Travis Air Force Base
Key Contacts
Military Housing Office
351 Travis Avenue
Travis AFB, CA 94535
PH: (707) 424-1746
Balfour Beatty Communities
351 Travis Avenue
Travis AFB, CA 94535
PH: (707) 437-4571
School Liaison
540 Airlift Drive
Bldg 381, Room A-111
Travis AFB, CA 94535
PH: (707) 424-4345
Airman and Family Readiness Center
351 Travis Ave, Bldg 660
Travis AFB, CA 94535
PH: (707) 424-2486
Most installation services will be available Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. As always, call first to confirm hours and availability of services.
Helpful hint: Contact these offices early in the week during the morning time frame.
About Travis Air Force Base
“. . . named in honor of Brigadier General Robert F. Travis”
During World War Two, Travis Air Force Base, or simply "Travis" as it's commonly referred to, was initially called Fairfield-Suisun Army Air Base. It was just one of many isolated military airfields in central California and the Bay Area during that time. By the late 1940s, Travis was growing and had already emerged as a key logistics hub, passenger terminal, medical center, and strategic airlift facility.
In the nearly six decades following its opening in 1943, the Travis Air Force Base has supported weather, bomber, fighter, aeromedical evacuation, aerial refueling, and airlift operations for wars, conflicts, presidential movements, scientific efforts, and humanitarian missions throughout the Pacific, the United States, and around the globe.
As the host unit for Travis Air Force Base, the 60th Air Mobility Wing (AMW) is the largest organization in Air Mobility Command (AMC) and flies the Lockheed C-5 "Galaxy," the C-17 "Globemaster," and the KC-10 "Extender" tanker on a daily operational basis. The 60th AMW controls more than two billion dollars worth of Air Force resources, including aircraft and support facilities, on over 6,000 acres of land.
In addition to the 60th AMW, Travis also hosts the Air Force Reserve counterpart, the 349th AMW. Additionally, the 621st Contingency Response Group is headquartered at Travis AFB, which provides AMC the capability to meet its global mobility task force commitment anywhere in the world. The 60th AMW also consists of four groups: the 60th Operations Group, the 60th Maintenance Group, the 60th Mission Support Group, and the 60th Medical Group (which includes the David Grant USAF Medical Center). Travis is also home to the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West.
Travis Air Force Base is named in honor of Brigadier General Robert F. Travis, who was killed when his B-29-MR crashed on the installation on August 5, 1950. General Travis was the commander of the 5th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing and the 9th Bombardment Wing at the time of his death. Today, Travis Air Force Base is home to more than 7,200 active United States Air Force military personnel, 4,200 Air Force reservists, and 3,700 civilians.
About Solano County
LOCATION
Travis Air Force base is located in Solano County in Northern California. It is near Fairfield, Suisun (s SOON) City, and Vacaville (vak-uh-vil). Positioned roughly 50 miles north of San Francisco and 50 miles southwest of Sacramento, Travis Air Force Base offers plenty of recreational and professional opportunities for those stationed there. Service members and families alike can enjoy the ease of small-town living with the convenience of larger cities surrounding Travis Air Force Base.
HELPFUL HINTS
The cost of living is relatively high compared to other regions of the country and even California. Heavy traffic and prolonged drive times should be considered when choosing a neighborhood and its proximity to Travis Air Force Base. Also, with the dry, hot, and windy climate, seasonal wildfires make emergency and evacuation preparedness a must. It is not uncommon to experience burn bans and planned water supply restrictions due to these conditions.
ATTRACTIONS
The base is within easy driving distance to the Napa and Sonoma Valleys—home of some of the world’s best wineries and vineyards. Popular tourist destinations nearby include Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, and the coastal communities of Monterey and Carmel Valley. Highlights of Bay Area living include year-round breathtaking views of mountains and the Pacific Ocean. If you love being outdoors, there is something for nearly every type of hobbyist, with over 260 sunny days per year.
PUBLIC TRANPORTATION
Nearby cities have public transportation through Bay Area Rapid Transit (B.A.R.T.) and FasTrak (an electronic toll collection system) making access to the many toll roads and bridges a breeze. For those traveling in and out of the area by air, three international airports are each within a 40-60 mile radius of Travis Air Force Base: Sacramento International Airport (SMF), the Oakland International Airport (OAK), and the San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
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Nearby Neighborhoods
ON-POST HOUSING
Travis Air Force Base offers privatized housing managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. Housing options include two, three, and four-bedroom units in seven different neighborhoods. Homes here feature fenced-in backyards, open floor plans, curbside trash, and recycling pickup. Neighborhood amenities include a splash park and playgrounds. These homes are pet-friendly. Balfour Beatty Communities (BBC) owns the family housing and is responsible for maintaining, repairing, constructing, and managing the community.
OFF-BASE HOUSING
In addition to the on-base options, there are several off-post communities where many service families choose to reside. Solano County serves seven jurisdictions, including Benicia, Dixson, Rio Vista, and Vallejo—with the three most popular among military families being Fairfield, Vacaville, and Suisan City. Travis Unified School District is famous among military families for its extensive educational services and a strong focus on college and career readiness. The district serves five elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.
Fairfield
ABOUT
Fairfield is the most popular area for Travis families to live in. There’s a good mix of city life with fun things to do and large employers within the medical and industrial fields.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Paradise Valley
- CannonCordero
- Junction
- Mankas Corner
Nearby Attractions
- Jelly Belly Headquarters
- Wooden Valley Winery
- Scandia Family Center
- Glasshoff Sculpture Garden
By the Numbers
- Population 119,900
- Household Income $89,700
- Median Home Value: Home values vary widely in this area. Ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- Newer homes
- A 14-minute commute to TAFB via Air Base Parkway
- Northbay Medical Center and Jelly Belly are some of the area’s largest employers
- Many families and young professionals choose to live here
Things to Consider
- High traffic areas
- Less scenic
Vacaville
ABOUT
Vacaville boasts of its great parks and many shopping areas. With the highest area home values, it’s no wonder it was named the 2018’s Most Livable Small Cities in the U.S.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Bucktown
- Batavia
- Binghamton
- Hartley
- Allentown
Nearby Attractions
- Lagoon Valley Pena Adobe Park
- Vacaville Premium Outlets
- Andrews Park
- Al Patch Park
By the Numbers
- Population 102,400
- Household Income $91,300
- Median Home Value: Home values vary widely in this area. Ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- Lots of bike trails
- Populus suburban feel
- Centrally located
Things to Consider
- A 16-minute commute to TAFB via Gate Road
- Traffic congestion
Suisun City
ABOUT
If you’re looking for a little distance between work and home life, Suisun City is the place to be. You’ll love all of the scenic views and outdoor hobby opportunities.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Willota
- Thomasson
- Denverton
Nearby Attractions
- Railway Museum
- Wildlife Center
- Sunset Bar
- Marina, boating, and kayaking for outdoor enthusiasts
By the Numbers
- Population 29,500
- Household Income $83,300
- Median Home Value: Home values vary widely in this area. Ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- Smaller, more rural feel
- Peaceful waterfront area
Things to Consider
- A 20-minute commute to TAFB via CA-12 or Air Base Parkway
- Less shopping, less nightlife
- Somewhat older homes that may require updates
7 Reasons You Should Consider Buying a Home
1. TAX ADVANTAGES
To encourage homeownership, the IRS has provided many tax breaks for owning a home. Credits may be available for specific home improvements, such as using clean energy or for qualified first-time home buyers. The way most homeowners see those advantages is through income tax itemization and deductions like mortgage interest and real estate taxes.
2. STABALIZE MONTHLY HOME COSTS
Owning your own house is one of the safest bets on stabilizing your monthly home costs. There’s no worry of rent getting increased significantly after each year of living in someone else’s home. Additionally, when you answer to yourself, there is no worry of landlord changes or unexpected lease termination.
3. HOUSE HACKING
Generally speaking, house hacking is a smart strategy that involves renting out a portion of your primary residence as a means of generating income to offset your own living expenses. Think turning your finished basement or mother-in-law quarters into an AirBnB! Or consider purchasing a multi-unit duplex or triplex: live on one side and rent out the other! If your home making money while you’re living in it doesn’t sound like your thing, there’s always renting it out after you PCS as an income generating investment property.
4. Increased Privacy
Generally speaking, house hacking is a smart strategy that involves renting out a portion of your primary residence as a means of generating income to offset your own living expenses. Think turning your finished basement or mother-in-law quarters into an AirBnB! Or consider purchasing a multi-unit duplex or triplex: live on one side and rent out the other! If your home making money while you’re living in it doesn’t sound like your thing, there’s always renting it out after you PCS as an income generating investment property.
5. Pets Are Welcome!
For those who choose to rent instead of buying, it can be extremely difficult to find rentals who allow for your
four-legged, furry friends. Landlords often require hefty pet deposits or place heavy restrictions on the number of pets and breeds they allow—if they will even allow pets. When considering quality of life, including beloved pets and the indoor and outdoor space available to them matters. Having the flexibility to include ALL members of your family as a homeowner is priceless!
6. Pride of Ownership
One of the greatest benefits of owning your own home is the pride of ownership that comes along with it. Not only are homeowners more inclined to take good care of their investment with routine maintenance and cleaning, but also they are free to make design choices ranging from hanging artwork on the walls, to paint colors, to customization of closets, electronics, and more. As military families who relocate frequently, having your home reflect who you really are feels important.
7. Safe and Stable Long Term Investment + Forced Savings
Owning a home has historically been one of the safest, lowest risk financial investments that tends to have long-term stability and success. As your home value appreciates and your mortgage balance decreases, what’s left is growing equity with an eventual paid off home. Making a monthly house payment is akin to setting aside a specific amount each month into a savings account—it’s a little difficult to access in the moment, but over time it can build into something significant in the form of equity.
FIVE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU IN YOUR RELOCATION PROCESS
Your PCS is underway!
The home buying and moving transition process has begun. Now what? If it feels like there are a million things to do, don’t fret because you don’t have to do them all yourself. During the relocation process, there are many service providers that can assist you in making your move a smooth one.
Consider these five resources to help you in the process
1. MOVING COMPANIES
Sure, the military offers transportation and relocation services, but many service members decide to coordinate the transfer of household goods themselves. Not only can you often earn money on the difference between moving costs and weight allowances, but you can be assured that you have more control over your belongings. Services that moving companies offer can range from delivery of boxes and pods for the “you-pack” model all the way to full-service logistics companies that will do all of the packing, loading, driving, and unpacking for you.
2. STORAGE
Whether you need to store your household goods for a few weeks until you close on your home or you decide that you have more stuff than square footage, storage companies abound. Sizes, conditions, and contracts vary widely so be sure to do your homework before you commit. Particularly in climates with extreme cold, heat, or humidity, it is important to consider using only climate-controlled storage to ensure the protection of your furniture and temporarily unused items.
3. TEMPORARY HOUSING
It is not uncommon for there to be a short gap of time during a military move between when you arrive at your new duty station and your new home being available to inhabit. No longer are hotels the only option for sticking out a few days or weeks during the wait. Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO) and Airbnb are great options to make you feel more at home while you wait for your home. In fact, why not take advantage of seeing your new city through the eyes of a tourist? Find a location near new local attractions and dining and enjoy a few days of getting to know the lay of the land.
4. USPS/IRS
Once you get settled in at your new home, it’s important that you alert agencies that will make sure your current and up-to-date address is on file. The United States Postal Service (USPS) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are two of the most important and by doing so, any important mail or documents in your name should be forwarded or sent along to your new address. It’s also a good idea to notify banks, credit card companies, and other debt collectors of a change of address. These days nearly all of these transactions can be handled online.
5. DISCARD & DONATE SERVICES
No matter how much you purge, toss, organize, minimize, or donate before you pack up the moving truck, it never fails that after you get unpacked on the other side there seems to be more stuff to declutter. Discard and donate services can help with this. Many are a phone call away and will happily come to your residence for a pickup. Others are structured where you simply drop off at a store. A lot of these services are charitable organizations and will offer you documentation for your own taxes based on your donation. It’s a win-win: you downsize by donating, and someone else benefits from your use of your items.
