NAS Key West: Life, Community, and Connection at the Key West Base

Installation Overview

NAS Key West is the Department of Defense’s primary facility for air-to-air combat training — every branch of the armed forces, allied partner nations, and joint aviation units train here because the combination of year-round flying weather, open-ocean ranges, and the P5 Combat Training System makes it unmatched anywhere in the world. The installation is actually a collection of sites spread across several keys, not a single contiguous base.

Detail	Information
Main address	P.O. Box 9001, Key West, FL 33040
Main phone	(305) 293-2806
Location	Boca Chica Key, Monroe County, Florida (US-1 Mile Marker 8)
Distance from Key West city center	4 miles east (~10–15 min drive)
Nearest major airport	Key West International Airport (EYW) — 7.5 miles from Boca Chica
Distance from Miami	~160 miles (~3 hrs via US-1 or the Turnpike)
Mission	Air-to-air combat training for all DoD services and allied partners
Official website	cnrse.cnic.navy.mil/NAS-Key-West
MWR website	navymwrkeywest.com

The installation’s primary site is Boca Chica Field, where the airfield, operations, and main gate are located. Three annexes — Sigsbee Park, Trumbo Point, and Truman Annex — are located within the city of Key West, roughly 4–8 miles west of Boca Chica. Understanding which site you’ll be working at and which annex your housing is in is essential before you make any decisions about where to live or what to ship.

Checking In: Arrival & In-Processing

All newly arriving personnel report to Boca Chica Field, located on US-1 at Mile Marker 8. If you haven’t received your welcome letter before arriving, contact your sponsor or the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) for directions and informational brochures. Formal in-processing takes place at the Welcome Center near the Boca Chica Field Main Gate, Monday through Friday, 0800–1600. Plan for the process to take 2–3 business days.

Make sure you have your most important documents in hand before you arrive: PCS orders, marriage certificate, household goods inventories, school records, birth certificates, travel voucher, and children’s medical records and shot records.

Office	Address	Phone
Welcome Center (Check-In)	Boca Chica Field, Saratoga Ave, Bldg A641, Key West, FL 33040	(305) 293-2615
DEERS / ID Cards / Customer Service	8120 Forrestal St., Bldg A-324, Room 155, Boca Chica Field	(305) 293-3778
Housing Office / Housing Service Center	800 Sigsbee Rd., Bldg V-4059, Sigsbee Park, Key West, FL 33040	(305) 293-4466
Finance Office	804 Sigsbee Road, Key West, FL 33040	(305) 293-4408
Legal Office (RLSO)	Forrestal Avenue, Bldg A-324, Key West, FL 33040	(305) 293-2833 or 1-800-870-3676
TMO / Household Goods	800 Sigsbee Rd., Bldg V-4059, Sigsbee Park	(305) 293-2552
Unaccompanied Housing	800 Sigsbee Rd., Bldg V-4059	(305) 293-4127
Command Duty Officer (after-hours, airport pickup)	—	(305) 293-2268
Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC)	Sigsbee Park	(305) 293-2318
School Liaison Officer	NAS Key West	(305) 293-2621

If you fly into Key West International Airport, contact your sponsor or the Command Duty Officer at (305) 293-2268 to arrange transportation. Taxi, Uber, and Lyft are readily available from the airport if you arrive outside duty hours. Planning a DITY or PPM move? Our DITY move guide walks through the 2026 rates. Get your PCS binder organized before you leave your current duty station — it makes in-processing significantly smoother.

Gate Hours & Installation Access

This is one of the most important operational facts about NAS Key West: there is only one 24-hour gate. The Boca Chica Field Main Gate on US-1 at Mile Marker 8 is the primary access point for all personnel and visitors at all hours. It is the only way onto the airfield and is connected by US-1 to all off-base housing across the keys. Plan your commute and housing search around this reality — everything flows through this single access point.

Gate	Location	Hours	Notes
Boca Chica Field Main Gate	US-1 at Mile Marker 8, Boca Chica Key	Open 24/7	The only 24-hour gate; primary access for all personnel

All gates conduct 100% ID checks. All visitors must have a valid military ID or proceed to the Visitor Control Center for a pass. The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located at Saratoga Ave., Bldg A641, Boca Chica Field Main Gate, open Monday through Friday 0700–1600. Visitors must be sponsored by an authorized base member and present valid, REAL ID-compliant identification. Non-compliant IDs are not accepted for base access.

The three city annexes — Sigsbee Park, Trumbo Point, and Truman Annex — each have their own controlled access using your military ID card. Sigsbee Park is approximately 10 minutes from Boca Chica Field. Trumbo Point and Truman Annex are within the city of Key West, 18–22 minutes from Boca Chica.

2026 BAH Rates for NAS Key West / Florida Keys

NAS Key West’s 2026 BAH rates decreased 5.2% from 2025 — one of the larger decreases among Navy bases this cycle, reflecting a local rental market softening after several high-inflation years. Even so, NAS Key West is ranked 7th highest among all Navy bases in the country, and rates remain among the highest in Florida by a wide margin. Service members with dependents receive approximately 9.5% more than those without. BAH covers all Florida Keys zip codes in the MHA: 33001, 33036, 33037, 33040, 33041, 33042, 33043, 33045, 33050, 33051, 33052, and 33070.

Important for 2026: If you were at NAS Key West in 2025 and your BAH was higher, BAH rate protection (the grandfather clause) applies — your rate cannot decrease as long as you remain at this duty station with the same grade and dependency status. Use the official DoD BAH calculator to verify your exact rate. See the national context in our 2026 BAH rates guide.

2026 Enlisted BAH Rates — NAS Key West / Florida Keys

Grade	With Dependents	Without Dependents
E-1 through E-4	$3,813/mo	$3,084/mo
E-5	$3,969/mo	$3,459/mo
E-6	$4,056/mo	$3,672/mo
E-7	$4,350/mo	$3,819/mo
E-8	$4,677/mo	$3,993/mo
E-9	$5,097/mo	$4,005/mo

2026 Warrant Officer BAH Rates — NAS Key West / Florida Keys

Grade	With Dependents	Without Dependents
W-1	$4,074/mo	$3,771/mo
W-2	$4,485/mo	$3,990/mo
W-3	$4,884/mo	$4,011/mo
W-4	$5,178/mo	$4,119/mo
W-5	$5,529/mo	$4,425/mo

2026 Officer BAH Rates — NAS Key West / Florida Keys

Grade	With Dependents	Without Dependents
O-1	$3,987/mo	$3,657/mo
O-2	$4,053/mo	$3,921/mo
O-3	$4,872/mo	$4,017/mo
O-4	$5,655/mo	$4,374/mo
O-5	$6,213/mo	$4,659/mo
O-6	$6,267/mo	$4,863/mo
O-7	$6,321/mo	$4,953/mo
O-1E / O-2E / O-3E	$4,413–$5,232/mo	$3,966–$4,044/mo

Even with the 2026 decrease, BAH at NAS Key West is high by national standards — E-5 with dependents receives nearly $4,000/month. The challenge is that Key West’s off-base rental market is also high, and inventory is genuinely limited. Most military families find that their BAH covers rent in the lower keys (Big Coppitt, Sugarloaf, Summerland) reasonably well, while renting directly in Key West city tends to consume more or all of BAH depending on unit size. A VA Home Loan can make ownership achievable in the Keys — zero down payment, no PMI — and some families find a mortgage pencils out comparably to rent. See our 2026 military pay charts for full compensation context.

On-Base Housing: Balfour Beatty Communities

On-base family housing at NAS Key West is privatized and managed by Balfour Beatty Communities across four distinct neighborhoods — three in Key West city and one on base at Boca Chica. Housing is rank-dependent; eligibility for specific neighborhoods varies by pay grade.

The Four On-Base Neighborhoods

Sigsbee Park — The largest on-base housing area, located on Sigsbee/Dredgers Key in Key West, approximately 10 minutes from Boca Chica Field. Eligibility: E-1 through E-8, military retirees, and DoD employees. Homes are 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom duplex and townhome-style units with central air, ceiling fans, exterior storage, and fully-equipped kitchens. The neighborhood is adjacent to the Commissary, Sigsbee Charter School, community playgrounds, and a splash park. This is the hub of the NAS Key West family community — FFSC, the Community Center, the NEX, and the Housing Office are all here.

Truman Annex — Located within walking distance of downtown Key West, about 22 minutes from Boca Chica Field. Eligibility: E-6 through E-9, O-6 through O-9, and DoD employees. These 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom homes feature screened-in porches, ocean views, exterior storage, ceiling fans, and fully-equipped kitchens. The neighborhood has its own playground and direct access to local parks and the beach. This is one of the most desirable on-base addresses in the military — if the eligibility and waitlist work out, it’s extraordinary.

Trumbo Point — Located on the waterfront in Key West, about 18 minutes from Boca Chica. Eligibility: E-9 and O-1 through O-6. Spacious 3- and 4-bedroom single-family homes right on the water with exceptional amenities. The Navy Inn / Navy Gateway Inn check-in is located here as well.

Boca Chica Annex — On-base housing option directly at the main airfield. Primarily serves senior enlisted and officer families assigned to the field.

Real Talk on Housing Conditions

You need to know this before you apply: In March 2025, 192 military families (later growing to 272 plaintiffs) filed a federal lawsuit against Balfour Beatty alleging mold, asbestos, ceiling collapses, water damage, faulty air conditioning, pest infestations, and inadequate maintenance responses in the Sigsbee Park, Trumbo Point, and Truman Annex neighborhoods. The complaint describes what families called the “Sigsbee cough” — a term for chronic respiratory problems reported by children living in Sigsbee Park. As of late 2025, many units in the Sigsbee and Trumbo neighborhoods remain unoccupied and under renovation, and a significant number of military families have moved off base as a result.

This does not mean on-base housing is off the table — but it means you should go in with your eyes open, ask specific questions about which buildings have been renovated versus which have not, document the condition of your unit thoroughly at move-in, and know your tenant rights. The Navy’s Tenant Bill of Rights gives you specific protections, including the right to withhold BAH and the right to dispute resolution. Ask the Housing Office directly about renovation status for any unit you’re offered before you sign. The NAS Key West PCS Pay It Forward® group has current, unfiltered feedback from families navigating this right now.

Contact	Details
Housing Office (NAS Key West)	800 Sigsbee Rd., Bldg V-4059, Key West, FL 33040 | (305) 293-4466
Balfour Beatty Communities (Key West)	800 Sigsbee Road, Key West, FL 33040 | (305) 292-5590 or (866) 681-7658
Housing Website	naskeywesthomes.com
Housing Service Center (HSC)	(305) 293-4467 or (305) 293-4478

Unaccompanied Housing

Unaccompanied Housing (UH) at NAS Key West serves E-1 through E-4 personnel and is split between Buildings 1350 and 1351 on base. Building V-4059 serves as the check-in point. Each building includes lounges with televisions, washers and dryers, and vending machines. E-6 through E-9 may serve as resident advisors; E-4/E-5 may serve as RAs with regional commander approval. Contact UH at (305) 293-4127.

Off-Base Neighborhoods: Living in the Keys

The housing market in the Florida Keys is unlike anywhere else in the continental United States. Supply is structurally limited — the island chain cannot expand, and the entire Lower Keys population is small. This creates a rental market where landlords have leverage, inventory turns over quickly, and prices run well above national averages. That said, your BAH at NAS Key West is calibrated for this market, and families at most grades can find workable off-base options, especially in the lower keys farther from Key West city proper.

Key West (Stock Island, Old Town, New Town)

Distance from Boca Chica: ~4 miles, ~10–15 min. Median home price: $500,000+. 3BR rent: typically $3,000–$5,000+/month. Schools: Monroe County School District.

Key West itself is the most expensive housing market in Florida. Inventory is tight, leases move fast, and landlords are in a strong position. That said, some families specifically want the walkable lifestyle, proximity to Old Town, access to Duval Street dining and entertainment, and the ability to bike to work. If that’s your priority and your BAH supports it, it works. Stock Island (3 miles from base, slightly more affordable than Key West proper) is a popular middle ground. Homes here start around $385,000 to buy; rentals for 3-bedrooms run $2,800–$4,500/month depending on unit type and location.

Big Coppitt Key

Distance from Boca Chica: ~5 miles, ~8–10 min. School district: Monroe County.

Big Coppitt Key is the most popular off-base neighborhood for military families, and the reason is simple: it’s close to the gate, it’s quieter than Key West city, and prices tend to run more moderately than anything further west. The population is roughly 2,500 people in a genuinely tight-knit island community. Many military families have put down roots here over multiple tours because the commute is short and the vibe is low-key. Inventory is still limited — start your search as early as possible.

Sugarloaf Key and Summerland Key

Distance from Boca Chica: ~20–25 min northeast. School district: Monroe County.

These keys offer more space, larger lots, and water access at prices that can be more manageable than Key West or Big Coppitt. Summerland Key and Cudjoe Key are known for boating and fishing communities that attract military families who want the classic Keys lifestyle — a boat in the water, a dock, and space to breathe. The commute runs 25–35 minutes depending on which key you’re on and morning traffic patterns on US-1.

Marathon and the Middle Keys

Distance from Boca Chica: ~50–60 miles, ~50–65 min. School district: Monroe County.

Some families, particularly those who want significantly more space or lower housing costs, look as far north as Marathon or the Middle Keys. The commute is real — this is a daily 50-mile drive each way on a two-lane highway — but some families make it work for the lifestyle and price difference. This choice requires real honesty about your commute tolerance before committing.

The Rental Partnership Program (RPP)

The Housing Service Center maintains relationships with local landlords through the Rental Partnership Program, which can connect you with pre-vetted off-base properties at negotiated rates. Contact the HSC at (305) 293-4466 or (305) 293-4467 after receiving orders to start this process — don’t wait until you arrive.

A word on timing: the off-base rental market in Key West moves extremely fast. Families who arrive without a housing plan and expect to find options in a week frequently struggle. Start the Housing Service Center conversation and the Balfour Beatty application the same day your orders drop. The PCS Plan© will help you keep all the moving pieces organized.

Schools Near NAS Key West

There are no DoDEA schools at NAS Key West. All children — including those in on-base housing — attend the local public school system. The Monroe County School District serves the entire Florida Keys chain from Key Largo to Key West.

Sigsbee Charter School (On Base)

Sigsbee Charter School is located within Sigsbee Park on base and serves grades K–8. It is a project-based learning school that draws strong reviews from military families for its academic environment, small class sizes, and military-community culture. It is co-located with the Sigsbee Park neighborhood and commissary, making it a genuine convenience for families in that housing area. GreatSchools rates it positively for academic progress and teacher quality.

Monroe County School District

The Monroe County School District serves students from Key West through all the keys, offering traditional elementary, middle, and high school options as well as charter and K-8 programs. Students who live on base in any neighborhood attend Monroe County schools for middle and high school (grades 6–12). The district operates 5 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school in Key West, plus additional schools in the middle and upper keys.

Contact	Details
Monroe County School District	(305) 293-1400
NAS Key West School Liaison Officer	(305) 293-2621
Sigsbee Charter School	On Sigsbee Park — contact Monroe County SD for enrollment

The School Liaison Officer (SLO) is your most important resource for school enrollment, IEP and 504 plan transfers, and navigating the local education landscape as a new-arrival military family. Contact the SLO at (305) 293-2621 as soon as orders arrive — school enrollment in Key West, particularly for Sigsbee Charter, can have waitlists.

Medical Care

Naval Branch Health Clinic Key West

The Naval Branch Health Clinic (BHC) Key West is the primary military treatment facility for NAS Key West personnel and their families. It is a branch clinic of Naval Hospital Jacksonville, providing outpatient primary care, pharmacy, laboratory, radiology, dental (active duty only), and preventive medicine services. There is no emergency room at BHC Key West — for emergencies, call 911 or go to Lower Keys Medical Center in Key West.

Service	Details
Address	1300 Douglas Drive (Bldg L-48), Key West, FL 33040
Main Phone	(305) 293-4600 or (305) 293-4613
Clinic Hours	Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 0730–1630 | Wed: 0730–1200
Pharmacy	(305) 293-3915 | Mon–Fri: 0800–1500
TRICARE Nurse Advice Line (24/7)	1-800-TRICARE (1-800-874-2273), option 1
Official Website	jacksonville.tricare.mil/BHC-Key-West

For specialty care not available at BHC Key West, TRICARE will refer you to civilian network providers in Key West or, for more complex care, to Naval Hospital Jacksonville (~5 hours north). For TRICARE enrollment questions and beneficiary counseling, contact the TRICARE office at BHC Key West directly. Appointments can be scheduled through the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal.

Civilian backup: Lower Keys Medical Center is the primary civilian hospital in Key West for emergency and inpatient care. Know how to get there before you need it.

Key On-Base Services

Service	Address	Phone
Commissary	811 Sigsbee Rd., Bldg V-4111, Sigsbee Park, Key West, FL 33040	(305) 293-4405
Navy Exchange (NEX)	815 Sigsbee Rd., Bldg V-4111, Sigsbee Park, Key West, FL 33040	(305) 292-7200
Post Office	4069 Langley Ave., Bldg A, Key West, FL 33040	—
MWR Digital Library	804 Sigsbee Road, Bldg V-4058	(305) 295-4400
Navy Inn / Navy Gateway Lodging (check-in)	Trumbo Point, C2076, Key West, FL 33040	—
Fleet and Family Support Center	Sigsbee Park	(305) 293-2318

MWR at NAS Key West

MWR at NAS Key West punches well above the installation’s size. The program includes:

• Boca Chica Fitness Center — the main fitness facility on the airfield
• Boca Chica Marina — boat slips, boat rentals, and recreational watercraft on the west side of the airfield
• Airlanes Bowling Center — located at Boca Chica Field
• Auto Skills Center — at Boca Chica Field for vehicle maintenance
• Scuba diving and snorkeling programs — one of the most unique MWR offerings in the Navy; NAS Key West’s MWR provides equipment rentals and guided dives on the Florida Reef
• Water sports rentals — kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis at discounted rates
• Fishing trips — organized MWR fishing charters and recreational fishing programs
• RV/Campground at Sigsbee Park — one of the most sought-after military campgrounds in the country for its location
• Youth programs, family movie nights, and seasonal community events

Full program listings and current hours at navymwrkeywest.com.

Weather: What to Actually Expect

Key West has the most tropical climate of any continental US city — the weather here is genuinely different from the rest of Florida. Summer heat is moderated by constant ocean breezes; winter temperatures rarely drop below 65°F. The climate is one of this duty station’s most legitimate quality-of-life advantages.

Season	Average High	Average Low	What to Know
Summer (Jun–Sep)	89–91°F	79–82°F	Hot and humid; daily afternoon showers; hurricane season Jun–Nov
Fall (Oct–Nov)	82–87°F	72–76°F	Peak hurricane months (Aug–Oct); gorgeous October weather
Winter (Dec–Feb)	74–78°F	65–68°F	The Keys’ best season — dry, warm, low humidity; rare cold fronts
Spring (Mar–May)	80–86°F	70–76°F	Warming up; increasing humidity; beautiful weather overall

Hurricane preparedness is non-negotiable. The Florida Keys sit in one of the most hurricane-vulnerable positions in the US — a narrow island chain with only one road in and one road out. Hurricane Irma in 2017 devastated the Keys and triggered a full mandatory evacuation of the entire island chain. The evacuation process takes a full day under normal conditions; during a major storm approach, US-1 becomes gridlocked. Develop your evacuation plan within your first week. Know your evacuation zone (the entire island chain is in Zone A — mandatory evacuation with any approaching major storm), designate where you’ll go, and have your pets, documents, medications, and go-bag ready. Subscribe to Monroe County Emergency Management alerts and follow NAS Key West’s official social media channels for base-specific guidance. Do not wait to evacuate when an order comes — the roads fill fast.

Life in the Keys: What Military Families Actually Do Here

NAS Key West is a place people talk about for the rest of their careers. The lifestyle — when you factor in the water access, the community, and the natural environment — is genuinely hard to replicate anywhere else. Here’s what families stationed here actually do.

On the Water

The Florida Reef — the only living coral reef system in the continental US — runs just off the Keys, and NAS Key West sits in the middle of it. Snorkeling and scuba diving here are world-class and accessible to beginners and experienced divers alike. Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, adjacent to the Truman Annex, has the clearest water closest to Key West. Dry Tortugas National Park (accessible by ferry or floatplane, about 70 miles west) is one of the most spectacular wilderness experiences in the country — a 19th-century fort surrounded by crystalline blue water with no development whatsoever. MWR’s boat rentals and fishing programs make getting on the water affordable, and many families buy boats during their tour here. Fishing — flats fishing for tarpon, permit, and bonefish; offshore trolling; and lobster mini-season — becomes a lifestyle for many families stationed here.

Key West Culture

Key West is a genuinely singular American city. Duval Street, the historic waterfront, Mallory Square sunset celebrations, the food scene (shrimp and grits, stone crab claws, fresh-caught mahi), and the Conch Republic’s famously eccentric culture are all right outside the gate. Ernest Hemingway’s home, Fort Zachary Taylor, and the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory are regular family destinations. The Fantasy Fest parade in October is a famous local event. And the Shipwreck Museum, located downtown, is one of the most genuinely interesting local museums in Florida.

Day Trips

Miami is about 160 miles north — roughly 3 hours via US-1 or the Florida Turnpike. It’s a full weekend destination for concerts, sports, shopping, and big-city dining. The entire Florida Keys chain — from Key Largo north — offers different characters and ecosystems as you drive the 113-mile Overseas Highway, all of it beautiful. Everglades National Park is accessible via Florida City, about 3 hours north, for airboat tours, wildlife viewing, and hiking.

Community Support & Resources

The Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) at Sigsbee Park provides relocation assistance, financial counseling, spouse employment readiness, family advocacy, and Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) support. The FFSC is particularly important at NAS Key West because of the unique cost-of-living and housing challenges here — their financial counselors can help you build a realistic budget for the Keys market and navigate BAH and housing entitlements. Contact at (305) 293-2318.

Spouse employment in the Keys is genuinely challenging — the local economy runs on tourism, hospitality, and maritime industries, and professional career opportunities are limited compared to larger metros. Federal employment through USAJOBS is an option, and the FFSC Employment Readiness program offers resume assistance and coaching. Many military spouses in Key West work remotely if their career allows, or leverage the assignment for education or entrepreneurship.

The NAS Key West PCS Pay It Forward® group is where you’ll find the real-time, unfiltered information about what this assignment actually looks like right now — which housing buildings have been renovated, where families are finding off-base rentals, and what you absolutely need to know before you sign a lease in the Keys.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 2026 BAH rates for NAS Key West?

NAS Key West’s 2026 BAH rates decreased 5.2% from 2025, though the installation remains ranked 7th highest among all Navy bases. An E-4 with dependents receives $3,813/month; an E-5 with dependents receives $3,969/month; an O-3 with dependents receives $4,872/month; and an O-5 with dependents receives $6,213/month. If your 2025 BAH was higher and you remain at this duty station with the same grade and dependency status, BAH rate protection means your rate stays at the higher level. Confirm your exact rate at travel.dod.mil.

What are the on-base housing neighborhoods at NAS Key West?

There are four housing neighborhoods managed by Balfour Beatty Communities: Sigsbee Park (E-1 through E-8, retirees, DoD civilians — on Sigsbee/Dredgers Key, ~10 min from Boca Chica), Truman Annex (E-6 through E-9, O-6 through O-9 — in Key West city, ~22 min from Boca Chica), Trumbo Point (E-9, O-1 through O-6 — waterfront Key West, ~18 min), and Boca Chica on-base housing. Apply as soon as orders arrive by contacting the Housing Office at (305) 293-4466 or Balfour Beatty at (305) 292-5590.

Is there an ongoing housing lawsuit at NAS Key West?

Yes. As of late 2025, a federal lawsuit involving 272 current and former military family plaintiffs accuses Balfour Beatty of concealing mold, asbestos, water damage, and structural defects in the Sigsbee Park, Trumbo Point, and Truman Annex neighborhoods. Many units remain under renovation and unoccupied. If you are offered on-base housing, ask the Housing Office specifically which buildings have been renovated, document your unit’s condition thoroughly at move-in, and know your rights under the Military Housing Tenant Bill of Rights. The NAS Key West PCS Pay It Forward® group has the most current family-sourced information on housing conditions.

How many gates does NAS Key West have and what are the hours?

There is only one 24-hour gate: the Boca Chica Field Main Gate on US-1 at Mile Marker 8. This is the primary access point for all personnel and visitors at all times. The Visitor Control Center (Saratoga Ave., Bldg A641, Boca Chica) is open Monday through Friday 0700–1600. The three city annexes (Sigsbee, Trumbo, and Truman) have controlled access with your military ID.

What medical care is available at NAS Key West?

The Naval Branch Health Clinic (BHC) Key West at 1300 Douglas Drive provides outpatient primary care, pharmacy, lab, radiology, and active-duty dental services. Phone: (305) 293-4600. Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 0730–1630; Wed 0730–1200. There is no emergency room — for emergencies, call 911 or go to Lower Keys Medical Center in Key West. Pharmacy: (305) 293-3915, Mon–Fri 0800–1500. Specialty care is referred to civilian TRICARE network providers or Naval Hospital Jacksonville. After-hours nurse guidance: 1-800-TRICARE.

Are there DoDEA schools at NAS Key West?

No. All children attend public schools in the Monroe County School District. Sigsbee Charter School (K–8) is located on Sigsbee Park and is the most popular option for military families in on-base housing. The district also operates elementary, middle, and high schools in Key West and throughout the keys. Contact the Monroe County School District at (305) 293-1400 or the NAS Key West School Liaison Officer at (305) 293-2621 for enrollment and school zone information.

How competitive is the off-base housing market in Key West?

Extremely. The Florida Keys cannot expand geographically, inventory is perpetually limited, and landlords are in a strong position. Three-bedroom rentals in Key West proper typically run $3,000–$5,000+/month; Big Coppitt Key and the lower keys run slightly less. Families who arrive without a plan frequently struggle to find housing quickly. Contact the Housing Service Center at (305) 293-4466 the same day orders arrive, ask about the Rental Partnership Program, and begin your off-base search immediately. The NAS Key West PCS Pay It Forward® group is your best resource for current rental availability.

Is Key West a good duty station for families?

Yes — with realistic expectations. The lifestyle is extraordinary: year-round tropical weather, world-class diving and fishing, a uniquely vibrant city culture, and the best MWR program you’ll find at a small installation. The challenges are equally real: one of the most expensive housing markets in Florida, limited off-base supply, on-base housing quality concerns under active litigation, limited professional employment options for spouses, only one road in and out, and a mandatory evacuation requirement for serious hurricanes. Families who go in prepared and embrace what makes the Keys unique overwhelmingly describe it as one of their best assignments. Families who don’t plan for the housing realities often find the first few months very stressful.

What is the commute like from off-base housing to NAS Key West?

US-1 is the only road connecting the keys, and everything flows through it. From Key West city: ~10–15 minutes in normal traffic. From Big Coppitt Key: ~8–10 minutes. From Sugarloaf Key: ~20–25 minutes. From Summerland/Cudjoe: ~25–35 minutes. From Marathon (for those living in the Middle Keys): ~50–65 minutes each way. US-1 can slow during tourist season, particularly in December through April when winter visitors peak. There is no alternate route.

How far is NAS Key West from Miami?

NAS Key West is approximately 160 miles from Miami — about 3 hours by car via US-1 or the Florida Turnpike to Florida City, then US-1 through the Keys. Miami becomes a regular weekend destination for families at this duty station. The Key West International Airport (7.5 miles from Boca Chica) offers flights to major hubs, making travel north convenient for leave and TDY.

Key Takeaways

• 2026 BAH decreased 5.2% but NAS Key West remains 7th highest among all Navy bases. E-5 with dependents: $3,969/month. BAH rate protection applies if you were already here and your rate decreased — it stays at the 2025 level. Verify yours at travel.dod.mil.
• Only one 24-hour gate. Boca Chica Field Main Gate at US-1, Mile Marker 8. Know this before you choose where to live — everything flows through this single point.
• Apply for housing the same day orders arrive. Call the Housing Office at (305) 293-4466 and Balfour Beatty at (305) 292-5590. Ask specifically about renovation status for any unit offered. Know your Tenant Bill of Rights before signing. Current housing lawsuit context: many units under active renovation in Sigsbee and Trumbo.
• Off-base housing: start immediately. The rental market is tight and moves fast. Contact the Housing Service Center about the Rental Partnership Program. Big Coppitt Key is the most popular military family neighborhood.
• No DoDEA schools. Monroe County School District for all children. Sigsbee Charter School (K–8) is on base at Sigsbee Park. Contact the School Liaison at (305) 293-2621 early — Sigsbee Charter can have waitlists.
• BHC Key West has no emergency room. For emergencies: 911 or Lower Keys Medical Center. BHC main: (305) 293-4600, Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri 0730–1630, Wed 0730–1200. After hours: 1-800-TRICARE.
• Build your hurricane evacuation plan in week one. The entire Keys chain is Zone A — mandatory evacuation for major storms. You need a destination, a plan, and supplies ready before hurricane season (June–November).
• The MWR program is exceptional. Scuba diving, fishing, boat rentals, bowling, marina, fitness, and the Boca Chica Marina are all here. Check navymwrkeywest.com as soon as you arrive.
• Build your PCS Plan© now and join the NAS Key West PCS Pay It Forward® group for current, unfiltered information from families living this assignment right now.

Ready to get organized? Build your PCS Plan©, explore your VA Home Loan options, and browse more base guides at Find Your Base. Everything you need is in the PCS Toolkit.