Naval Station Everett (NSE): The Complete 2026 PCS Guide for Navy Families

Naval Station Everett: Quick Facts

Detail	Info
Installation	Naval Station Everett (NSE / NAVSTA Everett)
Location	2000 W Marine View Dr, Everett, WA 98207
Main Gate Phone	(425) 304-3260
Housing Office Phone	(425) 304-3402
Branch Health Clinic Phone	(425) 304-4060
Fleet & Family Support Center	(866) 854-0638
School Liaison Officer	(425) 304-3688
ID/CAC Card Processing	(425) 304-4256
Nearest Major City	Seattle (~29 miles south)
Nearest Airport	Paine Field / Snohomish County (PAE) — 5 miles
State Income Tax	None — Washington has no state income tax
BAH Area	EVERETT, WA Military Housing Area

Is Naval Station Everett a Good Duty Station?

Honest answer: yes — with caveats. NSE sits on the shores of Port Gardner Bay with views of the Olympic Mountains and the Cascades. The Pacific Northwest is genuinely beautiful and the outdoor recreation is world-class. Seattle is close enough for a day trip, but far enough that you’re not paying Seattle prices for everything. Additionally, Washington state has no personal income tax, which is a meaningful financial advantage when comparing duty stations.

The Case For NSE

Families who love this tour consistently point to the same things. First, the scenery and outdoor access are unmatched. Second, the community here is genuinely tight — NSE is small enough that people actually know each other. Third, the no-income-tax advantage effectively puts more money in your pocket every month. Additionally, Paine Field is just five miles from base with direct West Coast flights — a practical quality-of-life win that often gets overlooked.

Furthermore, NSE is on the edge of an exciting chapter. The Navy announced that Naval Station Everett will become the future homeport for the first 12 Constellation-class frigates (FFG-62), with the lead ship, USS Constellation, expected in 2026. Consequently, NSE’s mission profile — and the community around it — is set to grow significantly over the next decade.

The Hard Truths

The housing market in Snohomish County is competitive and expensive. Specifically, if you wait until you arrive to look for off-base housing, you will lose it. Deployment tempo can be heavy depending on which ship you’re attached to. Moreover, the clinic on base has a mixed reputation for appointment availability. Most experienced families establish a PCM in the civilian TRICARE network quickly after checking in.

However, the community here is genuinely tight. The NSE area has an active military spouse network, a strong Facebook group, and people who show up when your sailor deploys. That matters more than you might expect.

2026 BAH Rates for Naval Station Everett

BAH at NSE is based on the EVERETT, WA Military Housing Area. Rates increased by an average of 4.2% in 2026, reflecting higher rental costs across the Puget Sound region. Washington’s no-income-tax status makes these rates even more effective than the dollar amounts suggest.

2026 Enlisted BAH — Everett, WA

Pay Grade	With Dependents	Without Dependents
E-1	$2,568	$2,085
E-2	$2,568	$2,085
E-3	$2,568	$2,085
E-4	$2,568	$2,085
E-5	$2,748	$2,277
E-6	$3,243	$2,433
E-7	$3,363	$2,574
E-8	$3,489	$2,850
E-9	$3,630	$2,997

2026 Officer BAH — Everett, WA

Pay Grade	With Dependents	Without Dependents
O-1	$2,814	$2,385
O-2	$3,240	$2,691
O-3	$3,567	$3,063
O-4	$3,780	$3,366
O-5	$3,936	$3,435
O-6	$3,969	$3,549

Rates effective January 1, 2026. Always verify current rates at the DoD BAH Calculator.

For the full 2026 BAH breakdown by zip code, pay grade, and how to use your BAH toward a home purchase, see our 2026 BAH rates guide.

Housing at Naval Station Everett

On-Base Housing

On-base family housing at NSE is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. Units range from townhomes to single-family homes, organized by pay grade.

Housing Service Center Contact:

• 2000 W Marine View Dr #115, Everett, WA 98207
• Phone: (425) 304-3402
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:30 PM

Waitlists are real. The smaller the installation, the shorter the inventory. Get your name on the list the moment you receive orders — not when you arrive. Call the housing office as soon as your detachment date is confirmed. Specifically, ask for current waitlist times by pay grade, because they vary significantly.

Off-Base Neighborhoods: What to Expect in 2026

The Everett and Snohomish County rental market is competitive. Families routinely report losing rentals to other applicants within hours of a listing going live. Here’s an honest breakdown by area:

Everett (Closest to Base)

• 5–15 minute commute to NSE
• Mix of older housing stock and newer developments
• Median rent for a 3BR: approximately $2,200–$2,600/month (2026)
• Neighborhoods vary — research specific streets before signing anything

Mukilteo (Most Popular with Military Families)

• ~10 minutes south of base; ferry access to Whidbey Island
• Excellent school district (Mukilteo School District)
• Beautiful waterfront community
• 3BR rentals: $2,400–$2,900/month — listings move fast

Marysville (Budget-Friendly, Growing)

• ~15–20 minutes north of base
• More affordable — 3BR rentals: $1,900–$2,400/month
• Growing community with newer developments
• Additionally, the Navy Support Complex at Smokey Point is located here (more on that below)

Mill Creek / Silver Fir (Family-Friendly)

• ~20–25 minutes from base; excellent schools and quiet neighborhoods
• Newer construction; popular with families during transfer season
• 3BR: $2,400–$3,000/month

Lynnwood / Edmonds (South Toward Seattle)

• ~20–25 minutes south; good transit access for commuting spouses
• 3BR: $2,300–$2,800/month

💡 Real talk from the community: Most families start their housing search 90–120 days before their report date. The Everett market does not wait. Join the NSE PCS Pay-It-Forward® Facebook group for real-time housing leads, referrals to military-friendly landlords, and neighborhood intel from families currently stationed there.

Connect with a VA home loan specialist before you make an offer →

Navy Support Complex Smokey Point

This is one of the most important things to understand about NSE — and one that surprises a lot of new arrivals. In fact, the commissary, NEX, and most family support services are NOT at the main base on Marine View Drive. Instead, they’re located at the Navy Family Support Complex at Smokey Point, approximately 11 miles north of the main gate near Marysville.

Smokey Point houses:

• Navy Exchange (NEX) — clothing, electronics, household goods
• Commissary — full-service grocery
• Chapel and religious education center
• Auto hobby shop and gear issue
• Bachelor Officer Quarters (BOQ)
• Education offices
• Ball fields and courts
• Fleet parking for deployed personnel

Specifically, if you’re house-hunting in Marysville, your proximity to both NSE and Smokey Point becomes a genuine advantage — you’re splitting the distance between both facilities.

Schools Near Naval Station Everett

Note: There is no DoDEA school at Naval Station Everett. All military children attend local public schools. Before choosing a neighborhood, confirm your address falls in your preferred district — boundary lines in this area can be counterintuitive. The School Liaison Officer at NSE can help you navigate this: call (425) 304-3688.

Mukilteo School District (Most Recommended)

The most commonly recommended district for NSE families. It serves Mukilteo, parts of Everett, and Lynnwood.

• Highly rated schools with strong STEM programs
• mukilteoschools.org | (425) 356-1275

Everett Public Schools

Serves families living in Everett proper, closest to base.

• Multiple elementary, middle, and high school options across the city
• everettsd.org | (425) 385-4000

Marysville School District

Serves families living north of base in Marysville and Lakewood.

• Growing district with newer facilities in some areas
• msd25.org | (360) 965-0000

Snohomish School District

Covers the Snohomish area (~25 minutes from base), popular with families who want a more rural feel.

• sno.wednet.edu | (360) 563-7280

Check school ratings at GreatSchools.org and verify address-to-district boundaries before you sign a lease.

Medical at Naval Station Everett

Naval Branch Health Clinic Everett

The on-base clinic handles primary care, pharmacy, and immunizations for active-duty and enrolled dependents.

• Address: 2000 W Marine View Dr, Everett, WA 98207
• Phone: (425) 304-4060
• Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday — 8:00 AM–3:30 PM | Thursday — 8:00 AM–12:00 PM

Honest heads-up: the clinic has a mixed reputation, particularly for appointment availability and specialist referrals. Therefore, many experienced NSE families establish an off-base PCM through TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select as a backup plan. Specifically, do this early — don’t wait until you need a referral to sort out your coverage.

Off-Base Medical Options

• Providence Regional Medical Center Everett — Level II Trauma Center, full-service hospital
  1321 Colby Ave, Everett, WA | (425) 261-2000
• MultiCare Indigo Urgent Care — multiple Snohomish County locations for non-emergency needs

TRICARE Resources

• TRICARE West Region (Humana Military): humanamilitary.com | 1-800-444-5445
• Find a TRICARE provider: tricare.mil/FindDoctor

Build your NSE PCS plan with a local Ambassador →

Base Amenities and Services

Naval Station Everett is a smaller installation, so amenities at the main base are focused on essentials. However, the Navy Support Complex at Smokey Point significantly expands what’s available to you. Together, the two facilities cover most of what you’d expect from a major fleet homeport.

At the Main Base (Marine View Drive)

Amenity	Details
Fitness Center / Gym	Highly rated by service members; includes pool and modern equipment
Sailors Choice Marina	Private mooring; recreational boating on Puget Sound
Child Development Center (CDC)	On base — waitlists common; get on the list immediately upon orders
Fleet & Family Support Center	On base — deployment prep, financial counseling, relocation assistance
Branch Health Clinic	Primary care, pharmacy, immunizations

At Navy Support Complex Smokey Point (11 Miles North, Marysville Area)

Amenity	Details
Navy Exchange (NEX)	Clothing, electronics, household goods
Commissary	Full-service grocery
Chapel	Religious education center and worship space
Auto Hobby Shop	Gear issue, DIY vehicle maintenance bays
Education Offices	TA, GI Bill counseling, tuition assistance coordination
MWR Programs	Recreation programs, events, mountaineering program (2026); see navylifepnw.com

CDC waitlist tip: This is critical for families with young children. Get on the CDC waitlist the moment you have orders. Do not wait until check-in — waitlists here are real.

Deployment and Operational Tempo at NSE

Naval Station Everett is the homeport for surface combatants assigned to Carrier Strike Group 11 (CSG-11) and Destroyer Squadron 9 (DESRON 9). Currently, NSE homeports seven guided-missile destroyers, along with Coast Guard vessels and Military Sealift Command ships.

The Constellation-Class Frigates Are Coming

Notably, the Navy has designated NSE as the future homeport for the first 12 Constellation-class frigates (FFG-62). USS Constellation, the lead ship, is expected for delivery in 2026. As a result, NSE’s role — and the community around it — will grow significantly over the next decade. If you’re heading here now, you’re arriving at a moment of real expansion for this installation.

What Deployment Tempo Looks Like

Deployment tempo is real. Six-to-eight month deployments are common, and underways happen regularly even between deployments. Therefore, building your support network before deployment is the most important thing you can do at this duty station.

Fleet & Family Support Center (FFSC) on base offers:

• Deployment preparation workshops
• Financial readiness counseling
• Ombudsman network connections
• Individual and family counseling referrals

The NSE PCS Pay-It-Forward® Facebook group is one of the best places to plug in early. People here rally hard during deployments — but you have to show up first.

Spouse Employment Near NSE

The Everett and Snohomish County job market is genuinely strong for military spouses. Specifically, key industries in the area include aerospace, technology, healthcare, and government. Several specific resources exist to help you hit the ground running.

Resources for Working Spouses

• Fleet & Family Support Center (FFSC) — resume workshops, career counseling, and job fair connections: (866) 854-0638
• Boeing (Everett) — one of the largest employers in Snohomish County; the Everett factory is the world’s largest building by volume
• Providence Regional Medical Center — major healthcare employer; frequently hiring
• MilSpouse Employment Programs via MilitaryOneSource.mil
• Hiring Our Heroes fellowship programs for military spouses

Additionally, Seattle’s tech sector is accessible via Sounder commuter rail from Everett. For spouses with remote or hybrid roles in the Seattle market, this is a realistic daily commute option.

Living in the Everett Area: What You Need to Know

Cost of Living

Washington state’s no-income-tax status is a genuine financial win. However, the tradeoff is a higher cost of living than many other duty stations, particularly in housing. Groceries, utilities, and gas are comparable to other Pacific Northwest cities.

• Average gas price (2026): ~$4.00–$4.40/gallon
• Sales tax in Snohomish County: ~10.4%
• No state income tax — this can mean hundreds to thousands of dollars more annually compared to duty stations in states that do collect income tax

For how to put your BAH and no-tax advantage together into a buying strategy, see our VA home loan guide and 2026 BAH guide.

Weather

The Pacific Northwest reputation for rain is real — but nuanced. Everett averages about 35 inches of rain per year, which is actually less than Seattle. Moreover, most precipitation comes as overcast drizzle rather than heavy downpour. Summers from July through September are spectacular: sunny, mild, with temperatures typically in the 70s. Winters are grey and damp, but rarely feature snow at sea level. In fact, if you’re coming from a sunny duty station, a good rain jacket and intentional planning for clear-day outdoor time go a long way.

Outdoor Recreation

This is genuinely where Everett shines:

• Hiking and backpacking: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is within an hour
• Skiing/snowboarding: Stevens Pass (~90 min), Crystal Mountain (~2 hours)
• Water recreation: Puget Sound kayaking, fishing, sailing; ferry to Whidbey Island from Mukilteo
• Mountaineering: MWR is actively running a mountaineering program in 2026
• Camping: Dozens of state parks and national forest campgrounds within 90 minutes

Getting Around

• Commute to base: 10–25 minutes from most neighborhoods in Everett, Mukilteo, and Marysville
• Seattle: I-5 south, roughly 30–45 minutes without traffic; plan for 60–90 minutes during peak commute hours
• Public transit: Community Transit serves Snohomish County; Sounder commuter rail connects Everett to Seattle
• Paine Field (PAE): Just 5 miles from base with direct flights to major West Coast cities — a genuine quality-of-life win

Your NSE PCS Move: Where to Start

Here’s the short version of your first-30-days checklist for Naval Station Everett:

1. Start your PCS plan — Use our PCS Plan tool to build your move timeline
2. Contact the housing office immediately — (425) 304-3402, before you check in
3. Get your name on the CDC waitlist — Don’t wait on this one
4. Research neighborhoods and districts — Call the School Liaison at (425) 304-3688
5. Understand your DITY/PPM options — Our DITY/PPM move guide breaks down the math for 2026
6. Review your VA home loan options — BAH rates plus Washington’s no-income-tax advantage make buying worth exploring; see our VA home loan guide
7. Check 2026 pay and entitlements — 2026 military pay charts and 2026 BAH guide are updated and ready
8. Review PCS tax write-offs — See what you can deduct from your military move

Need a moving checklist? Our PCS binder and checklist walks you through every step. The full PCS Toolkit has everything else you need in one place.

FAQs: Naval Station Everett PCS

Is Naval Station Everett a good duty station for families?

Yes, for most families. NSE offers a tight-knit community, access to world-class outdoor recreation, and Washington’s no-income-tax advantage. The downsides are a competitive housing market and deployment tempo that can be heavy depending on ship assignment. Families who plug into the community early consistently report positive tours here.

Where do most military families live near Naval Station Everett?

The most popular areas are Mukilteo (excellent schools, ~10 minutes south) and Everett itself (closest to base). Additionally, Marysville (~15 minutes north) offers more affordability, while Mill Creek (~20–25 minutes) draws families seeking newer construction.

What are the 2026 BAH rates for Naval Station Everett?

BAH is based on the EVERETT, WA Military Housing Area. Key 2026 rates: E-5 with dependents is $2,748; E-6 with dependents is $3,243; O-3 with dependents is $3,567; O-5 with dependents is $3,936. See the full table above, and always verify at the DoD BAH Calculator.

How long is the on-base housing waitlist at NSE?

Waitlist times vary by pay grade and unit type, but they are real. Therefore, call the Housing Service Center at (425) 304-3402 as soon as you have orders. Confirm current wait times and get your name on the list early. Do not assume on-base housing will be available upon arrival.

Where are the NEX and commissary at Naval Station Everett?

They are not at the main base. The Navy Exchange and commissary are located at the Navy Support Complex at Smokey Point, approximately 11 miles north of the main gate near Marysville. Plan your shopping trips accordingly, especially if you live south of base.

What school district is best for Naval Station Everett families?

Mukilteo School District is most commonly recommended for its school quality and proximity to base. Everett Public Schools serves families living closest to the main gate. Research specific schools and confirm your address falls within your preferred district before signing a lease. The School Liaison Officer at (425) 304-3688 can help you navigate district boundaries.

Does Naval Station Everett have a Child Development Center?

Yes, there is an on-base CDC, but waitlists are common. Contact the CDC immediately upon receiving orders — do not wait until you arrive to get on the waitlist. This is one of the most consistent pieces of advice from families already stationed at NSE.

What TRICARE region is Naval Station Everett in?

NSE falls under the TRICARE West Region, administered by Humana Military. Call 1-800-444-5445 or visit humanamilitary.com to find providers and manage enrollment. Many families also set up a civilian PCM as a backup given clinic capacity limitations on base.

Is it worth buying a home near Naval Station Everett?

Many NSE families do buy, particularly given 2026 BAH rates in the area and Washington’s no-income-tax advantage. The key factors are your tour length, the current market, and VA loan eligibility. See our VA home loan guide for a full breakdown of how to use your benefit at this duty station.

What is the deployment tempo like at Naval Station Everett?

NSE homeports surface combatants with real operational commitments to CSG-11. Six-to-eight month deployments plus regular underways are common. Building your support network through Fleet & Family Support Center, the ombudsman network, and the NSE Facebook group before deployment is essential for families stationed here.

Key Takeaways

• Start housing early. The Everett market is competitive. Contact the housing office at (425) 304-3402 for on-base waitlists the day you get orders. For off-base housing, begin your search 90–120 days out.
• The NEX and commissary are at Smokey Point, not the main base. Factor the 11-mile drive into your neighborhood search — Marysville and north Everett families have the shortest trip.
• Washington has no state income tax. This meaningfully increases your effective compensation compared to many other duty stations.
• Get on the CDC waitlist immediately. Childcare spots fill fast, and the waitlist is real.
• Mukilteo and Marysville are your best off-base bets — Mukilteo for schools, Marysville for affordability and Smokey Point access.
• Build your network before deployment. Fleet & Family Support Center at (866) 854-0638 and the NSE PCS Pay-It-Forward® Facebook group are your best resources.
• Set up TRICARE off-base early. The on-base clinic has capacity limitations; having a civilian PCM gives you a backup when you need it.
• NSE is growing fast. Specifically, the Constellation-class frigates are coming — with USS Constellation expected in 2026. As a result, this is an installation on the rise and a community worth investing in.

Have questions or want to connect with families already at NSE? Join the NSE PCS Pay-It-Forward® Facebook group — it’s the fastest way to get real answers from people living this tour right now.

Ready to build your full PCS plan? Start here →