Living at MCAS Cherry Point: A PCS and Relocation Guide

MCAS Cherry Point is home to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and Fleet Readiness Center East, set along the Neuse River inside the Croatan National Forest near Havelock, North Carolina. Whether you're house hunting on base or off, this guide covers what PCSing families need to know before arrival.

On-Base Housing

On-base family housing is managed by Atlantic Marine Corps Communities (AMCC) and includes several neighborhoods organized by rank, from enlisted communities to options for warrant officers and officers along the river. Availability and wait times change, so the best first step is contacting the MCAS Cherry Point Housing Office or AMCC directly as soon as your orders are in hand to get on the list and see current floor plans.

Off-Base Housing: Where Families Live

Most families choose Havelock for the shortest commute and most affordable housing close to the main gate. Others prefer Newport, about 15 to 20 minutes out with newer construction, New Bern, about 25 minutes away with more shopping, hospitals, and amenities, or Morehead City and Beaufort, further out but popular for coastal lifestyle and waterfront access. Our team can walk you through the tradeoffs based on your commute tolerance, budget, and what your family wants nearby.

Schools

Families in on-base housing have access to Arthur W. Edwards Elementary, a DoDEA school on base. Off base, Craven County Schools serve Havelock and New Bern, while families living further east in Newport, Morehead City, or Beaufort fall under Carteret County Schools.

BAH and Budgeting

Basic Allowance for Housing at Cherry Point varies by rank and dependency status and is updated annually by the Department of Defense. Use the official DoD BAH calculator to confirm your exact rate before budgeting. The good news: cost of living in this area runs lower than many coastal duty stations, so BAH here tends to go further than at installations like Camp Lejeune or Norfolk.

Life Around Cherry Point

The base includes a commissary, exchange, gyms, and a marina, with easy access to fishing, boating, and camping along the Neuse River and Croatan National Forest. The Crystal Coast, including Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle, is roughly 30 to 40 minutes away, making weekend trips to the ocean a regular part of life here.

Getting Started Before You Arrive

Contact the Housing Office or AMCC as early as possible once orders are confirmed. Connect with installation spouse groups and PCS networking groups to hear from families already on the ground. And if you're house hunting off base, working with a local agent before you arrive means you're not starting your search cold the week you land.

Search Homes Near MCAS Cherry Point

Browse current listings in Havelock, Newport, and New Bern below, or contact First Carolina REALTORS® for PCS-specific support built around your report date, not just a generic home search.