Los Angeles Air Force Base
Key Contacts
Housing Management Office:
31 Patton Quadrangle
San Pedro, CA 90731
PH: (310) 653-8469
Tierra Vista Communities
(A Lendlease Community)
2400 South Pacific Ave.
Building 410, Suite 2
San Pedro, CA 90731
PH: (888) 658-4630
School Liaison
#1 - BLDG 272, C1-209
El Segundo, CA
PH: (310) 653-5428
#2 - BLDG 410
Fort MacArthur, CA
PH: (310) 653-8631
Airmen and Family Readiness Center
Bldg. 272, C1-209
El Segundo, CA
PH: (310) 653-5290
Most installation services will be available Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. As always, call first to confirm the hours and availability of services.
Helpful hint: Contact these offices early in the week during the morning time frame.
About Los Angeles Air Force Base
“...one of the three major commands under the United States Space Force.”
Los Angeles Air Force Base is home to the Space Systems Command, one of the three major commands under the United States Space Force. It began as an aircraft production facility in the 1920s through a joint Navy and civilian partnership. The land was a central industrial hub for the Navy and Marine Corps until the 1960s, when aircraft production halted, and the site was transferred to the U.S. Air Force. The Schriever Space Complex was added in 1987 and was redesignated as the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command in the summer of 2021. The Space Systems Command oversees military space systems' development, acquisition, launching, and sustaining.
Los Angeles Air Force Base is supported by the U.S. Air Force 61st Air Base Group, which provides medical, civil engineering, communications, and other garrison support to the tenant units. The base also includes facilities at Fort MacArthur, located about 25 minutes south in the Coastal San Pedro area near Cabrillo Beach.
Los Angeles Air Force Base is relatively small, with just over 1,300 active duty Service Members, 1,500 Civilians, and more than 2,000 family members supported by the installation. The size is deceiving, though, as the installation also provides services to more than 200,000 retirees from all services living in the Greater Los Angeles Area.
About Los Angeles County
LOCATION
Los Angeles AFB is located on the California coast in Los Angeles County. It is 120 miles north of San Diego and 60 miles east of San Bernardino. Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the U.S. and is home to just over 10 million people. The sprawling city of Los Angeles is considered second only to New York City in size and borders neighboring Pasadena, Anaheim, and Irvine in the famed Orange County. For those traveling in and out of Los Angeles Air Force Base by air, the largest airport in the area is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Other options nearby include Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) to the north and John Wayne Airport (SNA) to the south.
WEATHER
Los Angeles weather is everything you’d expect of California living. The weather is moderate, with average monthly temperatures between 48°F and 85°F. Summers are warm, clear, and sunny, which makes for perfect days at the beach. Winters are mild, rarely below 42°F, and tend to be partly cloudy with more frequent rain showers from December through March. Los Angeles averages 16 inches of rainfall annually, which is well below the U.S. average, and rarely sees snow.
ATTRACTIONS
Los Angeles is famous worldwide for its beaches, movie stars, and theme parks. There are endless entertainment options in this city where anything goes! Get your bucket list ready as you tour the famed beaches of Malibu, Long Beach, and Venice Beach. Then visit the star-studded Hollywood Boulevard, Rodeo Drive, and maybe jump on a celebrity home tour to see who you can spot! If you tire of celebrity sightings, a quick jaunt to Anaheim brings you to the magic of Disneyland and Disneyland California Adventure. Other major theme parks in the area include Knott’s Berry Farm, Universal Studios Hollywood, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and Legoland California. Camping and hiking opportunities in Sequoia National Park, Death Valley National Park, and Joshua Tree National Monument are slightly further afield.
HELPFUL HINTS
Los Angeles AFB is considered a high-cost-of-living area compared to the rest of the United States. While Los Angeles is notorious for being among the highest cost of living in the U.S., the BAH rates for Service Members stationed here are also higher than in other areas. Commute times, schools, and accessibility of restaurants and shopping should be considered when choosing a neighborhood and its proximity to Los Angeles Air Force Base. Parking on the base is limited, so many utilize carpools or public transportation.
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Nearby Neighborhoods
ON-BASE HOUSING
Los Angeles AFB offers privatized housing managed by Tierra Vista Communities. Options include two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments, duplexes, townhomes, and single family homes on Fort MacArthur. Home features vary based on the neighborhood but include a utility allowance, trash, and recycling pickup. Neighborhood amenities include gated access, a community pool, athletic courts, dog parks, a youth center, community centers, numerous playgrounds, and walking/running trails. Students in the Tierra Vista Community attend the Los Angeles Unified School District, which serves more than 694,000 students.
OFF-BASE HOUSING
In addition to the on-base options, there are several off-post communities where many service families choose to reside. In the immediate vicinity are El Segundo and Hawthorne. Beach lovers might prefer the South Bay cities of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Redondo Beach. Inland options include Torrance and the surrounding Alondra Park and Gardena. Most cities have public school districts, so verify the school zoning for each neighborhood.
El Segundo & Hawthorne
ABOUT
El Segundo and Hawthorne, located on the west side of L.A, flank Los Angeles Air Force Base on either side of the Interstate 405 corridor. These neighborhoods offer the shortest commute times, plus plenty of shopping, parks, and beach access options.
Popular Neighborhoods
- El Segundo
- Hawthorne
Nearby Attractions
- El Segundo Beach
- Hawthorne Memorial Park
- Flight Path Museum & Learning Center
By the Numbers
- Population 108,000
- Household Income $67,000
- Median Home Value: Home values vary widely in this area. Ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- A 10-minute commute from most parts of El Segundo and Hawthorne
- Public beach and charming main street in El Segundo
Things to Consider
- As with most areas, properties closer to the beach will pay a premium for that location.
- With LAX and the Air Force base nearby, aircraft noise may occur.
- El Segundo and Hawthorne have their school districts, so check zoning and options carefully.
South Bay
ABOUT
If you’re after a real California experience, South Bay’s effortless beachy vibes are the epitome of the California lifestyle. Located along the southern shore of Santa Monica Bay, the South Bay offers the best beaches, plenty of family-friendly activities, and easy access to L.A. entertainment.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Hermosa Beach
- Manhattan Beach
- Redondo Beach
Nearby Attractions
- The Strand Bike Path
- SEA Lab Aquarium
- Hermosa Beach Historical Society & Museum
By the Numbers
- Population 126,800
- Household Income $134,000
- Median Home Value: Home values vary widely in this area. Ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- Laid-back beach towns are the ultimate in California living
- Foodies love the independent restaurants and farmers' markets downtown
- Plenty of family-friendly parks, bike paths, and gardens
Things to Consider
- You'll pay a premium for properties near the beaches
- Each city has its own school district, so check your zoning carefully
- Further from shopping, dining, and entertainment
Torrance
ABOUT
Torrance is known as a quieter alternative to the iconic, bustling beaches of South Bay. Families and young professionals find Torrance appealing for its less crowded public beach, abundant shopping, and slightly suburban feeling.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Walteria/Country Hills
- West Torrance
- Summerwind/Springwood/Windemere
Nearby Attractions
- Old Town Torrance
- Madrona Marsh Preserve
- Torrance Art Museum
By the Numbers
- Population 147,067
- Household Income $100,167
- Median Home Value: Home values vary widely in this area. Ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- Offers a range of family-friendly experiences
- Proximity to the beach
- Less dense urban area, achieving almost a suburban feeling
Things to Consider
- Homes vary in age and style
- A 20-minute commute to LAAFB from most parts of town, though peak commute hours will undoubtedly impact this
- Most of Torrance is slightly inland.
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.
