March Air Force Base
Airforce Base Guide
March AFB Riverside: A California Assignment Full of Sunshine, Heritage, and Hear
If you’re headed to March AFB Riverside, welcome to one of Southern California’s most historic and beautifully located military communities. Just an hour from both Los Angeles and the Pacific coast, March Air Force Base blends California sunshine with a deep sense of service, tradition, and connection.
This isn’t just another duty station. It’s a place where your weekends might be spent hiking under palm trees, grabbing tacos in downtown Riverside, or watching the sunset over the San Bernardino Mountains, all while being part of a base that feels like home from day one. Discover essential tips and insights for a smooth transition, from preparation for your PCS move to March Air Reserve Base PCS Pay-it-Forward®. By completing your personalized PCS Plan©, you’ll get a clear roadmap for housing, schools, and neighborhood options.
Introduction
A Living Piece of Air Force History
March AFB has a legacy that stretches back more than a century. Founded in 1918, it has served through every major conflict since World War I and continues to play a vital role as part of the Air Mobility Command, home to the 452nd Air Mobility Wing.
The pride runs deep here, both on and off base. You’ll find veterans who’ve been in Riverside for generations, local businesses that love supporting the military, and an unmistakable sense of belonging that comes with being part of something bigger.
Living in and Around Riverside
Life at March AFB Riverside offers the best of both worlds, a relaxed Southern California lifestyle with easy access to big-city energy.
Most families choose between living on base for convenience or settling in nearby communities like Moreno Valley, Riverside, or Perris. These areas offer family-friendly neighborhoods, strong schools, and plenty of outdoor recreation. The local housing market can vary, but with smart planning, and the right information about your VA Home Loan, many military families discover they can actually afford to buy here, even on BAH alone.
Tip: Before deciding whether to rent or buy, connect with a local expert through our Military Move and PCS Resources page. You’ll find clear, step-by-step tools to explore how your VA Home Loan could help you build long-term stability, even if you think buying in California sounds out of reach.
Schools, Family Life, and Finding Your People at March AFB
Families stationed at March AFB are served primarily by Moreno Valley Unified and Riverside Unified School Districts. Both districts are known for strong support of military-connected students, offering counseling programs and flexible enrollment policies for PCS families.
When it comes to life beyond the classroom, Riverside has something for everyone. There are family-friendly events year-round, from the Festival of Lights downtown to the March Field Air Museum’s annual air show, which military kids absolutely love. And for those weekends when you just need a break, beaches, hiking trails, and theme parks are all within easy reach.
If you’re new or prepping for your move, join the March AFB PCS Pay It Forward® Facebook group. It’s full of local insights, honest answers, and real support from families who’ve walked this path before you.
Exploring Riverside and Beyond
Riverside itself has a charm that surprises people, beautiful historic architecture, local farmers markets, and one of the best small downtowns in Southern California. Be sure to explore the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, hike Mount Rubidoux, and take the kids to the Riverside Art Museum or Fairmount Park for a picnic.
And if you’re looking for a dose of military pride, spend an afternoon at the March Field Air Museum, where vintage aircraft and inspiring exhibits tell the story of the base’s role in aviation history. It’s a must-visit for anyone stationed here.
Life on Base at March AFB
Life at March AFB is vibrant and offers numerous amenities and activities designed to improve the quality of life for its residents.
From the Base Exchange and commissary to fitness centers and swimming pools, the base is equipped with facilities that cater to the needs of a diverse community.
March AFB hosts a variety of community events and activities that bring families together and foster a sense of belonging. Whether it’s holiday celebrations or sports leagues, there’s always something happening on base.
Make Your Move Easier With a PCS Plan©
Every move has its chaos, but your next one doesn’t have to. That’s why we created the PCS Plan©: a simple, free guide to help you stay organized, avoid last-minute stress, and connect with trusted resources at your new duty station.
Think of it as your PCS command center, it’s how families like yours make smoother moves and settle in faster. You can start your PCS Plan© anytime before your move or even after arrival, it’s flexible, military-family tested, and designed to take one thing off your plate.
Building Wealth and Stability With the VA Home Loan
Let’s be honest, California can be intimidating when it comes to housing prices. But don’t write off homeownership here just yet.
Many military families at March AFB Riverside have discovered that using their VA Home Loan makes it surprisingly affordable to buy. It’s a powerful benefit that lets you purchase with no down payment, no PMI, and competitive rates, often lowering monthly costs compared to renting.
Even if you’re not ready to buy now, learning about your options can help you plan smarter for the next move or your post-military life. That’s what PCS Pay It Forward® is all about, helping you make informed, confident choices every step of the way.
Why Families Love March AFB Riverside
It’s easy to see why families love this duty station. The sunshine, the people, the location, it’s the kind of place that reminds you military life doesn’t always mean sacrifice. Sometimes, it means discovering a community that makes the hard parts of moving a little easier.
From Friday night food trucks on base to exploring local trails on the weekend, March AFB offers more than just a mission, it offers a lifestyle.
If you’re preparing for your move, connect with the March AFB PCS Pay It Forward® group and grab your PCS Plan©. And if you’re thinking about putting down roots, check out our VA Home Loan resources, because every move should bring you closer to stability, not further from it.
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