Wright Patterson AFB
Wright-Patterson AFB Relocation Information
WPAFB gate photo via wpafb.af.mil
Welcome to Wright-Patterson AFB!
Originally the home of Wilbur Wright Field and Fairfield Aviation General Supply Depot, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (“Wright-Patt”) is now the location of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, the oldest and largest aviation museum in the world. Celebrating both history and innovation (the Wright Brothers returned to Dayton after their first flight successes at Kitty Hawk, NC), this Dayton, Ohio, base is a hub for the advancement of aerospace and national security.
Whether you’re assigned to the host wing, the 88th Air Base Wing with the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), whose motto is “Strength Through Support,” or an associate unit such as AFLCMC, AFIT, or AFRL, WPAFB provides leading edge support for the warfighter.
The base has a workforce numbering approximately 30,000 people, including military, civilians, and contractors. Thousands of area retirees also use the services on WPAFB. Wright-Patt is the largest single site employer in the state of Ohio.
Snow blankets a sculpture of the Wright Flyer and the Wright Brothers Dec. 13, 2016, near a gate to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. (U.S. Air Force photo by R.J. Oriez/Released)
Little did you realize that the benefits of your relocation to Dayton extended beyond the job! The Miami Valley area gives you views of the most beautiful fall foliage you’ll ever see, access to great schools, and immerses you in a very active local community. With a reasonable cost of living, a small town feel in most locations, and family-friendly activities, the Dayton area is a great location for your growing military family. With Cincinnati, Ohio, around 60 miles south of Dayton and Louisville, Kentucky, about 100 miles from “Cincy,” it’s an easy drive if you’re in need of big city amenities.
Moving to the WPAFB area? Download your free ebook below!
Frequently Asked Questions about Wright-Patterson AFB
1) Where is Wright-Patterson AFB located?
Wright-Patterson AFB is located eight miles northeast of the central business district of Dayton, Ohio. The base is surrounded by the cities of Fairborn, Beavercreek, Huber Heights, Kettering, and Dayton. The main gate to the base is located on State Route 444 in Fairborn, Ohio.
2) How many gates does WPAFB have?
WPAFB has 7 base gates, which have varying hours and are subject to change depending on mission needs. Check with the official page for hours.
Area B normally has three gates open, and Area A has four. Gate 1A is the “commissary gate,” which provides access to the commissary and Exchange services.
A new gate opened late 2019 for commercial and passenger vehicles at Wright-Patt’s Area A. Gate 26A is open weekdays 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., for both commercial and passenger vehicles, and Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. for commercial vehicles only.
3) In what county is WPAFB located?
Wright-Patt is in both Greene and Montgomery counties near Dayton, Ohio.
4) Can civilians visit the National Museum of the Air Force?
Yes! The museum has regular hours. See below for more information to plan your visit, and check in with the museum’s posted hours. Visitors are subject to screening.
5) What is the zip code for Wright-Patterson AFB?
Some of the zip codes for the WPAFB area include Fairborn 45324 and Dayton zip codes 45424, 45431, and 45433.
6) What is the BAH for Wright-Patterson AFB?
BAH for those stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB ranges from $1,311 for E-1 to $1,752 for E-9 with dependents, and from $1,434 for O-1 to $2,301 for O-7 with dependents. See the housing section for more info.
Base Location and Information
Military Bases Near WPAFB
Tucked halfway between Indianapolis, Indiana, and Ohio’s capital city of Columbus, the Dayton region is often called the “Crossroads of America.” Military bases close to WPAFB are the National Guard base in Springfield, the Coast Guard Station in Cleveland, and the Defense Supply Center in Columbus.
Wright-Patt is divided into Areas A, B, and Kittyhawk. Area B is located about two miles from the other areas.
Getting around WPAFB can be confusing at first, as State Highway 444 divides Areas A and B. Once you determine which side you need to get to, it’s easy to navigate. A base shuttle system provides service between all areas, including Kittyhawk Center.
WPAFB Areas A and B overview
Visiting the National Museum of the United States Air Force
The iconic National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patt is home to thousands of artifacts and aircraft in over 19 acres of exhibition space. The Boeing 707 SAM 26000 (Air Force One), Memphis Belle, X-15 rocket plane, “Hanoi Taxi” and many other historical aircraft are housed in the museum.
Admission to the museum is free, though the Air Force Museum Theatre and flight simulators have an admission charge.
The museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Some museum exhibits have special hours, so be sure to check the Air Force Museum Foundation website or call (937) 253-4629 for attraction times and prices.
Plan your visit to the National Museum of the United States Air Force
Boeing B-29 Superfortress "Bockscar" in the World War II Gallery at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)
Arrival Lodging
Base lodging for initial lodging needs is through Air Force Inns.
WPAFB Lodging Info
Main Phone: 937-257-3451
DSN: 787-3451
WPAFB Air Force Inn website
Address
Wright Patterson AFB
Bldg. 825, Area A 2439 Schlatter Drive
Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio, 45433
Wright-Patterson AFB Housing
WPAFB housing image via the Properties at Wright Field.
Military housing at Wright Patterson AFB is privatized. Housing consists of two-, three- and four- bedroom homes offered in two different neighborhoods called "The Prairies" and "The Woods." It is managed by the Wright Field Development Company and called The Properties at Wright Field.
Housing Contact Information:
The Properties at Wright Field
Phone (937) 253-6009
Fax (937) 253-6013
5924 Hickam Dr
Dayton, OH, 45431
For more on-base housing information, be sure to contact the Wright Patterson AFB Housing Management Office: (937) 257-6547, DSN: 787-6547.
Wright Patterson AFB Off Base Housing
View homes for sale and houses for rent near Wright-Patterson AFB: Wright-Patterson AFB Homes.
Dayton neighborhood photo via Cfullam.
Many military-friendly housing communities are within an easy drive of the base. Popular towns include Beavercreek, Bellbrook, Centerville, Fairborn, Huber Heights, Kettering, Oakwood, and Xenia.
The cost of living is quite reasonable in the Dayton, Ohio area. Whether renting or buying, you can find a property with a considerable amount of square footage and a good amount of yard for a great price.
Base Search
City Search
WPAFB 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.
Wright-Patterson AFB is near Dayton and Fairborn, Ohio, with many options to buy or rent. Some sample WPAFB BAH rates for zip code 45324:
- E-1 with dependents: $1,311
- E-1 without dependents: $984
- E-9 with dependents: $1,752
- E-9 without dependents: $1,485
- O-1 with dependents: $1,434
- O-1 without dependents: $1,206
- O-7 with dependents: $2,301
- O-7 without dependents: $1,725
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Area Weather and Climate
Image from Canva
WPAFB boasts four distinct seasons, so you’ll want to come prepared with all the gear!
Though the winter months can seem long in this part of the country, cold weather fanatics will be in luck, as the area averages 16 inches of snow per year. Springtime brings tornado season, which are not uncommon in the Midwest.
During the hot, humid summer months, cool off at Madison Lakes, one of the many area community pools, or nearby Kings Island amusement and water park.
Autumn is breathtaking in the Dayton area, with numerous opportunities for visiting pumpkin patches, farmers’ markets, and picking apples while enjoying the gorgeous fall foliage.
WPAFB Area Schools
The Ohio school systems are known for motivating students to excel.
The Dayton area school district website allows you to enter your specific address to determine your student’s attendance area (example above).
Time and again, the school districts that surround Wright-Patterson AFB enjoy positive reviews.
In addition to premium public schools, military families have good things to say about the private schools in the area such as The Miami Valley School in Kettering and Saint Brigid Catholic School in Xenia.
When it comes to high school academics and athletics, two schools on the list for military families to consider are Bellbrook High School and Oakwood High School.
Homeschooling families can connect with the Homeschool Around Dayton Ohio Facebook group for connections and information.
WPAFB Area School Links:
Support for Military and Families
Image from Canva
WPAFB area spouses benefit from the numerous programs offered, whether recreational or educational. Whether you’re looking to further your career, find new volunteer opportunities, or continue your education, spouses should connect with the WPAFB Spouse, Education, Training, and Careers.
The Airman and Family Readiness Flight offers newcomer resources, classes, and counseling.
WPAFB is connected with these colleges: Sinclair Community College, Central Michigan University, Clark State Community College, Strayer University, University of Dayton, Wright State University.
Connect with some local groups near Wright-Patterson:
More Wright-Patt Area Info
Note: links are included for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsement.
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Base Address:
2000 Allbrook Drive, Area C, Building 2
Wright-Patterson AFB
,
45433-5315