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Marine Corps

MCAS New River

Jacksonville, NC

MCAS New River is co-located with Camp Lejeune and serves as the primary East Coast Marine Corps helicopter base, home to MV-22B Osprey and CH-53E Super Stallion squadrons that support II MEF amphibious operations. Located adjacent to Jacksonville, North Carolina, Marine Corps families at New River share the same community resources and access to the stunning North Carolina coast as those at Camp Lejeune. The dual-base complex creates one of the most concentrated Marine Corps communities in the country with extensive on-base facilities.

Neighborhood near MCAS New River

Local neighborhood · Jacksonville, NC

Neighborhoods Near MCAS New River

Popular communities where military families stationed at MCAS New River choose to live.

Richlands

15–25 min to MCAS New River

Affordable inland community popular with Marine families.

AffordableFamily-friendlyRural-suburban

Jacksonville

15–25 min to MCAS New River

Largest nearby city with full retail and rental options.

Military communitySuburbanConvenient

Hubert

20–30 min to MCAS New River

Quieter community between New River and coastal areas.

QuietFamily-friendlyValue

Schools & Education

Jacksonville Area School Districts

Families stationed at MCAS New River are typically served by multiple districts in and around Jacksonville, with school quality varying by neighborhood and attendance zone.

  • Military-family transition support and counseling resources are widely available
  • Strong extracurricular pathways including athletics, arts, and career-tech tracks
  • Dual-enrollment and community-college partnerships support college readiness

Things to Do Near Jacksonville

Local favorites for dining, outdoor adventures, and entertainment in the Jacksonville area.

Jacksonville Waterfront & Trails
Outdoors

Popular parks, trails, and waterfront recreation around Jacksonville make weekend outdoor activities easy for military families.

Jacksonville Historic District
Attraction

Local museums, historic sites, and heritage attractions provide a strong sense of place and family-friendly day trips.

Jacksonville Town Center
Shopping

Main retail corridor with grocery anchors, national brands, and everyday services used by most MCAS New River households.

Jacksonville Dining Scene
Dining

From local staples to newer concepts, Jacksonville offers reliable casual dining and regional specialties popular with service members.

Jacksonville Community Events
Entertainment

Seasonal festivals, live music, and family events give newcomers easy ways to connect with the local community.

NC Weekend Getaways
Outdoors

Short-drive destinations around NC provide beaches, hiking, boating, or mountain escapes depending on season.

Housing & Cost of Living

Median Home Price
$280,000–$520,000
Typical Rent
$1,400–$2,400/mo

MCAS New River's surrounding market offers a mix of rentals and for-sale inventory. Costs vary significantly by school zone, commute time, and proximity to major employment corridors.

Popular neighborhoods to consider:

RichlandsJacksonvilleHubert

PCS Tips for MCAS New River

  1. Contact the installation housing office early — wait lists can be long.
  2. Check BAH rates at the official DoD BAH calculator before setting your home budget.
  3. Get VA pre-approved before your PCS orders — it helps you move fast in competitive markets.
  4. Military-friendly real estate markets near bases can move quickly — be ready to act.

VA Home Loans

Buying near MCAS New River?

Heroes Home Network specializes in VA loans for military members PCSing to Jacksonville, NC. $0 down, fast closings.

Get Pre-Approved (719) 259-2246

Other Marine Corps Installations

Camp H.M. Smith

Halawa, HI·Marine Corps

Camp H.M. Smith is the headquarters of US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), the largest geographic combatant command in the world, positioned on a ridge overlooking Pearl Harbor with stunning views of Oahu's south shore. The camp hosts a significant joint staff presence and serves as the nerve center for US military operations across the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Hawaii's high cost of living is a constant factor, but the strategic importance of the command and Oahu's extraordinary natural setting make it a prestigious and memorable assignment.

Camp Lejeune

Jacksonville, NC·Marine Corps

Camp Lejeune is the home of the II Marine Expeditionary Force and the largest Marine Corps base on the East Coast, with over 150,000 acres of training terrain and direct beach access for amphibious operations. Located near Jacksonville, North Carolina, the base is 40 miles from the beaches of Topsail Island and Emerald Isle, and about 100 miles from both the Raleigh-Durham metro and Wilmington's riverfront entertainment district. Jacksonville is a military-dominated town with improving amenities, and the base's proximity to the beautiful North Carolina coast makes it one of the more desirable Marine assignments.

Camp Pendleton

Oceanside, CA·Marine Corps

Camp Pendleton is the Marine Corps' largest West Coast base and home to I Marine Expeditionary Force, hosting over 40,000 Marines and civilians across 125,000 acres of coastal Southern California terrain. Located between Los Angeles and San Diego along 17 miles of Pacific coastline, the base provides extraordinary access to two of America's greatest metro areas and some of the finest weather in the country. California's cost of living is steep, but Camp Pendleton's ocean-to-mountains training environment and Southern California lifestyle make it one of the most popular Marine assignments.