U.S. Navy
NAS Lemoore — Lemoore, CA, United States
📍 Lemoore, CA, United States
⭐ 4.2/5 community rating · Rated by Sailors and families
About NAS Lemoore
Naval Air Station Lemoore is the Navy's only Master Jet Base on the West Coast, home to all Pacific Fleet F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-35C squadrons. Located in the San Joaquin Valley of Central California, approximately 45 miles south of Fresno, NAS Lemoore is a significant naval aviation installation in an agricultural setting. Lemoore's Central Valley location places it at significant geographic distance from California's major metropolitan areas. Fresno (45 miles north) is the nearest city of substance, and the San Francisco Bay Area is approximately 3 hours away. This relative isolation creates a tight-knit military community but requires adjustment for families accustomed to urban amenities. The cost of living at Lemoore is moderate for California — the San Joaquin Valley is significantly more affordable than coastal California — and BAH rates provide reasonable purchasing power in Lemoore, Hanford, and Visalia. Housing availability is moderate, and the military community is well-established in these Central Valley communities. The valley climate is characterized by extremely hot summers (frequently above 100°F), dense winter fog (known as "tule fog"), and mild spring and fall seasons. Sierra Nevada ski resorts are 2-3 hours east, and Yosemite National Park is approximately 2.5 hours away, providing world-class mountain recreation. Employment is limited in the immediate Lemoore area, making it a challenging assignment for military spouses with professional careers. Remote work has improved the situation considerably. Fresno offers more substantial employment in healthcare, education, and agriculture. BaseNeed connects NAS Lemoore families with San Joaquin Valley housing, current BAH rates for the Hanford-Lemoore area, and the Central California military community.
NAS Lemoore at a Glance
Location: Lemoore, CA 93246, United States.
Branch & command: U.S. Navy, NAS.
On-base housing: Abundant, typical wait 2-4 months.
Cost-of-living index: 102.30 (100 = U.S. average).
Climate: Mediterranean, hot summers, mild winters.
Nearby cities: Lemoore, Hanford, Visalia, Fresno.
Base operator: (559) 998-5800.
2026 BAH Rates for NAS Lemoore
The figures below are the 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for the military housing area covering NAS Lemoore, published by the DoD (DTMO) and effective 1 January 2026. Amounts are monthly and tax-free, shown with and without dependents.
| Pay grade | With dependents | Without dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 to E-4 | $1,944 | $1,581 |
| E-5 | $2,139 | $1,680 |
| E-6 | $2,277 | $1,764 |
| E-7 | $2,337 | $1,950 |
| E-8 | $2,406 | $2,175 |
| E-9 | $2,514 | $2,202 |
| W-1 | $2,292 | $1,884 |
| W-2 | $2,364 | $2,172 |
| W-3 | $2,454 | $2,211 |
| W-4 | $2,535 | $2,283 |
| W-5 | $2,643 | $2,352 |
| O-1 | $2,166 | $1,743 |
| O-2 | $2,274 | $2,079 |
| O-3 | $2,451 | $2,220 |
| O-4 | $2,673 | $2,334 |
| O-5 | $2,835 | $2,367 |
| O-6 | $2,856 | $2,430 |
| O-7 | $2,874 | $2,469 |
Confirm your exact entitlement with the official DTMO BAH calculator before signing a lease.
Quick Facts about NAS Lemoore
- Branch & location
- U.S. Navy · Lemoore, CA, United States
- 2026 BAH (E-5)
- $2,139/mo with deps · $1,680 without
- Cost of living
- Index 102.3 — near average
- Climate
- Mediterranean, hot summers, mild winters
- Off-base housing
- abundant
- Nearest VA facility
- Pre-Discharge Site at Naval Airstation Lemoore (~6 mi)
PCS to NAS Lemoore — Complete 2026 Guide
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to NAS Lemoore requires planning that most Sailors start 90–120 days before their report date. The key areas to tackle first are housing (on-base vs. off-base), BAH calculation, school enrollment for children, and spouse employment. This guide walks you through each step.
Step 1: Understand Your Orders and Timeline
Your PCS orders to NAS Lemoore will specify your Report No Later Than (RNLTD) date — your primary planning anchor. From this date work backwards: HHG shipment scheduling (DPS at move.mil) should happen at least 30–45 days out; housing research should begin immediately. Contact your losing unit S1 or PSD to initiate your out-processing checklist as soon as orders are in hand. Request a sponsor from your gaining unit — most U.S. Navy units assign one who can answer installation-specific questions and help your family settle in before you arrive.
Step 2: Calculate Your 2026 BAH and Set a Housing Budget
Your 2026 BAH for Lemoore, CA is your housing budget ceiling. E-5 with dependents: $2,139/month. E-5 without dependents: $1,680/month. E-7 with dependents: $2,337/month. O-3 with dependents: $2,451/month. BAH is fully tax-free and determined by your pay grade and dependency status. In this near average area, Lemoore, BAH rates are calibrated to cover the 80th percentile of local rental costs, leaving most service members with practical options within their allowance. Use the BaseNeed BAH Calculator to compare rates across all pay grades.
Step 3: On-Base vs. Off-Base Housing Decision
With abundant housing options, you have flexibility to negotiate rent and find a home that matches your BAH. Focus on neighborhoods closest to the main gate to minimize commute. Current on-base wait: approximately 2-4 months. Apply for on-base housing immediately after receiving orders — even if you lean toward off-base, maintaining a waitlist position keeps all options open. Browse verified housing listings near NAS Lemoore on BaseNeed, filtered to your BAH rate and preferred communities.
Step 4: Schools, Childcare, and Family Resources
Contact the School Liaison Officer (SLO) at NAS Lemoore early — they specialize in school enrollment, record transfers, and finding the right educational fit for military-connected students at every grade level. DoDEA schools (if available on-base) offer curriculum continuity across PCS moves. For childcare, the Child Development Center (CDC) on base provides subsidized, high-quality care — waitlists can be 6–12 months, so register immediately after receiving orders. The Family Support Center offers free spouse employment assistance, financial counseling, and PCS transition workshops for the whole family.
Step 5: Schedule Your HHG Shipment and Travel
Book your Household Goods (HHG) shipment through DPS (move.mil) as early as possible — peak PCS season (May–August) fills carrier capacity quickly. Options include a full government move, a Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY), or a combination. Pack a "first-night box" with essentials — documents, medications, toiletries, and a change of clothes per family member — separately from your main shipment. Photograph all valuables before the move and file claims promptly for any damage discovered at delivery. Carriers are required to honor claims within the timeframe specified in your Bill of Lading.
Step 6: In-Process at NAS Lemoore
Upon arrival, complete garrison in-processing at the welcome center. Required stops typically include finance (to activate BAH and other allowances), medical and dental records transfer, vehicle registration, ID card office, and your unit S1 or PSD. Bring multiple copies of your orders, all ID cards, medical records, vehicle title, and signed housing paperwork. Most installations complete full in-processing in 2–5 business days. Your unit sponsor can walk you through installation-specific requirements and help your family get oriented faster.
Housing & Cost of Living — NAS Lemoore
The 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for Lemoore, CA ranges from $1,680/month for junior enlisted without dependents to $2,451/month for mid-grade officers with dependents. All BAH is 100% tax-free income. Plenty of off-base housing available. On-base wait: ~2-4 months.
Open BAH Calculator → Browse Housing Near NAS Lemoore →
More useful BaseNeed resources
Use these quick links to continue your PCS planning, compare BAH, and explore local military community support.
2026 BAH Rate Table — NAS Lemoore (Lemoore, CA)
E-5 with dependents: $2,139/mo | Without dependents: $1,680/mo
| Pay Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $1,944/mo | $1,581/mo |
| E-2 | $1,944/mo | $1,581/mo |
| E-3 | $1,944/mo | $1,581/mo |
| E-4 | $1,944/mo | $1,581/mo |
| E-5 | $2,139/mo | $1,680/mo |
| E-6 | $2,277/mo | $1,764/mo |
| E-7 | $2,337/mo | $1,950/mo |
| E-8 | $2,406/mo | $2,175/mo |
| E-9 | $2,514/mo | $2,202/mo |
| W-1 | $2,292/mo | $1,884/mo |
| W-2 | $2,364/mo | $2,172/mo |
| W-3 | $2,454/mo | $2,211/mo |
| W-4 | $2,535/mo | $2,283/mo |
| W-5 | $2,643/mo | $2,352/mo |
| O-1 | $2,166/mo | $1,743/mo |
| O-1E | $2,346/mo | $2,136/mo |
| O-2 | $2,274/mo | $2,079/mo |
| O-2E | $2,439/mo | $2,196/mo |
| O-3 | $2,451/mo | $2,220/mo |
| O-3E | $2,553/mo | $2,265/mo |
| O-4 | $2,673/mo | $2,334/mo |
| O-5 | $2,835/mo | $2,367/mo |
| O-6 | $2,856/mo | $2,430/mo |
| O-7 | $2,874/mo | $2,469/mo |
Source: DFAS 2026 BAH rates for Lemoore, CA. Rates are 100% tax-free and updated each January 1st. BAH is designed to cover the 80th percentile of local housing costs.
Cost of Living at NAS Lemoore
The cost of living index near NAS Lemoore is 102.3 — 2% above the U.S. national average (100 = national average). This places Lemoore, CA in the near average category. Cost of living is 2% above the U.S. national average.
At 102.3, the area is broadly average for U.S. living costs. Military compensation (base pay + BAH + BAS) is typically competitive with local civilian salaries for comparable work.
Climate & Lifestyle near NAS Lemoore
The climate near NAS Lemoore is Mediterranean, hot summers, mild winters. Factor seasonal weather patterns into your PCS timing and housing search. Research seasonal conditions in Lemoore when planning your PCS timing and what to pack in your household goods shipment.
Outdoor recreation and quality-of-life activities vary significantly by season at this installation. Connect with Sailors already stationed at NAS Lemoore on BaseNeed's community to get first-hand lifestyle insights.
On-Base Amenities at NAS Lemoore
As a U.S. Navy installation, NAS Lemoore provides comprehensive on-base facilities for Sailors, retirees, and eligible family members. These subsidized services significantly reduce cost of living compared to civilian alternatives — one of the major financial benefits of military service.
🍽️ Dining & Clubs
- • Galley
- • Officers Club
- • Chiefs Club
- • Coffee Shop
💪 Fitness & Recreation
- • Fitness Center
- • Indoor Pool
- • Outdoor Track
- • Group Fitness
🏨 On-Base Lodging
- • Navy Lodge
- • Navy Gateway Inns & Suites
- • Distinguished Visitor Quarters
🤝 Support Services
- • Fleet & Family Support Center (FFSC)
- • Chapel
- • Legal Assistance
- • Military OneSource
🛒 Shopping & Commissary
- • Commissary
- • Navy Exchange (NEX)
- • Mini Mart
- • Class Six
🏥 Healthcare
- • Branch Health Clinic
- • Dental Clinic
- • Pharmacy
- • Optometry
🎳 Recreation & Library
- • Base Library
- • Outdoor Recreation
- • Auto Skills Center
- • Bowling Center
- • Marina
👨👩👧 Family Services
- • Child Development Center
- • Youth Center
- • School Liaison Office
- • Teen Center
Military Community & Spouse Employment at NAS Lemoore
The military community around NAS Lemoore is one of the installation's greatest assets. Connecting with other Sailors and families before your PCS move smooths the transition — especially for spouses and children adjusting to a new duty station. Use BaseNeed's community features to connect with families currently at NAS Lemoore, ask questions about local schools and neighborhoods, and find PCS buddies going through the same process.
Military spouse employment near NAS Lemoore is supported by the Spouse Employment Assistance Program (SEAP) at the installation Family Support Center. Resources include resume workshops, job search tools, licensing and certification support, and connections to military-friendly employers in Lemoore. Federal employment via USAJOBS offers Military Spouse Hiring Preference (Executive Order 13473), and many contractors on and near the installation actively recruit military spouses. Remote and hybrid work has also become a popular solution for location-flexible employment across PCS moves.
→ Browse jobs near NAS Lemoore · → Join the NAS Lemoore community on BaseNeed
Nearby Communities & Off-Base Living
Service members at NAS Lemoore live in a range of communities surrounding the installation. Each neighborhood offers different commute times, school districts, and housing prices. Explore housing options in these areas:
Why NAS Lemoore Stands Out
- F/A-18 Super Hornet Operations
- Carrier Air Wing Training
- Pilot Training
- Central Valley
Other Military Bases in CA
Comparing duty stations in CA? Browse other installations:
- → NAS North Island (Coronado)
- → Naval Base San Diego (San Diego)
- → Edwards AFB (Edwards)
- → Travis AFB (Fairfield)
- → MCB Camp Pendleton (Oceanside)
- → MCAS Miramar (San Diego)
Other U.S. Navy Installations
Exploring other U.S. Navy duty stations? Compare BAH rates and housing conditions:
- → NAS Oceana (Virginia Beach, VA)
- → NAS Fallon (Fallon, NV)
- → Naval Station Norfolk (Norfolk, VA)
- → NAS Whiting Field (Milton, FL)
- → NAS Key West (Key West, FL)
- → NAS Corpus Christi (Corpus Christi, TX)
VA Facilities Near NAS Lemoore
Veterans, retirees, and eligible family members stationed at or transitioning near NAS Lemoore have 5 Department of Veterans Affairs facilities within reach — for VA healthcare enrollment (Form 10-10EZ), disability claims, education benefits, and counseling. Distances are from the installation.
| VA Facility | Type | Location | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Discharge Site at Naval Airstation Lemoore 800-827-1000 | Pre-Discharge Site | Lemoore, CA | 6 mi |
| VA Regional Benefit Satellite Office at Fresno 800-827-1000 | Satellite Office | Fresno, CA | 29 mi |
| Fresno VA Medical Center 559-225-6100 | VA Medical Center (VAMC) | Fresno, CA | 32 mi |
| Fresno Vet Center 559-487-5660 | vet_center | Fresno, CA | 35 mi |
| Visalia VA Clinic 559-684-8703 | Multi-Specialty CBOC | Visalia, CA | 37 mi |
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA.gov) facilities directory, synced monthly. Verify hours and services with the facility before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions — NAS Lemoore
What is the 2026 BAH rate at NAS Lemoore?
For 2026, monthly BAH at NAS Lemoore ranges from $1,944 with dependents ($1,581 without) for junior enlisted (E-1 to E-4) up to $2,514 for an E-9 with dependents. For example, an E-5 with dependents receives $2,139, an E-7 with dependents $2,337, and an O-3 with dependents $2,451. Rates are tax-free and effective 1 January 2026 — confirm your exact figure with the DTMO BAH calculator.
Does NAS Lemoore get BAH or OHA?
NAS Lemoore is a stateside (CONUS) installation, so you receive Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) based on your pay grade and dependency status — not the Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) used at bases abroad.
How long is the wait for on-base housing at NAS Lemoore?
On-base family housing at NAS Lemoore is currently abundant, with typical wait times around 2-4 months. Apply through homes.mil as soon as your orders are cut, and keep an off-base backup plan ready since demand is often high.
Is it expensive to live near NAS Lemoore?
The local cost-of-living index near NAS Lemoore is about 102.30 (100 = national average). Build your housing budget around your BAH and compare on-base versus off-base options before committing.
What is the climate like at NAS Lemoore?
Expect a mediterranean, hot summers, mild winters climate at NAS Lemoore. Factor seasonal weather into your PCS timing and your housing search.
What cities are near NAS Lemoore?
NAS Lemoore is close to Lemoore, Hanford, Visalia, Fresno, where many families look for off-base housing, schools, and amenities.
PCSing to NAS Lemoore?
BaseNeed is the military community platform built for U.S. Navy families. Find verified housing listings, current 2026 BAH rates, local jobs, and connect with Sailors already stationed at NAS Lemoore.
Explore NAS Lemoore on BaseNeed → Browse Housing →Join the NAS Lemoore community to ask PCS questions, share local tips, and connect with families stationed here.