Davis-Monthan AFB
Davis-Monthan AFB hosts the 355th Wing flying the A-10 Thunderbolt II and is home to the famous 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG), the military's aircraft boneyard with over 3,000 aircraft in storage. Tucson is a vibrant university city with a rich Sonoran Desert culture, excellent Mexican food, and access to world-class hiking in Saguaro National Park and the Santa Catalina Mountains. The warm, sunny climate and relatively affordable housing make DM one of the more desirable Southwest assignments.
Neighborhoods Near Davis-Monthan AFB
Popular communities where military families stationed at Davis-Monthan AFB choose to live.
Rincon Heights / Southeast Tucson
10–15 min to main gateEstablished Tucson neighborhoods southeast of the base with a mix of mid-century homes, desert landscaping, and proximity to Saguaro National Park East.
Civano
15–20 min to main gateA master-planned sustainable community in southeast Tucson with parks, walking paths, and a strong neighborhood association. Very popular with DM families.
Midtown Tucson
15–20 min to main gateTucson's urban core with walkable streets, eclectic restaurants, University of Arizona proximity, and the 4th Avenue entertainment district.
Schools & Education
Tucson Unified School District
TUSD is large and varied in quality by school. Many DM families opt for the Vail School District (southeast Tucson/Civano area) which is consistently rated among Arizona's best.
- Vail School District serves the Civano/Rita Ranch area and is an A-rated Arizona district
- Empire High School in Vail was an early 1:1 laptop school and maintains strong academics
- University High School (TUSD magnet) is one of Arizona's top public high schools
Things to Do Near Tucson
Local favorites for dining, outdoor adventures, and entertainment in the Tucson area.
Thousands of towering saguaro cacti with excellent hiking, cycling, and wildlife viewing just minutes from DM's east side.
One of the world's largest aviation museums adjacent to DM's famous aircraft boneyard, with over 400 aircraft on display.
Tucson's eclectic street of independent restaurants, bars, vintage clothing, and music venues — the heart of the city's alternative culture.
A 9,157-ft sky island accessible by a scenic highway with hiking, skiing in winter, and a charming mountain village.
The world's largest gem and mineral show held every February, transforming Tucson into a global destination for collectors and rockhounds.
America's oldest family-operated Mexican restaurant, credited with inventing the chimichanga, serving Tucson since 1922.
Housing & Cost of Living
Tucson is one of the more affordable major Southwest cities. The southeast side near DM has appreciated but remains accessible. Vail-area new construction is popular but competitive.
Popular neighborhoods to consider:
PCS Tips for Davis-Monthan AFB
- Contact the installation housing office early — wait lists can be long.
- Check BAH rates at the official DoD BAH calculator before setting your home budget.
- Get VA pre-approved before your PCS orders — it helps you move fast in competitive markets.
- Military-friendly real estate markets near bases can move quickly — be ready to act.