MCAS Cherry Point Base Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Your PCS

Quick Facts: MCAS Cherry Point

Detail	Info
Branch	United States Marine Corps
Location	Havelock, NC 28533
Main Phone	(252) 466-2811
Mission	Naval aviation depot, F-35B/C and legacy fixed-wing fleet support
Major Units	2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (2nd MAW), MCAS Cherry Point
Nearest City	New Bern (~25 miles west), Morehead City (~30 miles east)
Closest Airport	Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN), New Bern

MCAS Cherry Point is home to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and the Naval Aviation Depot (NADEP), one of the largest industrial complexes in the Marine Corps. If your service member works at NADEP, expect a more predictable schedule than those in operational squadrons. Deployment tempo varies significantly by unit, so ask your sponsor which command your service member is joining.

2026 BAH Rates for MCAS Cherry Point

MCAS Cherry Point falls under the Havelock, NC BAH rate area (Craven County). Here are the 2026 rates:

Pay Grade	Without Dependents	With Dependents
E-4	$1,299	$1,596
E-5	$1,299	$1,596
E-6	$1,299	$1,638
E-7	$1,326	$1,683
W-2	$1,362	$1,734
O-1E	$1,362	$1,734
O-2	$1,422	$1,788
O-3	$1,569	$1,953
O-4	$1,641	$2,046

Note: These figures reflect 2026 BAH rates. Always verify your specific rate at the official DoD BAH calculator. For a full breakdown of how BAH works, see our 2026 BAH rates guide.

Cherry Point’s BAH is on the lower end compared to coastal duty stations like Camp Lejeune or Norfolk, but housing costs in the area are proportionally lower too. Many families find they can live comfortably and still save money.

On-Base Housing: Atlantic Marine Corps Communities at Cherry Point

Atlantic Marine Corps Communities (AMCC) manages all on-base family housing at Cherry Point.

• Phone: (888) 216-1684
• Office: 102 Bern St, Havelock, NC 28532
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
• Website: atlanticmarinecorpscommunities.com

What to Expect

AMCC manages several neighborhoods on and near the installation. Homes are generally 3–4 bedrooms and range from older construction to recently renovated units. Residents report the maintenance team is responsive and professional, a consistent theme in recent reviews.

The waitlist situation at Cherry Point is better than at larger installations. Depending on your family size and pay grade, you may wait anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Contact AMCC as soon as your orders are confirmed — don’t wait until 30 days out.

Important: When you live in on-base housing, your entire BAH goes to AMCC as rent. There is no out-of-pocket cost for rent, but you also won’t pocket any BAH surplus. Utilities are typically included or covered through a utility allowance program — confirm the current terms with AMCC when you apply.

Tips from families who’ve been there:

• Call, don’t just email. AMCC’s phone responsiveness has been praised by recent arrivals.
• Ask specifically about Slocum Village if you want newer construction and a strong community feel.
• Request a floor plan before you commit — unit sizes vary more than you’d expect within the same neighborhood.

Off-Base Housing: Neighborhoods and What You’ll Pay

Havelock and the surrounding area offer solid off-base options. Here’s a breakdown of the most common neighborhoods military families choose.

Havelock (In Town)

The most convenient option — you’re literally outside the gate. Havelock has a mix of older single-family homes, newer construction, and apartment complexes. Rent is affordable and commutes are short (5–15 minutes depending on where you live).

• Average rent (2026): $1,100–$1,600/month for a 3BR home or townhouse
• Notable complexes: Coastal Townhomes (1 Townhouse Dr, (252) 447-0865), Gatewood Apartments (150 Legacy Ln)
• Pros: Close to base, affordable, walkable to commissary/PX area
• Cons: Limited restaurant/entertainment options in town itself; smaller-town feel

New Bern (~25 miles west)

New Bern is a charming historic city on the Neuse River with significantly more dining, shopping, and entertainment than Havelock. Many families choose New Bern for the quality of life and still have a manageable commute.

• Average rent: $1,300–$1,800/month for a 3BR home
• Drive to base: ~25–30 minutes on US-70
• Pros: Great food scene, historic downtown, better schools (Craven County)
• Cons: Longer commute, US-70 traffic can back up near rush hour

Morehead City / Beaufort / Atlantic Beach (~30–35 miles east)

If your family is drawn to coastal living, the Crystal Coast area is stunning. Morehead City and Beaufort offer waterfront dining, beautiful neighborhoods, and easy beach access. Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle are within easy reach.

• Average rent: $1,400–$2,000/month (higher near the water)
• Drive to base: ~30–40 minutes
• Pros: Beach lifestyle, beautiful scenery, strong community
• Cons: Longest commute, highest rent in the area, some flooding risk near coast

Newport (~15 miles east)

Newport is the sweet spot for many Cherry Point families — closer than Morehead City, with newer housing developments and a short commute.

• Average rent: $1,200–$1,600/month for a 3BR
• Drive to base: ~15–20 minutes
• Pros: Newer construction, affordable, easy access to Crystal Coast
• Cons: Limited walkability, primarily car-dependent

Thinking about buying? Cherry Point’s BAH, combined with Eastern NC’s lower home prices, can make buying a smart move. Our VA Home Loan guide breaks down how to use your VA benefit and what the process looks like from orders to closing.

Schools Near MCAS Cherry Point

Cherry Point families are served by Craven County Schools for most of Havelock and surrounding areas. Carteret County Schools serves families living east toward Newport and Morehead City.

Craven County Schools (Havelock Area)

School	Level	Phone
Graham A. Barden Elementary	K–5	(252) 444-5100
Roger Bell New Tech Academy	K–8	(252) 444-5133
Havelock High School	9–12	(252) 444-5112

Arthur W. Edwards Elementary is the on-base DoDEA school, located inside the installation at 200 Education Ln, (252) 444-5140. Hours are 8:00 AM–5:00 PM weekdays. If your child is enrolled at Edwards, the advantage is obvious — you’re dealing with a school system that truly understands military family life, deployments, and frequent moves.

Craven County Schools district office: (252) 514-6300 | craven.k12.nc.us

Carteret County Schools (for families in Newport, Morehead City, Beaufort): (252) 728-4583 | carteretcountyschools.org

Honest take on schools: Craven County schools are average by state standards. If academics are a priority and you’re buying, consider whether Newport (Carteret County) might give your kids better school options. DoDEA at Edwards is the hidden gem — many families on-base love it for the military-family support structure.

Medical Care: Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point

• Address: 4389 Beaufort Rd, Havelock, NC 28532
• Phone: (252) 466-0921
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–4:30 PM (closed weekends)

The clinic handles primary care, pharmacy, and referrals for TRICARE Prime enrollees at Cherry Point. Be aware that wait times for appointments can run long — this is a consistent theme in patient feedback. Specialty care will typically require a referral to civilian providers in New Bern or Morehead City.

For emergencies: CarolinaEast Medical Center in New Bern is the primary civilian hospital serving the area. (2000 Neuse Blvd, New Bern, (252) 633-8111)

TRICARE tip: If you’re active duty and live off-base, confirm whether TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select makes more sense for your family. TRICARE Select gives you more flexibility to see civilian providers without referrals, which can be a lifesaver if you’re 30 minutes from the clinic. Visit tricare.mil to compare plans and enroll.

Shopping, Groceries, and Everyday Life

On Base

• Commissary: MCAS Cherry Point Commissary, open Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–7:00 PM, Sat–Sun 8:00 AM–6:00 PM. Phone: (252) 733-6132. Reviews consistently praise the meat department and produce.
• PX/Exchange: Located adjacent to the commissary.

Off Base

• Walmart Supercenter: 566 US-70 W, Havelock, open daily 6:00 AM–11:00 PM, (252) 444-2055.
• Food Lion: 1403 E Main St, Havelock, open daily 7:00 AM–11:00 PM, (252) 447-6308.
• Larger shopping: New Bern has Target, Lowe’s, and more retail options. Morehead City has a waterfront shopping district.

Cost of living snapshot: Eastern North Carolina is genuinely affordable. Groceries, gas, and dining are all below national average. Compared to Camp Lejeune (Jacksonville), Cherry Point families typically report more purchasing power with the same BAH.

Things to Do: The Crystal Coast Advantage

This is where Cherry Point quietly wins. You’re 30–45 minutes from some of the most beautiful coastline in the eastern U.S.

Beaches and outdoor recreation:

• Atlantic Beach / Emerald Isle: Two of the best beaches in North Carolina, far less crowded than the Outer Banks, with warm water from late spring through fall.
• Fort Macon State Park (Atlantic Beach): Free admission, historic Civil War fort, beautiful beach access. One of the highest-rated state parks in North Carolina. (252) 726-3775
• Hammocks Beach State Park (Swansboro): Accessible by ferry, pristine Bear Island beach, excellent camping. (910) 326-4881
• Croatan National Forest (Havelock, literally next door): 160,000 acres of forest, hiking, kayaking, and camping right outside your backyard. (252) 638-5628

New Bern: One of the best-kept secrets in military life. Beautiful historic downtown on the Neuse River, outstanding restaurants, an active arts scene, and the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola. Seriously.

Morehead City / Beaufort: Waterfront dining, fresh seafood, whale-watching tours, and the NC Maritime Museum (free admission). Beaufort’s historic district is one of the prettiest small towns on the East Coast.

For fishing and boating families: This area is world-class. Inshore fishing, offshore charters, and kayaking opportunities are everywhere. Many Cherry Point families consider the outdoor recreation scene the single best thing about the duty station.

PCS Planning Resources for MCAS Cherry Point

Installation contacts you’ll need right away:

Office	Phone
Main Base Operator	(252) 466-2811
Housing (AMCC)	(888) 216-1684
Military Housing Office	(252) 466-2732
Naval Health Clinic	(252) 466-0921
Commissary	(252) 733-6132

Connect with the community: The MCAS Cherry Point PCS Pay-It-Forward® Facebook group is the fastest way to get real answers from families who are there right now. Ask about waitlists, neighborhoods, the best local restaurants — people in that group will give you straight answers.

Other PCS resources:

• MilitaryOneSource — relocation counseling, spouse employment resources, and financial guidance
• MCAS Cherry Point official installation website — base services, family support programs, and newcomer information

Start your PCS plan now: Use our free PCS planning tool to build a timeline, track your moving checklist, and stay organized from orders to arrival. If you’re doing a DITY/PPM move, our complete DITY move guide covers everything you need to know.

Insider Tips: Real Talk About Cherry Point

The good:

• Cost of living is genuinely low. Your BAH goes further here than at most East Coast duty stations.
• The outdoor recreation lifestyle is unmatched — beaches, forests, and rivers within 30 minutes.
• The base itself is large but navigable. Parking and commuting on-base are easy compared to mega-installations like Camp Lejeune.
• New Bern and Morehead City are legitimately great places to live. The “small town” stereotype doesn’t capture how much there is to do.

The real talk:

• Havelock itself is quiet. If you’re used to a major metro area, the limited dining and entertainment options in town may feel restrictive at first. New Bern is your solution.
• The Naval Health Clinic can be frustrating. Appointment availability is limited — get enrolled and establish care the moment you arrive. Don’t wait until you’re sick.
• US-70 is the main artery and it has no real bypass. Morning and evening commutes can be slow if you live east or west of base.
• Hurricane season is real. Eastern NC gets hit. Know your evacuation routes, have a plan, and get renters or homeowners insurance that covers hurricane damage before your first June rolls around.
• NADEP and squadron schedules are very different. Families of depot workers often describe a much more consistent schedule than operational squadron families. Ask your sponsor.

Connect with families who are already there: The Cherry Point PCS Pay-It-Forward® group is worth its weight in gold for hyper-local questions, housing recommendations, school intel, and “where do you actually eat dinner” advice.

VA Home Loans at Cherry Point: What You Should Know

With Cherry Point BAH and Eastern NC home prices in the $200,000–$320,000 range for a solid 3BR, buying can make serious financial sense — especially if you plan to be here 2–3 years or more.

The VA loan gives you 0% down, no PMI, and competitive interest rates. In a market like Havelock and New Bern, that’s a powerful tool.

If you’re thinking about buying, read our full VA Home Loan guide and connect with a military-savvy real estate agent through our PCS planning tool. The Crystal Coast area has agents who work with military families regularly and know the VA loan process inside and out.

Key Takeaways

• MCAS Cherry Point is a strong duty station with a low cost of living, beautiful surroundings, and a manageable base size — often overlooked compared to Camp Lejeune, but genuinely worth embracing.
• Contact Atlantic Marine Corps Communities (AMCC) at (888) 216-1684 as soon as your orders are confirmed to get on the housing waitlist.
• 2026 BAH for Cherry Point is in the $1,299–$2,046 range depending on rank and dependency status, and housing costs in the area align well with those rates.
• For schools, DoDEA’s Arthur W. Edwards Elementary (on base) is a standout option; families east of base in Carteret County have solid school options too.
• The Crystal Coast — Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, Beaufort, and Croatan National Forest — is one of the best recreational backyards of any East Coast military installation.
• Use the MCAS Cherry Point PCS Pay-It-Forward® group to connect with families already on the ground, and start your PCS plan to stay organized from orders to arrival day.

Frequently Asked Questions: PCSing to MCAS Cherry Point

What city is MCAS Cherry Point in?
MCAS Cherry Point is located in Havelock, North Carolina, in Craven County. Havelock is a small city built around the base, about 25 miles east of New Bern and 30 miles west of Morehead City.

What is the BAH rate for MCAS Cherry Point in 2026?
2026 BAH for MCAS Cherry Point ranges from approximately $1,299/month (E-4/E-5 without dependents) to $2,046/month (O-4 with dependents). The rate area is Havelock, NC (Craven County). Verify your specific rate at the DoD BAH calculator at travel.dod.mil.

How long is the on-base housing waitlist at MCAS Cherry Point?
Waitlist times vary by bedroom size and pay grade, but Cherry Point is generally more manageable than larger installations. Many families report wait times of 4–12 weeks. Contact Atlantic Marine Corps Communities at (888) 216-1684 as soon as orders are in hand.

What schools serve MCAS Cherry Point families?
Most Havelock-area families are served by Craven County Schools. There is also a DoDEA school on base, Arthur W. Edwards Elementary, which many military families prefer. Families living east of base in Newport or Morehead City attend Carteret County Schools.

How far is MCAS Cherry Point from the beach?
Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle are approximately 30–40 miles from the main gate, about a 35–45 minute drive. The Crystal Coast is one of the genuine perks of this duty station.

Is MCAS Cherry Point a good duty station?
Most families describe Cherry Point as an underrated duty station with a low cost of living, strong outdoor recreation, and a tight-knit community. The trade-off is that Havelock itself is small and quiet, but nearby New Bern and the Crystal Coast more than compensate.

What major units are at MCAS Cherry Point?
MCAS Cherry Point is home to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (2nd MAW) and the Naval Aviation Depot (NADEP), one of the largest industrial complexes in the Marine Corps. The installation supports fixed-wing aviation including F-35B/C operations.

Where do most military families live near Cherry Point?
The most popular areas are Havelock (closest to base), Newport (15–20 minutes east with newer housing), and New Bern (25 minutes west with more amenities). Morehead City and Beaufort are popular for families who prioritize coastal living.

Does MCAS Cherry Point have a commissary?
Yes. The MCAS Cherry Point Commissary is open Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–7:00 PM and Saturday–Sunday 8:00 AM–6:00 PM. It’s well-stocked and highly rated by the base community. Phone: (252) 733-6132.

What is the closest airport to MCAS Cherry Point?
Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) in New Bern is the closest airport, approximately 25 miles west of the installation. Larger airports include Raleigh-Durham International (RDU), about 2 hours west.

Have questions about your PCS to Cherry Point? Drop them in the MCAS Cherry Point PCS Pay-It-Forward® Facebook group — the community there is incredibly helpful and up to date. And don’t forget to start your PCS plan so nothing falls through the cracks on moving day.

Find more base guides across all branches at pcspayitforward.com/find-your-base/.