Fort Hamilton
Fort Hamilton is the only active military installation in New York City, located in the Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brooklyn at the base of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. The base serves as headquarters for the Army's Military District of New York and provides garrison support for Army Reserve and National Guard units throughout the region. Living at Fort Hamilton means having all of New York City as your backyard — world-class museums, restaurants, sports, and culture — but the cost of living is among the highest in the country.
Neighborhoods Near Fort Hamilton
Popular communities where military families stationed at Fort Hamilton choose to live.
Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
5–10 min to main gateThe neighborhood immediately surrounding Fort Hamilton, with classic Brooklyn rowhouses, a vibrant dining scene, and a surprisingly suburban feel for NYC.
Staten Island (Annadale / Tottenville)
20–35 min to main gateSouthern Staten Island offers suburban single-family homes at relative NYC affordability, with a short ferry or bridge commute.
Dyker Heights / Sunset Park
10–15 min to main gateAdjacent Brooklyn neighborhoods north of Fort Hamilton with strong Italian and Chinese immigrant communities, excellent food, and moderate housing.
Schools & Education
New York City Department of Education (District 20)
NYC DOE District 20 covers the southwest Brooklyn area surrounding Fort Hamilton. School quality varies; many military families pursue specialized or charter school options.
- Fort Hamilton High School is the local zoned high school and has a JROTC program
- NYC offers specialized high school options (Stuyvesant, Brooklyn Tech) accessible via exam
- District 20 has several well-regarded elementary schools including PS 105 and PS 176
Things to Do Near Brooklyn
Local favorites for dining, outdoor adventures, and entertainment in the Brooklyn area.
Walk or jog along the waterfront with iconic views of the Verrazzano Bridge, New York Harbor, and the Manhattan skyline.
One of New York's oldest and most celebrated pizzerias in Coney Island — a pilgrimage-worthy slice of NYC history.
Legendary beachside amusement area with rides, the original Nathan's Famous hot dogs, and miles of Atlantic Ocean beach.
85-acre waterfront park under the Brooklyn Bridge with piers, playgrounds, kayaking, and stunning Manhattan views.
Converted industrial waterfront complex in Sunset Park with independent shops, food halls, art studios, and weekend markets.
Historic military installation on Staten Island open for tours, with stunning views of the Narrows — a fascinating military history site.
Housing & Cost of Living
Fort Hamilton sits in one of the most expensive housing markets in the country. BAH is the highest in the Army, but out-of-pocket costs remain significant. Many families opt for Staten Island or New Jersey for more space.
Popular neighborhoods to consider:
PCS Tips for Fort Hamilton
- 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.