PCS to Naval Air Station Fallon: The Complete Guide for Military Families

Join the NAS Fallon PCS Pay-It-Forward® Facebook group

The NAS Fallon Reality Check: What the Official Websites Won’t Tell You

Before we get into the details, here’s the honest overview that no official website gives you. NAS Fallon is not for every family — but for the right family, it’s genuinely one of the best-kept secrets in the Navy.

What’s Great About NAS Fallon

• Very low cost of living — your BAH goes further here than at almost any other Navy installation
• Nevada has no state income tax — a real, meaningful financial advantage for your family budget
• Tight military community where you’ll actually know your neighbors
• Exceptional outdoor recreation: world-class fishing at Lahontan Reservoir, hunting, off-roading, hiking, Sand Mountain
• 5-minute commute to work — no traffic, no stress
• Reno is about an hour away for bigger city amenities, concerts, and the nearest major airport
• The installation itself is remarkable — home to NAWDC, TOPGUN, and the 14,000-foot runway (the longest in the Navy)

What’s Challenging About NAS Fallon

• Fallon is a small rural town (~9,300 residents) — limited dining, shopping, and entertainment
• The nearest major city is Reno, roughly 60 miles west — plan on regular Reno days
• Limited medical specialist access locally; TRICARE referrals for specialty care typically go to Reno
• The DoD officially designates NAS Fallon as a remote duty assignment with “limited local medical services” — do your remote duty screenings and plan accordingly
• Deployment and detachment tempo can be significant depending on your command
• Spouses looking for professional career opportunities will find the local job market limited
• Summers run hot and dry (highs of 95–105°F); winters bring cold snaps and occasional snow

Neither list is meant to scare you or oversell it. NAS Fallon is a great fit for outdoor-loving, community-oriented families who don’t need big-city amenities. It’s a harder fit for families who depend on metropolitan job markets, specialized medical care, or diverse shopping and dining.

2026 BAH Rates for NAS Fallon

BAH at NAS Fallon is based on the Churchill County, Nevada Military Housing Area (MHA). Because the local rental market is small and genuinely affordable, BAH here is lower than major metro Navy installations — but the cost of living is proportionally lower, so your housing dollar stretches further. Many families at NAS Fallon find their BAH covers their rent or mortgage with money to spare.

Pay Grade	With Dependents	Without Dependents
E-1 / E-2 / E-3 / E-4	$1,578	$1,287
E-5	$1,596	$1,455
E-6	$1,788	$1,557
E-7	$1,980	$1,587
E-8	$2,190	$1,644
E-9	$2,373	$1,779
O-1	$1,629	$1,554
O-2	$1,785	$1,596
O-3	$2,319	$1,785
O-3E	$2,406	$1,806
O-4	$2,499	$1,992
O-5	$2,625	$2,109
O-6	$2,643	$2,304

Data last verified: March 2026. Confirm current figures with the DoD BAH Calculator (travel.dod.mil) using ZIP code 89496.

The good news: a 3-bedroom home in Fallon frequently rents for well under the BAH rate for E-5 and above. For a full breakdown of how BAH is calculated and how to use it during your PCS, visit our 2026 BAH rates guide and our BAH calculator.

Housing at NAS Fallon

On-Base Housing: Liberty Military Housing

On-base family housing at NAS Fallon is privatized and operated by Liberty Military Housing (LMH). The installation has 219 family housing units across three communities. All units include central heating and air conditioning, range, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Average utility costs are included in your monthly rent (paid via BAH allotment), and there are no security deposits or credit checks.

The Three Liberty Military Housing Communities at NAS Fallon

Mountain View Community — Eligibility E1–O6. Located in the Lahontan Valley, Mountain View includes 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom homes. Amenities include air conditioning, heat, and washer/dryer hookups. Pets are welcome.

Blue Sky Community — Eligibility E1–E6. Recognized as an “A-List” property for outstanding service. Features amenities including playground access and community gathering spaces.

Sage Street Housing — Offers duplex and single-family homes for enlisted and officer families. The area features a playground, a basketball court, and walking paths.

How to Apply for On-Base Housing

The Navy Housing Office accepts all applications, determines eligibility, manages the waitlist, and provides the referral to Liberty Military Housing. Contact Liberty Military Housing directly at (775) 426-2809 or reach the Navy Housing Office at fallon_housing@navy.mil. Housing is limited — contact them as soon as your orders are issued, not 30 days out.

Not sure which neighborhoods fit your BAH and your priorities? Start your free PCS Plan and get connected with someone who knows this market.

Off-Base Housing in Fallon, NV

Most military families at NAS Fallon live off-base in the town of Fallon. The rental and purchase market is small but affordable — and in many cases, your BAH covers the full housing cost with room to spare.

Off-Base Rental Ranges (2026 Estimates)

Home Size	Monthly Rent Range
2-bedroom apartment or home	$900 – $1,200
3-bedroom home	$1,100 – $1,600
4-bedroom home	$1,400 – $1,900

Data last verified: March 2026. Verify current listings with a local property manager or the NAS Fallon Housing Service Center.

Home Purchase Market

Median home prices in Fallon run approximately $300,000–$340,000, significantly lower than Reno and far below coastal Navy markets. For buyers using a VA loan, this market is one of the most accessible in the Navy — no down payment, no PMI, and purchase prices well within reach for most pay grades.

Thinking about buying near NAS Fallon? Learn how your VA Home Loan benefit works and whether buying makes sense for your tour length.

Connect With the NAS Fallon Community Before You Decide

Before you sign a lease or make any housing decision, connect with families already stationed here. They know which landlords respond to maintenance calls, which streets are quietest, and which neighborhoods are most popular for military families.

Join the NAS Fallon PCS Pay-It-Forward® Facebook group — ask your housing questions there before you commit to anything.

Schools Near NAS Fallon

There are no DoDEA schools at NAS Fallon. All military children attend Churchill County School District (CCSD) public schools alongside the civilian community. The district is small (approximately 3,500 students total) and has significant experience with military family transitions.

Churchill County School District Overview

• District website: ccsd.k12.nv.us
• District phone: (775) 423-5184
• School Liaison Officer (SLO): (775) 240-4160 — call the SLO before you arrive to discuss enrollment, AP credit transfers, and graduation requirement differences between Nevada and your current state

Key Schools for Military Families

School	Grades	Phone	Notes
Lahontan Elementary	K–5	(775) 423-6044	Praised for supportive staff and active parent-teacher involvement
E.C. Best Elementary	K–5	(775) 423-0432	Popular with military families
Churchill County Middle School	6–8	(775) 423-3332	Range of electives including technology and arts; inclusive environment
Churchill County High School	9–12	(775) 423-5184	AP courses, career and technical education, strong graduation rate
Oasis Academy	K–12	(775) 423-2552	Public charter option; enrollment based on space availability with lottery for waitlisted grades

What Military Families Should Know About CCSD

The district is experienced with PCS transitions and credit transfers. Churchill County High School offers AP and dual enrollment options — call the counselor before your move to discuss transcript requirements and Nevada graduation credit standards. Class sizes are smaller than major metro districts, and the community is tightly knit.

Additionally, Western Nevada College has a campus in Fallon and an active Veteran Center. Vincennes University offers classes directly on-base at NAS Fallon. Both are solid options for military spouses pursuing degrees or service members working on education between deployments.

Medical Care at NAS Fallon

Naval Branch Health Clinic Fallon

NAS Fallon has an on-base Branch Health Clinic providing primary care, sick call, immunizations, physicals, and pharmacy services for active duty members and eligible family members.

• Phone: (775) 426-2273
• Hours: Monday–Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Location: On the installation — confirm the building number with your sponsor upon check-in

The Medical Reality at NAS Fallon

This is important: the DoD officially classifies NAS Fallon as a remote duty assignment with “limited local medical services available.” The Branch Health Clinic handles primary care well, but specialty care, OB/GYN, pediatric specialists, and most diagnostic imaging require TRICARE referrals to providers in Reno, roughly 60 miles west. Plan ahead — don’t wait until you’re 8 months pregnant or your child needs a specialist.

TRICARE at NAS Fallon

NAS Fallon falls under TRICARE West, managed by HealthNet Federal Services. Network providers are available in both Fallon and Reno; specialty care typically routes to Reno.

• TRICARE West: 1-844-866-9378
• Dental: TRICARE Dental Program — enroll through BENEFEDS

Establish primary care at the Branch Health Clinic within your first 30 days. If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, request a standing OB referral to a Reno provider early — before you need it.

On-Base Facilities and Quality of Life

Despite being a small installation, NAS Fallon has the core facilities military families rely on. MWR and outdoor recreation are genuine strengths here.

Commissary

The NAS Fallon commissary is smaller than what you may be used to at a larger base. Many families supplement with Walmart Supercenter in town and make monthly Costco or Sam’s Club runs to Reno. The commissary phone is (775) 426-2961; confirm current hours at commissaries.com.

Navy Exchange (NEX)

The NEX at NAS Fallon operates in a ship’s store format with limited selection compared to a full NEX. Online ordering through mynavyexchange.com is your best friend at this installation. NEX phone: (775) 426-2285.

MWR: Where NAS Fallon Really Shines

Outdoor recreation is the crown jewel of NAS Fallon MWR. The surrounding high desert is genuinely extraordinary for active families.

• MWR Phone: (775) 426-2635
• Outdoor Recreation: Hunting and fishing permits, camping gear rentals, off-road vehicle rentals
• Fitness Center: Full gym with cardio and weight equipment
• Bowling Center: On-base bowling alley
• Auto Skills Center: DIY vehicle maintenance bay
• Swimming Pool: Seasonal outdoor pool
• Golf Course: Small on-base course

Lahontan State Recreation Area is minutes away — fishing, boating, and camping. Sand Mountain Recreation Area is nearby for off-roading. The Great Basin offers hiking. Families who embrace outdoor living consistently say NAS Fallon becomes one of their favorite assignments.

Child Development Center (CDC)

NAS Fallon has one CDC providing full-time care for children ages 6 weeks through 5 years, plus School-Age Care for grades K–12 with before-school, after-school, holiday, and summer programs. The CDC is DoD-certified and follows national accreditation standards. Priority is given to active-duty families. Apply as soon as orders arrive — waitlists apply.

• CDC Phone: (775) 426-2263
• Family Child Care (FCC) in-home providers are also available through MWR and often have more immediate openings

Getting to NAS Fallon: Location and Arrival

Address and Directions

Naval Air Station Fallon
4755 Pasture Road
Fallon, NV 89496

NAS Fallon is located approximately 60 miles east of Reno on US Highway 50 — the so-called “Loneliest Road in America.” The base sits about 7 miles southeast of the town of Fallon. The drive from Reno takes 60–75 minutes depending on conditions.

Check-In Procedure

Report to the NAS Fallon Administration Office, Building 350 upon arrival. If you arrive after normal working hours, call the Command Duty Officer at (775) 848-5931. After-hours arrivals should check in at Central Billeting, Building 354, where front desk personnel will endorse your orders and log your arrival. You are entitled to up to 10 days of Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) — confirm this at the Administration Office during in-processing.

Nearest Airports

Airport	Distance	Notes
Reno-Tahoe International (RNO)	~60 miles	All commercial flights; plan 60–90 minutes drive to the base
Fallon Municipal Airport (FLU)	On/near base	General aviation only

Flying in for your house-hunting trip? Fly into Reno-Tahoe (RNO) and rent a car. There is no longer a base duty driver for non-emergency transportation, and the taxi fare from RNO exceeds $100 — plan accordingly. For arrangements, call (775) 426-8257 at least two to three days before arrival.

Gate Access and Vehicle Registration

The Main Gate is open 24/7 for active duty. Visitors must obtain a pass at the Visitor Control Center — have your sponsor’s name and contact information ready. You will need to register your privately owned vehicle before using it on base; bring an unexpired license, proof of insurance, and your vehicle title. Nevada may require you to register your vehicle and obtain an in-state license within a few months of relocating — check with the base legal office during in-processing.

Life in Fallon, Nevada

The Town of Fallon

Fallon (population ~9,300) is Churchill County’s county seat — a quiet, friendly Western Nevada town known for its Hearts O’ Gold cantaloupes, agricultural heritage, and its growing identity as a military community. It’s not glamorous, and it’s not trying to be.

What You’ll Find in Fallon

Walmart Supercenter handles most everyday needs. Raley’s provides a solid grocery alternative. Several local restaurants operate alongside a handful of chains. Churchill County Library is well-regarded. The Oats Park Art Center adds a surprising amount of cultural life for a town this size. The Fallon Rodeo and local community events fill the calendar throughout the year.

What Requires a Reno Trip

Costco, Target, and major retail chains are in Reno. Most specialty restaurants, entertainment, and live music are there too. All major medical specialists route to Reno. The nearest airport with commercial service is Reno-Tahoe. Most NAS Fallon families build a monthly “Reno day” into their routine — grocery runs, a nicer dinner, specialty shopping. Budget $50–70/month in additional fuel for regular Reno trips; it’s normal and expected.

Weather in Fallon

Fallon sits at approximately 3,900 feet elevation in the high desert. Summers run hot and dry — highs regularly hit 95–105°F with very low humidity. Winters bring cold nights and occasional freezes, with some snow possible but rarely severe. Spring and fall are ideal. Wind can be significant in spring. Bring sun shades for your car, stay hydrated in summer, and keep a light cold-weather kit for winter nights.

Nevada Financial Advantages for Military Families

Nevada’s financial picture is one of the most favorable in the country for military families. Two advantages stand out.

No State Income Tax

Nevada has no state income tax. For a military family, that means your base pay, allowances, and any spouse income are not subject to state income tax — at all. Over a typical 3-year tour, this represents thousands of dollars that stay in your household rather than going to the state. It’s one of the genuine financial benefits that makes NAS Fallon more attractive than its remote location might initially suggest.

Veterans Property Tax Exemption

Nevada offers a wartime veterans property tax exemption of approximately $3,540 in assessed value deduction for the 2025–2026 fiscal year, translating to roughly $126 per year in property tax savings. Disabled veterans with at least 60% permanent service-connected disability qualify for significantly higher exemptions: approximately $632/year at 60–79% disability, $948/year at 80–99%, and $1,264/year at 100% disability. Apply through the Churchill County Assessor’s Office — bring your DD214 and VA disability documentation. You can also apply the exemption to your vehicle registration tax. Contact the Nevada Department of Veterans Services for full details.

Vehicle Registration Tax Exemption for Nonresident Service Members

Nonresident service members and their spouses stationed in Nevada who choose to register their vehicles in Nevada are exempt from the Nevada Governmental Services Vehicle Registration Tax. This is a meaningful savings on vehicle registration for families relocating from other states.

VA Home Loans at NAS Fallon: What You Should Know

Fallon’s real estate market is one of the more buyer-friendly markets you’ll encounter at any Navy installation. Home prices are low, competition is limited, and your VA loan benefit can make homeownership genuinely achievable here.

Why Buying Near NAS Fallon Makes Financial Sense

• Median home price approximately $300,000–$340,000 — well within reach for most pay grades with a VA loan
• No down payment required with a VA loan
• No PMI (private mortgage insurance)
• Nevada’s no state income tax reduces your overall cost of homeownership
• BAH typically covers or nearly covers mortgage payments at this price point

The Honest Tradeoff

Fallon is a small, rural market. If you’re assigned here for a short tour (2 years or less), resale can be slower than in a major metro — there’s a limited pool of buyers. Talk to a local real estate professional with military PCS experience before committing. For many families at the right tour length, buying makes strong financial sense. For others, renting is completely valid here too.

Learn how the VA Home Loan works and get connected with a military-experienced agent →

PCS Tips From the NAS Fallon Community

These are the real-talk tips experienced NAS Fallon families share with newcomers — the things they wish someone had told them before they arrived.

Before You Arrive

• Join the NAS Fallon PCS Pay-It-Forward® Facebook group immediately — this community is your best resource for housing leads, sponsor connections, and newcomer questions
• Request your sponsor early and ask for photos of housing options and the surrounding area
• Look at rental listings in Fallon now so you understand the market before you’re under pressure to decide
• If you have school-age kids, call the School Liaison Officer at (775) 240-4160 before you arrive to discuss enrollment and credit transfer procedures
• Contact the Liberty Military Housing office at (775) 426-2809 the day your orders are issued — on-base housing is limited and waitlists are real
• Review your PCS binder checklist and get your documents organized early

When You Arrive

• Check in at Administration, Building 350 — the process takes several days, so don’t schedule anything in the first week that can’t flex
• Report to the Housing Office within your first week even if you’re living off-base
• Establish care at the Branch Medical Clinic within your first 30 days
• Register your vehicle on-base before you need to drive it on the installation
• Plan your first Reno run in week 2 or 3 to stock up on anything you couldn’t bring

Money Tips

• The BAH-to-rent gap is real at NAS Fallon — many families genuinely come out ahead on housing here
• Factor Reno trips into your monthly fuel budget ($50–70/month is typical)
• Use the commissary and NEX for everyday purchases; Costco in Reno for bulk
• Review the Nevada vehicle registration tax exemption for nonresident service members — it’s a legitimate savings
• If you’re considering buying, do it before your tour gets short — resale takes longer in a small market

Want to get a head start on your whole PCS? Our PCS Toolkit has checklists, guides, and tools built specifically for military families in transition. And for the logistics of your actual move, our DITY/PPM move guide walks you through every step.

Quick Reference: NAS Fallon Contact Directory

Facility	Phone	Notes
NAS Fallon Main Line	(775) 426-5161	General inquiries
Command Duty Officer (after hours)	(775) 848-5931	After-hours check-in and emergencies
Administration Office (Building 350)	(775) 426-8257	Check-in, in-processing
Liberty Military Housing	(775) 426-2809	On-base housing applications and waitlist
Branch Health Clinic	(775) 426-2273	Primary care, sick call
Commissary	(775) 426-2961	Verify current hours at commissaries.com
Navy Exchange (NEX)	(775) 426-2285	Ship’s store format
MWR	(775) 426-2635	Outdoor recreation, fitness, programs
Child Development Center	(775) 426-2263	Apply early — waitlists apply
School Liaison Officer	(775) 240-4160	Enrollment, credit transfers, school questions
Family Support Office	(775) 426-4603	Financial counseling, deployment support, family advocacy
Legal Office	(775) 426-4604	Wills, powers of attorney, legal assistance
TRICARE West (HealthNet)	1-844-866-9378	Regional healthcare
Churchill County School District	(775) 423-5184	K–12 enrollment for all military-connected children

Frequently Asked Questions: PCS to NAS Fallon

Is NAS Fallon a good duty station for families?

NAS Fallon is an excellent fit for families who embrace outdoor recreation, a tight-knit community, and a slower pace of life. Low cost of living and no state income tax are real financial benefits. It’s a harder assignment for families who depend on a large metropolitan job market, specialized medical access, or diverse shopping and dining options. Honest answer: know your family’s needs before you arrive.

How far is NAS Fallon from Reno?

Approximately 60 miles east of Reno on US Highway 50 — about a 60–75 minute drive. Most NAS Fallon families make regular Reno trips for shopping, specialty dining, medical appointments, and the nearest major airport. Budget it into your monthly routine.

Who manages on-base housing at NAS Fallon?

On-base family housing is privatized and operated by Liberty Military Housing (LMH). The installation has 219 family units across three communities: Mountain View, Blue Sky, and Sage Street. Contact LMH at (775) 426-2809 as soon as your orders are issued.

What schools will my kids attend at NAS Fallon?

There are no DoDEA schools at NAS Fallon. All military children attend Churchill County School District (CCSD) public schools. The district has approximately 3,500 students and significant experience with military family transitions. Call the School Liaison Officer at (775) 240-4160 before your move to discuss enrollment, AP credit transfers, and Nevada graduation requirements.

What are the 2026 BAH rates at NAS Fallon?

NAS Fallon BAH is based on Churchill County, Nevada (ZIP 89496). The 2026 rate for E-5 with dependents is $1,596/month. Rates range from $1,578 (E-1 to E-4 with dependents) up to $2,643 (O-6 with dependents). Use the PCS PIF BAH calculator or the DoD BAH tool at travel.dod.mil to confirm your exact rate.

Is NAS Fallon actually the Top Gun base?

Yes — NAS Fallon is home to the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC), the Navy’s center of excellence for aviation training and the real-world program that inspired the Top Gun films. The installation also hosts the Desert Outlaws of Strike Fighter Wing Pacific and the Fighting Saints of VFC-13.

How is medical care at NAS Fallon?

The Branch Medical Clinic handles primary care, sick call, immunizations, and pharmacy on-base. Hours are Monday–Thursday 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. The DoD officially designates NAS Fallon as a remote duty assignment with limited local medical services. Specialty care, OB/GYN, pediatric specialists, and most diagnostic imaging require TRICARE referrals to Reno. Plan ahead for any specialty needs, especially OB care.

Does Nevada have state income tax for military members?

No — Nevada has no state income tax. That means your base pay, BAH, BAS, and any spouse income are not subject to state income tax. Over a typical 3-year tour, this represents meaningful savings compared to duty stations in states with income tax.

Can I use a VA loan to buy a home near NAS Fallon?

Absolutely — and Fallon’s lower home prices make VA loan math particularly favorable here. No down payment, no PMI, and median purchase prices in the $300,000–$340,000 range put homeownership within reach for most pay grades. Learn more about VA Home Loans →

What is there to do around NAS Fallon?

The outdoor recreation near NAS Fallon is exceptional. Lahontan State Recreation Area offers fishing, boating, and camping minutes from the base. Sand Mountain Recreation Area is ideal for off-roading and sandboarding. The surrounding high desert provides hunting, hiking, and access to ghost towns and historical sites. Reno (an hour away) and Lake Tahoe (about 90 minutes) round out the options for longer day trips.

What is the check-in process at NAS Fallon?

Report to the Administration Office, Building 350, upon arrival. If you arrive after hours, call the Command Duty Officer at (775) 848-5931 and check in at Central Billeting, Building 354. The check-in process takes several days. You are entitled to up to 10 days of Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) — confirm this during in-processing. Contact your sponsor at least two to three days before arrival if flying in through Reno-Tahoe International.

Is there childcare available on base at NAS Fallon?

Yes — NAS Fallon has one Child Development Center serving children ages 6 weeks through 5 years (full-time and drop-in care), plus School-Age Care for grades K–12. The CDC is DoD-certified and accredited. High demand means waitlists apply — contact the CDC at (775) 426-2263 as soon as orders arrive. Family Child Care (FCC) in-home providers are another option with more immediate availability.

Key Takeaways

• NAS Fallon is the Navy’s premier air warfare training center — home to NAWDC (TOPGUN), the Desert Outlaws, and over 3,000 military and civilian personnel