing application.

To apply for family housing at TRACEN Cape May:

1. Download and complete the Housing Application — use your EMPLID, not your SSN.
2. Obtain a copy of your completed Orders (CG-5131) from your Yeoman.
3. Email the application and orders to D05-DG-TRACENCM-Housing@uscg.mil.
4. Call to confirm receipt: (609) 898-6918 or (609) 898-6917.

Housing Office Hours: Weekdays 0800–1600, closed for lunch 1130–1230 and all federal holidays. For temporary quarters while awaiting assignment, contact MWR at (609) 898-6922. Maintenance requests go to the TRACEN Service Request Line at (609) 898-6945; after-hours emergencies go to the TRACEN OOD at (609) 898-6915. Single members should contact the Master at Arms (MAA) at (609) 898-6220 for room availability.

Off-Base Neighborhoods Near TRACEN Cape May

Cape May is a seasonal tourist destination, and that fact shapes your housing search significantly. Rental inventory tightens from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and prices surge accordingly. Therefore, if you’re arriving in summer, start your search 3–4 months early and consider locking in a 12-month lease rather than a short-term rental.

Families commonly settle in these areas:

• North Cape May / Villas — The most popular choice for military families. More affordable than Cape May proper, good school access, and better year-round rental inventory. Many Coastie families cluster here.
• Rio Grande / Middle Township — Slightly further inland, with more affordable options and larger homes for the dollar. A solid choice for larger families stretching their BAH.
• Cape May Court House — The county seat, roughly 15 minutes from base. More suburban feel, good schools, and stronger year-round rental availability compared to the shore towns.
• Wildwood / North Wildwood — Shore town vibe with some affordable rentals; however, tourist pricing spikes seasonally, so year-round budgeting can be tricky.

Median rent across Cape May County runs approximately $2,400–$2,800/month depending on unit size and location. Your BAH may not fully cover a three-bedroom in Cape May city limits — so look to North Cape May or Rio Grande to make your housing allowance work harder. Good off-base resources include AHRN.com, homes.mil, and the Atlantic City PCS Pay-It-Forward® group.

Real talk: The Cape May rental market is tight, and landlords know it. Many of the best rentals near base go to people who ask around in the Facebook group before a unit is ever publicly listed. Don’t skip joining the community — it’s genuinely one of your best housing tools for this location.

Housing Near CGAS Atlantic City

On-Base Housing

CGAS Atlantic City does not have on-base family housing. As a result, members are BAH-eligible and live in the surrounding civilian communities.

Off-Base Neighborhoods Near CGAS Atlantic City

Popular areas for CGAS Atlantic City families include:

• Egg Harbor Township — Close to the airport and station, suburban, good schools, and solid BAH value. Most families stationed at CGAS choose this area first.
• Galloway Township / Absecon — A bit further west along the AC Expressway, more affordable, and offers larger homes. Expect a 20–30 minute commute.
• Northfield / Linwood / Somers Point — Nice communities south of Atlantic City toward Cape May County. These offer good access to US-9 and are popular with families who want to split the difference between CGAS and the Cape May area.
• Mays Landing — Inland, more affordable, and quieter overall. If your priority is a larger home on your BAH, this area often delivers.

For CGAS Atlantic City housing listings, check AHRN.com.

Schools Near TRACEN Cape May

Children of families living near TRACEN Cape May primarily fall under the Lower Township Elementary School District and Lower Cape May Regional School District for middle and high school. Notably, DoDEA does not operate schools in this area — children attend local public school districts, which may receive Impact Aid funding due to their proximity to a military installation.

Lower Township Elementary School District (PreK–6)

District Address: 905 Seashore Road, Cape May, NJ 08204 | Phone: (609) 884-9400

School	Grades	Community
David C. Douglass Veterans Memorial School	PreK–K	Villas
Carl T. Mitnick School	1–2	Cold Spring
Maud T. Abrams School	3–4	Cold Spring
Charles W. Sandman Consolidated School	5–6	Cold Spring

Lower Cape May Regional (Grades 7–12)

For grades 7–12, Lower Township students feed into Richard M. Teitelman Middle School (grades 7–8) and Lower Cape May Regional High School (grades 9–12).

Middle Township Public Schools (Rio Grande / Cape May Court House Area)

Families living in Rio Grande or Middle Township fall under the Middle Township Public School District:

• Phone: (609) 465-1800 | Address: 216 South Main Street, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
• Middle Township Elementary School #1: Grades PreK–2, 215 Eldredge Road, Cape May Court House
• Middle Township Elementary School #2: Grades 3–5, 101 West Pacific Ave, Cape May Court House
• Middle Township Middle School: Grades 6–8, 300 East Pacific Avenue
• Middle Township High School: Grades 9–12, 300 East Atlantic Avenue

Cape May County Technical School

Cape May County Tech offers well-regarded vocational and technical education for high school students across the county. It’s worth knowing about if you have a high schooler with career-technical interests — programs span healthcare, culinary arts, and skilled trades. For more on DoDEA and Impact Aid, visit DoDEA’s website.

Schools Near CGAS Atlantic City

Families in Egg Harbor Township attend the Egg Harbor Township School District, which includes Egg Harbor Township High School — one of the larger schools in Atlantic County. Those in the Galloway area feed into Galloway Township Public Schools. Both are solid suburban New Jersey school systems with a range of extracurricular and academic programs.

Healthcare at TRACEN Cape May

Samuel J. Call Health Services Center (On-Base Clinic)

TRACEN Cape May maintains an on-base clinic for active duty members:

• Phone: (609) 898-6610
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m., closed federal holidays
• Appointments: Scheduled through the MHS Genesis Patient Portal

Important: The clinic is not set up as a Primary Care Manager (PCM) for active duty family members or retirees. TRICARE Prime and Prime Remote beneficiaries are NOT eligible for routine care at this facility. Select beneficiaries may be seen on a space-available basis — call after 10 a.m. for same-day appointments. TRICARE questions can be directed to (877) 874-2273. Coast Guard Health Benefits Advisor support is available at (800) 942-2422.

Civilian Healthcare Options

Family members primarily use TRICARE-network civilian providers in Cape May County. The major civilian hospital in the area is Cape Regional Medical Center in Cape May Court House. For specialty care, Philadelphia and Atlantic City hospitals are within driving distance. After duty hours, individuals with severe life-threatening emergencies should call 911 and report to Cape Regional Hospital Emergency Department in Cape May Court House.

VA Care in the Area

The Cape May County VA Clinic is open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with walk-ins accepted 1:00–3:30 p.m. For details, see the VA Wilmington Health Care system.

Child Development Center

TRACEN Cape May operates a Child Development Center (CDC) on base. However, CDCs at Coast Guard installations can have waitlists — contact the CDC through the TRACEN support services office as soon as your orders are cut, not when you arrive. Getting on the waitlist early makes a significant difference.

Base Access

TRACEN Cape May

The base is located at 1 Munro Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204. Active duty military, DoD civilians, and authorized family members with valid CAC/ID cards access through the main gate. All people and vehicles are subject to search at any time while on board; firearms and weapons are prohibited. Visitors attending recruit graduations must follow visitor procedures — see the TRACEN visitor services page for current requirements. The base also hosts popular Sunset Parades open to the public — a meaningful way for families to connect with the community.

CGAS Atlantic City

The station is located at the William J. Hughes FAA Technical Center, Atlantic City International Airport, Egg Harbor Township. Access procedures follow standard Coast Guard gate protocols. Contact the unit directly for current base access requirements and visitor pass procedures.

MWR, Recreation & Quality of Life

TRACEN Cape May MWR

TRACEN’s MWR program includes a Fitness Center, sporting activities and equipment rentals, on-base camping (popular in summer), and Guest Quarters for temporary stays at (609) 898-6922. Additionally, MWR offers discounted tickets to local attractions, parks, and events, as well as Chapel Services for spiritual support.

Life on the Jersey Shore

Beyond the base amenities, the location itself is a genuine quality-of-life asset. Cape May is one of the most charming beach towns on the East Coast — known for Victorian architecture, award-winning restaurants, beautiful beaches, and a small-town feel that military families genuinely appreciate. The Cape May Point State Park is a world-class birding destination, and the Cape May Lighthouse is free to visit on the grounds. Similarly, the Cape May County Zoo in Cape May Court House is free, family-friendly, and surprisingly excellent.

For families near CGAS Atlantic City, you’re 9 miles from the Atlantic City boardwalk with easy access to beaches, outlet shopping, and the Pine Barrens. Atlantic City itself is uneven — most families settle in the surrounding townships and treat the city as an occasional destination rather than a community hub.

New Jersey Military State Benefits

New Jersey offers several state-level benefits that military families stationed here can take advantage of. In fact, these are often overlooked by incoming families focused on federal entitlements.

Income Tax Exemption

New Jersey does not tax military pay for active duty service members while on active duty. In other words, your base pay, BAH, and BAS are not subject to New Jersey state income tax. This is a meaningful financial benefit given the state’s generally high tax rates.

Property Tax Benefits

Eligible veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for New Jersey’s veterans’ property tax deduction of $250/year. Moreover, 100% disabled veterans may qualify for a full property tax exemption on their primary residence. Veterans who purchase a home in NJ should explore these benefits through the NJ Division of Taxation.

State Tuition Benefits

The New Jersey Department of Higher Education offers tuition assistance programs for eligible dependents of active duty and veteran New Jersey residents. Additionally, New Jersey participates in the Purple Star School program, which recognizes schools that are military-family friendly — something worth asking about when enrolling children.

Motor Vehicle Registration

New Jersey offers a property tax exemption on motor vehicles owned by honorably discharged veterans — another small financial benefit to register for when you arrive. Contact the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission for eligibility and documentation requirements.

Spouse Employment

Cape May County’s economy is heavily tourism-driven, which means seasonal work is plentiful in summer. However, year-round professional employment can be more limited. Common spouse employment pathways at this installation include remote work (increasingly the go-to option for military spouses here), the education sector (school districts hire paraprofessionals and support staff), and healthcare at Cape Regional Medical Center and satellite clinics. Hospitality and tourism roles offer significant summer income potential. Near CGAS Atlantic City in Egg Harbor Township and Galloway, the job market is more varied. Specifically, Atlantic City healthcare systems, retail, and professional services are more accessible year-round.

The Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) through MilitaryOneSource connects spouses with national employers who actively recruit from the military community regardless of duty station.

Support Services at TRACEN Cape May

Service	Contact
Housing Office	(609) 898-6918 / (609) 898-6917
Housing Emergency (after hours)	(609) 898-6915 (OOD)
Maintenance Requests	(609) 898-6945
MWR / Guest Quarters	(609) 898-6922
Health Services Center	(609) 898-6610
Family Resource Specialist / Ombudsman	(609) 898-6885
Master at Arms (UPH/Single Members)	(609) 898-6220
TRACEN OOD (emergency)	(609) 780-1346
TRICARE Beneficiary Support	(877) 874-2273
Coast Guard Health Benefits Advisor	(800) 942-2422

PCS Financial Resources

New Jersey is a high-cost state — housing, car insurance, and groceries all run above national averages. Preparing financially before your report date will reduce stress considerably. Here are the key entitlements to understand:

• BAH: Use the DTMO BAH Rate Lookup before signing any lease. Verify your exact rate at your duty station ZIP code.
• DLA: Dislocation Allowance helps offset move-in costs. Understand what you’re entitled to before you arrive.
• TLE: Temporary Lodging Expense covers up to 10 days during your PCS transition.
• PCS Tax Write-offs: You may be able to deduct certain unreimbursed moving expenses. See our PCS tax write-offs guide.
• DITY/PPM moves: If you’re considering a personally procured move, read our complete DITY move guide first.

For the full 2026 military pay picture, check our 2026 military pay charts. And if you want help organizing every piece of your move, our PCS Binder Checklist keeps everything in one place.

Connect with the Community

The best real-time intel you’ll get is from people already living it. Specifically, the Atlantic City PCS Pay-It-Forward® group is where families answer each other’s questions about neighborhoods, schools, childcare, spouse employment, and everything else no official website will tell you. Whether you’re headed to CGAS or TRACEN, this group covers the full southern Jersey Shore military community. Ask before you arrive — the regulars are genuinely helpful and will save you weeks of research.

FAQ: PCSing to Air Station Atlantic City & TRACEN Cape May

Is there on-base family housing at CGAS Atlantic City?

No. Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City does not have on-base family housing. Members are BAH-eligible and must find housing in surrounding civilian communities such as Egg Harbor Township, Galloway, Northfield, or Mays Landing. For listings, check AHRN.com.

How do I apply for family housing at TRACEN Cape May?

Download the Housing Application from the TRACEN Cape May website — use your EMPLID, not your SSN. Obtain your CG-5131 orders from your Yeoman, then email both documents to D05-DG-TRACENCM-Housing@uscg.mil. Follow up by calling (609) 898-6918 to confirm receipt. All personnel with dependents are required to submit an application.

What are the exact 2026 BAH rates for TRACEN Cape May?

For Cape May, NJ (ZIP 08204): an E-5 with dependents receives $2,754/month; without dependents, $2,172/month. An E-6 with dependents receives $3,072/month; an O-3 with dependents receives $3,186/month. Use the official DTMO BAH Rate Lookup at travel.dod.mil for your exact rate by grade.

What are the 2026 BAH rates for CGAS Atlantic City?

For Atlantic City, NJ (ZIP 08234): an E-5 with dependents receives $2,655/month; without dependents, $2,298/month. An E-6 with dependents receives $3,291/month; an O-3 with dependents receives $3,624/month. Note that Atlantic City MHA rates differ from Cape May MHA rates, so confirm your duty station ZIP before budgeting.

What school district serves families living near TRACEN Cape May?

Most families near the base fall under the Lower Township Elementary School District (PreK–6), then Lower Cape May Regional Middle and High School for grades 7–12. Families in Rio Grande or Cape May Court House attend Middle Township Public Schools. Contact Lower Township at (609) 884-9400 or Middle Township at (609) 465-1800.

How far apart are CGAS Atlantic City and TRACEN Cape May?

The two installations are approximately 45 miles apart — roughly a 45-minute drive via the Garden State Parkway. They are separate duty stations under separate BAH Military Housing Areas. Confirming your installation before researching housing is essential, as the BAH rates differ between the two.

Is there a medical clinic at TRACEN Cape May?

Yes. The Samuel J. Call Health Services Center is on base at (609) 898-6610 (Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.). However, it does not serve as a PCM for active duty family members or TRICARE Prime enrollees. Family members primarily use TRICARE-network civilian providers, with Cape Regional Medical Center in Cape May Court House as the area’s main hospital.

What is Cape May like as a place to live?

Cape May is a historic Victorian beach town at the southernmost tip of New Jersey — known for its charming architecture, excellent restaurants, award-winning beaches, and Cape May Point State Park and Lighthouse. It’s genuinely beautiful, though the rental market is expensive and tightens significantly during summer. Most military families live in North Cape May, Villas, or Rio Grande where rents are more manageable on BAH.

Can I use my VA Home Loan to buy near these installations?

Absolutely. Coast Guard members who have served sufficient time are eligible for the VA Home Loan benefit — 0% down, no PMI, and competitive rates. New Jersey is a competitive market, so getting pre-approved early is important. See our full VA Home Loan guide for details.

What resources are available for military spouses at TRACEN Cape May?

TRACEN has a Family Resource Specialist at (609) 898-6885, an Ombudsman program, Legal Services, Chapel, and full MWR support. Additionally, the Atlantic City PCS Pay-It-Forward® group is an active community resource for spouse employment leads, childcare recommendations, and local insider knowledge.

Key Takeaways

• Confirm your installation first. CGAS Atlantic City and TRACEN Cape May are 45 minutes apart with different BAH MHAs, housing situations, and neighborhoods. Get clear on your duty station before researching anything else.
• 2026 BAH rates differ between the two MHAs. Atlantic City E-5 with dependents: $2,655. Cape May E-5 with dependents: $2,754. Neither set should be used for the other installation. Use the DTMO lookup with your duty station ZIP.
• TRACEN has government-managed family housing — apply early using your EMPLID, not your SSN. Call the Housing Office at (609) 898-6918 to confirm receipt of your application.
• Cape May’s rental market is seasonal and expensive. Start your search 3–4 months out. North Cape May and Rio Grande offer the best BAH value close to TRACEN.
• Family healthcare at TRACEN is primarily through civilian TRICARE providers. The on-base clinic at (609) 898-6610 cannot serve as a PCM for TRICARE Prime enrollees.
• New Jersey offers meaningful military state benefits — including active duty income tax exemption, veterans’ property tax deductions, and state tuition assistance for dependents.
• Your VA Home Loan is one of the most powerful financial tools you have in New Jersey’s competitive coastal market. Get pre-approved as soon as orders arrive.
• Join the Atlantic City PCS Pay-It-Forward® group before you arrive. It’s the fastest way to get real, current answers from families who’ve done this move before you.

Need help organizing the rest of your move? Check out our PCS Toolkit, PCS Binder Checklist, and life-changing military moving tips.