TL;DR: If you have orders to March Air Reserve Base, this guide covers BAH purchasing power by pay grade and the five Inland Empire communities military families choose most. Additionally, it walks through what the Riverside market actually costs after Mello-Roos taxes, wildfire insurance, and a disabled veteran exemption that can save you nearly $2,000 a year. Before you start touring houses, grab your free VA Home Loan Snapshot. It takes 60 seconds and shows exactly what you can afford at current rates.
Buying a home near March ARB means navigating a balanced Inland Empire market where BAH stretches further than anywhere else in Southern California. Specifically, homes sit 50 to 72 days on average, and prices run 25 to 40 percent below coastal LA and Orange County. Moreover, your VA loan benefit pairs with some of the highest BAH in the Air Force Reserve system. However, the gap between BAH and take-home pay depends on your tax rate area, whether the community carries Mello-Roos, and your school-commute tradeoffs. Before you start touring houses, the fastest way to get oriented is a free VA Home Loan Snapshot. It’s a personalized report built around your BAH and the Inland Empire market, takes 60 seconds, and requires no credit pull. Then use this guide to choose your neighborhood.
Buying a Home Near March ARB: What Your BAH Actually Buys
March Air Reserve Base falls under the Riverside, CA Military Housing Area (MHA), with BAH calculated from ZIP code 92518. There is no on-base family housing at March ARB. As a result, every member drawing full BAH puts it toward the local rental or purchase market. Consequently, the purchasing-power math is especially important here.
Riverside MHA BAH rates are among the higher rates in the Air Force Reserve system, reflecting Southern California housing costs. Specifically, the 2026 rates rose roughly 4.2 percent over 2025, in line with the national average increase.
2026 Riverside MHA BAH Rates — Full Pay Grade Table
| Pay Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 through E-4 | $3,096 | $2,364 |
| E-5 | $3,351 | $2,670 |
| E-6 | $3,549 | $2,865 |
| E-7 | $3,603 | $3,105 |
| E-8 | $3,663 | $3,396 |
| E-9 | $3,753 | $3,444 |
| W-1 | $3,564 | $3,015 |
| W-2 | $3,627 | $3,393 |
| W-3 | $3,708 | $3,453 |
| W-4 | $3,768 | $3,552 |
| W-5 | $3,855 | $3,615 |
| O-1 | $3,384 | $2,835 |
| O-2 | $3,546 | $3,270 |
| O-3 | $3,705 | $3,471 |
| O-4 | $3,876 | $3,597 |
| O-5 | $4,002 | $3,627 |
| O-6 | $4,035 | $3,684 |
| O-7 | $4,065 | $3,747 |
Data last verified: April 2026. Source: DoD BAH tables for Riverside, CA MHA, effective January 1, 2026. Confirm your exact figure with the DoD BAH Calculator using ZIP code 92518. For the full context on how BAH works and how to stretch it further, read our 2026 BAH rates guide or run your own scenarios with the BAH Calculator.
Most E-5s and E-6s with dependents find their BAH supports a single-family home in Moreno Valley, Perris, or parts of Menifee at current prices. Similarly, officers from O-3 up and senior NCOs have real purchasing power in Murrieta and Menifee Lakes. Moreover, they can reach into entry-level Temecula with a modest down payment or a seller-concession buydown. However, junior enlisted without dependents will likely lean toward rental options or shared housing. Consequently, the Riverside market is unforgiving for single E-3s and E-4s trying to buy solo, even with zero-down VA financing.
Not sure how far your BAH actually stretches near March ARB? Your free VA Home Loan Snapshot runs the real numbers at current rates — no credit pull, no obligation, takes 60 seconds.
The March ARB Home-Buying Market at a Glance
The Inland Empire market around March ARB is not one market — it’s five, each with a distinct price ceiling, commute pattern, and school district profile. For anyone buying a home near March ARB, understanding these five communities matters. Specifically, the difference is between landing in a home that fits your BAH and one that quietly drains it. Here is how the communities most military families shortlist compare as of spring 2026.
| Community | Median Price Range | Days on Market | Market Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moreno Valley | $515k–$560k | 50–70 days | Balanced |
| Perris | $480k–$520k | 45–55 days | Seller-leaning |
| Riverside (city) | $630k–$685k | 50–72 days | Balanced |
| Menifee | $560k–$610k | 60–71 days | Balanced |
| Murrieta / Temecula | $695k–$845k | 55–93 days | Balanced |
Data last verified: April 2026. Sources: Redfin, Houzeo, and local Southwest Riverside County MLS reports. Price ranges reflect detached single-family homes. Confirm current figures with your local market expert.
Across the five communities, inventory sits at roughly one to 1.5 months of supply. Furthermore, sale-to-list ratios hover near 98.5 to 100.4 percent, and price reductions have ticked up compared to last year. Overall, these signs point to a market that favors prepared, pre-approved buyers. In other words, buyers who can move quickly on well-priced homes without getting pulled into bidding wars on overpriced ones.
Where to Buy a Home Near March ARB: Five Communities Military Families Choose
Moreno Valley — Closest Commute, Biggest Value
Best for: Families who want the shortest commute and the most house per BAH dollar.
- Median price range: $515k–$560k
- Commute: 5–15 minutes to the Meridian Parkway Gate
- School district: Moreno Valley Unified (mixed ratings — research individual campuses)
Moreno Valley sits directly north of the base and is the default choice for members who prioritize drive time over school ratings. Single-family homes here typically run 3 to 4 bedrooms on modest lots. Additionally, the market has been tracking slightly below year-ago prices. In other words, buyers currently have room to negotiate instead of competing against five-offer situations. Notably, the Moreno Valley Mall area and older neighborhoods along Sunnymead Boulevard skew toward the lower end of the range, while newer developments north of the 60 Freeway push toward the top.
On the honest side: Moreno Valley Unified has a mixed academic track record, and school-focused families often commute further south to better-rated districts. Additionally, summer heat is severe — triple-digit days are common from July through September — and wildfire risk is elevated across the entire city per First Street Foundation data.
On-base housing near Moreno Valley
March ARB has no on-base family housing. This has been the case since 1996, when March transitioned from an active-duty Air Force base to a Reserve installation. As a result, every member and family lives off base.
Off-base neighborhoods in Moreno Valley
The most requested Moreno Valley pockets for military families include several standout areas. First, the Rancho Belago area east of Moreno Beach Drive offers newer construction and better schools within the city. Second, Moreno Valley Ranch in the northwest is established with a good commute to the 215. Finally, the Hidden Springs area just south of the 60 sits closer to the base than most listings advertise.
Riverside — Established Urban Option
Best for: Families who want walkable amenities, better schools than Moreno Valley, and a more traditional city feel.
- Median price range: $630k–$685k
- Commute: 15–25 minutes to the Meridian Parkway Gate
- School district: Riverside Unified or Alvord Unified, depending on ZIP
Riverside is the largest city in the region and the only one that feels genuinely urban. Families who want a downtown, a university presence (UC Riverside), and stronger school options than Moreno Valley — without driving all the way to Murrieta — tend to land here. Furthermore, neighborhoods like Orangecrest, Mission Grove, and Canyon Crest offer some of the best school-to-commute ratios in the entire MHA.
Prices here run noticeably higher than Moreno Valley. Consequently, for junior enlisted the math can get tight on a single BAH. However, dual-income families and officers from O-3 up typically find Riverside a comfortable fit. Similarly, inventory runs about 1.23 months of supply, and homes sell at roughly 98.5 percent of list. In short, most buyers get in near asking without a major overbid.
On-base housing near Riverside
Again, no on-base family housing exists at March ARB. Riverside-based families drive to the Meridian Parkway Gate (24/7) or the Van Buren Boulevard Gate during duty hours.
Off-base neighborhoods in Riverside
Orangecrest and Mission Grove on the south side of Riverside are the closest Riverside Unified neighborhoods to March ARB. Additionally, they have the strongest school ratings within the city. Similarly, Woodcrest — an unincorporated area directly between Riverside and March ARB — offers semi-rural lot sizes at prices similar to Riverside proper. On the older side, the Magnolia Center and Arlington neighborhoods closer to downtown are more affordable. However, these sit in Alvord Unified, which has a different school reputation.
Perris — Most Affordable Entry Point
Best for: First-time buyers, junior enlisted with dependents, and families who prioritize getting into homeownership at the lowest possible price point.
- Median price range: $480k–$520k
- Commute: 10–20 minutes to the Meridian Parkway Gate (southern approach)
- School district: Perris Union High School District + Val Verde or Nuview Unified
Perris sits directly south of March ARB and currently offers the lowest entry price in the immediate base radius. Homes move fast here — median days on market hover in the 45 to 55 day range. Furthermore, sale-to-list ratios have climbed above 100 percent, indicating homes sell slightly above asking. Specifically, this is where E-5 and E-6 families with dependents often find the best BAH-to-payment match on a single income.
On the candid side: Perris schools are generally not considered on par with Murrieta or Riverside’s top zones. Additionally, parts of the city have a more rural, under-developed feel. However, for military families focused on building equity during a 3- to 4-year tour, Perris offers strong value. In fact, families who plan to hold the home as a rental after PCSing find some of the best landlord math in the region here.
On-base housing near Perris
No on-base family housing exists at March ARB. Perris-based families use the Meridian Parkway Gate or the Van Buren Boulevard Gate during operating hours.
Off-base neighborhoods in Perris
Lake Perris area neighborhoods on the east side offer newer construction and proximity to Lake Perris State Recreation Area. The Villages of Avalon and other master-planned communities on the north edge of Perris provide newer single-family inventory at some of the best price points in the Inland Empire.
Menifee — Value Sweet Spot With New Construction
Best for: Families who want newer construction, a balance of schools and commute, and a master-planned community feel.
- Median price range: $560k–$610k
- Commute: 25–35 minutes to the Meridian Parkway Gate
- School district: Menifee Union (K–8) and Perris Union High School District (or Romoland/Hemet depending on address)
Menifee has become the fastest-growing city in Riverside County. Moreover, it hosts 21 active new construction communities as of spring 2026 — more than any other city in the immediate March ARB radius. Lennar, KB Home, Century Communities, and Woodside Homes are all actively building here. Specifically, quick-move-in inventory is typically available in the $560k to $700k range. Additionally, many of these new-build communities come with builder incentives. These can include rate buydowns, closing cost contributions, and upgrade packages — all of which pair well with VA financing.
The tradeoff: many newer Menifee communities carry Mello-Roos (Community Facilities District) special assessments. Consequently, these push the effective property tax rate well above the 1.1 percent baseline — sometimes to 1.5 percent or higher. When you compare a Menifee new build to a resale home in Moreno Valley, the tax line can eat up $200 to $400 per month of apparent BAH savings. Therefore, always check the Mello-Roos disclosure before making an offer.
On-base housing near Menifee
No on-base family housing is available at March ARB. Menifee-based families typically take the I-215 north to the Meridian Parkway Gate.
Off-base neighborhoods in Menifee
Audie Murphy Ranch, Menifee Lakes, and the Village-branded communities stand out for military buyers. Specifically, they offer the strongest combination of new construction, community amenities, and proximity to the 215. Conversely, Sun City (the older 55+ core of Menifee) has some of the most affordable resale inventory. However, it is restricted to age-qualified buyers.
Murrieta and Temecula — Best Schools, Highest Prices
Best for: Officers, senior NCOs, and school-focused families willing to trade commute time for top-rated school districts.
- Median price range: $695k–$845k
- Commute: 35–45 minutes to the Meridian Parkway Gate
- School district: Murrieta Valley Unified or Temecula Valley Unified (among the top-rated in Riverside County)
Murrieta Valley Unified and Temecula Valley Unified consistently rank among the best school districts in the Inland Empire. Therefore, families who prioritize education above all else will find the commute tradeoff worth it. Moreover, the area also offers the strongest resale market in the region. Specifically, homes in Temecula are appreciating 2 to 4 percent annually, and Wine Country-adjacent neighborhoods command premium prices. For context, the median Murrieta sale price sits around $695k with a 43-day median time on market. Meanwhile, Temecula runs closer to $720k to $775k with 55 to 93 days on market depending on the month.
On the honest side: the commute is real. Southbound I-215 traffic in the morning can push 45 minutes easily. Moreover, if you’re expected on base early during UTA weekends the drive can be brutal. Notably, many military families in Temecula budget for an on-base overnight option during drill weekends rather than commute both ways.
On-base housing near Murrieta and Temecula
No on-base family housing exists at March ARB. Members commuting from this area use the Meridian Parkway Gate (24/7) and account for commute time accordingly.
Off-base neighborhoods in Murrieta and Temecula
Greer Ranch and Murrieta Hot Springs on the Murrieta side offer newer single-family homes in the $700k to $800k range with strong schools. In Temecula, Redhawk, Morgan Hill, and Harveston lead for military families. Specifically, they offer walkable communities, strong schools, and an easier approach to the 15. Furthermore, Wine Country and Crown Hill command a premium for acreage and views.
On-Base Housing vs. Buying a Home Near March ARB: The Math That Matters
The on-base vs. buying comparison at March ARB is unusual because there is no on-base family housing option. Every member draws full BAH, and the only decision is renting versus buying in the local market. Consequently, this differs from most active-duty installations and dramatically changes the rent-vs-buy calculus.
The simple math: a typical 3-bedroom rental in Moreno Valley or Perris currently runs $2,600 to $3,100 per month. Using VA financing with zero down, an E-5 with dependents collecting $3,351 in BAH can finance a comparable home in the $450k to $530k range at current VA loan rates. Notably, the monthly payment including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance typically lands within BAH. As a result, the member builds equity instead of paying a landlord. For a deeper breakdown of how VA financing actually works at this price point, see our full VA Home Loan guide.
The purchase math gets more favorable the longer you stay. Specifically, a 3-year tour with BAH-covered mortgage payments typically builds $15k to $30k in equity from principal paydown alone, plus any appreciation. Additionally, members who hold the property as a rental after PCSing often find the Inland Empire produces strong rental yields. In fact, this is because of tight local supply and consistent renter demand.
What Military Buyers Need to Know Before Buying Near March ARB
Beyond the raw numbers, there are five local realities every military buyer should understand before buying a home near March ARB.
1. Mello-Roos is real and adds up fast
Many newer Menifee, Temecula, and Murrieta subdivisions sit inside Community Facilities Districts (CFDs). Consequently, these districts layer special assessments on top of the base 1 percent property tax. Total effective rates can reach 1.5 to 1.7 percent of assessed value. On a $600k home, that works out to roughly $3,000 more per year than an equivalent home without Mello-Roos. Therefore, always ask your agent to pull the tax bill from a comparable sale before making an offer.
2. Wildfire and earthquake exposure affect insurance
Out-of-state buyers often underestimate these risks. According to First Street Foundation data, 96 to 99 percent of properties in Moreno Valley and Menifee face some wildfire risk over the next 30 years. Meanwhile, the San Jacinto Fault Zone runs through the region. Notably, it is capable of producing a 7.0+ earthquake. Standard homeowners policies exclude earthquake damage entirely. As a result, you’ll need a separate policy through the California Earthquake Authority, typically $800 to $1,500 per year.
3. USAA, AFI, and Bamboo are the most reliable insurers here
Several major California insurers have pulled back in high-fire ZIPs. Specifically, State Farm, Allstate, and Farmers have either paused new policies or non-renewed existing ones across the state. However, most members find USAA and AFI remain consistent options. Additionally, Bamboo has been actively expanding in California and writing new policies where others have pulled back. Get quotes before you make an offer — not after.
4. Builder incentives on new construction pair well with VA loans
VA loans allow generous seller concessions. Specifically, sellers (including builders) can contribute up to 4 percent toward closing costs plus additional concessions for rate buydowns. Therefore, negotiating aggressively with builders at KB Home, Lennar, Century Communities, and Woodside can meaningfully reduce your out-of-pocket costs. For a full checklist of what to have ready before touring new construction, use our PCS binder and checklist. Also, if you’re planning a PPM move into California, our DITY/PPM move guide walks through the fuel and distance cost realities.
5. School enrollment deadlines matter
Top-rated districts in Murrieta, Temecula, and Riverside’s Orangecrest area require proof of residence tied to your actual address. In other words, if you’re renting first and buying second, you may have to register at one school and transfer mid-year. For more context on how to sequence a PCS with school-district priorities, see the PCS Plan tool.
The Real Cost of Buying Near March ARB: Taxes, Insurance, and What Your BAH Actually Covers
Principal and interest are only half the story. What follows is the honest math on what buying a home near March ARB actually costs beyond the mortgage itself.
Property taxes — the Mello-Roos reality
Riverside County’s base property tax rate follows California’s Proposition 13 cap of 1 percent of assessed value, plus voter-approved bonds and special district assessments. However, the effective rate most Inland Empire buyers pay lands between 1.0 and 1.25 percent in established neighborhoods. Moreover, it pushes to 1.5 percent or higher in newer master-planned communities that carry Mello-Roos Community Facilities District (CFD) assessments.
On the median home price range across the five communities:
- $500k home at 1.1% effective rate: ~$5,500/year or ~$458/month
- $600k home at 1.2% effective rate: ~$7,200/year or ~$600/month
- $600k home at 1.6% effective rate (with Mello-Roos): ~$9,600/year or ~$800/month
- $750k home at 1.3% effective rate: ~$9,750/year or ~$813/month
The difference between a Mello-Roos and non-Mello-Roos neighborhood can easily be $200 to $400 per month on the same size home. For the full county-level tax rate tables by Tax Rate Area, check the Riverside County Auditor-Controller website. Additionally, review our PCS tax write-offs guide for what the move itself does to your federal return.
Disabled veteran property tax exemption — California-specific math
California offers a partial Disabled Veterans’ Exemption, not a full exemption like Texas or Florida. However, the dollar amount is substantial. For 2026:
- Basic Exemption: $180,671 off the assessed value of your primary residence — available to any 100 percent service-connected disabled veteran regardless of income.
- Low-Income Exemption: $271,009 off the assessed value — available if household income is below $81,131 for 2026. Requires annual recertification by February 15.
At Riverside County’s typical 1.1 to 1.25 percent effective rate, the basic exemption saves roughly $2,000 to $2,260 per year. In other words, that’s $166 to $188 per month back in your housing budget. Consequently, this can meaningfully improve your VA loan qualifying math. Apply through the Riverside County Assessor using form BOE-261-G. Furthermore, you can confirm current exemption amounts through the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet).
California state income tax — the honest tradeoff
Unlike no-tax states such as Florida, Texas, or Tennessee, California taxes most income — including the civilian pay of working military spouses. However, two meaningful benefits apply to military families:
- Military pay earned outside California is not taxed by California for resident service members stationed elsewhere. This matters mostly for future PCS planning, but it’s worth knowing.
- $20,000 military retired pay exclusion (tax years 2025 through 2029), limited to taxpayers with income up to $125,000 single or $250,000 joint. This is new and provides meaningful relief for retirees staying in California after separation.
- Active duty military pay is not taxed for California residents stationed outside the state. Moreover, nonresident military spouses may qualify for a full California income tax exemption under the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act.
For the full picture of your military compensation and how state tax treatment changes the take-home math, review the 2026 military pay charts.
Homeowner’s insurance — wildfire and earthquake reality
Standard homeowner’s insurance for a typical $500k to $650k home in the Inland Empire runs $1,400 to $2,500 per year — or roughly $117 to $208 per month. That’s the non-catastrophic baseline. Properties in hillside, canyon, or WUI (Wildland-Urban Interface) zones can run significantly higher, and some carriers have paused new policies in high-fire-risk ZIPs entirely.
Three honest flags every buyer should know:
- Earthquake coverage is separate. The San Jacinto Fault runs through the region. A California Earthquake Authority policy typically runs $800 to $1,500 per year. Many lenders don’t require it, but Inland Empire geology makes it worth a serious look.
- Wildfire risk is elevated. First Street Foundation rates 96 to 99 percent of properties in Moreno Valley and Menifee as exposed to wildfire over the next 30 years. Check CAL FIRE’s Fire Hazard Severity Zone map on any property before making an offer.
- FAIR Plan is the insurer of last resort. If private carriers decline your address, the California FAIR Plan provides basic coverage. Get quotes from USAA, AFI, and Bamboo before assuming you need to go the FAIR Plan route.
For flood-risk verification on any property near Lake Perris, the Santa Ana River corridor, or other waterways, check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center before making an offer.
Most online calculators only show principal and interest. However, your free VA Home Loan Snapshot factors in Riverside County property taxes (including Mello-Roos when present) and typical Inland Empire insurance costs. As a result, your number reflects reality — not just a calculator estimate. Get Your Free Snapshot →
FAQ: Buying a Home Near March ARB
What ZIP code should I use to calculate my BAH for March ARB?
Use ZIP code 92518 in the DoD BAH Calculator. March ARB falls under the Riverside, CA Military Housing Area, and 92518 is the official base ZIP that determines your rate regardless of which surrounding community you actually live in.
Does March ARB have on-base family housing?
No. March Air Reserve Base has no on-base family housing — a consequence of its 1996 transition from active-duty Air Force base to Reserve installation. Every member lives off base in the surrounding Riverside County communities and draws full BAH.
Which community has the shortest commute to March ARB?
Moreno Valley is the closest option for most military families, with a typical 5 to 15 minute drive to the Meridian Parkway Gate. Perris comes in second at 10 to 20 minutes. Riverside proper runs 15 to 25 minutes depending on your neighborhood, while Menifee adds 25 to 35 minutes and Murrieta or Temecula 35 to 45 minutes.
What is Mello-Roos and how does it affect my payment?
Mello-Roos refers to special tax assessments inside designated Community Facilities Districts (CFDs), most common in newer master-planned communities in Menifee, Temecula, Murrieta, and parts of Perris. These assessments fund schools, parks, and infrastructure on top of the base property tax and can push your effective rate from about 1.1 percent up to 1.5 percent or higher. On a $600k home, Mello-Roos can add $200 to $400 per month to your housing payment. Always request the tax bill from a comparable recent sale before making an offer.
Can I use a VA loan in the Riverside MHA?
Yes — and with California’s 2026 VA loan limit of $1,209,750 in Riverside County, most military buyers will be well below the conforming cap. VA loans offer zero down, no PMI, and sellers (including builders of new construction) can contribute up to 4 percent toward closing costs plus additional concessions for rate buydowns.
Which school districts are best for military families near March ARB?
Murrieta Valley Unified and Temecula Valley Unified consistently rank as the top-rated districts in the region, with Riverside Unified’s Orangecrest and Mission Grove neighborhoods close behind. Moreno Valley Unified and Perris Union have mixed ratings — some individual campuses perform well, but district-wide scores trail the southern communities. Always research the specific school your address would zone into rather than relying on district-level averages.
Do I need earthquake insurance in the Inland Empire?
Lenders don’t require it, but the San Jacinto Fault Zone runs through the region and is capable of producing a magnitude 7.0+ earthquake. Standard homeowner’s policies exclude earthquake damage entirely. A California Earthquake Authority policy typically runs $800 to $1,500 per year and is worth serious consideration given the local seismic profile.
What homeowners insurance carriers work best for military buyers near March ARB?
USAA and AFI remain the most consistent options for active-duty and veteran families in Southern California. Bamboo has been actively writing new policies in California as others have pulled back. Several major carriers (State Farm, Allstate, Farmers) have paused new policies or non-renewed in high-wildfire ZIPs, so get quotes before you make an offer — not after closing.
Is the Inland Empire market a good time to buy in 2026?
The Riverside County market is currently balanced to somewhat competitive, with about one to 1.5 months of supply across the major communities. Sale-to-list ratios hover between 98.5 and 100.4 percent. In other words, well-priced homes sell near asking without the five-offer bidding wars of 2021 and 2022. Furthermore, forecasts call for 2 to 4 percent appreciation through 2026. Therefore, for military families on a 3-year tour, building equity versus paying rent generally favors buying if you plan to stay at least 24 months.
Does California offer a property tax exemption for disabled veterans?
Yes, but it’s partial — not a full exemption like Texas or Florida. For 2026, California offers two tiers. First, the Basic Disabled Veterans’ Exemption is $180,671 off assessed value for any 100 percent service-connected disabled veteran. Second, the Low-Income Exemption is $271,009 for veterans with household income under $81,131. At Riverside County’s effective tax rate, the basic tier saves about $2,000 per year. Apply through the Riverside County Assessor using form BOE-261-G.
What if I PCS out of March ARB before I’ve built equity?
The Riverside County rental market is strong, with sustained renter demand and rental rates that generally cover the full PITI on a VA-financed home for buyers who purchased at or near median price. Many military families hold their March ARB home as a rental after PCSing. Additionally, this preserves the VA loan for use elsewhere if the first loan is assumed by another veteran buyer. Alternatively, it allows you to restore full entitlement after a sale.
Key Takeaways
- Buying a home near March ARB works on BAH. March ARB falls under the Riverside MHA, and 2026 rates rank among the higher Air Force Reserve allowances. Most E-5 and above families with dependents can finance a home in Moreno Valley, Perris, or Menifee within BAH.
- Mello-Roos can eat your savings. Effective property tax rates range from 1.0 percent in established neighborhoods to 1.5 percent or higher in newer master-planned communities. Always check the tax bill before making an offer.
- Earthquake and wildfire exposure are real. Budget for a separate California Earthquake Authority policy and get homeowner’s insurance quotes from USAA, AFI, or Bamboo before your offer — not after.
- Disabled veterans save nearly $2,000 per year. California’s Disabled Veterans’ Exemption is partial, not full — but at Riverside County’s tax rate it’s still meaningful. File form BOE-261-G with the county assessor.
- Every community has a tradeoff. Moreno Valley and Perris trade schools for commute; Murrieta and Temecula trade commute for schools; Menifee splits the difference with newer construction; Riverside offers the most urban amenities.
- Before you tour, get your numbers straight. Anyone buying a home near March ARB should start with a free VA Home Loan Snapshot. It factors in taxes, insurance, and your BAH. As a result, your affordability number reflects the Inland Empire, not a generic online calculator. Additionally, run your own scenarios with the BAH Calculator as you compare neighborhoods.
