Fort Stewart–Hunter Army Airfield: The Complete PCS Guide for Military Families

Detail	Fort Stewart	Hunter Army Airfield
Location	Hinesville, GA (Liberty County)	Savannah, GA (Chatham County)
Distance between installations	~40 miles apart; ~40–50 min via I-95 / Hwy 144
Major unit	3rd Infantry Division (HQ)	1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment
Installation size	~280,000+ acres — largest Army installation east of the Mississippi	Airfield with 11,375-ft runway
Workforce	~18,500 soldiers + 4,300+ civilians
Nearest airport	Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV)
Main post phone	(912) 767-1110	(912) 315-5000

Fort Stewart is a training powerhouse — armored BCT training, artillery, helicopter gunner qualification, and small arms all run here. Hunter AAF, 40 miles away in Savannah, is primarily a Ranger installation with a major airfield operation. Both installations share a single housing authority, the same Winn Army Community Hospital system, and many of the same MWR resources. Knowing which post you’ll work at before you choose a neighborhood makes a significant difference in commute and quality of life.

Checking In: Marne Reception Center & In-Processing

All soldiers reporting to either Fort Stewart or Hunter Army Airfield — regardless of assignment — check in at the Marne Reception Center on Fort Stewart. In-processing takes approximately seven days.

Office	Address	Phone
Marne Reception Center	486 Pony Soldier Ave., Fort Stewart, GA 31314	Staff Duty: (912) 767-0115 | Admin: (912) 767-0111
Transportation Office (Stewart)	Bldg 253, Room 20038A, Fort Stewart, GA 31313	(912) 767-8154 or (912) 767-7971
Transportation Office (HAAF)	171 Haley Ave., Suite 229, Hunter AAF, GA 31409	(912) 315-3028 or (912) 315-3828
DEERS / ID Cards (Stewart)	Building 253, Fort Stewart	(912) 767-4909
DEERS / ID Cards (HAAF)	171 Haley Ave., Hunter AAF	(912) 315-5726
Finance Office (Stewart)	1042 Wilson Ave., Fort Stewart	(912) 767-9669
Finance Office (HAAF)	171 Haley Ave., Hunter AAF	(912) 315-5136
Legal Office (Stewart)	Bldg 620, Wilson Ave., Fort Stewart	(912) 767-8809
Legal Office (HAAF)	638 H.E. Wilson Blvd., Ste. 101, Hunter AAF	(912) 315-5115

What to bring when you report in: your original signed DA-31, a copy of PCS orders and any amendments, your CAC, and a copy of any active profile. A virtual Newcomers Orientation is available at home.army.mil/stewart — spouses are encouraged to complete it too. If you need a shuttle from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), call the Marne Reception Center ahead of time at (912) 767-0115 to coordinate pickup.

Planning a DITY or partial PPM move? Our DITY move guide breaks down the 2026 rates, weight limits, and how to maximize your reimbursement. Get your PCS binder together before you leave your current duty station — it’ll save you hours during in-processing week.

2026 BAH Rates for Fort Stewart / Hinesville, GA

Fort Stewart’s 2026 BAH rates increased 7.3% from 2025 — one of the larger increases in the Army this cycle. The installation is ranked 26th highest among all Army bases, and soldiers with dependents receive approximately 16% more than those without. BAH covers zip codes throughout Liberty, Bryan, Chatham, Long, and surrounding counties. Use the official DoD BAH calculator to confirm your rate, and see our full 2026 BAH rates guide for national context.

2026 Enlisted BAH Rates — Fort Stewart / Hinesville, GA

Grade	With Dependents	Without Dependents
E-1 through E-4	$2,175/mo	$1,791/mo
E-5	$2,310/mo	$1,947/mo
E-6	$2,439/mo	$2,049/mo
E-7	$2,493/mo	$2,178/mo
E-8	$2,556/mo	$2,340/mo
E-9	$2,682/mo	$2,367/mo

2026 Warrant Officer BAH Rates — Fort Stewart / Hinesville, GA

Grade	With Dependents	Without Dependents
W-1	$2,454/mo	$2,142/mo
W-2	$2,520/mo	$2,337/mo
W-3	$2,601/mo	$2,376/mo
W-4	$2,715/mo	$2,442/mo
W-5	$2,859/mo	$2,508/mo

2026 Officer BAH Rates — Fort Stewart / Hinesville, GA

Grade	With Dependents	Without Dependents
O-1	$2,334/mo	$2,037/mo
O-2	$2,436/mo	$2,268/mo
O-3	$2,598/mo	$2,385/mo
O-4	$2,904/mo	$2,490/mo
O-5	$3,129/mo	$2,520/mo
O-6	$3,153/mo	$2,577/mo
O-7	$3,174/mo	$2,619/mo
O-1E / O-2E / O-3E	$2,502–$2,736/mo	$2,307–$2,427/mo

With an E-5 with dependents receiving $2,310/month and Hinesville median home prices hovering around $209,000–$270,000, buying often costs less per month than renting at Fort Stewart — especially with a VA Home Loan ($0 down, no PMI). Many families find their monthly mortgage payment comes in at or below what they’d pay in rent. See our full 2026 military pay charts for complete compensation context.

Gate Hours & Installation Access

You need a valid military ID to enter through standard access control points. Visitors without a DoD ID must stop at the Visitor Control Center for a temporary pass. An online visitor pass request system is available at home.army.mil/stewart.

Fort Stewart Gate Hours

Gate	Location	Hours
Gate 1 — Main Gate	General Screven Way	Open 24/7
Gate 2 — Troup Gate	Olmstead Drive	Mon–Fri, 0500–1700
Gate 3 — East Gate	Harmon Avenue	Daily, 0500–2100
Gate 4 — 2nd ABCT	Vanguard Rd & Hwy 144 East	Open 24/7
Gate 4c	Old Sunbury Rd & Hwy 144 East	Mon–Fri, 0500–1700
Gate 5 — Back / North Gate	Gulick Ave / Hwy 119 & 144 East	Open 24/7
Gate 7 — West Gate	W. 15th St & 6th St	Mon–Fri, 0500–2100
Gate 8	Veterans Parkway	Mon–Fri, 0500–2100
Gate 9 — Wright Airfield	Wright Airfield Road	Open 24/7

Hunter Army Airfield Gate Hours

Gate	Location	Hours
Gate 1 — Main Gate	Montgomery Street	Open 24/7
Gate 2 — Wilson Gate	Wilson Boulevard	Daily, 0600–1800
Gate 3 — Rio Gate	Hero Way	Open 24/7

Visitor Control Centers

Location	Address	Phone	Hours
Fort Stewart VCC	Bldg 226, 757 Bultman Ave., Fort Stewart, GA 31314	(912) 767-7750	Mon–Sat 0500–1700 | Sun 0900–1600
Hunter AAF VCC	Bldg 1400, Montgomery Street, Hunter AAF, GA 31409	(912) 315-2040	Mon–Sat 0700–1800 | Sun 0800–1600

On-Post Housing: Balfour Beatty Communities

On-post family housing at Fort Stewart and Hunter AAF is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities under the name Fort Stewart Family Homes. There are 10 neighborhoods on Fort Stewart and 5 on Hunter AAF, with homes ranging from 2 to 5 bedrooms based on family size and pay grade. Rent equals your BAH — all utilities are included. As of early 2026, the housing office is accepting active-duty applications for 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom homes, with 2-bedrooms starting at $1,468/month and 3-bedrooms starting at $1,568/month in select neighborhoods.

Housing Contacts

Contact	Details
Family Housing Office (Balfour Beatty)	50 Austin Road, Fort Stewart, GA 31314
Main Leasing Line	(912) 408-2460
Alternate Leasing Line	(912) 408-2477 or (912) 408-2480
Marne Point Apartments (unaccompanied SSG–CPT)	(912) 408-2501
Hunter AAF Maintenance	(912) 459-2147
Housing Website	fortstewartfamilyhomes.com
Housing Services Office (Army)	home.army.mil/stewart

On-post neighborhoods include amenities like basketball courts, splash parks, dog parks, playgrounds, tot lots, community centers with fitness rooms, curbside trash and recycling, and lawn care. Two pets are authorized with no additional charge (restricted breeds apply). Soldiers must apply for housing within 30 days of arrival. Waitlists vary by season and bedroom size — contact the office for current wait estimates as soon as orders arrive, and apply before you get there if possible. Waitlists have historically ranged from a few weeks to several months depending on the time of year.

Bedroom eligibility: 0–1 children (or two under age 5) = 2-bedroom; two children where the older child is school-age = 3-bedroom. Children of different genders may share a bedroom until one reaches school age. Contact the housing office directly for your specific situation.

Three DoDEA elementary schools serve on-post families (Diamond Elementary, Brittin Elementary, and a third on-post school). Middle and high school students attend Liberty County Schools off post. The School Liaison Officer can help with enrollment, IEP transfers, and the youth sponsorship program — contact through stewarthunter.armymwr.com.

Off-Post Neighborhoods: Where Military Families Actually Live

Where you live near Fort Stewart is one of the biggest quality-of-life decisions you’ll make. The right answer depends entirely on which installation you work at, how much commute you can tolerate, and whether schools or cost are your top priority. Here’s the honest breakdown.

Hinesville (Liberty County)

Best for: Fort Stewart families prioritizing short commute and affordability. Drive to Fort Stewart Main Gate: 5–10 minutes. Drive to Hunter AAF: ~45 minutes. Median home price: $209,000–$270,000. School district: Liberty County Schools.

Hinesville is the hub — it’s where the majority of Fort Stewart families live, and it’s built around the military. Newer housing developments, community parks, grocery stores, and everyday essentials are all within a few minutes of the gate. Median rent for a 2-bedroom runs around $1,050–$1,650/month. The trade-off is that Hinesville is a small town with limited dining and entertainment options. When you want city energy, you’re driving to Savannah.

Richmond Hill (Bryan County)

Best for: Families who want top-rated schools and a midpoint between both posts. Drive to Fort Stewart: ~25–35 minutes. Drive to Hunter AAF: ~20–30 minutes. Median home price: $396,000–$436,000. School district: Bryan County Schools (top 10% statewide).

Richmond Hill is the sweet spot for families where school quality is the non-negotiable. Bryan County Schools rank in the top 10% of all Georgia school districts, with average math proficiency at 55% (vs. 38% statewide) and a 93% graduation rate. Richmond Hill High School earns an A rating with a 94% graduation rate. The town has a small-town coastal feel, waterfront neighborhoods, solid restaurants, and easy I-95 access. Homes cost significantly more than Hinesville, and median rent runs around $2,300/month — but for many families, those schools justify the premium. One real-world note: the rural stretch of road between Richmond Hill and Fort Stewart is dark at night and has a history of deer strikes. Drive it before you commit.

Savannah (Chatham County)

Best for: Hunter AAF families and those who want city life. Drive to Fort Stewart: ~40–50 minutes. Drive to Hunter AAF: 5–15 minutes depending on neighborhood. Median home price: $260,000–$400,000+. School district: Savannah-Chatham County Schools.

Savannah is history, culture, River Street, Forsyth Park, and world-class food all in one city. It’s ideal for Hunter AAF assignments — you can be on post in 10 minutes from many neighborhoods. The commute to Fort Stewart during rush hour is 40+ minutes and can be punishing. Savannah-Chatham County Schools (SCCPSS) offer charter, magnet, and traditional options — quality varies significantly by zone, so research specific schools before you sign anything.

Pooler (Chatham County)

Best for: Families who want suburban convenience and proximity to Hunter AAF. Drive to Fort Stewart: ~35–45 minutes. Drive to Hunter AAF: ~15–20 minutes. Median home price: $280,000–$350,000. School district: Savannah-Chatham County Schools.

Pooler is Savannah’s fastest-growing suburb — newer construction, chain restaurants, big-box retail, and easy I-16 access. It’s a popular compromise between city amenities and suburban space. The commute to Hunter AAF is straightforward; Fort Stewart is a longer haul. SCCPSS schools here are improving but check specific zone ratings before choosing an address.

Midway (Liberty County)

Best for: Dual-post families wanting a central location. Drive to Fort Stewart: ~15–20 minutes. Drive to Hunter AAF: ~30 minutes. School district: Liberty County Schools. Midway sits along I-95 between the two installations, making it a practical compromise for households where both spouses have different assignment locations. Suburban neighborhoods are growing here with easy highway access for coastal day trips.

Ludowici (Long County)

Best for: Families who want land, privacy, and the lowest costs in the area. Drive to Fort Stewart: ~25–30 minutes via western gates. Drive to Hunter AAF: ~60 minutes. Median home price: under $200,000. School district: Long County Schools. Ludowici is the rural option. Acreage, quiet, and significantly lower housing costs are the draws. Know that amenities are limited — you’ll drive to Hinesville or Savannah for most errands.

Schools & Education

Education is often the deciding factor in where families choose to live near Fort Stewart. Here’s the honest breakdown of the three main districts serving this community.

DoDEA Schools on Fort Stewart (Elementary)

Fort Stewart has three DoDEA-operated elementary schools on post — Diamond Elementary, Brittin Elementary, and a third campus — serving military-connected families living in on-post housing. DoDEA schools are designed specifically for military families, with staff experienced in handling frequent PCS transitions. Students transfer to Liberty County Schools for middle and high school. Contact the School Liaison Officer for enrollment guidance, IEP/504 transfers, and the youth sponsorship program that pairs incoming students with peer guides.

Liberty County Schools — Hinesville / Midway Area

Liberty County Schools serve on-post families above elementary age, plus all families living in Hinesville, Midway, and surrounding Liberty County communities. The district has a deeply military-connected culture and strong support programs designed for high-turnover student populations. Enrollment: ~10,740 students. Graduation rate: 91.6%. Student-teacher ratio: 17:1. Average statewide testing rank: 4/10. High schools: Bradwell Institute and Liberty County High School. Contact: libertyschools.org.

Honest take: Liberty County test scores run below the Georgia state average, but military families consistently report that their children do well here because of the strong support systems, the peer community of other military kids, and teachers who understand deployment cycles and PCS transitions. It’s not the strongest district academically, but it’s one of the most military-supportive in the country. Talk to current parents in the PCS Pay It Forward® group for candid, up-to-date feedback.

Bryan County Schools — Richmond Hill

Bryan County Schools serve Richmond Hill and surrounding Bryan County — and it’s the strongest school district in the area by a wide margin. Enrollment: ~10,500 students across 10 schools. Average statewide testing rank: 10/10 (top 10% in all of Georgia). Math proficiency: 55% vs. 38% statewide. Reading proficiency: 54% vs. 40% statewide. Graduation rate: 93%. Student-teacher ratio: 15:1. Richmond Hill High School: A-rated, 94% graduation rate. Contact: bryan.k12.ga.us.

This is why families pay the Richmond Hill premium. If school quality is your top priority and you can manage the longer commute to Fort Stewart, Bryan County delivers consistently excellent outcomes. Elementary schools like Frances Meeks and Carver Elementary receive GreatSchools ratings of 8 and 9 out of 10.

Savannah-Chatham County Schools — Savannah / Pooler

SCCPSS is one of the largest districts in Georgia with traditional, charter, magnet, and STEM-specialized options. Quality varies significantly by school and neighborhood. Research your specific school zone before you rent or buy in Savannah or Pooler — it matters a great deal. Contact: sccpss.com.

Medical Care & Health Services

Winn Army Community Hospital — Fort Stewart

Winn Army Community Hospital (WACH) is the primary military treatment facility for the entire Fort Stewart / Hunter AAF community. Unlike many installations with only a health clinic, Winn is a full hospital — providing inpatient care, emergency services, and a wide range of specialty clinics. Appointments are managed through the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal. The Winn Call Care Center handles all appointment requests and general questions.

Facility	Details
Address	1061 Harmon Ave., Fort Stewart, GA 31314
Winn Call Care Center (appts & questions)	(912) 435-6633
Toll-Free Appointment Line	1-800-652-9221
Clinic Hours	Mon–Fri, 7:30am–4:30pm
Pharmacy	Mon–Fri, 7:30am–4:30pm | Refills: (912) 435-6576 or 1-800-652-9221
TRICARE Nurse Advice Line (24/7)	1-800-TRICARE (1-800-874-2273), option 1
Official Website	winn.tricare.mil

Services include: primary care, OB/GYN, pediatrics, behavioral health, physical therapy, occupational therapy, optometry, dental, radiology, laboratory, pharmacy, and emergency services. For life-threatening emergencies when Winn’s ER is your fastest option, go directly — otherwise call 911 for civilian emergency response.

HAWKS Medical Clinic — Fort Stewart

Facility	Details
Address	192 Lindquist Road, Bldg 412, Fort Stewart, GA 31314
Phone	(912) 435-5364

Tuttle Army Health Clinic — Hunter Army Airfield

Facility	Details
Address	230 Duncan Drive, Building 1440, Hunter AAF, GA 31409
Phone	1-800-652-9221 or (912) 435-6633

For TRICARE enrollment changes, network referrals, and beneficiary counseling, contact the TRICARE Beneficiary Counseling and Assistance Coordinator at Winn, Mon–Fri 7:30am–4:15pm.

Key On-Post Services & Phone Directory

Fort Stewart

Service	Address / Building	Phone	Hours
Commissary	200 Vilseck Rd	(912) 767-2076	Tue–Fri 0900–2000 | Sat 0900–1900 | Sun 1000–1800
Exchange (PX)	345 Lindquist Rd	(912) 876-2850	Mon–Sat 0900–2000 | Sun 1000–1800
Post Office	843 Hase Rd	(912) 876-6730	—
Library	316 Lindquist Rd	(912) 767-2828	—
IHG Lodging (Main Lodge)	304 Coe Ave., Fort Stewart, GA 31315	(912) 369-6962	—

Hunter Army Airfield

Service	Address / Building	Phone	Hours
Commissary	89 Haley St	(912) 315-5219	Tue–Fri 1000–1800 | Sat–Sun 1000–1700
Exchange (PX)	130 Haley Ave	(912) 352-8380	Mon–Fri 0900–1800 | Sat 1000–1800 | Sun 1000–1700
Post Office	37 N. Schmidt St, Ste 102	(912) 351-0480	—
IHG Lodging (Holiday Inn Express)	165 Duncan Drive, Savannah, GA 31409	(912) 355-1060	—

Community Support & Resources

Army Community Service (ACS)

ACS at Fort Stewart provides relocation assistance, financial counseling, employment readiness, family advocacy, and Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) support. If you’re a spouse looking for work, the Employment Readiness Program offers resume writing, job search coaching, federal employment guidance, and interview prep at no cost. Contact ACS at Fort Stewart through the main garrison line at (912) 767-1110.

MWR — Morale, Welfare & Recreation

MWR at Stewart-Hunter runs youth sports leagues, fitness centers, outdoor recreation programs, golf, bowling, splash parks, and a full calendar of community events. Fort Stewart’s outdoor recreation program is particularly impressive given the 280,000+ acre installation — hunting, fishing, camping, and equipment rentals are all available through iSportsman. Full programs and events at stewarthunter.armymwr.com.

Public Transit

Liberty Transit provides fixed-route bus service in Hinesville, Flemington, Walthourville, and Fort Stewart. Chatham Area Transit (CAT) covers Savannah and surrounding areas including water ferry service. Real talk: you’ll want a car here. Public transit doesn’t connect the two installations and is limited outside of the core city areas.

Weather: What to Expect in Coastal Georgia

Season	Average High	Average Low	What to Know
Summer (Jun–Aug)	90°F+	72°F	Hot, very humid, daily afternoon thunderstorms
Fall (Sep–Nov)	75–85°F	55–65°F	Most pleasant season; hurricane season runs through Nov
Winter (Dec–Feb)	58–65°F	38–45°F	Mild; occasional cold snaps but rarely below freezing
Spring (Mar–May)	70–82°F	52–65°F	Warm, heavy pollen, beautiful azalea season

Annual rainfall averages about 49 inches. Hurricane season runs June through November — Fort Stewart has evacuation plans in place, and the official Fort Stewart website and Facebook page are your primary sources for emergency notifications. Download the My Army Post app and ensure your unit has your current contact info before storm season begins.

Things to Do: Life in Coastal Georgia

One of the strongest arguments for this duty station is access to coastal Georgia’s lifestyle. Here’s what military families in this community actually love about living here.

Beaches & Outdoors

Tybee Island is the closest beach — about 25 minutes from downtown Savannah and roughly 60–75 minutes from Fort Stewart. Day trips here are a military family staple: the Marine Science Center, historic Fort Screven, lighthouse tours, and a relaxed beach town vibe that never gets old. Jekyll Island is about 90 minutes south with quieter beaches, Driftwood Beach (one of the most photographed spots in Georgia), and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Fort Stewart’s own 280,000+ acres of managed land offer hunting, fishing, camping, and off-road opportunities that are unmatched at most installations — access through iSportsman.

Savannah

Savannah’s 22 historic squares, Spanish moss-draped oak trees, and cobblestone streets make it genuinely one of the most beautiful cities in America — and it’s right in your backyard. River Street has waterfront restaurants, riverboat cruises, and shops. Broughton Street is the retail and dining hub. The Historic District is walkable and endlessly interesting. The Savannah Bananas — a performance baseball team — puts on one of the most entertaining live sports experiences in the country (tickets sell out fast; plan ahead). Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration is the second-largest in the US. City Market hosts regular festivals and live music year-round.

Family Activities & MWR

Both Fort Stewart and Hunter AAF have splash parks that typically open in early May — a summer staple for families with young kids. MWR operates bowling, the Taylors Creek Golf Course, fitness centers, swimming pools, youth sports leagues, and a full calendar of family fun days and community events. Check the MWR events calendar after you arrive and get involved early — the community programming here is genuinely strong.

Day Trips & Region

Charleston, SC is about 2.5 hours north for a weekend getaway. The Okefenokee Swamp is about 90 minutes southwest — a unique wildlife refuge worth a full day trip with the family. Brunswick and the Golden Isles (St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons) are about 75 miles south for another dimension of coastal Georgia beauty. Florida’s northern beaches are 3–4 hours away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far apart are Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield?

Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield are approximately 40 miles apart, connected primarily via I-95 and Highway 144. The drive takes about 40–50 minutes depending on traffic, time of day, and which gates you use at each installation. Know which post you’ll be working at before you choose a neighborhood — that 40 miles matters a great deal for daily commute quality.

What are the 2026 BAH rates for Fort Stewart?

Fort Stewart’s 2026 BAH rates increased 7.3% from 2025 — one of the larger increases in the Army this cycle. An E-5 with dependents receives $2,310/month; an E-6 with dependents receives $2,439/month; an O-3 with dependents receives $2,598/month; and an O-5 with dependents receives $3,129/month. Fort Stewart is ranked 26th highest among all Army installations. Confirm your exact rate by grade and dependency status at the DoD BAH calculator at travel.dod.mil.

What is the best neighborhood to live in near Fort Stewart?

It depends entirely on your priorities. Hinesville is closest to Fort Stewart (5–10 min) and the most affordable, with median home prices around $209,000–$270,000. Richmond Hill sits roughly halfway between both posts, has the best-rated schools in the region (Bryan County Schools, top 10% in Georgia), and has median home prices around $396,000–$436,000. Savannah and Pooler are better choices for Hunter AAF families. Midway is a practical compromise for dual-post households. There is no wrong answer — it comes down to your commute, your school priorities, and your budget.

Where do I check in when I arrive at Fort Stewart?

All soldiers report to the Marne Reception Center at 486 Pony Soldier Ave., Fort Stewart, GA 31314 — even if assigned to Hunter Army Airfield. Call (912) 767-0115 to coordinate your arrival, including airport shuttle pickup from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV). In-processing takes approximately seven days and covers personnel, finance, medical, dental, transportation, and housing.

Who manages on-post housing at Fort Stewart and how do I apply?

Balfour Beatty Communities manages on-post family housing under the name Fort Stewart Family Homes. There are 10 neighborhoods on Fort Stewart and 5 at Hunter AAF. Contact the leasing office at (912) 408-2460 or (912) 408-2477, or visit fortstewartfamilyhomes.com. Apply within 30 days of arrival. Waitlists vary by season and bedroom size — contact the office as soon as orders arrive and apply before you get there if possible.

What hospital serves Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield?

Winn Army Community Hospital at 1061 Harmon Ave., Fort Stewart is the full-service military treatment facility for both installations, offering inpatient care, emergency services, and specialty clinics. Call the Winn Call Care Center at (912) 435-6633 or toll-free at 1-800-652-9221 for appointments and questions. Clinic hours are Mon–Fri 7:30am–4:30pm. Hunter AAF families can use Tuttle Army Health Clinic at 230 Duncan Drive, Building 1440, Hunter AAF. After hours and 24/7 nurse guidance: call 1-800-TRICARE.

What schools are on Fort Stewart?

Fort Stewart has three DoDEA-operated elementary schools on post — Diamond Elementary and Brittin Elementary among them — serving military families in on-post housing. Middle and high school students attend Liberty County Schools off post. Families living in Richmond Hill use Bryan County Schools, which rank in the top 10% of all Georgia school districts. Families in Savannah or Pooler are served by Savannah-Chatham County Schools. Contact the School Liaison Officer through stewarthunter.armymwr.com for enrollment help and school transition resources.

What are the gate hours at Fort Stewart?

Gates 1 (Main Gate), 4 (2nd ABCT), 5 (Back/North Gate), and 9 (Wright Airfield) are open 24/7. Gates 2 and 4c are open Mon–Fri 0500–1700. Gate 3 (East) is open daily 0500–2100. Gates 7, 8 are open Mon–Fri 0500–2100. At Hunter AAF, Gates 1 (Main) and 3 (Rio) are open 24/7; Gate 2 (Wilson) is open daily 0600–1800. Visitor Control Centers are at (912) 767-7750 (Fort Stewart) and (912) 315-2040 (Hunter AAF).

Is Tybee Island close to Fort Stewart?

Tybee Island is about 25 minutes from downtown Savannah and roughly 60–75 minutes from Fort Stewart. It’s the closest beach and one of the most popular weekend destinations for military families in this community — with restaurants, the Marine Science Center, historic Fort Screven, and a laid-back beach town atmosphere that’s easy to love.

Can I use my VA Home Loan near Fort Stewart?

Yes — and the Fort Stewart housing market is well-suited for it. With median home prices in Hinesville around $209,000–$270,000 and 2026 BAH at $2,310/month for an E-5 with dependents, monthly mortgage payments often come in at or below local rent. A VA Loan means $0 down and no PMI. Richmond Hill is also a strong VA loan market, though home prices there are significantly higher. Learn more at our VA Home Loan guide.

What is the deployment tempo like at Fort Stewart?

Fort Stewart is home to the 3rd Infantry Division — one of the Army’s most deployed combat divisions. Deployment tempo is real and should factor into your housing and family support planning. Strong on-post community programs, a well-connected spouse network, and the Fort Stewart & Hunter Army Airfield PCS Pay It Forward® community are all resources to plug into before a deployment cycle begins. ACS also has dedicated family readiness and deployment support programs.

Key Takeaways

• Fort Stewart and Hunter AAF are 40 miles apart. Know which installation you’ll work at before you choose a neighborhood — that commute will define your daily quality of life.
• 2026 BAH increased 7.3%. An E-5 with dependents receives $2,310/month. Fort Stewart is ranked 26th highest among all Army installations. See the full table above for all grades.
• Hinesville is closest and most affordable. Richmond Hill has the best schools in the region (Bryan County, top 10% in Georgia) but costs more and adds commute time. Savannah and Pooler are the best fits for Hunter AAF families.
• On-post housing is managed by Balfour Beatty at (912) 408-2460. Apply early — waitlists vary by season. Soldiers must apply within 30 days of arrival.
• Winn Army Community Hospital is a full hospital with emergency services — not just a clinic. Call the Winn Call Care Center at (912) 435-6633 for all appointments.
• All soldiers check in at the Marne Reception Center on Fort Stewart, even if assigned to Hunter AAF. Call (912) 767-0115 to coordinate airport pickup from SAV.
• Your VA Home Loan benefit makes real sense here. Hinesville median home prices often pencil out to a mortgage payment at or below local rent. Explore your options at pcspayitforward.com/va-home-loan.
• Build your PCS Plan© now and join the Fort Stewart & Hunter Army Airfield PCS Pay It Forward® group for real-time support from families who’ve already made this move.
• The Tybee Island trip will become a monthly ritual. Go your first weekend. That’s a promise from every military family who’s lived here.

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 to plan this move is in the PCS Toolkit.