Mountain Home AFB
Mountain Home AFB is home to the 366th Fighter Wing, a composite wing operating F-15E Strike Eagles that trains for rapid deployment and large-force employment in the vast Idaho training airspace. The small town of Mountain Home offers basic amenities, while Boise — Idaho's growing capital city — is just 45 miles west with excellent restaurants, skiing at Bogus Basin, and a thriving outdoor culture. The Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area and world-class whitewater rafting on the Payette River are nearby draws.
Neighborhoods Near Mountain Home AFB
Popular communities where military families stationed at Mountain Home AFB choose to live.
Mountain Home
10–15 min to main gateThe only substantial city near the base, Mountain Home offers all local amenities and the housing stock used by most base families. Limited but adequate.
Glenns Ferry
30–35 min to main gateA small Snake River canyon town about 25 miles west with very affordable homes and a historic Oregon Trail crossing site.
Boise (Southeast)
45–55 min to main gateFamilies willing to accept a longer commute access Idaho's capital city with its booming economy, excellent amenities, and top-rated Boise schools.
Schools & Education
Mountain Home School District
Mountain Home School District serves the base community. The district is small with a heavy military family population, which creates a transient dynamic. Mountain Home High School is the main secondary option.
- Mountain Home High School offers standard Idaho diploma requirements with some CTE options
- District has strong support systems for military families during PCS transitions
- Proximity to Boise gives motivated students access to College of Western Idaho dual enrollment
Things to Do Near Mountain Home
Local favorites for dining, outdoor adventures, and entertainment in the Mountain Home area.
Home to the tallest single-structured sand dune in North America, with an observatory, hiking, swimming lake, and stargazing programs.
The densest concentration of nesting raptors in North America along the Snake River canyon — spectacular for birding and hiking.
A popular reservoir on the Snake River southwest of Mountain Home with fishing, camping, and boating used heavily by base families.
Mountain Home's most popular pizza joint and gathering spot for military families, known for large pies and a welcoming community atmosphere.
A 25-mile paved trail along the Boise River connecting parks, the zoo, and downtown Boise — accessible on weekends for the longer drive.
World-class backpacking, fly fishing, and mountain scenery in the central Idaho mountains, 3–4 hours from Mountain Home but worth the trip.
Housing & Cost of Living
Mountain Home is one of Idaho's most affordable markets, largely because the isolated location limits demand outside the military community. Boise's boom has had little effect here.
Popular neighborhoods to consider:
PCS Tips for Mountain Home 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.