Arriving at Redstone Arsenal

Redstone Arsenal Fast Facts

Detail	Information
Installation Size	38,248 acres
Location	Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama
ZIP Code	35808
Established	1941
Primary Mission	Missile & rocket development, Army logistics, space operations
Daily Workforce	36,000–40,000 military, civilian & contractor personnel
Tenant Agencies	75+ including NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and the FBI
Nearest Airport	Huntsville International Airport (under 10 miles)
Cost of Living	18.42% below U.S. average
Branch	U.S. Army

About Redstone Arsenal

Redstone Arsenal began in 1941 as an ordnance production facility and chemical weapons plant during World War II. Within a decade it transformed into the Army’s premier hub for missile and rocket research. The arrival of Dr. Wernher von Braun and his team of German scientists in 1950 under Operation Paperclip accelerated everything — Redstone became the birthplace of the Redstone and Jupiter missiles, and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center was established on the installation in 1960.

Today, Redstone hosts over 75 tenant agencies, including U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC), U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM), U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC), the Missile Defense Agency, and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. It also hosts a field office of the FBI. With a government and contractor workforce of 36,000 to 40,000 people daily, Redstone is the economic backbone of North Alabama — and one of the most stable and growing duty stations in the country.

Arriving at Redstone Arsenal

Gate Access and Hours

Redstone Arsenal requires valid military ID, CAC, or REAL ID-compliant driver’s license for all vehicles entering the installation. Non-compliant IDs require a secondary form of identification. Expect 100% ID checks at all gates. Current gate hours are as follows:

Gate	Location	Hours
Gate 1	Martin Road (East)	Monday–Friday, 0530–2100
Gate 7	Martin Road (West)	Monday–Friday, 0530–1400
Gate 9	Rideout Road (Visitor Control Center)	Monday–Friday, 0600–1800
Gate 3	Redstone Road	Closed

Visitors who do not have a valid military ID must obtain a temporary vehicle pass at the Visitor Control Center (VCC) near Gate 9 on Rideout Road. Your sponsor can submit pre-approval documentation if you cannot be present at the gate. Always verify current gate hours at the official Redstone Arsenal website before arrival.

In-Processing

Formal in-processing takes place at the Gen. John J. Pershing Community Welcome Center, Building 3443. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The process typically takes two to three business days and covers Personnel, Finance, Housing, Medical, and Unit Check-in. The Welcome Center can be reached at (256) 842-6122.

The adjacent One Stop facility in Building 3494 handles CAC and ID card services, human resources, and military personnel services. Bring multiple copies of your PCS orders, all IDs, birth certificates for dependents, marriage certificate, Social Security cards, vehicle registration, and medical and dental records.

Transportation Office

The Redstone Arsenal Transportation and Personal Property Services office is located at Building 3433 on Snooper Road and can be reached at (256) 876-5161. Hours are Monday through Friday, 0830 to 1630. Schedule your household goods shipment or PPM/DITY move through the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) as early as possible — summer PCS season fills up fast. You may also be eligible for Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) up to 10 days and Dislocation Allowance (DLA). For a complete breakdown of your DITY move options and entitlements, see the PCS Pay It Forward® DITY/PPM guide.

Sponsor Program

Contact your gaining unit’s administrative office as soon as you receive orders to request a sponsor. Your sponsor can help with local housing questions, in-processing steps, and getting the lay of the land before you arrive. If your unit hasn’t assigned one, reach out through the Redstone Arsenal Newcomers website.

Housing at Redstone Arsenal

On-Base Housing

On-base housing at Redstone Arsenal is privatized and managed by Hunt Military Communities, the largest privatized military housing provider in the country. The installation has eight neighborhoods totaling 353 units — a mix of single-family homes, duplexes, and quads in 2- to 5-bedroom configurations. Amenities include an 18-hole golf course, bowling alley, gas station, arts and craft center, bank and credit union, veterinary clinic, shooting range, food court, dry cleaners, and camping facility. All homes include central AC and heat, energy-efficient appliances, washer and dryer hookups, landscaping, and 24-hour emergency maintenance.

Waitlists apply, especially for larger homes. Submit your orders as soon as you receive them — you can fax them to (256) 722-8799. No unaccompanied soldier housing is available on-post. Single soldiers in grades E-7 and above may be housed on a space-available basis. The Housing Services Office is at Building 302 on Hughes Drive.

Contact	Details
Redstone Housing Services Office	Building 302, Hughes Drive | (256) 876-6666
Hunt Military Communities	(888) 469-9270 | redstonefamilyhousing.com
Orders Fax (waitlist)	(256) 722-8799

The Eight On-Post Neighborhoods

Each neighborhood at Redstone is named for a chapter in America’s space and missile history:

Neighborhood	Notable Features
Columbia Centre	Renovated homes, variety of unit sizes
Challenger Heights	2–5 bedroom townhomes and single-family homes
Saturn Pointe	Family-friendly layout, close to amenities
New Endeavor	Newer construction, modern finishes
Endeavor Village	Established community, trail access
Freedom Landing	Single-family homes, spacious lots
Voyager Village	Mix of home styles and sizes
Pathfinder Pointe	Quiet setting, convenient to main gates

Redstone Arsenal on-post housing ranked fourth out of 43 installations with privatized housing in the Army’s tenant satisfaction survey — landing in the “outstanding” category. That said, with only 353 units serving a workforce of 36,000+, waitlists are real. Build your backup plan now by exploring off-post neighborhoods below.

Off-Base Neighborhoods

Most Redstone families live off-post, and the Huntsville metro genuinely rewards that choice. The cost of living is nearly 20% below the national average, so your BAH stretches further here than at most Army installations. Below are the neighborhoods military families choose most often, along with realistic 2026 rent ranges:

Neighborhood	Drive to Post	Est. 3BR Rent (2026)	Best For
Madison	15–20 min	$1,800–$2,400/mo	Top-ranked schools, newer subdivisions, family vibe
Jones Valley / Southeast Huntsville	10–20 min	$1,600–$2,200/mo	Established neighborhoods, good schools, larger lots
South Huntsville	10–15 min	$1,500–$2,000/mo	Short commute, tree-lined streets, outdoor access
Harvest / Meridianville	20–30 min	$1,400–$1,900/mo	Rural feel, affordable, Madison County Schools
Downtown Huntsville	15–20 min	$1,500–$2,200/mo	Walkability, nightlife, arts, tech-hub proximity

One practical note: your commute experience depends heavily on which gate you’re using and where on the installation your unit is located. Madison families heading to the western side of the Arsenal typically flow through Gate 7 or Gate 1. Ask your sponsor which gate and route matches your daily commute before you sign a lease — a few miles of difference can mean 10 extra minutes each way.

If you’re considering buying in the Huntsville market, the VA Home Loan is a powerful tool here. Huntsville has strong resale demand driven by steady DoD and tech-sector growth, and the area’s lower home prices mean your VA purchasing power goes a long way. Explore your options through PCS Pay It Forward® VA Loan Snapshot to see what you qualify for before you arrive.

2026 BAH Rates — Huntsville / Redstone Arsenal

Redstone Arsenal BAH rates are set to the Huntsville Military Housing Area. In 2026, rates decreased by 0.9% from 2025 levels. Soldiers with dependents receive approximately 25% more BAH than those without. Redstone Arsenal BAH ranks 44th highest among all Army installations — middle of the pack nationally, but your money goes farther here than at most posts because of the lower overall cost of living. Use the full 2026 BAH guide to see how Huntsville compares to your previous duty station.

Pay Grade	With Dependents	Without Dependents
E-1 / E-2 / E-3 / E-4	$1,668	$1,284
E-5	$1,797	$1,443
E-6	$2,079	$1,557
E-7	$2,133	$1,671
E-8	$2,187	$1,860
E-9	$2,286	$1,935
W-1	$2,097	$1,635
W-2	$2,154	$1,857
W-3	$2,229	$1,947
W-4	$2,307	$2,085
W-5	$2,415	$2,142
O-1E	$2,139	$1,794
O-2E	$2,214	$1,917
O-3E	$2,325	$2,070
O-1	$1,839	$1,536
O-2	$2,076	$1,758

Verify your exact rate using the official DoD BAH Calculator. Rates apply to zip codes in the Huntsville MHA, which includes 35808 and surrounding areas.

Schools Near Redstone Arsenal

School Districts Serving Redstone Families

There are no DoDEA schools on Redstone Arsenal. Families attend public schools in one of three local districts depending on where they live off-post. All three districts are accustomed to military families and offer school liaison support for mid-year transfers and enrollment. Contact the Redstone Arsenal School Liaison Office at (256) 842-9642, DSN 312-788-9642, for help navigating enrollment, immunization requirements, and school choice options before you arrive.

Note: Alabama requires K-12 students to have a valid Social Security number and card for enrollment. Review Alabama’s immunization requirements with your current provider before your PCS and bring immunization records with you on travel day.

School District	Phone	Serves	Known For
Madison City Schools	(256) 464-8370	City of Madison	Ranked #2 in Alabama on Niche; strong STEM and college prep
Huntsville City Schools	(256) 486-6890	City of Huntsville	24,000+ students; AP, IB, magnet academies, gifted programs
Madison County Schools	(256) 852-2557	Unincorporated Madison County	Rural communities, Harvest/Meridianville areas

On-Post Child Development Center and Youth Services

Redstone Arsenal’s Child Development Center (CDC) offers full-day, part-day, and hourly care for children ages five weeks through six years. The program is NAEYC-accredited and fees are based on total household income. There is typically a waitlist, so register early. Contact CYS Parent Central Services at (256) 876-3704 to check current waitlist times and enrollment requirements. A School-Age Center (SAC) also offers before- and after-school care, holiday camps, and summer programs for school-age children.

Healthcare at Redstone Arsenal

Fox Army Health Center

Primary healthcare for Redstone Arsenal beneficiaries is provided by Fox Army Health Center (FAHC), located at 4100 Goss Road on the installation. FAHC offers primary care (adult, family medicine, pediatrics), behavioral health, immunizations, laboratory, radiology, and pharmacy services. The Patient Centered Medical Home model assigns patients to one of three teams: Blue (Warfighter Medicine/active duty), Red, or White (family and retiree care).

Service	Details
Address	4100 Goss Road, Redstone Arsenal, AL 35809
General Hours	Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (closed weekends and federal holidays)
Appointments	(256) 955-1970
Behavioral Health	(256) 955-8888 ext. 1032
Wellness Center	(256) 955-8888 ext. 1026 | Hours: 0730–1600
Immunizations	Monday–Friday, 0800–1530 (last injection at 1520)
Lab & Radiology	0730–1200 and 1300–1600 (no appointment needed)
Army Substance Abuse Program	(256) 876-7256
TRICARE Service Center	1-800-444-5445
MHS Nurse Advice Line (24/7)	1-800-TRICARE (874-2273), Option 1
Online Appointments / Refills	TRICARE Online (TOL)

TRICARE Prime patients should coordinate all specialty care referrals through their assigned PCM at FAHC. For off-post civilian care, contact the TRICARE Service Center to confirm your network providers in the Huntsville area. Learn more about TRICARE options and what transfers when you PCS at tricare.mil.

On-Base Amenities and MWR

Redstone Arsenal punches well above its weight for a relatively small residential population. The installation’s robust tenant base and decades of investment mean families have access to full-service amenities without leaving the post.

Amenity	Details
Commissary	Full-service grocery, open Mon–Sat, produces and deli available
Army & Air Force Exchange (PX)	Clothing, electronics, home goods
Golf Course	18-hole course on-post
Bowling Center	Available to military and DoD personnel
IHG Army Hotels (Lodging)	(256) 924-7707 | Priority for PCS/TDY orders; limited pet-friendly rooms
Fitness Centers	Multiple facilities across the installation
Shooting Range	Available through MWR
Camping Facility	Available through Redstone MWR
Arts & Crafts Center	Pottery, woodworking, and DIY facilities
Veterinary Clinic	On-post pet care for military families
Food Court	Multiple vendors on post
Army Community Service (ACS)	Financial counseling, relocation assistance, family advocacy
Chapels	Multiple on-post chapels serving various faiths

Temporary lodging is available through IHG Army Hotels on-post and Candlewood Suites nearby. Both give priority to PCS and TDY orders. TLFs fill up quickly during peak summer PCS season, so call (256) 924-7707 to book as soon as you have orders. A maximum stay of 30 days applies for most TLF rooms.

Living in Huntsville, Alabama

Why Families Love It Here

Huntsville has a reputation that surprises most people who haven’t been — in the best possible way. It’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the South, fueled by DoD, NASA, and Cummings Research Park, the second-largest research park in the country with 300+ companies and roughly 26,000 employees. That means stable property values, strong job prospects for military spouses, and a community full of engineers, scientists, and defense professionals who understand the military lifestyle.

The cost of living is 18.42% below the national average, which means your BAH goes further, restaurants are affordable, and buying a home is genuinely within reach for most ranks. Mean commute times from both Huntsville and Madison average under 21 minutes — shorter than national averages. Outdoor options are excellent, with the Tennessee River, Monte Sano State Park, and Huntsville Botanical Garden all nearby. For space enthusiasts (and military kids who become space enthusiasts quickly), the U.S. Space & Rocket Center is a world-class attraction right in your backyard.

Huntsville vs. Madison: Which Is Right for Your Family?

This is the question every incoming Redstone family asks. Both are excellent choices — here’s the honest breakdown:

Factor	Huntsville	Madison
Schools	Huntsville City Schools — strong magnet programs, AP, IB	Madison City Schools — ranked #2 in Alabama, tight feeder system
Housing Style	Diverse — historic, urban, mountain, new construction	Mostly newer planned subdivisions
Commute to Redstone	10–20 min depending on neighborhood	15–20 min, primarily Gates 1 and 7
Nightlife & Culture	Orion Amphitheater, downtown bars, museums	Town Madison, Toyota Field, quieter suburban feel
Resale / Investment	Strong demand near Cummings Research Park	Top school rating drives consistent buyer demand

The real answer depends on your daily gate and office location. Drive both commutes during rush hour before you commit. If Madison City Schools is a priority, pick Madison. If you want variety in housing stock or proximity to Huntsville’s growing cultural scene, the city offers more options at the same price point.

Military Spouse Employment and Resources

Huntsville may be the best PCS duty station in the country for military spouse employment — and that’s not hype. Cummings Research Park anchors a massive defense and tech economy, and the area’s contractor-heavy culture means remote work, clearance-friendly jobs, and employer awareness of military life are all higher than average. Military OneSource offers free career coaching, resume support, and job search tools for military spouses. Army Community Service (ACS) on Redstone also provides employment support programs.

For PCS-related financial planning — including understanding your moving entitlements and tax write-offs — see the PCS tax guide and PCS binder checklist. And when you’re ready for a full picture of your relocation resources in one place, the PCS Toolkit has you covered.

Things to Do in Huntsville

Huntsville earns high marks from military families for livability, and the city’s rapid growth has brought excellent food, entertainment, and outdoor options along with it. A few highlights worth knowing before you arrive:

Activity	Details
U.S. Space & Rocket Center	World-class museum and home of Space Camp — a must with kids
Orion Amphitheater	8,000-seat outdoor concert venue, national acts year-round
Huntsville Botanical Garden	112-acre garden featuring the nation’s largest open-air butterfly house
Monte Sano State Park	Trails, stargazing, camping — all within Huntsville city limits
Burritt on the Mountain	Open-air historic museum with seasonal events
Toyota Field / Toyota Amphitheater	Rocket City Trash Pandas baseball, family-friendly events
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge	Borders Redstone Arsenal’s southern boundary — hiking, birding, fishing
Downtown Huntsville	Growing food and arts scene, breweries, galleries, Lowe Mill ARTS

Frequently Asked Questions — PCS to Redstone Arsenal

Is there on-base housing available at Redstone Arsenal, and how do I get on the waitlist?

Yes. On-base housing is managed by Hunt Military Communities and includes 353 units across eight neighborhoods. Waitlists are common due to high demand. As soon as you receive orders, fax them to (256) 722-8799 to join the list. You can also contact the Housing Services Office at (256) 876-6666 for current availability by bedroom size and rank category. Active duty members pay no deposits and have utilities included when living on-post.

What are the 2026 BAH rates for Redstone Arsenal?

2026 BAH rates at Redstone Arsenal (Huntsville MHA) decreased 0.9% from 2025. Common rates include: E-5 with dependents — $1,797/month; E-6 with dependents — $2,079/month; O-3 with dependents — varies by prior service designation. See the full table above or use the DoD BAH calculator for your exact rate. For a broader look at how Huntsville compares nationally, see the 2026 BAH guide.

Are there DoDEA schools on Redstone Arsenal?

No. There are no DoDEA schools on post. Families attend public schools in Huntsville City Schools, Madison City Schools, or Madison County Schools depending on their off-post address. Students living on-post attend Huntsville City Schools. Contact the School Liaison Office at (256) 842-9642 to get school zone information for specific neighborhoods before you commit to a housing location.

What is the closest airport to Redstone Arsenal?

Huntsville International Airport (HSV) is the closest option, located less than 10 miles from the installation. It offers direct flights to major hubs including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and Charlotte. Commercial shuttle and rideshare services are available from the airport to surrounding areas.

Can I use my VA Home Loan to buy a house near Redstone Arsenal?

Absolutely — and the Huntsville market is one of the better ones in the country for VA loan buyers. Home prices are competitive relative to national averages, the VA’s no-down-payment benefit goes far here, and resale demand is strong thanks to steady DoD and tech-sector growth. Run a free VA Loan Snapshot through PCS Pay It Forward® to see what you qualify for before you arrive.

What are the gate hours at Redstone Arsenal?

Gate 1 (Martin Road East) is open Monday through Friday, 0530 to 2100. Gate 7 (Martin Road West) is open Monday through Friday, 0530 to 1400. The Visitor Control Center at Gate 9 (Rideout Road) is open Monday through Friday, 0600 to 1800. Gate 3 on Redstone Road is currently closed. Gate hours are subject to change — always verify current hours at home.army.mil/redstone before arrival.

Where is the medical facility at Redstone Arsenal?

Fox Army Health Center is located at 4100 Goss Road on the installation. General clinic hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Appointments can be scheduled by calling (256) 955-1970 or through TRICARE Online. Behavioral health services are available at (256) 955-8888 ext. 1032. The 24/7 MHS Nurse Advice Line is available at 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273), Option 1.

What neighborhoods near Redstone Arsenal are most popular with military families?

Madison is the top choice for families prioritizing top-ranked schools — Madison City Schools is ranked #2 in Alabama. South Huntsville and Jones Valley offer shorter commutes and more affordable rents. Harvest and Meridianville appeal to families who prefer more space and a rural feel. Your best neighborhood depends on which gate you use and where your unit is located on post — ask your sponsor to help you map the daily commute before you sign a lease.

Does Redstone Arsenal have a DITY/PPM move option?

Yes. Redstone Arsenal follows standard CONUS rules for Personally Procured Moves (PPM/DITY). Contact the Transportation Office at (256) 876-5161 (Building 3433, Snooper Road) to arrange your move through the Defense Personal Property System. For a full walkthrough of how PPM moves work, your weight allowance, and how to maximize your payment, see the PCS Pay It Forward® DITY move guide.

What major units and commands are stationed at Redstone Arsenal?

Redstone Arsenal hosts over 75 tenant agencies. The primary Army commands include U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC), U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM), and U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC). Other significant tenants include the Missile Defense Agency, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, and an FBI field office. This breadth of mission makes Redstone one of the most diverse and stable installations in the Army.

Key Takeaways

• Redstone Arsenal sits inside Huntsville, Alabama — one of the fastest-growing cities in the South with a cost of living nearly 20% below the national average. Your BAH goes further here than at most Army posts.
• On-base housing has only 353 units for a workforce of 36,000+. Fax your orders to (256) 722-8799 the day you receive them. Build an off-post backup plan in parallel.
• There are no DoDEA schools on post. Madison City Schools (ranked #2 in Alabama) and Huntsville City Schools both serve military families well — but your school zone depends on your address. Talk to the School Liaison at (256) 842-9642 before you sign a lease.
• 2026 BAH rates are set to the Huntsville MHA and decreased 0.9% from 2025. An E-5 with dependents receives $1,797/month — and with Huntsville’s lower rent market, that often covers a strong off-post option.
• Fox Army Health Center at (256) 955-1970 is your primary care facility. Book an appointment and get assigned to a PCMH team during in-processing week to avoid delays.
• The VA Home Loan is a smart tool in this market. Huntsville prices are competitive, resale demand is strong, and many families find they can own for less than rent. Get your VA Loan Snapshot before you arrive.
• Start your free PCS Plan now. It takes five minutes and gives you a personalized roadmap for housing, schools, and your VA loan — before the chaos of move day starts.