NAS JRB New Orleans: Your Warm, Real-Life Guide to PCS’ing Into One of the Navy’s Most Unique Bases

TL;DR: NAS JRB New Orleans is a joint-service installation in Belle Chasse, Louisiana — 11 miles south of one of the most unique cities in America. This guide covers 2026 BAH rates, on-base housing, the best neighborhoods for military families, schools, base amenities, and everything you need to land well.

NAS JRB New Orleans: What Makes This Duty Station Different

Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans sits on the west bank of the Mississippi River in Belle Chasse, Louisiana — a quiet suburban community in unincorporated Plaquemines Parish, just 11 miles south of the New Orleans central business district. If you’ve never been to this part of the country, get ready. This place will surprise you.

NAS JRB New Orleans is genuinely one of a kind. It’s the only major installation in the country that operates around the clock, every day, supporting two entirely separate critical missions simultaneously: the 159th Fighter Wing’s NORAD air sovereignty and homeland defense operations, and Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans’ search-and-rescue, maritime law enforcement, and port security mission. The base never sleeps — and the community around it reflects that energy.

The installation is home to personnel from the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Louisiana Air National Guard. Additionally, Army activities operate on the installation. That joint-force environment creates a tight-knit, diverse military community where you’ll meet families from every branch and background — often becoming lifelong friends by the time your tour ends.

Detail	Info
Official Name	Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans
Abbreviation	NAS JRB New Orleans
Location	Belle Chasse, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana (zip: 70037)
Distance to New Orleans	~11 miles south of the New Orleans CBD
Airport	Alvin Callender Field (ICAO: KNBG) — two runways (9,999 ft and 6,000 ft)
Operating Schedule	24/7 — supports NORAD and Coast Guard missions
Primary Tenant Units	159th Fighter Wing (LA ANG), Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans, Navy Reserve squadrons, Marine Corps Reserve detachment, Army activities
BAH MHA	New Orleans, LA (MHA Code: LA116)
Sponsor / In-Processing Contact	NORL.N1_ADMIN@navy.mil or (504) 678-9555

Louisiana has one of the most military-friendly tax climates in the South. The state does not tax active-duty military pay, and housing allowances (BAH) are federal tax-free — a meaningful advantage when you’re budgeting for a move. Additionally, the overall cost of living in Louisiana runs roughly 6–7% below the national average, which means your dollars stretch further here than in many other duty stations.

2026 BAH Rates for NAS JRB New Orleans (New Orleans MHA)

Your Basic Allowance for Housing at NAS JRB New Orleans falls under the New Orleans, Louisiana Military Housing Area (MHA code: LA116). For 2026, BAH rates increased by approximately 3% from 2025. That increase reflects ongoing rental market movement in the greater New Orleans area and on the West Bank.

2026 Enlisted BAH Rates — New Orleans MHA

Pay Grade	With Dependents	Without Dependents
E-1 through E-4	$1,779/mo	$1,473/mo
E-5	$1,905/mo	$1,581/mo
E-6	$2,373/mo	$1,779/mo
E-7	$2,439/mo	$1,830/mo
E-8	$2,508/mo	$2,004/mo
E-9	$2,634/mo	$2,139/mo

2026 Officer BAH Rates — New Orleans MHA

Pay Grade	With Dependents	Without Dependents
O-1	$1,968/mo	$1,650/mo
O-2	$2,370/mo	$1,866/mo
O-3	$2,553/mo	$2,202/mo
O-4	$2,847/mo	$2,436/mo
O-5	$3,060/mo	$2,472/mo
O-6	$3,084/mo	$2,532/mo

2026 Officer with Prior Enlisted Service (OE) Rates — New Orleans MHA

Pay Grade	With Dependents	Without Dependents
O-1E	$2,448/mo	$1,902/mo
O-2E	$2,541/mo	$2,109/mo
O-3E	$2,688/mo	$2,367/mo

BAH rates are effective January 1, 2026. Individual rate protection means your BAH won’t decrease if your rank and dependency status remain the same. Always verify your exact rate using the official DoD BAH calculator. For a full breakdown of how BAH is calculated, visit our 2026 BAH rates guide.

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🎯 Make Your PCS Plan Before You Search for Housing

Before you sign a lease or put in a housing application, build your PCS Plan© — it walks you through housing timelines, school enrollment, commute comparisons, and moving checklists, all personalized to your situation. If buying is on the table, our VA Home Loan guide explains how to use your benefit with zero down payment and no PMI in the Louisiana market. Browse all moving resources in our PCS Toolkit.

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Cost of Living Near NAS JRB New Orleans (2026)

Here’s great news for families PCSing here: Louisiana’s overall cost of living runs about 6–7% below the national average. Compared to other Navy installations near major metros, the New Orleans area offers genuinely affordable housing and a lower day-to-day cost of living. Your BAH goes further here than it would at many coastal duty stations.

Category	Louisiana / New Orleans Area vs. National Average
Overall Cost of Living	~6–7% below national average
Housing (off-base rentals)	$800–$1,400/mo for apartments near base; $1,200–$2,000/mo closer to New Orleans proper
Home Purchase (Belle Chasse area)	Median ~$200,000–$280,000 (West Bank communities)
Groceries	Slightly below national average
Utilities	Higher in summer due to A/C demands; average annually
Flood Insurance	Required for most properties — budget $800–$2,000+/year depending on flood zone

Real talk about flood insurance: This is a cost that surprises families new to coastal Louisiana. Most properties near the base and in West Bank communities require flood insurance — either through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private carrier. Before you sign a lease or purchase contract, ask specifically about the property’s flood zone designation. Zone AE properties carry higher required coverage than Zone X properties. Factor this into your housing budget from day one.

The good news is that the West Bank communities closest to NAS JRB New Orleans — Belle Chasse, Gretna, Harvey — tend to have more affordable home prices than Orleans Parish proper. Many military families find they can comfortably cover housing costs with BAH and still build savings, especially junior enlisted families who choose to live modestly near base rather than closer to the city.

On-Base Housing: Chasse Village and Aviation Oaks

On-base family housing at NAS JRB New Orleans is privatized and managed by Patrician Management. The installation has two housing communities: Chasse Village (the original neighborhood, with homes dating back to the pre-privatization era) and Aviation Oaks. Both offer two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes in townhouse configurations, with lawn care provided — including backyard maintenance.

On-Base Housing Amenities

Residents of Chasse Village and Aviation Oaks have access to an unusually strong set of community amenities for a base of NAS JRB’s size. The neighborhood includes 9 playgrounds with shade covers, 2 basketball courts, a dog park, a skate park, 2 picnic areas, 2 overflow parking lots, 2 boat and trailer parking lots, a multipurpose playing field, and on-site maintenance. All homes come with fully equipped kitchens. Notably, Belle Chasse Academy (K-8) — a public charter school specifically designed for military-connected children — sits within the housing area, which is a significant convenience for families with school-age kids.

How to Apply for On-Base Housing

Contact the Housing Service Center as soon as you receive orders. Waitlists vary by rank and family size. Check current wait times before committing to off-base housing.

Office	Contact
Housing Office (Patrician Management)	(504) 678-7569
Unaccompanied Housing (UPH)	(504) 678-7054 or (504) 678-3840

Unaccompanied Housing at 400 Russell Ave provides berthing organized by rank: E-1 through E-4 share a room and bath; E-5 and E-6 get a private room with shared bath; E-7 through E-9 receive a private room with shared or private bath; O-1 and above have private rooms with private baths, including suites.

Temporary Lodging: Navy Lodge Belle Chasse

When you first arrive and haven’t found permanent housing yet, the Navy Lodge on base is your go-to. It operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making it ideal for families rolling in outside of normal hours — especially common during PCS season.

Detail	Info
Address	400 Russell Dr, Building 465, Belle Chasse, LA 70037
Phone	(504) 366-3266 or 1-877-628-9233
Hours	24/7 check-in

Book your Navy Lodge stay as early as possible — summer PCS season (May through August) fills up fast. If the Lodge is full when you arrive, the housing office can point you toward off-base short-term options. The NAS JRB New Orleans PCS Pay It Forward® Facebook group also regularly shares private short-term furnished rentals and Airbnb recommendations from families who’ve been through the same transition.

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Where to Live Near NAS JRB New Orleans

Your neighborhood choice will define your daily experience here. Fortunately, the West Bank communities near the base offer a range of options that balance commute time, school quality, price point, and lifestyle. Here are the areas military families choose most often.

Belle Chasse

Belle Chasse is the community immediately surrounding the base — quiet, family-oriented, and the top choice for families who want a short commute and a low-key lifestyle. On-base housing sits within Belle Chasse, and many off-base rentals and homes are within a few miles of the gate. The Plaquemines Parish school system serves this area, and Belle Chasse Academy (on base) is a K-8 option available to military-connected children. Belle Chasse has a small-town feel with a strong military presence, making it easy to find community quickly after a move.

Gretna and Harvey

Located just across the Crescent City Connection bridge from New Orleans, Gretna and Harvey offer more shopping, dining, and entertainment options within easy reach. Commute to the base runs 15–25 minutes depending on traffic and the route. Jefferson Parish schools serve these communities, which generally rate well. These neighborhoods work well for families who want West Bank convenience with a bit more urban access.

Algiers

Algiers sits on the New Orleans side of the river but remains west bank — connected to the rest of New Orleans by the Crescent City Connection. It offers a quieter version of New Orleans life with easier base access than most Orleans Parish neighborhoods. Families who want the cultural energy of the city without downtown congestion often land here. Note that Orleans Parish schools vary significantly; connect with the School Liaison Officer before committing to Algiers if school quality is a priority.

Marrero and Terrytown

These West Bank communities offer some of the most affordable housing near the base, with a substantial military family presence. Marrero and Terrytown sit in Jefferson Parish, giving families access to the Jefferson Parish school system. Commutes to the base run 20–30 minutes. Families on tighter housing budgets or looking to maximize their BAH savings often find these neighborhoods the best fit.

Westwego and Avondale

Further west along the river, Westwego and Avondale are growing communities with newer construction and affordable home prices. Longer commutes (30+ minutes to the base), but some families prefer the extra space and lower cost these areas provide. Worth exploring if you’re buying and want more home for your money.

Considering whether to rent or buy? Many military families discover that their BAH covers a reasonable mortgage on a West Bank home with room to spare — especially with a VA Home Loan (zero down, no PMI, competitive rates). The Louisiana market is generally more forgiving than coastal markets like San Diego or Norfolk, making a VA purchase here financially smart for families with even a 2–3 year tour. Check our PCS Resources for a full rent vs. buy breakdown.

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Schools Near NAS JRB New Orleans

There are no DoDEA schools at NAS JRB New Orleans, but families have several solid options depending on where they choose to live. Louisiana participates in the Military Interstate Compact (MIC), which protects military children during school transitions — covering enrollment, placement, extracurricular eligibility, and senior-year flexibility when you PCS in or out.

Schools Serving NAS JRB New Orleans Families

School / District	Grades	Location	Notes
Belle Chasse Academy	K–8	On base (within housing)	Public charter school specifically designed for military-connected children. Opened 2002. No transportation provided to on-base residents — families walk or drive. No DoDEA school, but a strong military-focused alternative.
Plaquemines Parish School Board	K–12	Belle Chasse	Three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school in Belle Chasse. Assigned school district for the base. Generally well-regarded for a rural parish system.
Jefferson Parish Public Schools	K–12	Gretna, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego	Serves families living in West Bank Jefferson Parish communities. Consistently among the stronger parish systems in the state. If you live in Gretna or Harvey, this is your district.
Orleans Parish / OneApp Charter Schools	K–12	New Orleans (including Algiers)	New Orleans operates a charter school-dominant system managed through the OneApp enrollment platform. Wide range of school quality — research individual schools carefully. No single assigned school; families apply through OneApp.
New Orleans Military and Maritime Academy	9–12	New Orleans	Military-structured JROTC high school. A unique option for military-connected teens who thrive in a disciplined environment.

Real talk on schools: Belle Chasse Academy is the most convenient and military-friendly option for K–8 families living on or near base. However, it does not provide transportation to students living on the installation, so you’ll need to factor in daily drop-off and pick-up. For high school, Plaquemines Parish has one high school in Belle Chasse — Belle Chasse High. Families who prioritize school choice and flexibility often opt for Jefferson Parish communities like Gretna or Harvey, which provide more options without the charter school lottery system.

Most public schools in Louisiana require uniforms — budget accordingly. Contact the School Liaison Officer at (504) 678-3452 before you arrive. The SLO is a free resource that handles enrollment paperwork, record transfers, special education continuity, and helps families navigate the OneApp process for Orleans Parish. Reaching out early — before you move — makes a significant difference.

Child Care and Youth Programs at NAS JRB New Orleans

The base operates a Child Development Center (CDC) for families with young children, providing care from infancy through kindergarten age. The CDC follows Department of Defense standards for accreditation and early childhood education. Additionally, Child Development Homes (licensed in-home care providers) offer an alternative for families who need more flexible hours or can’t get a CDC slot immediately.

For school-age kids, School Age Care (SAC) provides before- and after-school programming during the school year, plus summer programming. The Teen Center runs activities designed specifically for military teens — especially valuable for adolescents navigating the social challenges of a PCS move.

Submit your child care application through MilitaryChildCare.com as soon as you have orders in hand. CDC waitlists are real, and getting on the list early is the single most important step families can take. Don’t wait until you arrive.

Medical Care: NAS JRB New Orleans Clinic and TRICARE

Healthcare at NAS JRB New Orleans is provided through an on-base medical clinic. However, the installation does not have a full military hospital. For specialty care, inpatient care, and emergency services, TRICARE referrals are used. The nearest military hospital is Keesler Medical Center at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi — approximately 80 miles east of the base.

For emergencies in the New Orleans area, Tulane Medical Center and University Medical Center New Orleans are both civilian facilities within a reasonable drive of Belle Chasse. Call 911 for any life-threatening emergency.

Update your TRICARE enrollment and select a Primary Care Manager (PCM) at the on-base clinic as soon as possible after arriving. During peak PCS season, appointments can fill quickly. The Fleet and Family Support Center can connect you with support resources including financial counseling, deployment support, relocation assistance, and referrals for mental health services.

Base Amenities: MWR at NAS JRB New Orleans

The Navy MWR program at NAS JRB New Orleans is more robust than you might expect for a joint reserve base. Here’s what’s available:

Fitness and Sports

The Fitness Center offers strength training and cardiovascular equipment. The Sports Complex and Pavilion supports intramural sports leagues across multiple seasons. For questions, contact MWR Admin at (504) 678-3231.

Bowling, Food, and Entertainment

Bayou Bowl (bowling alley) serves as a family-friendly gathering spot. The Back Yard Food Park and PizzaForno provide on-base dining options. The Krewe Dat Lounge and Oasis Arcade round out the entertainment options. The Liberty Program offers social programming and activities specifically designed for single service members — an important resource during the adjustment period after a PCS move.

Auto Skills Center

The Auto Skills Center is a fully equipped self-service auto shop, available to authorized patrons. It’s a popular resource for service members who want to handle their own maintenance and repairs. The Autorama Resale Lot helps military families buy and sell vehicles on base.

Tickets, Travel, and Outdoor Recreation

The Tickets and Travel office offers discounted passes to New Orleans attractions, theme parks, concerts, sporting events, and more. This is one of the highest-value resources on base — especially in a city with as many events as New Orleans. Call (504) 678-3508 for current offerings. The Outdoor Gear Rental and Outdoor Recreation programs support fishing, camping, and watersports in the surrounding bayou and Gulf Coast region. An RV Park and Outdoor Vehicle Storage lot are also available on base.

Library and Design Space

The Resource Center / Library carries books, magazines, newspapers, and audio/visual materials. The Design Space offers creative workspace and tools for authorized patrons.

In-Processing, Gates, and Getting on Base

Before you arrive, email NORL.N1_ADMIN@navy.mil or call (504) 678-9555 to connect with the N1 Admin office and request a sponsor. Having a sponsor assigned before you arrive dramatically smooths the in-processing process — they can answer neighborhood questions, help you navigate the housing office, and give you the real-word-of-mouth intelligence that no official guide includes.

Key In-Processing Steps

Upon arrival during normal duty hours, report to your gaining command. You’ll need to complete check-in with the Housing Service Center before signing any off-base housing contract — this is standard for Navy installations and protects you during the lease review process. Visit the Finance Office for your travel voucher, and attend the installation newcomer’s orientation to learn about available support programs.

Important: Moving trucks and vehicles with company logos must coordinate access through the appropriate inspection point. Advance coordination with your gaining command or the housing office ensures no delays on move-in day.

Getting to NAS JRB New Orleans: Directions and Transportation

The base sits south of New Orleans on the West Bank of the Mississippi River. New Orleans is not a grid city — the river curves through the area, which means cardinal directions don’t always mean what you’d expect. Give yourself extra time your first few weeks while you learn the road patterns.

From New Orleans International Airport (MSY): MSY is approximately 25–30 miles northwest of the base. Take I-10 East toward New Orleans, cross the Crescent City Connection (the twin bridges over the Mississippi), then take the Belle Chasse Highway / LA-23 south to the base. Allow 35–50 minutes depending on bridge traffic.

From I-10 heading west: Cross the Crescent City Connection, take the Westbank Expressway / US-90, then follow LA-23 south toward Belle Chasse.

Bridge traffic note: The Crescent City Connection is the main artery between the East Bank and West Bank. During Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Sugar Bowl weekend, and other major events, bridge traffic can back up significantly. During those windows, add 20–45 extra minutes to any cross-river commute. Most West Bank families quickly learn to time their crossings around events — or simply stay on the West Bank for the day.

For your commute from off-base neighborhoods, most families in Belle Chasse and the nearest West Bank communities reach the gate in 10–20 minutes. Families in Gretna, Harvey, or Marrero typically commute 20–35 minutes under normal conditions.

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🎯 Using Your VA Home Loan in Louisiana

Louisiana is one of the best states in the country to use your VA Home Loan benefit. Home prices on the West Bank are lower than most Navy installation markets, which means your BAH can often cover a mortgage payment with room left over — especially for E-5 and above. Zero down payment, no PMI, and competitive interest rates make buying here genuinely attainable for families who are ready to commit to a West Bank neighborhood. Start your pre-approval process as early as possible; Louisiana’s market can move quickly in the Belle Chasse and Gretna corridors when inventory is low. Our PCS Resources page has a step-by-step guide on VA loan eligibility and the Louisiana homebuying process.

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Things to Do Near NAS JRB New Orleans

Here is where this duty station pulls ahead of almost every other installation in the country. New Orleans and the surrounding region offer a depth of culture, food, music, and outdoor experiences that families regularly describe as life-changing.

New Orleans Culture and Food

The French Quarter, Frenchmen Street, the Garden District, and the Warehouse Arts District are all within 20–30 minutes of base. Café du Monde’s beignets, a bowl of gumbo at Dooky Chase’s, po’boys at Parkway Bakery, crawfish anywhere and everywhere — the food culture here is genuinely world-class and accessible at every price point. The city has over 1,400 restaurants. You will not run out of new places to try during a typical 2–3 year tour.

Festivals and Events

New Orleans hosts hundreds of festivals annually. The major ones — Mardi Gras (February/March), Jazz Fest (late April/early May), the French Quarter Festival (April), Essence Fest (July), and Voodoo Fest (October) — are major events that draw visitors from around the world. Military families who live here get to enjoy these as locals, often with community access and MWR discount tickets. Check Tickets and Travel at (504) 678-3508 before buying festival passes at full price.

Family-Friendly Attractions

The Audubon Nature Institute operates the Audubon Zoo, Aquarium of the Americas, and Insectarium — all well worth multiple visits with kids. The Children’s Museum of the Arts in the Warehouse District is excellent for younger children. City Park features 1,300 acres with the New Orleans Museum of Art, Storyland, Carousel Gardens, and miles of walking and biking paths. The Louisiana Children’s Museum recently relocated to City Park and is one of the top-rated children’s museums in the South.

Outdoor Recreation and the Bayou

The Louisiana bayou, Gulf Coast, and Mississippi River give outdoor enthusiasts remarkable access to fishing, boating, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Bayou Segnette State Park in Westwego is 10 minutes from base — boat launch, wave pool, camping, and fishing. The Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve offers guided swamp tours, hiking trails, and birdwatching through some of the most biologically diverse wetlands in North America. Deep-sea fishing charters depart regularly from Grand Isle and other Gulf Coast ports within 1–2 hours of the base.

Day Trips

Baton Rouge is 80 miles west — home to LSU, the USS Kidd museum ship, and a growing food and brewery scene. Biloxi, Mississippi is about 80 miles east along I-10, with Gulf Coast beaches, casinos, and Keesler AFB (the nearest military hospital). Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama are about 3.5 hours east — white sand beaches and military-friendly resorts make for an excellent long weekend. New Iberia and the Cajun Prairie to the west offer a completely different cultural experience — zydeco music, boudin, and rural Louisiana authenticity.

Practical Tips: What Families Wish They Knew Before Arriving

Hurricane Season is Real — Prepare Accordingly

Hurricane season runs June through November, with the peak window from mid-August through mid-October. New Orleans and the surrounding region have a detailed evacuation plan that military families should learn before the season begins. Talk to your unit about the installation’s hurricane plan, ensure your family has a documented evacuation route, and keep a go-bag ready during season. The NAS JRB New Orleans Emergency Management page has official guidance.

Humidity is a Real Adjustment

Southeast Louisiana averages 74–80% relative humidity year-round, with brutal summers pushing heat index values well above 100°F from June through September. Air conditioning is not optional — it’s a survival tool. Budget for higher utility bills during summer months. If you’re moving from a dry or northern climate, give yourself a full summer to acclimate before judging the place. Locals will tell you: fall, winter, and spring here are genuinely beautiful.

The City Layout Takes Time

New Orleans does not follow a traditional grid. Streets curve with the river, neighborhoods use directional terms like “lakeside” and “riverside” instead of north and south, and the freeway system has quirks that confuse newcomers. Give yourself grace during the first month of commuting. Most families figure it out within 4–6 weeks and then navigate intuitively.

Connect Early

Join the NAS JRB New Orleans PCS Pay It Forward® Facebook group before you move. Families already stationed there share real-time neighborhood advice, school registration timelines, restaurant recommendations, hurricane prep tips, and the kind of local intelligence that no official guide captures. It’s the fastest way to feel like you belong before you even arrive.

NAS JRB New Orleans Phone Directory and Key Contacts

Office	Phone
Base Main Line / N1 Admin (Sponsor Requests)	(504) 678-9555
N1 Admin Email (Orders / Sponsors)	NORL.N1_ADMIN@navy.mil
Housing Office (Patrician Management)	(504) 678-7569
Unaccompanied Housing (UPH)	(504) 678-7054 or (504) 678-3840
Navy Lodge	(504) 366-3266 or 1-877-628-9233
MWR Admin	(504) 678-3231
Tickets and Travel (Discounted Attraction Tickets)	(504) 678-3508
School Liaison Officer	(504) 678-3452
Fleet and Family Support Center	Via MWR: navymwrneworleans.com/fleet-family
Child Development Center	Via MWR: navymwrneworleans.com
On-Base Emergency	911
Military Crisis Line	988, then press 1

For a complete base facility directory including building numbers and additional phone listings, visit cnrse.cnic.navy.mil or navymwrneworleans.com.

PCS Planning Resources: Your Next Steps

A strong PCS starts with a solid plan built well before the movers show up. These resources will keep you organized and ahead of the curve:

• Start Your PCS Plan© — Personalized roadmap for your move to NAS JRB New Orleans
• VA Home Loan Guide — Zero down, no PMI, built for the Louisiana market
• Find Your Base — Browse all military base guides
• PCS Toolkit — Moving checklists, guides, and resources
• DITY / PPM Move Guide — Considering a personally procured move? Read this first
• PCS Tax Write-Offs — Don’t leave deductions on the table
• Military Moving Tips — Lessons learned from thousands of PCS moves
• 2026 Military Pay Charts — Know your full compensation before you plan your budget
• PCS Binder and Checklist — Keep every document organized from orders to move-in day

Frequently Asked Questions: PCS to NAS JRB New Orleans

What is the zip code for NAS JRB New Orleans?

The base zip code is 70037 (Belle Chasse, LA). This is also the zip code used to look up your 2026 BAH rate under the New Orleans, LA Military Housing Area on the official DoD BAH calculator. Some mailing addresses on base use 70134 for unaccompanied housing — confirm with the Housing Office when you check in.

What are the 2026 BAH rates for NAS JRB New Orleans?

BAH at NAS JRB New Orleans falls under the New Orleans, LA MHA (code LA116). For 2026, rates increased by approximately 3% from 2025. Enlisted rates range from $1,779/month (E-1 through E-4 with dependents) to $2,634/month (E-9 with dependents). Officer rates range from $1,968/month (O-1 with dependents) to $3,084/month (O-6 with dependents). Always verify your exact rate at the DoD BAH calculator using the 70037 zip code.

Is there on-base family housing at NAS JRB New Orleans?

Yes. On-base family housing is managed by Patrician Management and includes two neighborhoods: Chasse Village and Aviation Oaks. Both offer two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes in townhouse configurations with lawn care included. Contact the Housing Office at (504) 678-7569 as soon as you receive orders to check current waitlists. Belle Chasse Academy (K-8) is located within the housing area.

What schools are available for military families at NAS JRB New Orleans?

Belle Chasse Academy, a public charter school (K-8) specifically designed for military-connected children, is located on the installation within the housing area. The Plaquemines Parish School Board covers K-12 in the Belle Chasse area. Families living in West Bank Jefferson Parish communities (Gretna, Harvey, Marrero) attend Jefferson Parish Public Schools. Families in Algiers or other Orleans Parish neighborhoods use the OneApp charter school system. There are no DoDEA schools at this installation.

What is the best neighborhood to live in near NAS JRB New Orleans?

Belle Chasse is the most popular choice for military families — it’s close to the base, quiet, family-oriented, and served by Plaquemines Parish schools and the on-base Belle Chasse Academy. Gretna and Harvey in Jefferson Parish are strong alternatives with more shopping and dining options and a slightly longer commute. Marrero and Terrytown offer the most affordable off-base housing. The best fit depends on your school priorities, commute tolerance, and housing budget.

Does NAS JRB New Orleans have a hospital?

No. NAS JRB New Orleans has an on-base medical clinic but not a full military hospital. Specialty care and inpatient care are handled through TRICARE referrals. The nearest military hospital is Keesler Medical Center at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi, approximately 80 miles east. For civilian emergency care near the base, Tulane Medical Center and University Medical Center New Orleans are both within driving distance.

Is flood insurance required near NAS JRB New Orleans?

Yes, for most properties. Coastal Louisiana has extensive FEMA flood zone designations, and lenders require flood insurance for properties in flood zones AE and similar designations. NFIP policies and private flood insurance are both available. The annual cost ranges from roughly $800 to over $2,000 depending on the property’s flood zone, elevation, and coverage level. Always ask about the flood zone designation before signing a lease or purchase agreement. Your housing office can provide guidance.

What is the Navy Lodge phone number at NAS JRB New Orleans?

The Navy Lodge at NAS JRB New Orleans can be reached at (504) 366-3266 or the toll-free number 1-877-628-9233. It operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The address is 400 Russell Dr, Building 465, Belle Chasse, LA 70037. Book as early as possible, especially for summer PCS arrivals.

How do I get a sponsor at NAS JRB New Orleans?

Email NORL.N1_ADMIN@navy.mil or call (504) 678-9555 as soon as you receive orders. The N1 Admin office coordinates sponsor assignments for incoming personnel. Having a sponsor before you arrive significantly eases the transition — they can answer neighborhood questions, help you navigate the housing application, and give you the local knowledge that official guides don’t include.

What MWR facilities are available at NAS JRB New Orleans?

NAS JRB New Orleans MWR includes a Fitness Center, Bayou Bowling, Back Yard Food Park, PizzaForno, Krewe Dat Lounge, Oasis Arcade, Auto Skills Center, Outdoor Gear Rental, RV Park, Liberty Program, Teen Center, Child Development Center, School Age Care, Resource Center / Library, and Tickets and Travel (discounted attraction tickets). Call MWR Admin at (504) 678-3231 for hours and access information.

What is the weather like in Belle Chasse, Louisiana?

Southeast Louisiana has a humid subtropical climate. Summers (June through September) are hot and extremely humid, with heat index values regularly exceeding 100°F. Winters are mild — temperatures rarely drop below freezing, and snow is extremely rare. The area averages about 60 inches of rainfall annually. Hurricane season runs June through November, peaking mid-August through mid-October. Families moving from dry or northern climates typically need a full summer to fully acclimate to the heat and humidity.

Key Takeaways

NAS JRB New Orleans is the kind of duty station that families didn’t expect to love — and then didn’t want to leave. The joint-service environment, the unbeatable cultural richness of New Orleans, the affordable cost of living, and a military community that genuinely looks out for each other make this installation one of the most rewarding PCS destinations in the country.

Here’s what to act on right now: Email NORL.N1_ADMIN@navy.mil or call (504) 678-9555 to request a sponsor the moment you have orders. Contact the Housing Office at (504) 678-7569 to check on-base waitlists before committing to off-base housing. Register for child care at MilitaryChildCare.com immediately — waitlists are real. Call the School Liaison at (504) 678-3452 to get school enrollment guidance before your household goods are packed.

Budget carefully for flood insurance if you’re renting or buying off base — it’s a uniquely Louisiana consideration that catches families off guard. And if you’re thinking about buying, start your VA Home Loan pre-approval early. Louisiana’s home prices are among the most VA-friendly in the Navy’s portfolio.

Join the NAS JRB New Orleans PCS Pay It Forward® group before you arrive — and build your PCS Plan© to make sure nothing slips through the cracks. Welcome to Louisiana. You’re going to love it here.