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Fort Gordon
Army Base Guide
Fort Gordon PCS Guide | BAH, Housing & Schools
TL;DR: Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia is the Army’s Cyber Center of Excellence — home to Signal, Cyber, and Intelligence soldiers. This guide covers on- and off-post housing, 2026 BAH rates, schools, neighborhoods, medical care, and real talk from families who’ve already made this move.
Whether you just got your orders or you’re deep in the PCS planning spiral, you’re in the right place. Fort Gordon is one of the Army’s most unique and fastest-growing posts, and Augusta is a surprisingly livable Southern city once you know where to look. This guide walks you through everything — housing, schools, neighborhoods, BAH, medical, and the honest stuff your sponsor might forget to mention.
Already started your PCS plan? Use our free PCS Plan tool to track your timeline, tasks, and to-do list in one place.
Connect with families already at Fort Gordon in the Fort Gordon PCS Pay-It-Forward® Facebook group — real answers from people who’ve been there.
What Is Fort Gordon? The Mission at a Glance
Fort Gordon is the U.S. Army’s Cyber Center of Excellence (CCoE) and home to the Signal Corps, Cyber Command elements, and the Military Intelligence Training Brigade. The installation was briefly known as Fort Eisenhower from 2023 to 2025. In June 2025, President Trump restored the name Fort Gordon — now honoring Medal of Honor recipient Master Sgt. Gary I. Gordon, a Delta Force soldier killed defending fellow service members during the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu. The hospital on post, Eisenhower Army Medical Center, retains its name.
If you’re getting orders here, you’re likely in one of these fields:
- Signal — the Signal School and AIT are here
- Cyber — Army Cyber Command has a significant presence
- Military Intelligence — especially 35-series MOS
- Medical — Eisenhower Army Medical Center supports the installation and region
- 18th Signal Brigade and other operational units
This isn’t a typical Army post with infantry or armor — it skews heavily toward technical MOS fields. Consequently, the culture, deployment tempo, and community here are quite different from a combat-arms installation.
Installation Phone: (706) 791-1110
Fort Gordon BAH Rates (2026)
Augusta, Georgia’s cost of living is lower than many Army posts. As a result, your BAH goes further here than it would at coastal or high-cost duty stations. The rates below are effective January 1, 2026, for the Augusta, GA area (Zip: 30905).
| Pay Grade | Without Dependents | With Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-4 | $1,206 | $1,467 |
| E-5 | $1,290 | $1,584 |
| E-6 | $1,389 | $1,710 |
| E-7 | $1,440 | $1,782 |
| O-1E | $1,476 | $1,851 |
| O-2E | $1,584 | $1,953 |
| O-3 | $1,647 | $2,073 |
| O-4 | $1,755 | $2,196 |
| O-5 | $1,830 | $2,298 |
Rates effective January 1, 2026. Always verify using the official DoD BAH calculator. See our full 2026 BAH rates guide for a deep dive.
In practice, solid 3-bedroom homes in Evans and Grovetown rent for $1,450–$1,900/month. That means your BAH typically covers a quality off-post home in the areas military families prefer most.
On-Post Housing at Fort Gordon
Housing Provider: Balfour Beatty Communities
On-post housing at Fort Gordon is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities — not Corvias, which manages housing at other installations. Balfour Beatty operates the privatized family housing on behalf of the Army.
Balfour Beatty Housing Office
📍 155 3rd Ave, Fort Gordon, GA 30905
📞 (706) 772-7041
🌐 balfourbeattyus.com
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sat 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Important: The Balfour Beatty Situation at Fort Gordon
Before deciding on on-post housing, understand the full picture. Balfour Beatty is the most scrutinized military housing company in the country — and Fort Gordon has been at the center of that scrutiny.
- In 2021, Balfour Beatty pleaded guilty to Department of Justice fraud charges for falsifying maintenance records at military installations. The company paid over $65 million in fines.
- In 2022, a bipartisan Senate investigation specifically focused on Fort Gordon found ongoing mold problems, slow maintenance response, and inadequate remediation — even after the guilty plea.
- As recently as 2025, Congress passed legislation allocating $10 million for oversight of Fort Gordon’s privatized housing.
That said, conditions vary significantly by neighborhood and have improved since the Senate investigation. Many families live on-post without major issues. However, go in with clear expectations — and ask specific neighborhood questions in the Fort Gordon PCS Pay-It-Forward® group before committing. You have rights as a tenant under the Military Housing Tenant Bill of Rights, so document everything from day one.
On-Post Neighborhoods
Fort Gordon has several distinct housing neighborhoods, ranging from older brick quarters to newer construction:
- New Olive — newer construction, generally better-reviewed by residents
- Azalea — older stock, mixed reviews; some maintenance issues reported
- McNair — officer housing area
- Chamberlain — mix of ranks, generally well-maintained
- Warrior Walk — newer area popular with families
Waitlist Reality
On-post housing is in demand. Depending on your rank and family size, expect a waitlist of several weeks to several months. Start the application process as soon as you have confirmed orders — you can apply before your report date. Meanwhile, plan for temporary lodging or off-post housing during the wait.
Need help figuring out whether to live on or off post?
Our free PCS Plan walks you through every housing decision — and connects you with a vetted military Ambassador who knows the Fort Gordon area.
Off-Post Housing: Best Neighborhoods Near Fort Gordon
Most military families at Fort Gordon live off-post. Augusta and its surrounding communities offer a wide range of options. Notably, your money goes significantly further here than at most other duty stations.
The Big Decision: Georgia Side vs. South Carolina Side
Fort Gordon sits on the Georgia side of the Augusta metro. Most families settle in one of four areas:
Evans, GA — The most popular choice for military families. Columbia County schools, newer neighborhoods, and a commute of 15–25 minutes to the main gate make Evans a consistent top pick. If you want the classic military-family neighborhood with good schools and lots of FRG neighbors, this is your area.
Grovetown, GA — Closest to the back gate at Gate 6. Newer construction, Columbia County schools, and affordability just slightly below Evans. Families who prioritize a short commute love this area. The downside is that it’s still developing rapidly in some sections.
Martinez, GA — A solid middle ground between Evans and Augusta proper. A mix of older and newer homes, Columbia County schools, and easy access to I-20 and downtown Augusta make Martinez worth considering.
North Augusta, SC — Just across the Savannah River, 20–30 minutes to post. Good for families who want more space. However, note that SC income tax applies to military pay if you claim SC residency. Most service members maintain their home of record to avoid this.
Augusta Proper — Richmond County schools, which rank lower than Columbia County overall. Closer to downtown amenities and lower home prices attract some families, while others prioritize Columbia County for schools. Research individual schools carefully before committing to a specific neighborhood.
Typical Off-Post Rent & Home Prices (2026)
| Area | 3BR Rent Range | Median Home Price |
|---|---|---|
| Evans | $1,600–$2,100/mo | $290,000–$380,000 |
| Grovetown | $1,450–$1,900/mo | $260,000–$340,000 |
| Martinez | $1,400–$1,800/mo | $240,000–$310,000 |
| North Augusta, SC | $1,350–$1,800/mo | $230,000–$300,000 |
Ranges reflect current market conditions. Actual pricing varies by neighborhood and property type.
Thinking about buying? Augusta is a strong VA loan market. See our VA Home Loan guide to understand your benefit and connect with a military-friendly agent in the area. Additionally, check our military moving tips if this is your first PCS to the Southeast.
Schools Near Fort Gordon
Columbia County Schools (Most Popular for Military Families)
Columbia County School District is consistently rated among the best in Georgia. In fact, it’s the number one reason so many military families choose Evans, Grovetown, and Martinez over neighborhoods closer to post.
| School | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Grovetown Elementary | K–5 | Grovetown, GA |
| Grovetown Middle School | 6–8 | Grovetown, GA |
| Grovetown High School | 9–12 | Grovetown, GA |
| Evans Elementary | K–5 | Evans, GA |
| Evans Middle School | 6–8 | Evans, GA |
| Evans High School | 9–12 | Evans, GA |
| Stallings Island Middle | 6–8 | Martinez, GA |
| Greenbrier High School | 9–12 | Evans, GA |
Columbia County schools have a School Liaison Officer (SLO) program and are well-accustomed to enrolling military children mid-year. Records transfer, credit evaluation, and sports enrollment are processes they’ve handled many times before.
Columbia County School District: (706) 541-0650 | ccboe.net
DoDEA School On Post
Freedom Park School (K–8) is located on-post and serves military-connected children. As a DoDEA school, its programs are specifically designed for military families — including strong support for frequent moves and deployments.
📍 345 42nd St, Fort Gordon, GA 30905
📞 (706) 796-8428
Hours: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Richmond County Schools
If you live in Augusta proper, you’ll be in Richmond County School District. Quality varies widely by school, so research individual schools carefully before choosing a neighborhood. Some Richmond County schools are excellent; others are not. Use GreatSchools.org and, moreover, talk to current families in the Fort Gordon PCS Pay-It-Forward® group before committing.
Private Schools
Several private options exist for families who prefer them:
- Westminster Schools of Augusta (PreK–12, college prep): (706) 731-5260
- Savannah River Academy (Grovetown, K–12): (706) 469-4522
School zone questions before you commit to a neighborhood?
Our Fort Gordon Ambassadors know the Columbia County school zones well. Start your PCS Plan to get personalized guidance on neighborhoods and schools before you sign a lease.
Medical Care at Fort Gordon
Eisenhower Army Medical Center (EAMC)
The primary medical facility on post is Eisenhower Army Medical Center, a full-service military hospital. Despite the base name reverting to Fort Gordon, the hospital retains the Eisenhower name it has carried for decades.
📍 300 E Hospital Rd, Fort Gordon, GA 30905
📞 (706) 787-5811 (Main) | (706) 787-7000 (Appointments)
🌐 eisenhower.tricare.mil
General Hours: Mon 7:30 AM–4:00 PM | Tue Open 24 Hours | Wed–Fri 7:30 AM–4:00 PM
EAMC provides primary care, specialty care, emergency services, OB/GYN, behavioral health, pediatrics, and dental. It’s one of the more comprehensive MTFs in the CONUS Army — a genuine advantage of being assigned here.
Appointment Tip: The phone lines can be a bottleneck. Instead, use the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal to book appointments online. It’s faster, and you won’t spend time on hold.
TRICARE Coverage
All active-duty family members are enrolled in TRICARE Prime at Fort Gordon, with EAMC as your primary care facility. If EAMC doesn’t offer the specialty you need, you’ll be referred to a TRICARE network provider in the Augusta area.
For TRICARE questions: 1-800-874-2273 | tricare.mil
Getting On Post: Gate Access & Visitor Procedures
Fort Gordon has several gates, and hours vary by location. Here are the key entry points:
- Gate 1 (Main Gate, Chamberlain Ave) — 24/7 access for authorized personnel
- Gate 2 (Jimmie Dyess Pkwy) — main route from Evans and the I-20 corridor
- Gordon Station / Gate 6 (Back Gate) — popular for Grovetown residents; verify current hours before choosing that neighborhood based on gate proximity
Visitor Access: Visitors without a DoD ID need a sponsor to meet them at the Visitor Control Center (VCC) or be issued a pass in advance. Expect wait times during peak commute hours, particularly 7–8 AM and 4–5 PM. Furthermore, if you’re expecting movers or contractors, coordinate access well in advance.
REAL ID / CAC Required: REAL ID enforcement is in effect. Visitors will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or passport for access.
Key Facilities & Phone Numbers
| Facility | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Main Operator | (706) 791-1110 | 24/7 |
| Eisenhower Army Medical Center | (706) 787-5811 | Varies by dept |
| Balfour Beatty Housing Office | (706) 772-7041 | M–F 8–5, Sat 10–4 |
| Fort Gordon Commissary | (762) 775-6070 | M–F 8–7, Sat 9–7, Sun 10–6 |
| Army Community Service (ACS) | (706) 791-6600 | M–F 7:30–4 |
| School Liaison Officer | (706) 791-2472 | M–F |
| Transportation Office (TMO) | (706) 791-4184 | M–F |
| Soldier for Life / ACS | (706) 791-7333 | M–F 7:30–4 |
| ID Cards / In-Processing | (706) 791-2000 | M–F |
| Welcome Center (Darling Hall) | (706) 791-1922 | M–F |
Cost of Living in Augusta, GA
One of Fort Gordon’s biggest advantages is that Augusta is genuinely affordable. Compared to coastal duty stations or major metro areas, your dollar goes significantly further here.
- Housing: 20–35% below the national average
- Groceries: approximately 5% below the national average
- Gas: typically $0.10–$0.20/gallon below the national average
- State income tax (Georgia): As of 2026, active-duty military pay is exempt from Georgia state income tax for residents. Confirm your specific situation with a military tax advisor.
Additionally, check our 2026 military pay charts to see your full compensation picture before you arrive. For more on what you can deduct during your move, see our PCS tax write-offs guide.
The Fort Gordon Community
Join the Facebook Group
The best resource before you arrive is the Fort Gordon PCS Pay-It-Forward® group on Facebook. This is an active, moderated community of current and incoming families who answer real-time questions about neighborhoods, housing, schools, child care, and everything else no official guide covers. Post your questions before you arrive — families here give you the straight story.
Spouse Employment
Augusta has a growing economy anchored by the medical sector (Augusta University Health System and EAMC), the cyber and tech industry, and expanding logistics. Furthermore, Fort Gordon’s tech-heavy mission means more civilian contractor jobs exist here than at many other Army posts. Augusta University also offers spouse employment and educational opportunities.
Army Community Service (ACS) has a spouse employment program — call (706) 791-6600 to connect with resources.
Child Care
On-post child care through the Child Development Center (CDC) is available but typically has a waitlist. Register on the Child Care Aware of America Military portal as soon as you have orders. In the meantime, Home Daycare Providers (HDPs) are another option, and the Augusta area has numerous licensed private daycare facilities.
Real Talk: What PCSing to Fort Gordon Is Actually Like
The Good
- Affordable cost of living — your BAH actually covers decent housing here
- Columbia County schools are genuinely good and military-family friendly
- Augusta is more culturally rich than people expect — great food, the Masters, the River Walk, and a growing arts scene
- Technical MOS fields typically mean a more stable deployment tempo than combat-arms assignments
- EAMC is one of the more comprehensive MTFs in the continental Army
- Mild winters — you will not miss shoveling snow
The Honest
- Augusta summers are oppressive — genuinely hot and humid from June through September. Plan accordingly for your kids and your sanity.
- Traffic on Gordon Highway and the Washington Road corridor gets rough during peak hours. Grovetown’s back-gate proximity is a real quality-of-life factor worth considering.
- Balfour Beatty housing has documented problems at Fort Gordon — mold, maintenance delays, and a Senate investigation are all part of the recent record. Conditions vary by neighborhood, so ask in the Facebook group before deciding.
- Downtown Augusta has a lot of potential but is still developing. Don’t expect a bustling, walkable urban scene just yet.
- Richmond County schools are significantly lower-ranked than Columbia County — this is a real factor when choosing where to live.
Overall, most families who PCS to Fort Gordon end up liking it more than they expected. The cost of living and school quality in Columbia County are the consistent wins. Join the Facebook group early and lean on the community.
Things to Do in Augusta
Most newcomers are surprised by what Augusta has to offer:
- Augusta National / The Masters — One of golf’s most iconic tournaments takes place here each April. Specifically, service members can attend through a lottery or donated badges.
- Augusta Riverwalk — A 4-mile trail along the Savannah River, free and family-friendly
- Lake Thurmond (J. Strom Thurmond Lake) — 70,000 acres of lake, 45 minutes away. Excellent for boating, camping, and fishing.
- Savannah, GA — 2-hour drive and absolutely worth a weekend
- Atlanta, GA — 2.5 hours for major city amenities and a major international airport
- Kiokee Creek Trail and Columbia County Parks — Great outdoor recreation close to where most military families live
- Historic Augusta — Antebellum architecture, museums, and a growing restaurant and bar scene
PCS Checklist: Fort Gordon
Start these tasks as soon as you receive orders:
- ☐ Apply for on-post housing through Balfour Beatty — even if you plan to live off-post, get on the list
- ☐ Research off-post neighborhoods using this guide and the Facebook community
- ☐ Contact EAMC to establish care and transfer medical records: (706) 787-5811
- ☐ Register children with the School Liaison Officer: (706) 791-2472
- ☐ Register for the Child Development Center waitlist if applicable
- ☐ Contact the Transportation Office (TMO): (706) 791-4184
- ☐ Download our PCS binder checklist to stay organized through the move
- ☐ Review your DITY/PPM options with our DITY move guide
- ☐ Connect with the Fort Gordon PCS Pay-It-Forward® community
- ☐ Verify your 2026 BAH rate at the DoD BAH calculator
Need help building your full PCS plan? Our free PCS Plan tool walks you through every step from orders to in-processing day. Our PCS Toolkit also has resources at pcspayitforward.com/pcs-resources/.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Gordon
What is Fort Gordon known for?
Fort Gordon is the U.S. Army’s Cyber Center of Excellence and home to the Signal Corps. It hosts Signal, Cyber, Military Intelligence, and Medical units, along with training for numerous technical MOS fields. The installation was briefly known as Fort Eisenhower from 2023 to 2025. It currently honors Medal of Honor recipient Master Sgt. Gary I. Gordon, known for his heroism during the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu.
What is the BAH rate for Fort Gordon in 2026?
2026 BAH rates for the Augusta, GA area range from $1,206/month (E-4 without dependents) to $2,298/month (O-5 with dependents). Always verify your specific rate using the official DoD BAH calculator.
Who manages on-post housing at Fort Gordon?
Balfour Beatty Communities manages on-post housing at Fort Gordon. Contact them at (706) 772-7041 or visit their office at 155 3rd Ave, Fort Gordon, GA 30905. Note that Balfour Beatty has faced documented housing quality issues at Fort Gordon, including a Senate investigation in 2022. Conditions vary by neighborhood, so research specific areas in the Facebook community before deciding.
What are the best neighborhoods near Fort Gordon?
Evans and Grovetown in Columbia County are the most popular choices for military families. Both areas offer highly-rated Columbia County schools and reasonable commutes. Martinez is a solid middle-ground option. North Augusta, SC attracts families wanting more space. Most military families prefer Columbia County over Augusta proper, primarily for school quality.
What schools are near Fort Gordon?
Columbia County School District (serving Evans, Grovetown, and Martinez) is the top-ranked option and the most popular among military families. Freedom Park School (DoDEA, K–8) is located on-post. Richmond County schools serve Augusta proper with more variability in quality. Use GreatSchools.org and the Facebook community to research specific schools before choosing a neighborhood.
What hospital is at Fort Gordon?
Eisenhower Army Medical Center (EAMC) is the on-post military hospital, located at 300 E Hospital Rd, Fort Gordon, GA 30905. Phone: (706) 787-5811. Despite the base name reverting to Fort Gordon, the hospital retains its Eisenhower name. EAMC provides full-service care including emergency services, OB/GYN, pediatrics, behavioral health, and specialty referrals. Use the MHS GENESIS portal at mhsgenesis.health.mil for faster appointment booking.
Is Georgia state income tax a concern for soldiers at Fort Gordon?
As of 2026, active-duty military pay is exempt from Georgia state income tax for residents. However, confirm your specific situation with a military tax professional, particularly regarding National Guard or Reserve pay or any rental income. See our PCS tax write-offs guide for more details.
What is the weather like in Augusta, Georgia?
Augusta has mild winters (rarely below freezing) and hot, humid summers. Temperatures from June through September regularly hit 90–98°F with high humidity. Spring and fall are genuinely beautiful. Snow is rare — and when it does snow, the city largely shuts down.
Is Fort Gordon a good duty station for families?
Generally yes, particularly for families who land in Columbia County suburbs. Affordable housing, strong schools, a relatively stable deployment tempo for technical MOS fields, and a solid medical facility make Fort Gordon a well-regarded assignment. Most families who PCS here end up liking it more than they expected.
Ready to get organized for your Fort Gordon PCS?
Start your free PCS Plan and get matched with a Fort Gordon Ambassador who can walk you through housing, schools, and neighborhoods before you sign anything. Also check out our VA Home Loan guide if buying is on your radar.
Key Takeaways
- Fort Gordon = Cyber & Signal hub. If you’re in a technical MOS, you’ll find your people here. The mission creates a different community than a combat-arms post — which shapes everything from deployment tempo to spouse job opportunities.
- Live in Columbia County. Evans or Grovetown gives you the best combination of school quality, commute, and value. Specifically, most families who’ve been here will tell you the same thing.
- Your BAH goes further here than at almost any other post. Augusta’s cost of living is genuinely low. A 3-bedroom home in Grovetown or Evans is very achievable at E-5/E-6 BAH rates.
- Know the Balfour Beatty situation before you sign. On-post housing has documented issues. Moreover, conditions vary by neighborhood. Get current intel from the Facebook community before deciding.
- The summers are brutal. Budget for good climate control and plan indoor activities for the kids from June through September. It’s not optional.
- Join the Facebook community before you arrive. The Fort Gordon PCS Pay-It-Forward® group gives you real, current information that no guide can fully replicate.
- Start your PCS plan now with our free PCS Plan tool — it keeps everything organized from orders to in-processing day.
Know a family heading to Fort Gordon? Share this guide — it’s the resource we wish we’d had on our first PCS there.
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