29 Palms Marine Base
Twentynine Palms Relocation Information
Photo by Marines.mil
Welcome to Twentynine Palms (or 29 Palms), the world’s largest Marine Corps base!
This impressive base stretches across the Mojave Desert, offering miles of usable land for the Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command (MAGTFTC)/ Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) to work their magic in enhancing combat readiness through facilitating joint operations.
Photo by MAGTF Training Command/Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at 29 Palms Facebook Page
Combining air and ground units, you’ll see (and hear) a little bit of everything moving around 29 Palms—a plethora of aircraft, explosives, armored vehicles, and more.
Aside from the work activity, you’ll notice the on-base amenities equipped to make the families’ lives more comfortable. Without many things to do in the area, you may find nicer amenities here than many other Marine Corps installations you’ve lived before.
Photo by MAGTF Training Command/Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at 29 Palms Facebook Page
Frequently Asked Questions About 29 Palms
1) What cities are near 29 Palms?
You won’t find any major cities near 29 Palms. Palm Springs, “The Playground for the Stars,” and home to a little under 50,000 residents, is about an hour’s drive away. But large, heavily populated cities are much further down the road. Los Angeles is just over two hours away, and San Diego is about three.
2) Why is it called 29 Palms?
Legend has it that 29 Palms got its name from gold miners describing the area to stake their claim in the 1800s.
Photo by Glenn Francis of www.PacificProDigital.com
3) Is 29 Palms really that bad?
“You cry when you get here; you cry when you leave.” It’s no secret that the isolated location causes new military families to feel overwhelmed and displaced, but most families come to love it here because of the community. So, is 29 Palms really that bad? Only you can answer that question, but most would likely say no.
4) Is 29 Palms high or low desert?
The Morongo Basin is considered high desert and is known for its moderate weather patterns.
5) What is the zip code for 29 Palms?
The zip code for 29 Palms is 92278. Other nearby zip codes include 92277.
6) What is the BAH for 29 Palms?
BAH for 29 Palms ranges from $1,974 for E-1 to $2,823 E-9 with dependents, and from $2,361 for O-1 to $3,450 for O-7 with dependents. See the housing section for more info.
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Base Location & Information
Image by MCCS 29 Palms
The Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center is a census-designated place in southern California, officially known as Twentynine Palms Marine Base or 29 Palms Marine Base. It is located just above the cities of Twentynine Palms, Joshua Tree, and Yucca Valley in southern San Bernardino County.
While you won’t find major city attractions, this area is home to a set of unique attractions and beauty that define this region. Most things to do here center around the great outdoors and natural desert life--think hiking, rock climbing, star gazing, and more.
The cost of living in this region is lower than the national average and 33% lower than the California average. To give you an idea, the average home in Twentynine Palms costs $189,000. Take a look at the BAH rates for this area to get a feel for how much house you can afford.
Photo By Austin Forrest on Unsplash
California houses dozens of military installations. However, there are none nearby 29 Palms. There are a few lone duty stations located further in the desert, but most other driveable bases lie closer to Los Angeles and San Diego and are about three hours away.
Nearby military installations:
Photo By Jon Grogan on Unsplash
While the remote location may feel a little isolating or overwhelming at first, you may be happy to learn that there’s an incredible number of things to do and places to visit within a short drive down the road—Palm Springs is about an hour away. Las Vegas (a guaranteed fun weekend) is just over three hours northeast. Los Angeles is about 2.5 hours away. And Big Bear, offering a winter wonderland and summertime oasis, is under two hours. San Diego, with all of its inviting attractions, sunshine, and endless beaches, is about three hours south.
Twentynine Palms Lodging
Inns of the Corps Desert View and Mountain View handles lodging for incoming military families. It offers single rooms and suites with access to base amenities, and is a great place to rest while you search for your next home to buy or house to rent.
Photo by MCCS 29 Palms
Desert View Contact:
(760) 830-6583
Mountain View Contact:
(760) 830-1054
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Twentynine Palms Housing
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Photo by Liberty Military Housing
Liberty Military Housing manages on-base housing at Twentynine Palms. With 1,567 homes among 15 different neighborhoods, creating a tight-knit community for military families relocating to this remote area.
Location:
1003 Cottonwood Road
P.O. Box 6065
Twentynine Palms, CA
92277
Contact: (760) 362-8901
Check in with 29 Palms Family Housing Office for more details. See below for contact numbers:
Twentynine Palms Off-Base Housing
Homes for sale and houses for rent near Twentynine Palms Marine Base – 29 Palms Homes
While many families choose to live in the communities on base here, those who live off base look in the towns of Twentynine Palms or Joshua Tree.
Base Search
City Search
View homes for sale and houses for rent near 29 Palms: Homes for Sale, Houses to Rent
29 Palms BAH Info
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 service members compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing.
29 Palms is near the city of Twentynine Palms and Joshua Tree with many options to buy or rent. Some sample 29 Palms BAH rates for zip code 92278:
- E-1 with dependents: $1,974
- E-1 without dependents: $1,569
- E-9 with dependents: $2,823
- E-9 without dependents: $2,157
- O-1 with dependents: $2,361
- O-1 without dependents: $1,773
- O-7 with dependents: $3,450
- O-7 without dependents: $2,733
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Area Weather & Climate
The Mojave Desert brings with it a specific type of climate. You’ll find high temperatures and low humidity. As you can imagine, summer temperatures rise to a hundred degrees and above, with winter months (Nov-Feb) offering a little relief with highs in the 60s.
Photo by Anna Goncharova on Unsplash
Beyond the dry heat that may take some adjusting to, earthquakes are the biggest concern when it comes to natural disasters. Though most offer a little rumble, a few create a jolting shake. In 2019, the area experienced a 6.4 earthquake.
For more information and earthquake preparedness, take at look the Recommended Earthquake Safety Actions.
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Twentynine Palms Area Schools
Image by Jerry Wang on Unsplash
Regardless of whether you choose to live on base or out in town while stationed at Twentynine Palms, your school-age kids fall under the Morongo Unified School District. The school district has 11 elementary schools, two middle schools, two comprehensive high schools, one continuation high school, two state preschool programs, and one special education preschool program.
Morongo Unified School District:
Image by VMAX Compass Cloud
If you’re looking for a private school education for your children, Private School Review is a great tool to help you find the right fit for you and your family.
Families interested in homeschooling should follow the California Department of Education homeschool regulations. For any questions or concerns, contact the School Liaison Program.
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Support for Military and Families
Photo by Adam Winger on Unsplash
Twentynine Palms offers a unique culture for military families. While it doesn’t get much more remote than the middle of the desert, families learn to rely on one another in a way that only a few experience. The community here is one of the strongest you’ll find.
As you can imagine, maintaining a career while stationed at 29 Palms can feel a little challenging. But if you’re looking for opportunities to volunteer, whether by yourself or with the family, Twentynine Palms Historical Society, 29 Palms FOOD FOR LIFE, and Reach Out Morongo Basin could all use extra hands.
And as far as lifestyle and family fun is concerned, 29 Palms offers more than most. Beyond a large exchange and well-supplied commissary, you’ll find lots of recreational activities at your fingertips. The on-base pool, fitness centers, bowling center, and golf course are enough to keep you active. But it’s intramural sports, libraries (with organized events), and hobby shops that shine in bringing the 29 Palms residents together.
Some helpful links:
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Things to Do Near Twentynine Palms
Image via nps.gov
Joshua Tree National Park: Where the Mojave and Colorado ecosystems collide, Joshua Tree National Park is overflowing with beauty and opportunities to learn about this unique region.
Sky’s the Limit Observatory and Nature Center: Take advantage of the unpolluted night air for unforgettable views of the starry desert night.
Oasis Visitor Center: Established in 1950, this is the longest standing visitor center representing Joshua Tree National Park. Hit the trail for a scenic walk or simply come to take a look at the local plants unique to this region.
Smith’s Ranch Drive-In: Who doesn’t love a good drive-in movie? And one under the gorgeous desert sky is sure to make the favorites list when it comes to family outings!
More Area Info
What to Expect When You PCS to Marine Corps Base 29 Palms, California
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Base Address:
Bldg. 1145, MCAGCC
Twentynine Palms
,
92278-8250