JBMDL Fort Dix
JBMDL Fort Dix Relocation Information
Photo by Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
Welcome to JBMDL—Fort Dix!
Fort Dix is part of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL). This three-part Joint Base combines McGuire AFB, Fort Dix, and Naval Air Engineering Station (NAES) Lakehurst. They formed in 2009 and together, they’re able to support just about anything today. However, while they’re all combined and relatively close in proximity to one another (McGuire AFB and Fort Dix buddy up to one another), they each serve their own mission.
Senior Airman Sean Meehan, left, and Staff Sgt. Kane Lawlor provide cover after a tactical air insertion with an Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter on April 10, 2014, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. The New Jersey National Guard participated in a joint training exercise with the Marine Corps. Meehan and Lawlor are tactical air control party specialists with the 227th Air Support Operations Squadron, New Jersey Air National Guard. The helicopter is assigned to the 1st Battalion, 150th Aviation Regiment, New Jersey Army National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo/Tech. Sgt. Matt Hecht) Photo by Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Facebook Page
What once served as the backdrop to active Army training until 1988 has begun a new mission. Today, Fort Dix serves to mobilize, deploy, and demobilize soldiers in addition to creating training areas for Reserve and National Guard soldiers. It wasn’t until 1994 when the United States Air Force Expeditionary Center was established and the Air Mobility Warfare Center came to Dix.
Soldiers assigned to the 404th Civil Affairs Battalion conduct a combat equipment jump at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Nov. 14, 2020. The 404th CA BN worked alongside Joint Base MDL mission partners to complete a mass tactical airborne exercise, which increased the proficiency of 75 jumpers and aided in the units’ mission readiness.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Azaria E. Foster.)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Dix
1. What city is near Fort Dix?
Trenton, NJ, with approximately 80,000 residents is the closest city (about 30 minutes) to McGuire AFB. With a variety of museums and attractions, it offers a different culture and pace than military families find closer to base.
2. What should I know before moving to New Jersey?
Every duty station offers its own culture but moving to New Jersey might require some adapting.
Photo by Wawa Facebook Page
Here are a few things you can expect:
- Extreme weather.
- You can’t pump your own gas.
- Wawa is the go-to gas/convenience store.
- Diners are open 24/7.
- You get the perks of being close to major cities without living in them.
3. Who is Fort Dix named for?
Fort Dix is named for Major General John Adams Dix, a veteran of the War of 1812 and the Civil War. His other major accomplishments include United States Senator, Secretary of Treasury, and Governor of New York.
4. How big is Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst?
The entire Joint Base makes up 42,000 acres. It’s home to over 40 commanders and 80 mission partners and 45,000 active duty service members, their families, and civilian personnel. Plus, there are about 60,000 retirees residing in the local community.
5. What is the zip code for Fort Dix?
The zip code for Fort Dix is 08640. Nearby zip codes include 08641, 08562, 08015, and 08068.
6. What is the BAH for Fort Dix?
BAH for Fort Dix ranges from $2,442 for E-1 to $3,330 for E-9 with dependents, and from $2,532 for O-1 to $3,927 for O-7 with dependents. See housing section for more info.
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Base Location & Information
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Image by Google Maps
Fort Dix is located in Pemberton Township, Burlington County, New Jersey and lies about 17 miles southeast of Trenton, NJ. Fort Dix shares a fence line with McGuire Air Force Base and the Naval Air Engineering Station in Lakehurst, NJ. Nearby cities include Lumberton, Mount Laurel, Mount Holly, Easthampton, and Browns Mills, NJ.
The location makes it the perfect place for easy weekend destinations. With less than a two hours’ drive, you can escape to the Big Apple or the City of Brotherly Love (Philadelphia). So yummy food, incredible entertainment, and unforgettable culture and attractions are well within reach. And toward the east, you have scenic Atlantic views to help you reset and unwind.
Atlantic City, Ocean City, and Cape May are all within a two hours’ drive and offer the salty air, sound of the waves, and sandy beaches that allow you to escape work for a few days.
Cape May, NJ. Image by Smallbones.
Nearby military installations:
Because of its location on the East Coast, you’ll find many military installations nearby. New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland host a wide variety, but within a few minutes of McGuire AFB you’ll find:
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Arrival Lodging
Photo by DODLodging
The Air Force Inns handles arrival lodging for incoming military and their families at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. With basic amenities, a rental car facility, and proximity to base attractions, it’s the perfect place to get your bearings after your PCS move.
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JBMDL— Fort Dix Housing
Photo by United Communities Facebook Page
On base housing for Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst is split between two private property management companies—United Communities and Balfour Beatty.
United Communities serves McGuire and Dix, offering a variety of high quality homes conveniently located on base with great neighborhood amenities to include a pool, dog parks, community centers, and playgrounds to make your time at JBMDL feel like home.
Location:
3700 A Circle Dr.
Joint Base MDL, NJ
08641
Contact: (609) 288-2276
McGuire-Dix Military Housing Office
3700 Circle Drive
McGuire AFB, NJ
08641
Contact: (609) 754-3662
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 0730-1615
JBMDL— Fort Dix Off-Base Housing
Photo by Pexels on Pixabay
View homes for sale and houses for rent near JBMDL: Fort Dix Homes
Military families who choose to live off base near McGuire often settle about 10 miles to the west in Eastampton and Westampton, although Medford and Brown Hills to the south of base are popular, too.
Base Search
Fort Dix 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 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.
Fort Dix is near Trenton, NJ with many options to buy or rent. Some sample Fort Dix BAH rates for zip code 08640:
- E-1 with dependents: $2,442
- E-1 without dependents: $1,893
- E-9 with dependents: $3,330
- E-9 without dependents: $2,766
- O-1 with dependents: $2,532
- O-1 without dependents: $2,424
- O-7 with dependents: $3,927
- O-7 without dependents: $3,267
Area Weather & Climate
Photo by Irene Wong on Unsplash
Ready for four seasons? Here, you’ll notice hot (sometimes muggy) summers and frigid winters. The spring and fall marry the two extremes and allow a few more comfortable months for those who fall under the “fair-weather person” category.
The biggest thing Mother Nature will throw your way here is a hurricane on occasion and a winter wonderland for the holiday season. It’s beautiful, but it does bring ice, and with that, there are slick roads and low visibility. Stay up-to-date on inclement weather here.
Joint Base Information Lines:
McGuire/Dix—(609) 754 BASE (2273)
United Communities Damage Reporting Line:
(609) 724-0500
Joint Base Law Enforcement Desk:
(609) 754-6001
Joint Base Fire Department:
(609) 754-2451
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JBMDL— Fort Dix Area Schools
Image by Jeffrey F Lin on Unsplash
Families with school-age kids who live on or near Fort Dix may fall under or choose between a number of school districts.
Pemberton Township Schools: Pemberton includes families living on base and those to the south toward Brown Mills.
Image by Google Maps
North Hanover Township School District: North Hanover includes families PreK3-7th living on base and those located to the north of McGuire AFB.
Image by Google Maps
Northern Burlington County Regional School District: Northern Burlington educates the middle and highschoolers located near McGuire AFB.
For those interested in 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 New Jersey Department of Education homeschool regulations.
For any questions or concerns, contact the School Liaison Services.
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Support for Military and Families
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Good news! The average unemployment rate is lower in the Trenton area than the state average. JBMDL is the largest employer nearby (2nd largest in the state) and employs off-duty military, civilians, and offers a Military Spouse Preference Program which can help you settle into a new job more quickly.
For those interested in higher education, Thomas Edison State College, Thomas Edison State University, and The College of New Jersey are in Trenton or closer.
As far as the community is concerned, McGuire AFB offers ample opportunity and things for military families to do. Offering everything from outdoor adventures at Camp Dix and Fam Camp, John F. Mann Recreational Park, and Pine Ridge Golf Course, to Dix indoor pool, movie theater, Librar-e, and more, there’s a variety of things to do just on base.
Some helpful links:
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Things to Do Near Fort Dix
Six Flags Great Adventure: Have the adventure of a lifetime chasing thrills and playing like a kid all day at Six Flags, just 20 minutes from McGuire AFB.
iPlay America: With extreme weather several months out of the year, indoor play is a must. iPlay America is the ultimate indoor amusement park for the whole family!
Sayen House & Gardens: Appealing to nature lovers, history buffs, and garden enthusiasts, this destination in Trenton is an oasis for many.
Sebastian’s Schnitzelhaus: Sebastian’s authentic German food is a popular stop here near McGuire AFB. Maintaining 4.5 stars with nearly 1,000 reviews on Google alone, it’s a must-do for sure!
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Base Address:
5201 Maryland Ave
Fort Dix
,
08640-5130