F.E. Warren Air Force Base: The Complete PCS Guide

Quick Facts: F.E. Warren AFB at a Glance

Branch	U.S. Air Force (Space Force personnel also assigned)
Location	Cheyenne, Wyoming 82005
Primary Mission	ICBM Operations — 90th Missile Wing (Minuteman III)
Installation Size	~5,866 acres (base proper) + missile fields across three states
Nearest Major City	Denver, CO — 1.5 hours south on I-25
Main Gate Phone	(307) 773-3381
Installation Website	warren.af.mil

F.E. Warren is the Air Force’s oldest continuously active military installation and the first ICBM base in the nation. If you’re a missileer, you’ll know this already. As a family member reading this, just know that your service member’s job is spread across a very large piece of Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska — and that reality affects your daily life more than you’d think.

Getting to F.E. Warren AFB

Driving Directions

From Denver International Airport (DEN): Head north on I-25 for approximately 95 miles. Then take Exit 12 (Missile Drive / Warren AFB) and follow signs to the Randall Gate. This is the most common route for families flying in before a PCS arrival.

From Cheyenne Regional Airport (CYS): Just 10 minutes from the main gate. Connections run through Denver — and overall, it’s a good option for a PCS flight if you can get it.

Main Gate (Randall Gate)

• Address: 7101 Randall Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82005
• Hours: Open 24 hours
• Visitor Access: All visitors must have a valid ID and their DoD sponsor present or a visitor pass issued in advance. Real ID or passport required for non-military visitors.

Pro tip from the community: If you’re driving in from the south with a loaded trailer, avoid downtown Cheyenne — take the bypass (I-80 West to Missile Drive) and save yourself a headache.

BAH Rates for F.E. Warren AFB

BAH rates at F.E. Warren increased 7.2% in 2026 over 2025 rates. These rates apply to the Cheyenne, WY area (ZIP codes 82001, 82005, and surrounding). Specifically, rates are tax-free and cover your housing costs whether you live on- or off-post. For more context on how BAH works, see our complete 2026 BAH guide →

Enlisted BAH Rates — Cheyenne, WY

Grade	With Dependents	Without Dependents
E-1	$1,539/mo	$1,161/mo
E-2	$1,539/mo	$1,161/mo
E-3	$1,539/mo	$1,161/mo
E-4	$1,539/mo	$1,161/mo
E-5	$1,653/mo	$1,326/mo
E-6	$2,217/mo	$1,662/mo
E-7	$2,301/mo	$1,725/mo
E-8	$2,388/mo	$1,791/mo
E-9	$2,520/mo	$1,935/mo

2026 Officer BAH Rates — Cheyenne, WY

Grade	With Dependents	Without Dependents
O-1	$1,725/mo	$1,422/mo
O-2	$2,211/mo	$1,728/mo
O-3	$2,442/mo	$2,010/mo
O-4	$2,715/mo	$2,298/mo
O-5	$2,916/mo	$2,343/mo
O-6	$2,937/mo	$2,424/mo
O-1E	$2,313/mo	$1,734/mo
O-2E	$2,427/mo	$1,899/mo
O-3E	$2,568/mo	$2,211/mo

For the official DoD BAH calculator, visit travel.dod.mil. Questions about BAH and buying power? Our VA loan team can walk you through how your BAH translates to mortgage purchasing power →

Housing at F.E. Warren AFB

On-Base Housing (Balfour Beatty Communities)

On-base housing at F.E. Warren is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. Before we get into the details, let’s be real with you: Balfour Beatty has a well-documented track record of issues at multiple bases across the country, and F.E. Warren is no exception. Residents have reported maintenance requests being delayed or ignored, disputes over move-out charges, and homes built with below-average quality materials.

That said, on-base housing is still a viable option — especially for junior enlisted families who want predictability, proximity to work, and community. However, go in with your eyes open, and document everything.

Housing Office Contact

• Balfour Beatty Communities at F.E. Warren
• Address: 281 Blue Spruce Drive, F.E. Warren AFB, WY 82005
• Phone: (307) 432-0200
• Housing & Referral Office: (307) 773-1840
• Hours: Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri 8am–5pm | Wed 8am–6pm

What to Know Before You Sign

• Document EVERYTHING at move-in. Take timestamped photos and videos of every room, every wall, and every appliance.
• Get all maintenance requests in writing or email — don’t rely on verbal communication.
• Request a copy of the unit’s maintenance history before accepting keys.
• Your BAH covers 100% of rent if you live on-base — no out-of-pocket cost for housing itself.
• Waitlists vary by rank and family size. Junior enlisted with families typically wait 3–6 months; senior NCOs and officers may wait longer for specific units.

Off-Base Housing in Cheyenne

Here’s where F.E. Warren genuinely shines: Cheyenne is affordable. Wyoming has no state income tax, and consequently, compared to bases near major metro areas, your BAH goes significantly further here. Given the 2026 BAH rates, most families can comfortably cover rent — and many choose to buy instead.

Popular Neighborhoods for Military Families

• South Cheyenne / South Greeley Highway area: Most popular with F.E. Warren families. Quick 10–15 minute commute, lots of newer construction, good mix of rentals and homes for purchase.
• West Cheyenne: Slightly longer commute but quieter, more established neighborhoods, good for families with school-age kids.
• Downtown Cheyenne: Charming older homes, walkable to restaurants and bars, longer commute. Popular with junior officers and young couples without kids.
• Fox Farm / Saddle Ridge: Newer subdivisions on the south side. Good schools, reasonable prices, popular with O-3 to O-5 families buying.

2026 Rental Market Snapshot

Property Type	Monthly Rent Range
2BR apartment	$900–$1,200/mo
3BR house	$1,200–$1,700/mo
4BR house	$1,500–$2,100/mo

Home Purchase Prices (2026)

• Median home price in Cheyenne: approximately $320,000–$340,000
• Significantly below the national average — and with a VA loan, many military families buy instead of rent

Thinking about buying? That’s often a smart call at F.E. Warren because of the relatively low prices and no state income tax. Talk to a VA loan specialist here →

Additionally, check our military moving tips guide for more advice on navigating your PCS transition into Cheyenne.

Schools Near F.E. Warren AFB

Students living on or near F.E. Warren attend Laramie County School District 1 (LCSD1) schools. Importantly, there are no DoDEA schools at this installation. However, the district has a dedicated military liaison to help with mid-year enrollment and record transfers — call (307) 771-2100 before your arrival date.

Elementary Schools

Freedom Elementary School

• Address: 4500 WY-210, Cheyenne, WY 82001
• Phone: (307) 771-2305
• Hours: Mon–Fri 7:30am–4:30pm
• Notes: Closest to the base and one of the most common placements for on-base families

Afflerbach Elementary School

• Address: 400 W Wallick Rd, Cheyenne, WY 82007
• Phone: (307) 771-2300
• Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00am–4:00pm

Hebard Elementary School

• Address: 413 Seymour Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82007
• Phone: (307) 771-2450
• Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00am–4:00pm

Middle and High Schools

Cheyenne has two main high schools — East High School and South High School — both within LCSD1. Most military families on the west/north side of the city are zoned for East; south-side families typically attend South. Both schools have solid extracurricular programs and strong sports traditions.

Higher Education Options

Laramie County Community College (LCCC) is located in Cheyenne and offers associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs. It’s a popular option for military spouses seeking flexible coursework during a PCS. Additionally, the University of Wyoming is just 45 minutes away in Laramie, with online programs available for those who prefer remote study. Overall, the higher education access in this area is better than many comparable-sized military communities.

Homeschool and Virtual Options

Wyoming is one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the country. Laramie County also offers a public virtual school option through LCSD1. If your family PCSes mid-year, this can be a good bridge option until housing and schooling stabilize.

Medical Care at F.E. Warren AFB

The 90th Medical Group (Base Clinic)

The primary care clinic for active-duty and TRICARE Prime enrollees at F.E. Warren provides outpatient primary and preventive care, pediatrics, flight medicine, optometry, pharmacy, lab, and immunizations. Notably, there is no emergency room on base.

• Address: 6900 Alden Dr, F.E. Warren AFB, WY 82005
• Phone: (307) 773-3461
• Hours: Mon–Fri 7:30am–4:30pm | Closed weekends and federal holidays
• Nurse Advice Line: 1-800-874-2273 (available after hours)

Honest assessment: Reviews are mixed. Pediatrics gets consistently positive feedback — if your kids need care, the peds team is well-regarded. Adult primary care, however, is more hit-or-miss, with some patients experiencing long waits for referrals and appointments. If you have ongoing specialist needs, get your referral paperwork started before you arrive.

Cheyenne Regional Medical Center (Civilian Referral Hospital)

For emergencies and specialty care, Cheyenne Regional Medical Center is the primary referral hospital for F.E. Warren families. It provides comprehensive civilian care, including 24/7 emergency services.

• Address: 214 E 23rd St, Cheyenne, WY 82001
• Phone: (307) 634-2273
• Services: 24/7 emergency care, Level II trauma, comprehensive surgical, cardiology, cancer care, women’s and children’s services including NICU, and numerous specialty programs

TRICARE Coverage

F.E. Warren falls under the TRICARE West Region, managed by Health Net Federal Services. Therefore, update your DEERS information as part of in-processing to ensure continuity of care. For civilian care needs outside the MTF, your TRICARE network in Cheyenne is reasonably robust. TRICARE West information →

Cheyenne VA Medical Center (for veterans)

• Address: 2360 E Pershing Blvd, Cheyenne, WY 82001
• Phone: (307) 778-7550
• Hours: Open 24 hours (emergency services)

Child Care and Youth Programs

Child Development Center (CDC)

• Address: 5000 Ft Russell Way, F.E. Warren AFB, WY 82005
• Phone: (307) 773-3221
• Hours: Mon–Fri 7:00am–5:00pm
• Ages served: 6 weeks through 5 years

Waitlists for the on-base CDC can be long — register as early as possible, ideally the moment you receive orders. The CDC priority system gives preference to active-duty families with both parents working.

Child Care in Your Neighborhood (CCYN)

If the CDC waitlist is too long, the Child Care in Your Neighborhood program connects you to licensed civilian providers. Furthermore, the Youth Center at F.E. Warren offers after-school programs, sports leagues, and summer camps for school-age children. Contact AFRC Child and Youth Programs at (307) 773-3300 for both programs.

Base Facilities and Amenities

F.E. Warren has a solid amenity footprint for its size. Here’s what you’ll find on installation:

Shopping and Food

• Commissary: 6205 Missile Dr — Mon 9am–5pm, Tue–Fri 9am–6pm, Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 10am–5pm | (307) 773-3509. Smaller than major installations but well-stocked and affordable.
• Base Exchange (BX): On-base retail, GNC, Subway, and Dunkin’ Donuts inside
• Dining Facility (DFAC): Well-regarded — good food, especially for junior enlisted

Recreation

• Fam-Camp: On-base campground with RV hookups and fishing ponds — one of the most underrated amenities at F.E. Warren
• Base Theater
• Bowling Alley
• Fitness Center
• Golf Course
• Rod and Gun Club
• Auto Hobby Shop
• Wyoming Heritage Museum (on-base — outstanding ICBM history and Cold War exhibits, worth a visit even if you’re not a history buff)

Cost of Living in Cheyenne, WY

One of the biggest surprises for families PCSing to F.E. Warren: Cheyenne is genuinely affordable, especially compared to bases on the coasts or in major metro areas. Notably, Wyoming has no state income tax — a meaningful financial benefit for military families, particularly dual-income households.

Category	Cheyenne, WY	National Average
Median Home Price	~$320,000	~$420,000
Average 3BR Rent	~$1,400/mo	~$1,950/mo
State Income Tax	None	Varies
Sales Tax	6%	~7.1%
Gas (avg 2026)	~$3.20–$3.50/gal	~$3.50–$3.80/gal

Combined with the 2026 BAH rates above, most military families find that Cheyenne is one of the more financially comfortable assignments in the Air Force. Furthermore, see our 2026 military pay charts → to understand your full compensation picture.

Want to turn that affordability into equity? A VA loan requires no down payment and no PMI. See how a VA loan works at F.E. Warren →

What to Do in Cheyenne and the Surrounding Area

Cheyenne gets underestimated. It’s small — around 65,000 residents — but it punches well above its weight for outdoor recreation, Western culture, and proximity to world-class destinations.

In Cheyenne

• Frontier Days — “The Daddy of ’em All.” One of the biggest rodeos in the world, held every July. If you’re stationed here for a summer, don’t miss it.
• Cheyenne Botanic Gardens — Free and family-friendly
• Historic Downtown Cheyenne — Good restaurants, walkable, and full of local shops
• Wyoming State Museum — Free admission
• Vedauwoo Climbing Area — About 30 minutes from base, with incredible granite formations for hiking, climbing, and picnicking

Day Trips from F.E. Warren

• Curt Gowdy State Park — Just 20 minutes from base. Excellent fishing, camping, hiking, and mountain biking. Particularly underrated for families with kids.
• Denver, CO — 90 minutes | City amenities, major airport, pro sports, world-class restaurants
• Rocky Mountain National Park — ~2.5 hours | Stunning, worth the drive
• Laramie, WY — 45 minutes | University of Wyoming town with good restaurants and college-town energy
• Fort Collins, CO — 60 minutes | Excellent craft beer scene, outdoor activities, and a very livable city
• Snowy Range Ski Area — ~1.5 hours | Affordable skiing, great for families

Dining in Cheyenne (Community Favorites)

• A Little Taste of Texas (600 E Lincolnway) — Rated 4.9/5. Best BBQ in the area.
• Railspur (707 W Lincolnway) — Great birria tacos, good vibe, 4.5/5
• Paris West Restaurant and Bar (1719 Central Ave) — Local favorite for date nights, 4.5/5

Real Talk: What Military Families Say About F.E. Warren

Here’s the honest version, because you deserve it before you sign a lease.

The Good

• Cost of living is genuinely low. Many families save money here that they couldn’t save at other bases.
• The community is tight-knit. A small base means everyone knows everyone, which can be really comforting for new families. In fact, many families cite this as one of the best things about Warren.
• Outdoor recreation access is excellent — hunting, fishing, hiking, and skiing are all accessible.
• Denver is close enough for weekend trips but far enough that you’re not paying Denver prices.
• No state income tax means more money in your pocket every month.

The Real Talk

• Wind. Cheyenne is one of the windiest cities in the United States. This is not an exaggeration. 50+ mph gusts are common, especially in winter and spring. If you’re coming from somewhere mild, this will be an adjustment.
• Missileers are gone. A lot. If your service member pulls alert, they’re in the missile fields for days at a time — sometimes several times a month. Build your support network early and connect with the FRG before you arrive.
• Base housing complaints are real. Balfour Beatty’s reputation here is documented. If you choose on-base housing, protect yourself with thorough documentation at move-in.
• Medical is inconsistent for adults. Great pediatrics, mixed adult primary care. Plan ahead for specialist needs and get referrals started before you arrive.
• It’s small. If you’re used to big-city amenities, Cheyenne will feel limited. Denver is the answer to most of those needs, however.

Connect with families who’ve already been through this — join the F.E. Warren AFB PCS Pay-It-Forward® Facebook Group for real, current advice from the community.

PCS Move Logistics for F.E. Warren

Getting your move organized is the single most important thing you can do in the weeks after receiving orders. Consequently, the earlier you start, the smoother your arrival will be — and the less stress your family will face on day one.

PCS Driving Considerations

Wyoming winters are no joke. If you’re PCSing between November and March, build buffer days into your drive and check road conditions on I-25 before departing. Similarly, if you’re moving with a full trailer, avoid the I-80 mountain passes during winter storms. Full DITY/PPM guide here →

PCS Tax Write-offs

Moving expenses may be partially deductible. See what military families can write off →

Useful Numbers for In-Processing

Office	Phone Number
F.E. Warren Main Line	(307) 773-3381
Housing Office (Balfour Beatty)	(307) 432-0200
Housing & Referral Office	(307) 773-1840
90th Medical Group	(307) 773-3461
Child Development Center	(307) 773-3221
Commissary	(307) 773-3509
AFRC (Recreation / Youth Programs)	(307) 773-3300
LCSD1 Military Liaison (Schools)	(307) 771-2100
Cheyenne Regional Medical Center	(307) 634-2273
Cheyenne VA Medical Center	(307) 778-7550

PCS Planning Resources

• PCS planning checklist and binder →
• Start your free PCS plan →
• 2026 BAH rates guide →
• 2026 military pay charts →
• PCS Toolkit (checklists, templates, and tools) →

If you’re planning to buy a home in the Cheyenne area, a VA loan is almost always the right call. No down payment, no PMI, and competitive rates — and with Cheyenne’s price point, your BAH can often cover the mortgage payment. See how a VA loan works at F.E. Warren →

FAQ: F.E. Warren AFB

What units are stationed at F.E. Warren AFB?

The primary tenant unit is the 90th Missile Wing, which operates Minuteman III ICBMs across three states. Additionally, other major units include the 90th Mission Support Group, 90th Operations Group, 90th Maintenance Group, 90th Medical Group, and the 20th Air Force headquarters. Space Force personnel are also assigned to the installation.

What is the BAH rate for F.E. Warren AFB in 2026?

BAH rates increased 7.2% in 2026. Specifically, for enlisted members with dependents, rates range from $1,539/month (E1–E4) to $2,520/month (E9). For officers with dependents, rates range from $1,725/month (O1) to $2,937/month (O6). Use the official DoD BAH calculator for your exact rate, or see our full 2026 BAH guide.

Is F.E. Warren AFB a good duty station for families?

Yes, with some caveats. Overall, the low cost of living, tight-knit community, and proximity to Denver make it a genuinely solid assignment for families. However, the main challenges are the wind, base housing quality issues, and the reality that missileers spend significant time on alert away from home. Most families who’ve been stationed here say they’d return.

What are the schools like near F.E. Warren AFB?

Students attend Laramie County School District 1 schools. Notably, Freedom Elementary is closest to base, and there are no DoDEA schools at F.E. Warren. However, LCSD1 has a military liaison to help with mid-year enrollment and record transfers — call (307) 771-2100 before your arrival.

How far is F.E. Warren from Denver?

Approximately 90–100 miles, or about 1.5 hours on I-25 with normal traffic. In fact, Denver is the closest major metro area, and most military families make regular trips there for shopping, dining, concerts, sports, and airport travel.

What is the housing situation like at F.E. Warren AFB?

On-base housing is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities and has a documented history of maintenance and move-out charge complaints. Therefore, families are strongly advised to document unit condition thoroughly at move-in. Off-base housing in Cheyenne is affordable, with 3BR homes typically renting for $1,200–$1,700/month. Furthermore, many military families choose to buy, given the low home prices and VA loan availability.

Does F.E. Warren have a Child Development Center?

Yes. The CDC is located at 5000 Ft Russell Way and serves children 6 weeks through 5 years, Monday–Friday 7am–5pm. However, waitlists can be long — register as soon as you receive orders. Contact: (307) 773-3221.

What is there to do near F.E. Warren AFB?

Cheyenne itself offers Frontier Days in July, the Wyoming Heritage Museum, historic downtown, and Curt Gowdy State Park just 20 minutes away. Additionally, day trips include Denver (90 min), Laramie (45 min), Vedauwoo climbing area (30 min), Snowy Range skiing (1.5 hours), and Rocky Mountain National Park (2.5 hours). Overall, Wyoming’s hunting, fishing, and camping opportunities are exceptional.

What civilian hospital serves F.E. Warren AFB families?

Cheyenne Regional Medical Center is the primary civilian referral hospital, offering 24/7 emergency care, Level II trauma services, and comprehensive specialty programs including cardiology, cancer care, and women’s and children’s services. Specifically, it is located at 214 E 23rd St, Cheyenne, WY — phone: (307) 634-2273. For emergencies, it is the facility to use, since there is no on-base emergency room.

Still working through your PCS move? Connect with families who’ve been through it: F.E. Warren AFB PCS Pay-It-Forward® Facebook Group

Key Takeaways

• F.E. Warren is affordable. No state income tax, low housing costs, and 2026 BAH that actually covers your rent or mortgage — this is one of the better financial assignments in the Air Force.
• Wind and missileers being gone are the two biggest family challenges. Build your support network early and connect with the FRG before you arrive.
• Document base housing thoroughly at move-in. Balfour Beatty’s track record is real — protect yourself with photos, videos, and written records of everything.
• Medical: great for kids, plan ahead for adults. The 90th Medical Group handles pediatrics well. For emergencies and specialty care, Cheyenne Regional Medical Center is your referral hospital.
• Denver is your city. 90 minutes away and solves most big-city needs without big-city prices.
• Buying makes sense here. With home prices around $320,000–$340,000, a VA loan, and no state income tax, homeownership is a realistic and often smart option. Get started with a VA loan →
• Use your PCS network. Join the F.E. Warren PCS Pay-It-Forward® Facebook group, start your PCS plan, and download your PCS binder checklist so nothing falls through the cracks.