PCS orders to Scott AFB and the clock is ticking? You have decisions to make fast, from on-base versus off-base housing to how your BAH will stretch in the Metro East. You want a clear plan, not a stack of tabs and guesswork. In this post, you’ll see exactly how a focused 30-minute relocation consult sets your timeline, aligns your search to your BAH, and gets you ready to move with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Why a 30-minute consult matters
A short, well-structured consult can save you weeks of uncertainty. You get a practical plan tailored to your orders, budget, and family needs. We move quickly, so you know what happens next and when. For background on PCS steps and entitlements, you can also review the official guidance from Military OneSource.
By the end of your consult, you’ll leave with:
- A custom PCS timeline with target dates for house-hunting, lodging, and move-in.
- An initial BAH-aligned search setup that matches your top priorities.
- Clear next steps for on-base housing or an off-base rental or purchase.
- A simple virtual-tour plan, plus a checklist of documents to prepare.
What we cover in your consult
0:00–2:00 Quick intake and key dates
We confirm your orders, report date, and preferred move window. If you already have a sponsor or temporary lodging plan, great. If not, we note that too and build it into your timeline.
2:00–8:00 Entitlements and budget alignment
We review your housing goals and how they fit your BAH. You’ll verify exact rates using the DTMO BAH calculator after the call. We talk rent versus buy, bedroom count, pets, commute, and any must-haves so your search starts in the right lane.
8:00–16:00 Housing options and next steps
- On-base options: We outline how to contact the housing office, discuss potential waitlists, and map next steps if you plan to apply. Start with the Scott AFB official site for housing contacts.
- Off-base options: We set initial target areas, rent or purchase ranges aligned to your BAH, and timing for leases or offers.
16:00–24:00 Logistics and timeline
We plan for movers through the Defense Personal Property System, discuss TLA or short-term lodging if needed, and set expectations for key dates. Review household goods guidance at move.mil. We also lay out a virtual-tour workflow using FaceTime or Zoom, and note paperwork to prep such as orders, a power of attorney if needed, and ID.
24:00–28:00 Schools, childcare, and local orientation
We show you how to connect with the base School Liaison Officer and how to approach district boundaries and enrollment. We cover childcare waitlists, basic commute patterns, and main shopping and service hubs near your target neighborhoods.
28:00–30:00 Action items and follow-up
We confirm your task list and schedule the next steps, such as virtual showings or a second check-in after you verify your BAH and lodging options. You’ll receive a follow-up email with links and a checklist so your PCS stays on schedule.
On-base vs. off-base housing
Both options can work well. The right fit depends on your timeline, housing priorities, and how you prefer to manage commute and community access.
On-base housing
- Benefits: Proximity, simplified commute, and access to base services.
- Considerations: Inventory and size may be limited, and waitlists can occur. Apply early through the installation housing office. Start with the Scott AFB official site for contacts.
Off-base housing
- Benefits: More choice in home type and neighborhood style, plus options near preferred schools or amenities.
- Considerations: Align BAH with rent or mortgage, factor utilities and any HOA fees, and plan commute. Some households use the nearby Shiloh-Scott MetroLink station for regional rail access. Learn more about the Shiloh-Scott station.
We will help you compare total housing costs and logistics, including commute time, utilities, and parking or transit options.
Neighborhood and commute snapshot
Scott AFB sits in St. Clair County in the Metro East area. Many inbound families consider Shiloh, O’Fallon, Belleville, Fairview Heights, and Collinsville. Commutes to the base from nearby suburbs often range from about 10 to 30 minutes, depending on where you land and the time of day. Interstate 64 and Interstate 255 are primary routes serving the area.
If you expect to work or study across the river, note that the Shiloh-Scott MetroLink station provides a rail connection into St. Louis. During your consult, we overlay neighborhoods with your likely commute patterns and daily routines so you can choose with confidence.
Your PCS timeline at a glance
Pre-PCS: 60–180 days out
- Verify orders and estimate BAH at the destination ZIP with the DTMO BAH calculator.
- Contact the Scott AFB Housing Office if you plan to pursue on-base housing. Start at the Scott AFB official site for housing contacts.
- Connect with the base School Liaison Officer and review school-boundary basics.
- If buying, begin mortgage pre-approval. VA-eligible buyers can review benefits on the VA home loan page.
- Schedule a relocation consult to set your plan and BAH-aligned search.
30–60 days before move
- Book movers through the Defense Personal Property System. See move.mil for guidance.
- Confirm TLA eligibility and base or nearby lodging options if needed.
- Narrow neighborhoods and start virtual tours. Prepare to submit lease or purchase offers.
0–30 days before arrival
- Confirm occupancy date and utility setups. Arrange renter or homeowner insurance.
- Finalize temporary lodging or base billeting if housing is not yet ready.
- Coordinate in-processing tasks and base access with your sponsor.
After arrival
- Complete in-processing, vehicle registration, and school enrollment.
- Follow up on any housing waitlist updates or final lease or closing steps.
For additional checklists and entitlement guidance, review Military OneSource’s PCS resources.
Your pre-consult checklist
Bring the basics below so we can make every minute count.
- Orders with report date and RNLTD
- Rank and dependency status for BAH
- Desired arrival and move-in windows
- Top 3 housing priorities, such as school boundaries, yard, or commute
- Pets and any special needs that affect housing
- Preference to rent or buy, and any lender pre-approval if applicable
What you receive after the consult
To keep your move on track, we follow up with:
- A personalized neighborhood map with estimated commute times to Scott AFB
- A BAH-aligned search starter set with 3–5 sample properties
- A virtual-tour guide and an offer or lease timeline cheat sheet
- A resource list with housing office contacts, the School Liaison Office, the transportation office, and VA-experienced lenders
How we support your move
You deserve a steady, local advisor who understands PCS timelines. Our team serves the Metro East communities around Scott AFB and supports military and corporate relocations with a consultative, high-touch process. Whether you plan to rent or buy, we help you compare on-base and off-base paths, tour properties virtually, and move from offer to keys with clear communication.
Ready to get your plan in place? Book a quick consult today. You will leave with a timeline, a BAH-aligned search, and clear next steps that fit your orders. Connect with Delores Doussard to schedule your 30-minute consult.
FAQs
How do I verify my BAH for Scott AFB?
- Use the Defense Travel Management Office’s BAH calculator with the destination ZIP, your rank, and dependency status, then bring that estimate to your consult.
Should I apply for on-base housing or look off-base right away?
- Apply to the installation housing office early to understand availability, and begin an off-base search in parallel so you have options; start with the Scott AFB official site for housing contacts.
How do virtual home tours work before I arrive?
- We schedule live video walk-throughs via FaceTime or Zoom and provide recorded tours and photos, then review condition, layout, and neighborhood orientation to support a confident decision.
What if my lease or closing does not align with my PCS dates?
- We plan for TLA or short-term lodging and negotiate timing where possible; review household goods timelines at move.mil and use your consult to lock in a realistic move-in window.
Are there public transit options near Scott AFB?
- Yes; the Shiloh-Scott MetroLink station connects to the regional rail network into St. Louis, which can support commuting or city access; see the Shiloh-Scott station details.
How do I research schools when moving to the area?
- Contact the base School Liaison Officer and review district boundaries and enrollment steps; start with Military OneSource PCS resources and the Scott AFB official site for contacts.
What is the current housing market like around Scott AFB?
- Conditions change frequently, but many markets have been more balanced since the 2020–2021 surge; for national context see NAR research and statistics, and use your consult for up-to-the-minute local data.
