Miramar MCAS
MCAS Miramar Relocation Information
Welcome to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
Located in "America’s Finest City," San Diego, MCAS Miramar sparks thoughts of the beach, sun, and great weather for those relocating to the area. But this Marine Corps base doesn’t exist in Golden State just for its alluring beauty. The location serves a purpose. With easy access to deploy ships and aircraft around the world, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing thrives here, making this air station one of the most important bases on the West Coast. It’s also home to the MCAS Miramar Air Show. And if you’ve never been to it before, you’re in for a treat.
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Daniel Childs
But there’s more to this base you’re probably wondering: where to live, what to do, military spouse employment, schools, and more. Read on for more information for your military family’s move to the MCAS Miramar area!
With multiple bases in the area, MCAS Miramar's neighborhoods are filled with military members and their families. Still, the local culture is infectious and part of what makes this duty station so well loved (that, and the annual Air Show!). The Southern California area is booming with culture and attractions, drawing tourists in worldwide. Whether it’s a major theme park like Legoland, the San Diego Zoo & Safari Park, or an event, there’s something for everyone.
Moving to MCAS Miramar? Download your free ebook about the San Diego area!
The area considered “San Diego” extends beyond the spirited downtown area. It follows the California coast from Mexico to Orange County. It includes mountain ranges, national and state parks, desert, and popular areas like downtown San Diego, Chula Vista, La Jolla, Escondido, and Carlsbad. San Diego is only 20 miles north of Tijuana, Mexico, and you’ll immediately notice the Mexican influence on culture, music, food, and activities.
If you love the outdoors, you’ll feel right at home with plenty of opportunities for surfing and other water sports or even just a walk along the beach. And if you’re seeking an unforgettable view, lace up your boots and hit a hiking trail for an aerial view of San Diego! Be prepared for a higher cost of living than you may be used to, and deal with regular traffic snarls. Explore the area with day trips or weekend getaway trips to the Temecula wineries, Disneyland, Big Bear Lake, Hollywood, or Joshua Tree National Park.
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MCAS Miramar Base Map via MCCS Miramar
Frequently Asked Questions About MCAS Miramar
1. How many gates are there to MCAS Miramar?
There are three gates to MCAS Miramar:
- Main Gate/East Gate on Miramar Way - 6 am to 10 pm everyday
- North Gate on Miramar Road (known as the housing gate) - 24 hours everyday
- West Gate on Miramar Road - 6 am to 8 am and 4 pm to 6 pm Monday through Friday
2. Is there base housing available at MCAS Miramar?
Base housing is available at MCAS Miramar through Liberty Military Housing. They offer 592 homes across six separate communities. Five of their neighborhoods are located on base, while one of them is located just three miles from the base.
3. How many service members are stationed at MCAS Miramar?
Over 15,000 servicemembers and their families report to MCAS Miramar. While this number doesn’t seem like a lot given the highly populated surrounding area, with military installations spread out across San Diego, there is a strong military presence and community to welcome you.
4. When is the MCAS Miramar Air Show?
The MCAS Miramar Air Show is hosted in September of each year. It’s the largest air show in the United States, and provides outstanding entertainment and unforgettable educational opportunities for the whole family. In addition to world famous performers like the Blue Angels, U.S. Army Golden Knights, U.S. Navy Leap Frogs, Lockhead Martin F-35B Lightning, Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Demo, Bell Boeing MV-22 Osprey, and The Royal Air Force Red Arrows, there are exciting civilian acts and servicemembers from a variety of local squadrons to learn from.
5. What is the zip code for MCAS Miramar?
The zip code for MCAS Miramar is 92145. Other nearby zip codes include 92111, 92117, 92122, 92123, 92126, and 92131 .
6. What is the BAH for MCAS Miramar?
BAH for MCAS Miramar ranges from $3,579 for E-1 to $4,491 E-9 with dependents, and from $3,939 for O-1 to $5,334 for O-7 with dependents. See the housing section for more info.
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Photo by Claude Piché on Unsplash
Base Location & Information
Official Site: Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
MCAS Miramar is located in San Diego. Downtown San Diego is just 20 minutes south, Camp Pendleton’s Main Gate is 40 minutes north, and if you’re one to dig your toes in the sand, Torrey Pines State Beach, Black’s Beach, La Jolla Cove, and La Jolla Tide Pools are just a 20-minute drive west. Nearby neighborhoods include Scripps Ranch, University City, La Jolla Village, Kearny Mesa, and North Clairemont and Clairemont Mesa East.
Though there are endless adventures like hiking, surfing, yummy food, and local attractions awaiting you right in your back yard, as MCAS Miramar offers a variety of things to do on base. Activities like the Miramar nail spa, fitness centers, paintball park, golf course, and L&L Barbecue offer just enough entertainment to help avoid some of the busy traffic outside the gates.
Camp Pendleton is north of Miramar, but further south into San Diego County are six other military installations:
Military Installations Near Miramar
Route from San Diego International Airport to MCAS Miramar
Arrival Lodging
The Inns of the Corps- Miramar cares for incoming servicemembers and their families. With guest rooms and suites with a full kitchen and utensils, the Miramar Inn provides a relaxing place to lay your head, whether it’s for one night or ten.
Contact:
- (858) 271-7111
- miramar.reservations@usmc-mccs.org
MCAS Miramar Housing
Housing photo via Liberty Military Housing
MCAS Miramar military housing is privatized and managed by Liberty Military Housing. They offer over 592 homes spread over six communities. Five of their communities are located on base, while the sixth is located three miles off base.
Liberty Military Housing
45418 Howe Road
San Diego, CA 92126 (858) 201-6538
Check-in with the MCAS Miramar Family Housing Office for more information: (619) 556-8443.
Address:
2625 Lee Hardy St. Bldg: 3544
San Diego, CA 92134
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday 0800-1700
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MCAS Miramar Off-Base Housing
View homes for sale and houses for rent near MCAS Miramar: MCAS Miramar Homes.
Photo by Yulia M on Unsplash
Base Search
City Search
MCAS Miramar BAH Information
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S. based allowance determined by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed service members compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing.
MCAS Miramar is near San Diego and offers many options for buying or renting. Some sample MCAS Miramar BAH rates for zip code 92145:
- E-1 with dependents: $3,579
- E-1 without dependents: $2,684
- E-9 with dependents: $4,491
- E-9 without dependents: $4,101
- O-1 with dependents: $3,939
- O-1 without dependents: $3,153
- O-7 with dependents: $5,334
- O-7 without dependents: $4,404
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Area Weather and Climate
The temperature fluctuates throughout the year, but this area isn’t home to the four distinct seasons you might be used to. Without extreme changes in the weather, it’s never too cold and rarely too hot to go outside.
The biggest concern is wildfires. During the fall, when the winds pick up and the winter rain hasn’t wet the earth left dry from summer, is considered wildfire season. And you shouldn’t feel surprised to feel an earthquake or two as well. Thousands occur every year. Some cause damage but you’ll hardly feel most of them.
Learn more about California wildfires (how to prepare, prevent them, and recover from them) at readyforwildfire.org.
MCAS Miramar Area Schools
There are no DOD schools offered on MCAS Miramar. However, San Diego Unified School District prides themselves on their favorably rated schools.
San Diego County:
County Map via San Diego County Office of Education
Families can find reviews of the area's private schools in San Diego County on Niche and the Private School Review.
Homeschoolers should follow the guidelines provided by the California Department of Education. There are many resources and support groups made available by the California Homeschool Network.
Support for Military and Families
Military families and spouses benefit from this duty station’s location. Many companies employ military spouses in the Southern California area.
There are a variety of non-profit organizations you can volunteer with, as well as many MyCAA-approved institutions to further your education and social groups to get involved with the community.
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Some helpful links:
More MCAS Miramar Area Information
Base Address:
MCAS Miramar
San Diego
,
92145-2001