Your Complete PCS Guide to Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City & NW Annex Chesapeake (2026)

Quick Facts: Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City

Detail	Info
Installation Name	U.S. Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City
Branch	U.S. Coast Guard
Location	1664 Weeksville Rd, Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Main Phone	(252) 267-1301
Air Station Phone	(252) 335-6360
Nearest Airport	Dare County Regional (MHX) or Norfolk International (ORF)
State	North Carolina
County	Pasquotank County
Closest City	Elizabeth City, NC

Quick Facts: NW Annex (NSA Northwest), Chesapeake, VA

Detail	Info
Installation Name	NSA Northwest (NW Annex)
Location	1320 Northwest Blvd, Chesapeake, VA 23322
Branch	U.S. Coast Guard (tenant command)
State	Virginia
County	City of Chesapeake
Closest City	Chesapeake, VA

Understanding the Two Locations

This is one of the things that trips up incoming PCS members the most: CGBEC and the NW Annex are separate places, about 50 miles apart. Your actual duty assignment determines where you’ll report and, in most cases, where you should plan to live.

Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City (CGBEC) in North Carolina is the main installation — home to Air Station Elizabeth City, the Aviation Technical Training Center (ATTC), and the Aviation Logistics Center (ALC). It’s one of the largest Coast Guard aviation bases in the country. Specifically, the base spans 822 acres and serves as the center of Coast Guard aviation nationwide. If you’re working with helicopters, HC-130s, or aviation maintenance, you’re likely here.

The NW Annex (formally NSA Northwest) in Chesapeake, Virginia is a smaller installation primarily used for communications and administrative functions. It sits in the far south end of Chesapeake, off South Battlefield Blvd. Quiet, suburban, and close to the Virginia Beach metro area.

If you’re not sure which location your orders are for, call your gaining command before making any housing decisions. The commute between the two is not quick.

2026 BAH Rates: Elizabeth City & Chesapeake

Your housing allowance depends on your duty station’s location, not where you choose to live. Here’s what you need to know for 2026 — and there’s a surprise in the data worth reading carefully.

Elizabeth City BAH (Pasquotank County MHA)

One of the most common misconceptions incoming members have about Elizabeth City is that the BAH is low. In 2026, that’s simply not true. Elizabeth City falls in its own Military Housing Area — and the rates are actually competitive with Hampton Roads. Your BAH will generally cover the median rental cost in the area with room to spare if you’re strategic about your housing choice.

Pay Grade	With Dependents	Without Dependents
E-4	$2,304	$1,770
E-5	$2,508	$1,980
E-6	$2,562	$2,118
E-7	$2,595	$2,310
O-1E	$2,598	$2,505
O-2E	$2,655	$2,529
O-3E	$2,823	$2,547

Source: DoD DTMO, effective January 1, 2026. Verify your exact rate at the DoD BAH calculator using ZIP code 27909.

With Elizabeth City’s affordable rental and real estate market, that BAH goes much further here than at most duty stations receiving comparable rates. Many families at E-5 and above find they can rent well within their allowance — or purchase a home at or below their BAH payment.

Chesapeake/Virginia Beach BAH (Norfolk/Portsmouth MHA)

If you’re assigned to the NW Annex, your BAH falls under the Norfolk/Portsmouth Military Housing Area — the same rate used for Naval Station Norfolk and surrounding Hampton Roads installations.

Pay Grade	With Dependents	Without Dependents
E-4	$2,229	$1,707
E-5	$2,430	$1,908
E-6	$2,559	$2,043
E-7	$2,604	$2,235
O-1E	$2,613	$2,427
O-2E	$2,685	$2,481
O-3E	$2,859	$2,547

Source: DoD DTMO, effective January 1, 2026. Verify your exact rate at the DoD BAH calculator using ZIP code 23322.

For the full breakdown of how BAH works, how to maximize it, and what to do if your rental costs exceed your rate, see our 2026 BAH rates guide.

Housing at Elizabeth City: On Base vs. Off Base

On-Base Housing: CGBEC Family Housing

On-base housing at Elizabeth City is managed by the government (not privatized), which means it operates a bit differently than you might be used to at larger installations. There’s a waitlist, and availability fluctuates. Contact housing early — ideally 6 months out.

• Contact: CGBEC Housing Office via (252) 267-1301
• Unit types: Single-family homes; limited townhomes
• Pet policy: Check with housing office — policies have changed
• Utilities: Typically included or metered

Off-Base Housing in Elizabeth City, NC

Here’s the real talk: Elizabeth City has a genuinely affordable rental and real estate market, and your BAH will go far here. The city sits on the Pasquotank River and has a small-town feel with a surprisingly tight-knit military community built around the base.

Neighborhoods worth researching:

• Weeksville area — closest to the main gate; convenient but limited rental stock
• Southern Shores / Edenton Road corridor — popular with families; mix of rentals and homes to buy
• Downtown Elizabeth City — historic district, walkable, some restored Victorian homes available

What to expect for rent in 2026:

• 2-bedroom apartment: $950–$1,200/month
• 3-bedroom home: $1,200–$1,600/month
• 4-bedroom home: $1,500–$2,000/month

With 2026 BAH covering $2,304–$2,823 per month for most grades with dependents, most families will have meaningful room between their allowance and actual rent. Many use the difference to build savings or accelerate debt payoff — a financial advantage that’s hard to find at busier duty stations.

Thinking about buying? Home prices in Elizabeth City average $175,000–$260,000 for single-family homes, making VA loan purchasing power here exceptional. See our VA Home Loan guide to understand your zero-down buying options.

Ready to explore buying vs. renting? Our VA Home Loan guide breaks down everything — no obligation, no pressure.

Housing at the NW Annex: Chesapeake, VA

On-Base/Installation Housing: Liberty Military Housing – Northwest

The NW Annex has on-installation housing managed by Liberty Military Housing. Reviews are consistently strong — residents highlight responsive maintenance, a clean and quiet community, and genuinely helpful staff.

• Address: 308 Hummingbird St, Chesapeake, VA 23322
• Phone: (757) 204-5936
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Notable: Rated 4.8/5 across 39+ reviews — one of the higher-rated Liberty communities in the region

Off-Base Housing in Chesapeake, VA

Chesapeake is one of the largest cities in Virginia and offers some of the most family-friendly suburban neighborhoods in the Hampton Roads area. The South Chesapeake / Hickory area near the NW Annex is quieter and more rural-feeling than Virginia Beach, but you’re still 25–35 minutes from the oceanfront, Norfolk, and all the amenities of the larger metro area.

What to expect for rent in 2026:

• 2-bedroom apartment: $1,400–$1,800/month
• 3-bedroom home: $1,700–$2,200/month
• 4-bedroom home: $2,000–$2,600/month

Your Norfolk/Portsmouth MHA BAH will generally cover these ranges at E-5 and above. E-3 and E-4 with dependents may need to budget carefully or consider on-installation housing to avoid out-of-pocket costs.

Schools: Elizabeth City (Pasquotank County)

Students of military families assigned to CGBEC are served by Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools (ECPPS).

• District Phone: (252) 335-2981
• District Website: ecpps.k12.nc.us
• Number of Schools: Approximately 14 (elementary through high school)
• Notable: Pasquotank County High School is the primary high school serving the area

Real talk on ECPPS: The district is small and community-driven, but reviews from military families are mixed. Academics are average by state standards, and the graduation rate has been a concern noted by long-term community members. That said, many military families report their kids thrived here because of smaller class sizes and individual attention.

A standout option worth knowing: The Northeast Academy for Aerospace and Advanced Technologies (1413 W Ehringhaus St, Elizabeth City — (252) 562-0653) is a specialized public school with a focus on aviation and aerospace — a natural fit given the base’s aviation mission. This is a genuine differentiator for families with kids interested in STEM, engineering, or aviation careers.

For college: College of The Albemarle – Elizabeth City (1208 N Road St — (252) 335-0821) offers associate degrees and continuing education, and is a popular option for military spouses pursuing education. Additionally, the DoDEA School Liaison Officer program can assist with school record transfers and enrollment.

Schools: Chesapeake, VA (NW Annex)

Students near the NW Annex are served by Chesapeake City Public Schools, which are consistently rated among the better districts in the Hampton Roads area.

• Southeastern Elementary School: 1853 S Battlefield Blvd, Chesapeake — (757) 421-7676 | Hours: 7:35 AM – 2:04 PM
• Hickory Middle School: 1997 Hawk Blvd, Chesapeake — (757) 421-0468 | Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Chesapeake City Public Schools are generally well-regarded, and the Hickory area near the NW Annex has a strong community feel. This is a meaningful quality-of-life advantage compared to Elizabeth City if schools are a top priority for your family.

Healthcare & Medical

Elizabeth City: TRICARE & Local Options

There is no military treatment facility (MTF) at CGBEC — active duty members and their families use TRICARE with civilian network providers in Elizabeth City and the surrounding area.

Nearest hospital:

• Sentara Albemarle Medical Center | 3050 Halstead Blvd, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 | (252) 690-4000 | Open 24/7

Primary care options:

• Verify your TRICARE Prime PCM or use TRICARE Select to access in-network providers
• For TRICARE enrollment and provider search: tricare.mil

For dental: TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) covers active duty family members; use the TDP plan finder at tricare.mil/dental.

Chesapeake, VA: TRICARE & Local Options

The Hampton Roads area has extensive TRICARE network coverage. In addition to civilian network providers throughout Chesapeake and Virginia Beach, you have access to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth — one of the largest military treatment facilities on the East Coast — as your MTF if assigned.

Base Amenities: Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City

Small base, but well-equipped for the population it serves.

Coast Guard Exchange (CGXS)

• Address: 1664 Weeksville Rd, Bldg. 990, Elizabeth City, NC 27909
• Phone: (252) 335-1011
• Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:00 PM | Sat–Sun 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
• Attached mini mart and gas station; barbershop on site (cash only for haircuts); electronics, clothing, and household goods

Other on-base amenities include a fitness center, chapel, legal services, and Child Development Center (CDC). Contact the housing office for CDC availability. Additionally, MilitaryOneSource provides free Family Support Services for Coast Guard families 24/7.

No commissary at CGBEC. The nearest commissary is at Langley AFB (~90 minutes north) or Fort Bragg (~3 hours west). Most families shop at civilian grocers (Harris Teeter, Food Lion) in Elizabeth City and use the exchange for supplemental items.

Base Amenities: NW Annex, Chesapeake

The NW Annex is a small installation, but being in the Hampton Roads metro means you have access to all commissary, exchange, and fitness services at nearby Navy installations — including:

• Naval Station Norfolk — approximately 30 minutes north; full commissary, Navy Exchange, medical, recreational facilities
• NAS Oceana / Dam Neck — also within range
• NSA Northwest Fitness Center — on-installation gym with basketball court, racquetball, CrossFit equipment, and fitness classes; clean and well-reviewed

The practical upside of being at the NW Annex is that you benefit from Hampton Roads mega-installation infrastructure without the crowding and traffic of living on those bases.

What’s It Like to Live Here? The Real Talk

Elizabeth City

Elizabeth City is a town of roughly 17,000 people — small, Southern, and proud of it. Here’s what military families consistently say about living here:

What people love:

• BAH goes further than you’d expect. With 2026 rates at $2,304–$2,823 for most grades with dependents, and rent running $1,200–$1,600 for a 3-bedroom, many families bank $700–$1,000/month above their housing costs. That’s a financial opportunity very few East Coast duty stations offer.
• The Outer Banks is your backyard. You’re less than an hour from the Outer Banks — Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Jockey’s Ridge State Park, and Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island is 45 minutes away and beloved by families.
• Tight community. The base is small enough that everyone knows each other. The family support community is genuinely strong here.
• Waterfront town. Elizabeth City sits on the Pasquotank River with a small historic downtown worth exploring.
• Aviation culture. The base’s aviation mission means most of the community is around aircraft — there’s a sense of shared identity that not all stations have.

What to know going in:

• Limited shopping and dining compared to a metro area. Think small-town selection. Most families make monthly grocery runs to Norfolk or the Outer Banks for variety.
• Schools are average. If that matters a lot to your family, do your research. Private schooling options are limited.
• It’s not Norfolk. If you’re coming from a large installation and love having every amenity within 10 minutes, there’s an adjustment period.
• Bugs in summer. This is the coastal South. Budget for pest control.

NW Annex, Chesapeake

The south Chesapeake area is suburban, quiet, and safe. It has a slightly rural feel compared to Virginia Beach or Norfolk, but you’re close enough to enjoy everything Hampton Roads has to offer.

What people love:

• Hampton Roads access. World-class beaches, restaurants, shopping, entertainment — all within 30–45 minutes.
• Quality of life. Chesapeake consistently ranks among the safest large cities in Virginia. The Hickory area near the Annex is family-friendly and walkable.
• On-installation housing quality. Liberty Military Housing – Northwest has excellent reviews and is genuinely a strong option.
• No traffic like Norfolk. If you’re working at the Annex itself, your commute is a non-issue. Even driving to Norfolk, traffic is lighter than the peninsula routes.

What to know going in:

• Higher cost of living than Elizabeth City. Hampton Roads BAH covers it at most grades, but you won’t have the same budget surplus as Elizabeth City families.
• Rural-adjacent. The immediate neighborhood around the Annex is residential and suburban. It’s not walking distance to restaurants or entertainment.

Curious what homes look like in your price range near Elizabeth City or Chesapeake? Connect with a PCS-experienced real estate agent through PCS Pay-It-Forward® — they know military moves.

Getting Involved: Community & Support

The Coast Guard community around Elizabeth City and the NW Annex is small but close. Connect with your fellow PCS Pay-It-Forward® community members before, during, and after your move:

Join the PCS Pay-It-Forward® Coast Guard Community Facebook Group to ask questions, get insider tips, and connect with families who’ve been to these duty stations before.

Additional resources:

• MilitaryOneSource — free counseling, relocation assistance, financial counseling, and more (24/7, free to active duty)
• Coast Guard Family Support — official work-life resources for CG families
• DoDEA School Liaison Officer — for school transitions and records transfers
• TRICARE — enrollment, provider lookup, coverage questions

Nearby Installations (For Reference)

Installation	Distance from CGBEC	Distance from NW Annex
Naval Station Norfolk	~85 miles	~30 miles
Joint Base Langley-Eustis	~95 miles	~45 miles
Camp Lejeune	~130 miles	~175 miles
Fort Bragg	~195 miles	~240 miles

See our base guide directory to explore PCS guides for all nearby installations.

FAQ: PCS to Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City & NW Annex

Is there a commissary at Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City?

No. CGBEC does not have an on-base commissary. The nearest commissary options are at Langley AFB (approximately 90 minutes north) or Fort Bragg (approximately 3 hours west). Most families shop at civilian grocery stores in Elizabeth City, with Harris Teeter and Food Lion being the most common options.

What are the 2026 BAH rates for Elizabeth City?

Elizabeth City falls in its own Military Housing Area with competitive 2026 rates. An E-5 with dependents receives $2,508/month; an E-6 with dependents receives $2,562/month; an O-3E with dependents receives $2,823/month. Verify your exact rate using ZIP code 27909 at the DoD BAH calculator.

What is the closest hospital to CGBEC?

Sentara Albemarle Medical Center (3050 Halstead Blvd, Elizabeth City, NC — (252) 690-4000) is the closest hospital, approximately 10–15 minutes from the base. It offers 24/7 emergency care, labor and delivery, and inpatient services. There is no military treatment facility on CGBEC; service members and families use TRICARE with civilian providers.

Where should I live if I’m assigned to CGBEC — on base or off?

Both are viable options. On-base housing is government-managed and requires joining a waitlist — contact the housing office at (252) 267-1301 as soon as you have orders. Off-base, your 2026 BAH goes very far in Elizabeth City’s affordable market. Many families at E-5 and above find they can rent or even purchase a home significantly below their BAH rate, pocketing the difference.

What BAH rate applies to the NW Annex in Chesapeake?

The NW Annex falls under the Norfolk/Portsmouth Military Housing Area (MHA). Verify your exact rate by pay grade at the DoD BAH calculator using ZIP code 23322. Key 2026 rates: E-5 with dependents = $2,430/month; E-6 with dependents = $2,559/month; O-3E with dependents = $2,859/month.

Are the schools good near Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City?

The Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools district is average by North Carolina standards. Class sizes tend to be smaller than larger districts, which some families appreciate. A standout option is the Northeast Academy for Aerospace and Advanced Technologies — a STEM-focused public school with an aviation emphasis, which is a natural fit for CG aviation families.

What’s the best part about living near CGBEC that most people don’t know?

Two things. First, your BAH purchasing power — 2026 rates are strong enough that most families bank money above their actual housing costs in Elizabeth City’s affordable market. Second, the Outer Banks. Elizabeth City is less than an hour from Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, and Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Families who embrace the coastal lifestyle consistently love this duty station.

Is the NW Annex in Chesapeake a good place to live?

Yes — especially for families. The south Chesapeake area near the Annex is safe, suburban, and family-friendly. Liberty Military Housing – Northwest has excellent reviews. You’re close enough to Norfolk and Virginia Beach to take advantage of Hampton Roads amenities while avoiding the congestion of base-adjacent neighborhoods.

Can I use a VA loan to buy a home near Elizabeth City?

Absolutely. Elizabeth City’s real estate market is one of the most VA-loan-friendly in the Coast Guard’s footprint — homes are affordable, inventory is available, and your purchasing power goes very far. See our VA Home Loan guide to understand your benefits and how to find a military-experienced real estate agent.

What is the difference between CGBEC and the NW Annex?

Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City (CGBEC) is the main installation in North Carolina, focused on Coast Guard aviation (helicopters, HC-130s), aviation training, and aviation logistics. The NW Annex in Chesapeake, Virginia is a smaller, separate installation used primarily for communications and administrative functions. They are approximately 50 miles apart. Your orders will specify which location you’re assigned to — they are not interchangeable.

Key Takeaways

• CGBEC and the NW Annex are two separate locations — know which one your orders are for before making housing decisions. About 50 miles apart, with different BAH rates and very different living environments.
• Elizabeth City 2026 BAH is stronger than most people expect — at $2,304–$2,823/month for most grades with dependents, combined with Elizabeth City’s affordable rental market ($1,200–$1,600 for 3BR), many families bank $700–$1,000/month above housing costs.
• The NW Annex uses the Norfolk/Portsmouth MHA BAH — key rates: E-5 with dependents $2,430/month, E-6 $2,559/month, O-3E $2,859/month. Rates provide good coverage for Chesapeake’s rental market.
• No commissary at CGBEC — plan your grocery shopping strategy before you arrive. Most families shop off base and use the CG Exchange for supplemental items.
• The Outer Banks is the hidden perk of CGBEC — you’re under an hour from some of the best beaches on the East Coast. This is a genuine quality-of-life win that most newcomers don’t fully appreciate until they’re there.
• Get connected before you arrive. Use MilitaryOneSource, join the Facebook community, and start your PCS plan early. The Coast Guard community at both locations is small and welcoming — people are genuinely happy to help.
• VA loan buyers should pay attention to Elizabeth City’s market. Affordable home prices + strong VA loan purchasing power = a rare opportunity to build equity during your tour. See our VA Home Loan guide to get started.

Information in this guide reflects 2026 data. BAH rates are effective January 1, 2026. Always verify contact information, housing availability, and school zones directly with the installation or school district before making decisions.

Have questions? Connect with us and our community at PCS Pay-It-Forward® or check out our full PCS toolkit and resources.