Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst is the only tri-service joint base in the US, combining Air Force airlift (C-17s of the 305th AMW), the Army's primary stateside training base (Fort Dix), and the Navy's historic Lakehurst airfield. Located in the New Jersey Pinelands about 30 miles east of Philadelphia and 70 miles south of New York City, the base provides exceptional access to two of the country's great metropolitan areas. New Jersey's cost of living is high, but the proximity to Philadelphia, the Jersey Shore beaches, and New York City is a genuine lifestyle advantage.
Neighborhoods Near Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
Popular communities where military families stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst choose to live.
Wrightstown / New Hanover Township
5–10 min to main gateThe communities immediately surrounding the base offer the shortest commutes. Wrightstown is a small borough with some commercial services; New Hanover Township has quiet residential streets popular with military families.
Bordentown
20–25 min to main gateA charming small city on the Delaware River with a walkable historic district, excellent restaurants, and a revitalized arts scene. About 15 miles from the base, Bordentown offers more character than typical suburbs.
Mount Holly
15–20 min to main gateBurlington County's historic seat offers a quaint downtown with independent shops and restaurants, affordable Victorian homes, and access to the South Jersey outdoor recreation network.
Schools & Education
Burlington City School District / Pemberton Township Schools
The base draws from Burlington County's diverse school options. Pemberton Township serves families closest to the base with an active military-focused community. Many families choose private schools or move to towns with higher-rated systems like Bordentown Regional or Moorestown.
- Bordentown Regional High School has strong academics and a notably active community
- Burlington County Institute of Technology (BCIT) offers exceptional vocational and technical education
- Moorestown Township Schools, about 25 miles away, is consistently one of New Jersey's top-rated districts
Things to Do Near Wrightstown
Local favorites for dining, outdoor adventures, and entertainment in the Wrightstown area.
New Jersey's premier theme park is just 20 minutes from base in Jackson, featuring Kingda Ka (world's tallest coaster), Safari Off Road Adventure, and Hurricane Harbor water park.
A world-class 42-acre sculpture park in Hamilton, NJ, combining over 270 sculptures by major artists with elaborate landscaping and the Rat's restaurant—one of New Jersey's finest.
An institution in historic Princeton, serving refined continental cuisine near the Ivy League campus and Princeton's excellent shopping, museums, and gallery district.
The classic Jersey Shore boardwalk at Point Pleasant is about 45 minutes from base, offering Atlantic Ocean swimming, Jenkinsons Amusements, arcades, and fresh seafood.
A large outlet and retail complex in Swedesboro, NJ, with dozens of brand-name stores at discount prices, easily accessible from the base.
A multi-use trail following the Delaware River from Trenton to Burlington, passing historic canal locks, riverside parks, and charming small towns ideal for cycling and kayaking.
Housing & Cost of Living
South Jersey's housing market is more affordable than the Philadelphia suburbs across the river or the New York metro corridor to the north. Military families find good value in Burlington and Ocean counties. New Jersey's property taxes are famously high and must be factored into any purchase decision.
Popular neighborhoods to consider:
PCS Tips for Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
- 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.