Military Bases in Nevada: PCS Guide

TL;DR: Nevada is home to three major military installations — Nellis AFB, Creech AFB, and NAS Fallon — spread across two distinct regions of the state. This guide covers 2026 BAH rates, housing options, schools, neighborhoods, and Nevada’s powerful zero-income-tax benefit so you can plan your PCS with confidence.

If your orders just dropped for Nevada, you’re headed somewhere that surprises almost every military family who arrives here. Las Vegas is not just a vacation destination. For the tens of thousands of service members and their families stationed at Nellis and Creech, it’s home — with desert hikes, professional sports, year-round sunshine, and a military community that’s genuinely tight-knit once you find your people. Up north, NAS Fallon delivers a completely different experience: small-town Nevada, open skies, and the real TOPGUN program right in your backyard.

Nevada also gives military families one of the biggest financial wins in the country — zero state income tax. Your military pay, your spouse’s income, your retirement check — none of it gets taxed at the state level. That matters, especially when you’re stretching BAH to cover housing in the Las Vegas market.

Whether you’re headed to the desert heat of the Las Vegas Valley or the wide-open spaces of Churchill County, this guide covers everything you need before your report date. Use it alongside your personalized PCS Plan© for a complete roadmap to your next duty station.

Southern Nevada: Nellis AFB and Creech AFB

Southern Nevada anchors the vast majority of Nevada’s military population. Nellis Air Force Base and Creech Air Force Base both fall in Clark County, though their day-to-day environments could not be more different. Nellis sits eight miles from the Las Vegas Strip. Creech sits 45 miles northwest of Las Vegas in the small desert town of Indian Springs — population about 1,100.

Nellis Air Force Base

Nellis is known across the Air Force as the “Home of the Fighter Pilot,” and that reputation is fully earned. It is home to the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center, which hosts the famous Red Flag and Green Flag exercises — the most demanding advanced air combat training in the world. The base covers more than 14,000 acres in the northeast corner of the Las Vegas Valley, with a total military community of over 40,000 people including family members and retirees. On any given day, aircraft from the Air Force, Navy, Marines, Army, and allied nations share the Nevada Test and Training Range airspace.

Additionally, Nellis is home to the Air Force Thunderbirds, and it serves as the support hub for Creech AFB operations. The Mike O’Callaghan Military Medical Center provides comprehensive hospital care for both installations.

On-base housing

Nellis offers one of the larger on-base housing footprints you’ll find at an Air Force installation. Housing is privatized and managed by Hunt Military Communities at (702) 677-3660. The base is divided into Main Side and Hospital Side, with distinctly different feels. Main Side houses dormitories, lodging, and most operational areas. Hospital Side hosts the commissary, BX, hospital, and all family housing — notably renovated with resort-style aesthetics, palm trees, a splash pad, and a hot tub.

Housing communities include Nellis Terrace (2–4 bedroom ranch homes for E1–E6), the Landings (duplex homes for E1–E6), and several communities for higher enlisted and officer ranks. Waitlists run long, particularly during peak PCS season from May through August. Contact the Nellis Housing Office at 4601 Richard Kisling Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89115, (702) 652-1840, as soon as orders drop.

Off-base neighborhoods

An impoverished area immediately surrounds the base gates, so most families choose neighborhoods several miles away. Here are the most popular options:

• North Las Vegas / Aliante: 15–20 minutes from base. Affordable, family-friendly, and the most common choice for junior enlisted. Grocery stores, daycares, and restaurants are all close by.
• Centennial Hills / Providence: 25–35 minutes northwest. Clean, well-maintained HOA communities. Popular with both Nellis and Creech families.
• Summerlin: 35–40 minutes west. Premium neighborhoods with the best-rated schools in Clark County. Most of the area’s private schools are here. Expect a longer commute but a noticeably higher quality of life.
• Henderson: 30–40 minutes south. Another strong option for school quality. Henderson consistently ranks among the safest cities in Nevada.

School quality varies dramatically by neighborhood in Clark County. Summerlin and Henderson schools consistently receive the highest ratings in the district. If schools are your top priority, factor that commute time into your housing decision early.

Schools at Nellis AFB

There are no DoDEA schools at Nellis. All children attend schools in the Clark County School District (CCSD), the fifth-largest district in the United States with over 316,000 students. The closest schools to base include Lomie G. Heard Elementary, Carroll M. Johnston Middle School, and Mojave High School — all with large military student populations. Approximately one-third of CCSD elementary and middle schools operate on a year-round calendar. Clark County also offers magnet programs for students with specific interests and abilities. For childcare, on-base CDCs have very long waitlists — register at MilitaryChildCare.com the moment you receive orders.

2026 BAH Rates: Nellis AFB / Las Vegas

Pay Grade	With Dependents	Without Dependents
E-4	$1,941	$1,941
E-5	$2,070	$1,941
E-6	$2,208	$2,094
E-7	$2,268	$2,205
O-3	$2,487	$2,382
O-4	$2,610	$2,610

For complete rates by rank and dependency status, use the 2026 BAH rates guide or the DoD BAH Calculator.

Creech Air Force Base

Creech is unlike any other base in the Air Force. As the global epicenter of U.S. Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) operations, Creech is where the 432nd Wing — known as the “Hunters” — conducts 24/7 combat operations with MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator aircraft from windowless ground control stations in the middle of the Mojave Desert. Pilots sit in cockpits that happen to be on the ground, running eight-hour shifts supporting global counterterrorism missions across multiple combatant commands. The mission is classified, the tempo is high, and the sense of purpose is real.

However, Creech is located in Indian Springs, roughly 45 miles northwest of Las Vegas on U.S. Highway 95. The town of Indian Springs has a population of about 1,100 people and minimal amenities. Most personnel commute from Las Vegas, and FedVan (a veteran-owned company) offers a free base-to-base shuttle between Creech and Nellis AFB to reduce commuting costs and wear on vehicles from the desert conditions.

On-base housing

There is no on-base family housing at Creech AFB. All housing support is handled through Nellis AFB, approximately 45 miles away. Personnel assigned to Creech are eligible for Hunt Military Communities housing at Nellis and often receive priority placement. Alternatively, Creech service members can obtain temporary lodging at Nellis while waiting for permanent housing. Contact the Creech Housing Office at (702) 685-2112 for referrals and guidance.

Off-base neighborhoods

Northwest Las Vegas is the most popular choice for Creech families because it minimizes the commute on Highway 95. Skye Canyon, Centennial Hills, and Providence are well-maintained, family-friendly neighborhoods about 30–35 minutes from the gates. These areas offer clean communities, good school access, shopping centers, and a far more comfortable lifestyle than living in Indian Springs itself. A small number of families choose to live in Indian Springs for the 5-minute commute, but they sacrifice nearly every convenience in exchange.

Creech BAH is set at the Nellis AFB / Las Vegas rate, so the same figures in the table above apply. See the full base guide for Nellis-Creech Air Force Base for more details.

Northern Nevada: Naval Air Station Fallon

Drive three hours north from Las Vegas and Nevada transforms completely. Gone are the slot machines and neon signs. In their place: wide-open ranching country, ancient petroglyphs at Grimes Point, the snowy peaks of the Stillwater Range, and the real-life TOPGUN program that inspired the movies.

Naval Air Station Fallon

Naval Air Station Fallon is home to the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC) — more widely known as TOPGUN. Every Navy and Marine Corps tactical aviation squadron deploying with carrier air wings trains through Fallon. The base serves as the Navy’s premier tactical air warfare training center, operating bombing and electronic warfare ranges across the Nevada high desert. Over 3,000 active-duty personnel, civilian employees, and DoD contractors live and work here.

NAS Fallon sits in Churchill County, approximately 70 miles east of Reno and six hours north of Las Vegas. The base phone number is (775) 426-3000 (DSN: 312-890-3000). If you’re flying in for your report date, plan to arrive at Reno-Tahoe International Airport and contact your sponsor at least 48–72 hours in advance for pickup coordination.

On-base housing

NAS Fallon offers approximately 202 family housing units managed by Liberty Military Housing. The privatized housing covers roughly 53% of eligible families, so waitlists are common — call (775) 426-2809 early. Three main communities serve different ranks:

• Blue Sky Community: Eligible for E1–E6. This community holds an “A-List” property designation from CEL Group for outstanding service quality. Pets are welcome.
• Desert Winds Community: Eligible for E1–E9 and W1–O6. Amenities include playgrounds, a fitness center, a bike park, a dog park, and a state-of-the-art splash pad.
• Mountain View Community: Eligible for E1–O6. Located in the Lahontan Valley, this community provides a quieter, more rural experience 70 miles east of Reno.

Off-base neighborhoods

Fallon itself is a small, charming Western town of approximately 9,000 residents. Housing costs are significantly lower than Las Vegas or Reno. Ranch-style homes built after 2000 typically sell for $258,000–$840,000. Rentals are more limited, and pet-friendly units require a deposit. Most homes have smaller rooms — oversized furniture, king beds with large headboards, and bulky living room sets may not fit well.

Many families choose to commute from the Reno/Sparks area, roughly one hour west. Spanish Springs in Sparks is especially popular — family-friendly, HOA-maintained, gated communities with good schools and easy access to Reno’s amenities. Additionally, Fernley and Dayton offer alternatives for families seeking a middle-ground between Fallon’s remoteness and Reno’s cost of living.

Schools at NAS Fallon

There are no DoDEA schools at NAS Fallon. Children primarily attend the Churchill County School District, which covers one high school (Churchill County High School, 1,296 students), one junior high school (694 students), and five elementary schools (1,911 students total). Niche rates the district B+, naming it the best district in Nevada for athletics. Churchill County High School offers a Naval Junior ROTC program — a strong option for students interested in military service. For school liaison support, contact NAS Fallon’s School Liaison Officer at (775) 240-4160.

2026 BAH Rates: NAS Fallon

Pay Grade	With Dependents	Without Dependents
E-4	$1,578	$1,578
E-5	$1,596	$1,578
E-6	$1,788	$1,629
E-7	$1,980	$1,785
O-3	$2,286	$2,319
O-4	$2,406	$2,499

BAH at Fallon is lower than Las Vegas, but the cost of living in Churchill County is also lower — so your dollar goes further. See the full base guide for Naval Air Station Fallon for installation-specific details.

Living in Nevada as a Military Family

Nevada is genuinely great for military families in several ways — and genuinely challenging in a few others. Here’s the honest version.

The heat is not optional

Southern Nevada summers are extreme. Las Vegas regularly hits 105–115°F from June through September. Monsoon season in late summer can bring sudden thunderstorms and dangerous flash floods. Your car will need to be shade-parked whenever possible. Your children will need consistent hydration reminders. Air conditioning is non-negotiable, and utility bills in summer will be higher than you expect. Budget accordingly — $300–$400 electric bills in July and August are common for families in the Las Vegas Valley.

Fallon and northern Nevada bring a different climate challenge. Winters are genuinely cold, with temperatures that can drop to 22°F and real snowfall. Northern Nevada homes use both air conditioning in summer and significant heating in winter. Consequently, utility budgets need to account for both extremes throughout the year.

The driving reality in Las Vegas

Las Vegas traffic has grown significantly as the city has expanded. The commute from Summerlin or Henderson to Nellis at peak morning hours can stretch well past 40–45 minutes. Furthermore, Highway 95 from Las Vegas to Creech AFB is 45 miles of two-lane desert highway with limited passing options and aggressive commuter traffic. Consider your daily commute time when selecting a neighborhood — it directly affects your quality of life here.

The lifestyle upside is real

However, Nevada delivers on entertainment and outdoor adventure in ways that genuinely surprise incoming families. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a world-class hiking and climbing destination 20 minutes from Nellis. Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers boating, swimming, and camping just 30 minutes away. Mount Charleston provides skiing in winter and cool hiking in summer — only 45 minutes from base. Additionally, Las Vegas hosts the Raiders, Golden Knights (NHL), Vegas Aces (WNBA), and Las Vegas Lights FC, making it a legitimate professional sports city. World-class restaurants, entertainment, and family attractions are available year-round at price points that range from free to extravagant.

Fallon families get something different but equally worthwhile: true outdoor isolation. Ancient petroglyphs at Grimes Point, ghost towns, hot springs, and access to the Walker River are all within an easy drive. Carson City, the state capital, is 90 minutes away. Reno provides a genuine city experience — restaurants, shopping, University of Nevada medical care, and an airport — all within an hour’s commute.

Child care and school quality gaps

This is the real-talk section. CDC waitlists at Nellis are extremely long. Register on MilitaryChildCare.com immediately after receiving orders. Private childcare near the base is available but can be expensive. For school quality, do not assume that proximity to Nellis means good schools — the neighborhoods immediately surrounding the base have lower-rated schools. Summerlin and Henderson consistently produce the best outcomes, but they require a longer commute. Research your specific school before committing to a neighborhood. Nevada’s MIC3 compact protects military children from enrollment delays and sports eligibility issues when transferring between schools.

Deployment tempo

Creech AFB has a notably high operational tempo. Drone operations run 24/7/365, and support requirements are relentless. Families at Creech need strong support networks, and the commute situation adds another layer of complexity. Nellis deployment and TDY schedules vary by unit — Red Flag exercises alone bring massive influxes of personnel for weeks at a time, which affects everything from traffic to housing availability. NAS Fallon deployment schedules depend heavily on squadron training cycles and TOPGUN class rotations.

VA Home Loan in Nevada: What Military Families Should Know

Nevada’s housing markets are dynamic. Las Vegas and Reno both continue to see upward pressure on home prices, and BAH in the Las Vegas area reflects that. However, the VA Home Loan remains the most powerful purchasing tool available to military families, and Nevada is a strong state to use it.

Why the VA loan works especially well here

Nevada has no state income tax, which means more of your take-home pay is available for housing costs each month. Additionally, Nevada property tax rates are relatively low compared to most states. Those two factors combined make owning more financially advantageous here than in many other duty stations. Your BAH, being tax-free at the federal level, can also be used to qualify for a larger loan — many VA lenders gross up BAH income for debt-to-income purposes.

Nevada housing market by installation

In the Las Vegas Valley, median home prices have risen significantly in Clark County in recent years. Accessible neighborhoods for military families — North Las Vegas, Aliante, and Centennial Hills — offer more entry-level pricing than Summerlin or Henderson. New construction has expanded in the northwest Las Vegas Valley, giving Creech and Nellis families more options. In Fallon, home prices are substantially lower, and your BAH can cover a mortgage payment with room to spare in most cases. Churchill County’s agricultural land limits new development, so inventory can be tight for buyers.

Using VA Home Loan benefits in Nevada

With valid PCS orders, your lender can typically qualify you using gaining-station BAH before you even arrive in Nevada — a significant advantage when you’re house-hunting remotely. Nevada does not have a state-level VA funding fee exemption, but disabled veterans with a VA disability rating of 10% or more are exempt from the federal VA funding fee entirely. Furthermore, surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability are also exempt.

If you’re planning to buy at your next Nevada duty station, the VA Home Loan guide covers eligibility, entitlement, the funding fee, and how to work with a military-experienced lender. Also see the 2026 military pay charts for current base pay figures to use in your budget planning.

Nevada State Financial and Veteran Benefits

Nevada is one of the most financially favorable states for active-duty military and veterans. Here’s what you need to know before you arrive.

No state income tax

Nevada has no individual income tax. Your military base pay, special pays, bonuses, spouse employment income, and TSP distributions are all entirely free from state taxation. This is not a small benefit — for an E-5 with a working spouse, that difference can amount to $2,000–$5,000 or more per year depending on combined household income. No other financial benefit in this guide comes close to that annual impact.

Property tax exemptions for veterans

Nevada offers two key property tax exemptions for veterans and military families. Both can be applied to real property taxes or vehicle registration taxes — whichever benefits you more.

• Wartime Veteran’s Property Tax Exemption: For veterans who served a minimum of 90 continuous active-duty days during a wartime period and received an honorable discharge. The 2025/2026 assessed value deduction is $3,540 — worth approximately $126/year on property taxes or $141 on vehicle registration fees. Apply through your county assessor’s office.
• Disabled Veteran’s Property Tax Exemption: For Nevada-resident veterans with a permanent service-connected disability of 60% or higher. The 2025/2026 amounts are: 60–79% disabled = $17,700 assessed value (~$620/year property savings); 80–99% disabled = $26,550 assessed value (~$948/year); 100% disabled = $35,400 assessed value (~$1,264/year). Surviving spouses may also be eligible.

Education benefits

Nevada Guard members serving in good standing are eligible for a waiver of resident tuition and certain lab fees at state-supported institutions through the Nevada National Guard. The waiver does not cover UNLV’s School of Dental Medicine, the University of Nevada School of Medicine, or the William S. Boyd School of Law. Additionally, Nevada participates in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3), protecting your kids from enrollment delays, eligibility issues for extracurriculars, and academic disadvantage when transferring mid-year.

Employment and legal benefits

Nevada offers a state employment hiring preference for honorably discharged veterans, National Guard service members, and surviving spouses — preference points are added to passing exam scores. The Nevada Attorney General’s Office of Military Legal Assistance (OMLA) provides free civil legal assistance to active-duty, reserve, and National Guard members, including wills, powers of attorney, and more. Contact the Nevada Department of Veterans Services at (775) 888-7420 for help with benefits claims and VSO support across the state.

Hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation

Nevada resident service members stationed outside the state qualify for a $15 specialty combination hunting and fishing license — a significant discount from civilian rates. Honorably discharged disabled veterans with a 50% or higher VA rating also qualify for the same discounted license. For service members who draw a big game tag and are subsequently deployed, the Nevada Department of Wildlife allows a deferral of up to two years or a full refund.

See the PCS tax write-offs guide for information on deducting your Nevada move expenses and the PCS binder checklist to keep all your Nevada-specific documents organized.

FAQ: Military Bases in Nevada

What military bases are in Nevada?

Nevada has three major military installations: Nellis Air Force Base in North Las Vegas (Air Force), Creech Air Force Base near Indian Springs about 45 miles northwest of Las Vegas (Air Force), and Naval Air Station Fallon in Fallon, Nevada (Navy). The Nevada National Guard also maintains headquarters facilities in Carson City.

What is Nellis Air Force Base known for?

Nellis AFB is known as the “Home of the Fighter Pilot” and hosts the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center, the world’s largest and most demanding advanced air combat training mission. It is also home to the famous Red Flag and Green Flag exercises, and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team.

What is Creech AFB known for?

Creech Air Force Base is the global epicenter of U.S. Air Force Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) operations. It is home to the 432nd Wing, which operates MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator drones, providing intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strike capabilities worldwide around the clock.

What is NAS Fallon known for?

Naval Air Station Fallon is home to the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center, better known as TOPGUN. Every deploying Navy and Marine Corps tactical aviation squadron trains through Fallon. The base operates bombing and electronic warfare ranges across northern Nevada’s high desert, making it the Navy’s premier tactical air warfare training installation.

Does Nevada have state income tax for military?

No. Nevada has no individual state income tax at all. Military base pay, special pays, bonuses, TSP distributions, and spouse employment income are all completely free from state taxation. This applies to both active-duty service members and military retirees, making Nevada one of the most financially favorable states in the country for military families.

What are the best neighborhoods near Nellis AFB?

The most popular neighborhoods for Nellis families include Aliante and North Las Vegas (15–20 minutes from base, most affordable), Centennial Hills and Providence (25–35 minutes, family-friendly HOA communities), Summerlin (35–40 minutes, highest-rated schools in Clark County), and Henderson (30–40 minutes, excellent schools and safety ratings). School quality varies significantly by neighborhood, so research your specific school zone before committing to a neighborhood.

Is there on-base housing at Creech AFB?

No. Creech AFB does not have on-base family housing. Personnel assigned to Creech use housing at Nellis AFB, managed by Hunt Military Communities, or rent and buy in the civilian market — typically in Northwest Las Vegas communities like Centennial Hills and Skye Canyon. A free base-to-base shuttle (operated by FedVan) runs between Creech and Nellis to reduce commuting costs and vehicle wear.

What schools are near NAS Fallon?

NAS Fallon has no DoDEA schools. Children attend Churchill County School District schools, which include Churchill County High School (home to a Naval Junior ROTC program), one junior high school, and five elementary schools. Niche rates the district B+, recognizing it as the best district in Nevada for athletics. For school questions, contact the NAS Fallon School Liaison Officer at (775) 240-4160.

What is the BAH rate at Nellis AFB in 2026?

2026 BAH at Nellis AFB/Las Vegas for an E-5 with dependents is $2,070 per month. An O-3 with dependents receives $2,487 per month. BAH rates vary by pay grade and dependency status. Use the DoD BAH Calculator or the PCS PIF 2026 BAH rates guide to look up your specific rate before your move.

What veteran property tax benefits does Nevada offer?

Nevada offers a Wartime Veteran’s Property Tax Exemption worth a $3,540 assessed value deduction (2025/2026) — approximately $126 per year in savings. Additionally, veterans with a permanent service-connected disability of 60% or more qualify for a larger Disabled Veteran’s Exemption ranging from $17,700 assessed value (60–79% disability) to $35,400 assessed value (100% disability). Both exemptions can be applied to real property taxes or vehicle registration fees. Contact your county assessor to apply.

How hot does it get near Nellis AFB in summer?

Las Vegas summers are extreme. Temperatures routinely exceed 105°F from June through September and can climb past 115°F during peak heat events. Late summer monsoon season can bring sudden flash flooding. Budget for significantly higher electric bills during summer months — $300–$400 per month for cooling is common for families. Plan childcare and outdoor activities around the heat, and keep cars parked in shade whenever possible.

Is NAS Fallon considered remote duty?

Yes. NAS Fallon is officially considered remote duty. The base is approximately 70 miles east of Reno, which is the nearest major city. Fallon itself has limited amenities — a Walmart, a Safeway, local restaurants, and the charm of a small Western town. Many families commute from Sparks or the Reno area (about one hour) to access better shopping, dining, and healthcare options. Carson City is 90 minutes away.

Key Takeaways

• Nevada has three major bases: Nellis AFB (Las Vegas metro, Air Force), Creech AFB (Indian Springs, Air Force RPA operations), and NAS Fallon (northern Nevada, Navy TOPGUN). Each offers a completely different lifestyle.
• Zero state income tax is your biggest financial win: Nevada taxes no military income at any level. For most military families, that saves thousands of dollars per year compared to states with income tax.
• BAH varies significantly by installation: Nellis/Las Vegas pays $2,070/month for an E-5 with dependents in 2026. Fallon pays $1,596 — but Fallon’s cost of living is proportionally lower.
• Neighborhood selection near Nellis matters more than almost anywhere else: School quality, commute time, and safety vary dramatically across the Las Vegas Valley. Research Summerlin, Henderson, Centennial Hills, and Aliante before committing.
• Creech families need realistic commute expectations: 45 miles of desert highway each way, every day. The base-to-base FedVan shuttle is free and worth using. Build your neighborhood search around NW Las Vegas and Highway 95 access.
• The VA Home Loan is especially powerful in Nevada: No state income tax plus low property taxes make owning more financially advantageous here than in most duty stations. Use your VA loan entitlement — zero down, no PMI.
• NAS Fallon is remote, but manageable: The Reno/Sparks area is one hour away and gives Fallon families access to a real city. Start your housing search early — on-base housing covers only about 53% of eligible families.
• Start your PCS Plan early: CDC waitlists at Nellis are long, on-base housing fills fast at all three installations, and the Las Vegas rental market moves quickly during PCS season. Use your PCS Plan© and the military moving tips guide to stay ahead of every deadline.