Fort Huachuca
Fort Huachuca Relocation Information
Buffalo Soldier Gate. Image from Fort Huachuca Facebook page
Welcome to Fort Huachuca!
Fort Huachuca, Arizona, is major communication and intelligence center for the military. It was first established as a temporary camp and base of operations in 1877 during the Indian Wars and permanently became a fort in 1882. It would go on to become headquarters and supply base in the Geronimo Campaign. Fort Huachuca became the home of the 10th Cavalry ”Buffalo Soldiers” who guarded the US-Mexico border for 20 years. It was replaced by the 25th Infantry Regiment in 1933. The Fort eventually became used as the Army’s Intelligence Center in the 1970’s.
Image from army. mil
A few of the units located at Fort Huachuca include the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, Network Enterprise Technology Command, Joint Interoperability Test Command, along with many others.
Fort Huachuca is located near the town of Sierra Vista in Cochise County, Arizona. It is a joint services installation and trains over 9,000 students a year. Typically, there are over more than 5,600 Military, 8,000 Civilians, and 11,000 family members assigned to Fort Huachuca.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Huachuca
Image from Fort Huachuca Facebook
1) What city is Fort Huachuca in?
Fort Huachuca is located in Cochise County, Arizona, and surrounded by the townships of Sierra Vista, Hereford, and Huachuca City.
2) How far is the biggest city from Fort Huachuca?
Tucson, Arizona, is 75 miles away.
3) How many gates does Fort Huachuca have?
Fort Huachuca has three gates: Buffalo Soldier Gate, West Gate, and Van Deman Gate.
4) Can you tour Fort Huachuca?
You can tour the Fort Huachuca Museum located in two buildings on the Fort’s historic Old Post, open to the public without charge.
5) What is the zip code for Fort Huachuca, Arizona?
The zip code for Fort Huachuca is 85613. Another nearby zip code is 85635.
6) What is the BAH for Fort Huachuca?
BAH for Fort Huachuca ranges from $1,422 for E-1 to $2,052 for E-9 with dependents and $1,662 for O-1 to $2,262 for O-7 with dependents. See the housing section for more info.
7) How do you pronounce Fort Huachuca?
The word “Huachuca” comes from an Indian tribe, the Sobaipuri, who used it to describe their village at the base of the mountains. It’s usually translated as “place of thunder,” with thunder being a feature of the summer months in the area. (info from Southwest Association of Buffalo Soldiers).
How to pronounce Huachuca: wuh·choo·kuh
back to top
Base Location & Information
Image from army.mil
Fort Huachuca is located in southeast Arizona adjacent to the city of Sierra Vista. The city and post are in Cochise County and are approximately 15 miles north of the border with Mexico. Huachuca City is north of the base, while Hereford township lies to the south. Bisbee, AZ, lies east and south of the post by about 25 miles, while Benson, AZ, is about the same distance away to the north.
Military Installations in Arizona
Other Arizona military installations:
Military and families stationed at Fort Huachuca will enjoy a temperate climate, soaring mountain views, and sunshine 275 days out of the year. The area has a lower cost of living than the state and national averages. The Fort is close to I-10 and major highways, making for an easy commute.
Fun fact: Fort Huachuca is home to the world's largest unmanned aircraft training site.
Image from Fort Huachuca Facebook
Arrival Lodging
Fort Huachuca lodging is managed by IHG Army hotels.
Location:
Building 43083
43083 Grierson Service Road
Fort Huachuca, Arizona 85670-2775
Contact:
Phone: 520-458-9066
Email: amerfthuachucaadvqreservations@ihg.com
Fort Huachuca Housing
Image from Mountain Vista Communities
On-post housing at Fort Huachuca is privatized and managed by Mountain Vista Communities.
With the mild climate, it is not uncommon to see wildlife in housing areas such as deer, wild turkeys, and coyotes. Bears, bobcats and mountain lions are seen more frequently as the temperatures rise. Also during the summer rainy season, you may see tarantulas.
Fort Huachuca Housing Office contact info:
2317 Smith Avenue, Bldg 52065
Fort Huachuca, AZ 85613
Phone: 520-515-9000
Fort Huachuca Housing Office: (520) 533-3611
Fort Huachuca Off Post Housing
Homes for sale and houses for rent near Fort Huachuca - Fort Huachuca Homes
Photo by Natalie Brennan on Unsplash
Base search
The cost of living is lower than the national average, which may be good news for would-be homebuyers. However, in recent years, the Sierra Vista housing market has a lower inventory than normal, with many home offers resulting in bidding wars.
Fort Huachuca BAH Information
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S. based allowance determined by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed servicemembers compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing.
Fort Huachuca is near Sierra Vista with many options to buy or rent. Some sample Fort Huachuca BAH rates for zip code 85613:
- E-1 with dependents: $1,422
- E-1 without dependents: $1,086
- E-9 with dependents: $2,052
- E-9 without dependents: $1,776
- O-1 with dependents: $1,662
- O-1 without dependents: $1,248
- O-7 with dependents: $2,262
- O-7 without dependents: $2,031
back to top
Area Weather and Climate
Image from Fort Huachuca Facebook
The area of Fort Huachuca makes for an ideal vacation spot and frequent “snowbird” destination, as its higher elevation means it's not as hot as other locations across Arizona. Fort Huachuca’s elevation is considered a high elevation at 4,633 feet.
Sierra Vista’s average annual temperature is 77 degrees with a low averaging 49. Monsoon season (the rainy season) begins early July and may last until late August or early September. High winds are common in the spring. Expect high winds in spring. If you’re not used to the desert heat and higher elevation, it’s recommended you allow about a month to acclimate.
Fort Huachuca Area Schools
Image from Sierra Vista Unified School District
For those living on base, there are three schools located on the installation (two elementary and one middle school). These schools are the Fort Huachuca Accommodation Schools and are Arizona public schools operated by Sierra Vista Public Schools. The district also runs other private schools.
Get more info: Sierra Vista Unified School District
School Liaison Program Contact Information
Murr Community Center
Cushing Street
Bldg 51301
Fort Huachuca, AZ 85613
Phone: 520-533-0874
Get information about private schools near Fort Huachuca: Private School Review.
Homeschooling families can learn how to comply with Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) regarding students instructed at home at Cochise County Homeschooling Information.
Support for Military and Families
There are numerous higher education opportunities in the area, along with many volunteer programs to connect with. Along with the rest of the country, unemployment rates rose in 2021 and as of May 2021, the unemployment rate in Sierra Vista AZ sits at 6.4%,
In-demand professions in the Sierra Vista area include:
- Public Administration
- Educational services
- Health Care
- Management professional
- Recreation
- Retail
Some of the area’s top employers:
- Fort Huachuca
- General Dynamics
- Canyon Vista Medical Center
- City of Sierra Vista
- ManTech
- Sierra Vista Unified School District
Looking to volunteer? Try these organizations:
Higher education near Fort Huachuca:
Other Helpful Links
back to top
Things to Do Near Fort Huachuca
Image from VisitSierraVista Facebook
Ghost towns, historic sites, mountain ranges, military history, and amazing scenery? The Fort Huachuca area has it all. And if you’d rather visit a winery or do some shopping, you’ll find that, too! Try these ideas to start exploring the area.
The Cove Aquatic Center: An indoor water park featuring pools, water slides, shallow kids lagoon, lap pool, and much more for the whole family.
Fort Huachuca Museum: Showcases the history of the military in the American southwest by displaying thousands of objects and documents in a rotating display.
Sierra Vista Farmers Markets: Local farmer based market, open every Thursday of the year (except Thanksgiving) with food, arts and crafts and plenty of local fruits and vegetables.
Kartchner Caverns State Park: View the largest stalactites in the world and learn about caves and geology with the exhibits at the discovery center.
Brown Canyon Ranch: A historic ranch house with displays from the 1880s; the canyon trail loop gives a feel of history and quiet beauty.
143 Street Tacos: Local favorite featuring a variety of tacos, burritos, bowls, and specialty items. Something for everyone when the Mexican food craving hits!
Broxton’s Coffee: Voted best coffee shop and bakery in Sierra Vista for two consecutive years. Broxton’s serves up a variety of coffees, blended drinks, and teas as well as breakfast foods and a daily featured lunch wrap.
Tombstone and the O.K. Corral: this nearby historic town is the home of the West’s most famous gunfight: the legendary historic site of the fight between Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. Visit museums, the old silver mine, saloons, and see historic reenactments.
Sierra Vista Vineyards and Winery: Opened in 1977, you’ll enjoy picturesque views as you visit the tasting room, attend an event, or plan a tour.
More Area Info
back to top
Base Address:
Smith St., Bldg. 50010
Fort Huachuca
,
85613-6000