PCS to MCAS Beaufort & Parris Island: Your Complete Guide

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort sits about 3 miles northwest of downtown Beaufort and is home to several F/A-18 Hornet fighter-attack squadrons as well as the F-35B Lightning II transition, VMFA-501 “Warlords” was among the first operational F-35B squadrons based here. The mission is fixed-wing aviation readiness for Marine Corps forces on the East Coast. Expect a strong operational tempo and deployment cycles that are real.

Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island is approximately 5 miles south of Beaufort. This is where all male Marine recruits from east of the Mississippi River are trained, as well as all female recruits regardless of origin. More than 20,000 recruits graduate from Parris Island each year. The motto is “We Make Marines,” and the pride around that mission is something you feel throughout the entire community.

Together, these two installations, along with Naval Hospital Beaufort, form the Tri-Command, and most housing, schools, and support services are shared across all three.

2026 BAH Rates: Beaufort / Parris Island (MHA SC258)

BAH for the Beaufort/Parris Island military housing area increased in 2026 alongside the national 4.2% average adjustment. These are your tax-free monthly housing allowances, use them to budget for on- or off-base housing, or run the numbers on a VA home loan.

Pay Grade	With Dependents	Without Dependents
E-1 through E-4	$2,319	$1,875
E-5	$2,403	$2,103
E-6	$2,811	$2,235
E-7	$2,835	$2,319
E-8	$2,844	$2,490
E-9	$2,949	$2,607
W-1	$2,832	$2,304
W-2	$2,841	$2,487
W-3	$2,859	$2,622
W-4	$2,982	$2,808
W-5	$3,141	$2,829
O-1	$2,457	$2,232
O-2	$2,808	$2,379
O-3	$2,856	$2,661
O-4	$3,192	$2,817
O-5	$3,438	$2,832
O-6	$3,465	$2,835

Source: DoD BAH rates effective January 1, 2026. Verify your exact rate using the DoD BAH calculator with ZIP code 29904 (MCAS Beaufort) or 29905 (Parris Island).

Many families find that Beaufort’s housing market is affordable enough that BAH covers a mortgage payment rather than rent, especially with a VA loan. See our 2026 BAH rates guide for national comparisons, and learn how to use your BAH toward homeownership on our VA Home Loan page.

On-Base Housing: Tri-Command Communities

On-base housing for the Beaufort Tri-Command is managed by Atlantic Marine Corps Communities (AMCC) at Tri-Command. Homes are located across MCRD Parris Island, MCAS Beaufort, Laurel Bay, and Naval Hospital Beaufort. All homes include lawn care and maintenance services, and the communities feature gated neighborhoods, playgrounds, walking trails, a fishing pier, tennis and basketball courts, pools, and community centers.

Contact: AMCC at Tri-Command Welcome Center — (843) 846-5300 | tricommandcommunities.com

On-Base Neighborhoods at MCRD Parris Island

Wake Village — Eligibility: E-1 through E-5. These homes feature one-car garages, screened-in porches, and fenced backyards. The neighborhood has a community center, fitness facility, and a swimming pool.

Weapons Sound — Eligibility: E-6 through E-9. Homes include garages, fireplaces, granite countertops, and large living rooms. The neighborhood is close to soccer fields, volleyball courts, and has extensive walking trails.

Marsh Landing — Eligibility: O-4 through O-6. Premier neighborhood with beautiful views of downtown Beaufort, two-car garages, screened-in porches, updated flooring, and easy access to all base amenities.

DoDEA Schools in Laurel Bay (MCAS Beaufort Housing Area)

Children living in Laurel Bay military housing attend DoDEA schools on base through 8th grade, then transition to Beaufort County public high schools.

• Elliott Elementary School (Pre-K – Grade 2) | 1635 Albacore Street, Beaufort, SC 29906 | (843) 846-6982
• Charles Frank Bolden Elementary/Middle School (Grades 3–8) | 1523 Laurel Bay Boulevard, Beaufort, SC 29906 | (843) 846-6112

Note: Galer Elementary was closed after the 2017 school year. Only two DoDEA schools currently serve Laurel Bay.

Housing Office Contacts

• MCRD Parris Island Housing Office | Building 402, Blvd. de France, Parris Island, SC 29905 | (843) 228-2853
• MCAS Beaufort Housing Referral Office | Building 1140, MCAS Beaufort | (843) 228-7069

All personnel are required to check with the Housing Referral Office before making any commitment for off-base housing. They maintain current listings of available civilian rentals and can assist with lease reviews.

Ready to start your PCS plan? Use our PCS Plan tool to build a personalized housing, school, and move timeline before your report date. It’s free and takes less than 10 minutes.

Off-Base Housing: Best Neighborhoods for Military Families

Living off-base near Beaufort and Parris Island gives you a wide range of options, from charming waterfront communities to affordable rural properties. Here’s what military families consistently recommend.

1. Laurel Bay / Beaufort City

Commute to MCAS Beaufort: 5–15 minutes | Commute to Parris Island: 15–25 minutes

The most popular choice for on-base convenience without living in base housing. The Beaufort area has excellent walkability in the historic district, solid school options, and everything you need within 20 minutes. Median home prices in Beaufort run in the $210,000–$280,000 range, and rentals are available across all budget levels. BAH at most pay grades covers or nearly covers a mortgage here.

2. Port Royal

Commute to MCAS Beaufort: 10–20 minutes | Commute to Parris Island: 10–15 minutes

A waterfront, walkable community with parks, boutiques, and local restaurants that military families rave about. Port Royal has a small-town feel with quick access to both installations. Great choice for families who want to be close to work and want an active outdoor lifestyle.

3. Lady’s Island

Commute to MCAS Beaufort: 10–20 minutes | Commute to Parris Island: 15–25 minutes

Known for strong school options, scenic waterways, and a mix of newer builds and established neighborhoods. Lady’s Island sits just across the bridge from downtown Beaufort and is consistently a top pick from the Beaufort & Parris Island PCS Pay-It-Forward® group.

4. Bluffton

Commute to MCAS Beaufort: 25–40 minutes | Commute to Parris Island: 30–45 minutes

For families who want suburban amenities, newer construction, top-rated schools, and fast access to Hilton Head, Bluffton delivers. It’s a longer commute, but many dual-income and dual-military families choose it for the lifestyle. Shopping, restaurants, and recreational facilities are plentiful.

5. Hardeeville

Commute to MCAS Beaufort: 30–45 minutes | Commute to Parris Island: 35–50 minutes

Hardeeville sits along I-95 with newer developments, more land for the price, and easy access to Savannah and Hilton Head. It’s a growing area and a solid middle-ground for families stationed across multiple installations or with civilian jobs in Savannah.

6. Yemassee

Commute to MCAS Beaufort: 30–45 minutes | Commute to Parris Island: 25–40 minutes

The most affordable option on this list. Families choose Yemassee for acreage, privacy, and significantly lower home prices. It’s a country living with reasonable access to the base, great for those who want land and don’t mind the drive.

Thinking about buying instead of renting? BAH at MCAS Beaufort often covers a full mortgage payment with a VA loan. No down payment, no PMI, and competitive rates. Learn how the VA Home Loan works →

Schools Near MCAS Beaufort & Parris Island

DoDEA Schools (On Base, Laurel Bay)

Children living in on-base Laurel Bay housing are zoned to DoDEA schools through grade 8. There is no DoDEA high school at MCAS Beaufort, all high schoolers, regardless of housing location, attend Beaufort County public schools.

School	Grades	Address	Phone
Elliott Elementary	Pre-K – 2	1635 Albacore St, Beaufort, SC 29906	(843) 846-6982
Bolden Elementary/Middle	3–8	1523 Laurel Bay Blvd, Beaufort, SC 29906	(843) 846-6112

Visit DoDEA’s Laurel Bay Schools page for enrollment information, supply lists, and school calendars.

Beaufort County School District (Off-Base / High School)

Families living off base, and all high schoolers, are served by the Beaufort County School District, which operates 38 schools across the county. The district covers communities from Beaufort and Port Royal to Lady’s Island, Bluffton, Okatie, and Hilton Head Island.

Contact: Beaufort County School District | beaufortschools.net | (843) 322-2300

School Liaison Officer (MCAS Beaufort): The installation’s School Liaison Program can help you navigate school enrollment, records transfers, and special programs. Contact through the MCAS Beaufort School Liaison page.

Private School Option

Beaufort Academy — One of the largest local private school options for military families. Phone: (843) 524-9533

Child Development Centers

On-base Child Development Centers at MCAS Beaufort and Laurel Bay offer full-day, part-day, and hourly care. Get on the waitlist as early as possible, spots fill quickly during peak PCS season (May–August). Contact MCCS South Carolina at southcarolina.usmc-mccs.org for CDC waitlist and enrollment information.

Medical: Naval Hospital Beaufort & TRICARE

Your primary military treatment facility (MTF) for the Beaufort Tri-Command is Naval Hospital Beaufort.

Naval Hospital Beaufort 1 Pinckney Boulevard, Beaufort, SC 29902 Appointments: (843) 228-7424 Main line: (843) 228-5600 Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Website: beaufort.tricare.mil

Pharmacy hours: Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Thursday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Drive-thru refills: Mon–Fri, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed for lunch 1–1:30 p.m.)

TRICARE Nurse Advice Line (24/7): 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273), Option 1

There is also an MCAS Beaufort Branch Medical Clinic on the air station itself for sick call and routine care. For emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room, Beaufort Memorial Hospital is the closest civilian ER.

On-Base Amenities

Commissary: Building 407, MCAS Beaufort | (843) 228-2383 | commissaries.com for hours

Marine Corps Exchange (MCX): Building 409, MCAS Beaufort | Full-size exchange with clothing, electronics, and home goods

Semper Fit / Fitness Centers: Available on both MCAS Beaufort and MCRD Parris Island, including gym equipment, group fitness classes, and outdoor recreation rentals (fishing, boating, camping gear)

Single Marine Program: Both installations have SMP facilities with movie theaters, gaming consoles, pool tables, a lounge bar, and more. The MCAS Beaufort SMP averages over 6,000 patrons per month.

Outdoor Recreation: Fishing pier, kayak/canoe rentals, boating access, trails, and camping options through Semper Fit. The Lowcountry is an outdoor recreationalist’s dream.

Traffic Management Office (TMO):

• Parris Island: (843) 228-2627
• MCAS Beaufort: (843) 228-6146 / 7124

Contact TMO as soon as you have orders, they coordinate your household goods shipment and can help with scheduling.

Welcome Aboard Brief

All incoming personnel in grades E-1 through E-6, WO-1, O-1, and O-2 are required to attend the Welcome Aboard Brief (Settling in Services). This includes a resource fair and windshield tour of the installation.

• MCRD Parris Island: Offered quarterly
• MCAS Beaufort: Offered bi-monthly

Spouses and DoD civilians are encouraged to attend. The brief covers base resources, local community information, and helps you get plugged into the support network quickly. For full installation information, visit MilitaryOneSource.

Important: Hurricane Season

Coastal South Carolina is in hurricane country. Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, and it is essential to have a family plan before the season begins.

MCRD Parris Island & MCAS Beaufort Hurricane Hotline: 1-800-343-0639

Know your evacuation routes, keep important documents accessible (your PCS binder is a great place for these), and register for emergency alerts through the installation and Beaufort County.

Community Life in the Lowcountry

People mean it when they say “Beaufort time.” Life here moves slower, in the best possible way. Locals wave when you pass, weekends fill up with farmers markets and kayak trips through the salt marshes, and military families genuinely put down roots here. It’s one of those duty stations where people ask to come back.

Weekend staples for military families:

• Beaufort Waterfront Park — walking, picnics, and live music on weekends
• Port Royal Waterfront — fishing pier, playground, and marina access
• Downtown Beaufort — art galleries, local restaurants, and antebellum architecture along Bay Street
• Hilton Head Island — 45 minutes away, world-class beaches and golf
• Savannah, GA — about an hour south, a world-class city for date nights and day trips

The area deeply celebrates military families. From graduation ceremonies at Parris Island that draw thousands of proud families each year to school recognition days for military kids, your family will feel seen here.

Join the Beaufort & Parris Island PCS Pay-It-Forward® group to ask neighbors for their favorite restaurants, get real talk about commute routes, and connect with families already stationed here.

Before you finalize housing decisions, build your personalized PCS roadmap. Our PCS Plan tool walks you through housing, school, and move logistics step by step. Also explore our full PCS Toolkit and military moving tips to get organized before your report date.

FAQ: MCAS Beaufort & Parris Island PCS

Q: What is the 2026 BAH rate at MCAS Beaufort / Parris Island for an E-5 with dependents? A: The 2026 BAH rate for an E-5 with dependents at the Beaufort/Parris Island Military Housing Area (SC258) is $2,403 per month. Without dependents, it is $2,103 per month. Verify your exact rate using the DoD BAH calculator with ZIP code 29904 or 29905.

Q: Who manages on-base housing at MCAS Beaufort and Parris Island? A: On-base housing at both installations is managed by Atlantic Marine Corps Communities (AMCC) at Tri-Command. Their Welcome Center can be reached at (843) 846-5300. Homes are available across MCRD Parris Island, MCAS Beaufort, Laurel Bay, and Naval Hospital Beaufort.

Q: Are there DoDEA schools at Parris Island? A: There are no DoDEA schools on MCRD Parris Island itself. The closest DoDEA schools, Elliott Elementary and Bolden Elementary/Middle School, are located in the Laurel Bay housing area on MCAS Beaufort, about 10 miles north of the hospital. High schoolers attend Beaufort County public schools.

Q: What is the best area to live near MCAS Beaufort? A: It depends on your priorities. Port Royal and Lady’s Island are popular for short commutes and strong schools. Bluffton is preferred by families wanting suburban amenities and newer construction. Beaufort city itself offers walkable charm and solid access to both bases. Hardeeville and Yemassee offer more space and affordability with longer commutes.

Q: Where is Naval Hospital Beaufort and how do I make an appointment? A: Naval Hospital Beaufort is located at 1 Pinckney Boulevard, Beaufort, SC 29902. To make an appointment, call (843) 228-7424. The hospital is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For 24/7 nurse advice, call 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273), Option 1.

Q: Is MCAS Beaufort transitioning to F-35Bs? A: Yes. MCAS Beaufort has been transitioning to the F-35B Lightning II. VMFA-501 “Warlords” was among the first operational F-35B squadrons at the station. The installation also continues to host F/A-18 Hornet squadrons as the transition progresses.

Q: What is the hurricane hotline for MCAS Beaufort and Parris Island? A: The MCRD Parris Island and MCAS Beaufort Hurricane Hotline is 1-800-343-0639. Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and base emergency procedures before the season begins.

Q: How do I contact the housing office to start my PCS housing search? A: Contact the MCRD Parris Island Housing Referral Office at (843) 228-2853 (Building 402) or the MCAS Beaufort Housing Referral Office at (843) 228-7069 (Building 1140). All personnel are required to check with Housing Referral before committing to off-base housing.

Q: What commissary and exchange options are available? A: The MCAS Beaufort Commissary is located in Building 407 and can be reached at (843) 228-2383. The Marine Corps Exchange (MCX) is in Building 409. Both are full-service facilities serving the Tri-Command area.

Q: Can I use a VA loan to buy a home near MCAS Beaufort? A: Absolutely. BAH at most pay grades in the Beaufort area is often sufficient to cover a VA loan mortgage payment, and VA loans require no down payment and no private mortgage insurance. Visit our VA Home Loan page to learn more and connect with a military-savvy lender.

Key Takeaways

• BAH at Beaufort/Parris Island (SC258) increased in 2026 — E-5 with dependents receives $2,403/month; O-3 with dependents receives $2,856/month. Use these figures to budget housing before you arrive.
• On-base housing has three distinct Parris Island neighborhoods — Wake Village (E-1/E-5), Weapons Sound (E-6/E-9), and Marsh Landing (O-4/O-6). Contact AMCC at (843) 846-5300 early — waitlists are real.
• DoDEA schools at Laurel Bay serve only on-base residents through grade 8 — Elliott Elementary (PreK–2) and Bolden Elementary/Middle (3–8). There is no DoDEA high school; all high schoolers attend Beaufort County public schools.
• Naval Hospital Beaufort is your MTF: 1 Pinckney Blvd, appointments at (843) 228-7424, open Mon–Fri 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Hurricane season is real — the hotline is 1-800-343-0639. Have a plan before June 1.
• BAH often covers a mortgage here — run the VA loan numbers before defaulting to renting. The Beaufort housing market is one of the most affordable in coastal SC.
• Build your PCS timeline now — use the PCS Plan tool and join the Beaufort & Parris Island PCS Pay-It-Forward® group to get real answers from families already stationed here.

Last updated: 2026 | Sources: DoD BAH rate tables (January 2026), TRICARE Naval Hospital Beaufort, DoDEA Laurel Bay Schools, AMCC Tri-Command, MCCS South Carolina, MCAS Beaufort official installation website.