Frequently Asked Questions About MCAS Beaufort
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1) What is Beaufort known for?
Beaufort, South Carolina is known for being a historical, charming Southern town. Dating back to the 1700s, you’ll find lots of history here as well as incredible antebellum architecture and a small town culture.
2) How big is MCAS Beaufort?
MCAS Beaufort covers approximately 6,900 acres and employs about 4,000 active duty servicemembers and 700 civilians.
3) Which aircraft fly at MCAS Beaufort?
You can expect to see and hear fighter jets flying overhead at MCAS Beaufort.
- F/A-18A/C Hornet
- F/A-18A/D Hornet
- F/A-18D Hornet
- F-35B Lightning II
4) What’s the closest city to Beaufort?
Savannah, Georgia is the closest city to Beaufort, South Carolina. It’s approximately an hour south while Charleston is about an hour and 45 minutes north.
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Base Location and Information
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Located in Beaufort County, South Carolina, 65 miles south of Charleston and 50 miles north of Savannah, Georgia, MCAS Beaufort is in the “Heart of the Low Country”. The charming background and deep-rooted history make Beaufort the stage for many famous movies. Can you name any that were filmed here? The Great Santini and Forrest Gump are a couple of the more well-known ones!
The area meets the picturesque, small town culture many dream of. Think lush vegetation, beaches, marshes, tidal creeks, a wide variety of wildlife, and families cruising around on bicycles. While there are a handful of military installations clustered in South Carolina, only a few are near MCAS Beaufort.
Nearby military installations:
Arrival Lodging
Photo by MCCS South Carolina
The Inns of the Corps handles arrival lodging for military members and their families PCSing to MCAS Beaufort. Here, you’ll find all the things necessary to help you gain your footing at your new duty station. Along with handicap accessible rooms, you’ll find a 24-hour self-service laundry facility, hot breakfast, a playground, and more. Plus, you have proximity to base amenities while you get to know the area.
Location:
Bldg. 1108, Delalio Ave.
MCAS Beaufort, SC 29904
Contact: 843-522-1663
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MCAS Beaufort Housing
Photo by Atlantic Marine Corps Communities
On-base housing is privatized and managed by Atlantic Marine Corps Communities at Tri-Command, which serves the three military installations associated with MCAS Beaufort to include the Beaufort Naval Hospital and Parris Island MCRD. You’ll find a small handful of neighborhoods here, Laurel Bay, Laurel Bay Legacy, Naval Hospital, Freedom Sound & Pl Wake Village, and Parris Island & Weapons Sound. Tri-Command offers beautiful South Carolina homes accompanied by fitness centers, playgrounds, pools, community centers, and more, not to mention, proximity to base amenities to include work.
Tri-Command Leasing Office
MCAS Beaufort, Bldg 1140
Beaufort, SC 29906
Office Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Phone: (877) 749-3724
Maintenance Line: (877) 509-2424
For more information, contact the MCAS Beaufort Housing Office.
Location: Building 1140, Beaufort, SC
Contact: (843) 228-6000
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MCAS Beaufort Off-Base Housing
Homes for sale and houses for rent near MCAS Beaufort - MCAS Beaufort Homes
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When looking for a home off base near MCAS Beaufort, you’ll find that you won’t have to look far. Within the city limits, you’ll find gorgeous homes bursting with southern charm situated in a sparse suburban setting.
What to Expect When House Hunting Near MCAS Beaufort
The rate of homeownership is high in Beaufort, with the average home price approximately $248,000. However, the price fluctuates depending on the market. Houses for rent are, on average, $1,215 a month for a 1,000 square-foot property. And, of course, that number will adjust as you expand your search to accommodate your needs.
Use the BAH Calculator to check out the local Basic Housing Allowance rates.
View homes for sale and houses for rent near MCAS Beaufort: MCAS Beaufort Homes
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Area Weather & Climate
Photo by Visit Beaufort, Port Royal, and Sea Islands of SC Official Facebook Page
Beaufort is one of the warmest places in South Carolina. You’ll find temperature fluctuations throughout the year with summers soaring up to and beyond 90 degrees and winters falling closer to 40 degrees. But you won’t find many dramatic climate changes. Snowfall isn’t common, rain is fair, and sunshine consumes the majority of the year. The most comfortable months are October, April, and May.
As for any natural disaster concerns, you can be sure that living on the East Coast will bring a few hurricane warnings. Beaufort County has evacuated four times in the last four years. Hurricane season runs June through November.
For more information about hurricane safety and preparedness, visit the South Carolina Department of Safety.
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MCAS Beaufort Area Schools
Photo by DoDEA Elliott Elementary School Official Facebook Page
There are two DoDEA schools on MCAS Beaufort:
Military families who choose to live on base at MCAS Beaufort are eligible to send their kids to school on base. Families who choose to live and school their children off base in Beaufort fall under the Beaufort County School District.
Elementary School Attendance Map
Image by Beaufort County School District
Middle Schools Attendance Map
Image by Beaufort County School District
High Schools Attendance Map
Image by Beaufort County School District
For families interested in a private school education for their school-age children, you can find private school ratings at Private School Review. Families pursuing homeschooling should view state regulations at the South Carolina Department of Education.
For any questions or concerns, contact the MCAS Beaufort School Liaison Program at the Family Service Center.
1632 E. Laurel Bay Blvd.
Laurel Bay, SC 29906
Contact: (843) 228-6128
Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
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Support for Military & Families
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What does living at MCAS Beaufort look like for military members and their families? Spouses will be pleased to learn that the unemployment rate rests lower than the national average.
Top employers in this area include:
- Atlantic Personnel Inc.
- Beaufort County School District
- Beaufort Memorial Hospital
- Carecore National LLC
- County of Beaufort
- Cypress Club Inc.
- Hargray Communications Group Inc.
You can find employment assistance, on-base employment, and volunteer opportunities through a variety of programs made available to families located at MCAS Beaufort.
Photo by AllGo on Unsplash
Military families can take advantage of base amenities offered here like the bowling alley, base pool, libraries, movie theater, and more. You’ll also find support through the child development centers and youth programs offered on base.
Some helpful links:
Things to Do Near MCAS Beaufort
Photo by Hunting Island Beach Official Facebook Page
Huntington Island: This incredible state park attracts millions of visitors each year. Its gorgeous beaches, publicly accessible lighthouse, marine wildlife, marshland, and more make for an adventurous and educational family outing.
Henry C. Waterfront Park: Located in downtown Beaufort on the Beaufort River, Henry C. Waterfront Park houses a playground and grassy areas to stretch your legs. You’ll also enjoy incredible views of the Woods Memorial Bridge, Lady’s Island, Port Royal Island, and Parris Island, all while breathing the gentle sea breeze as it blows in from the water.
The Kazoo Factory: Ever wonder how those little kazoos are made? Head to The Kazoo Factory to learn some history, how they’re made, and even have the opportunity to buy and customize one for yourself.
Old Bull Tavern: Beaufort’s gastropub, Old Bull Tavern offers European and American comfort food, yummy cocktails, and craft beers set in a cool, fun, evening atmosphere.
Magnolia Bakery Cafe: Enjoy a garden-like setting with panoramic view of the Beaufort River while sipping a hot cup of coffee and treats with locally sourced ingredients.
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