Fort Gordon
KEY CONTACTS
Fort Gordon Family Homes
155 3rd Ave.
Fort Gordon, GA 30905
PH: (706) 772-7041
Army Community Service
271 Heritage Park Ln.
Bldg. 35200
Fort Gordon, GA 30905
PH: (706) 791-3579
School Support Services
44th St.
Bldg. 44401
Fort Gordon, GA 30905
PH: (706) 791-7270
(706) 791-4168
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
About fort Gordon
Home to the United States Army Signal Corps, the newly established Cyber Center of Excellence, and the National Security Agency (NSA Georgia), Fort Gordon trains and supports signal and cyber operations across all military branches.
Fort Gordon is only three hours from the Georgia coast (Hilton Head), two hours from Atlanta, and three hours from the mountains, meaning you will have many options for those four-day weekends! Outdoor enthusiasts rejoice at the hunting and fishing opportunities, and on-post amenities are second to none.
Fort Gordon also boasts of having the “best golf course in the Army,” featuring challenging holes and gorgeous greens in a pristine natural environment. And speaking of golf, Fort Gordon is just 20 minutes from downtown Augusta—and the Masters. For the past 80-plus years, this elite, invitation-only golfing tournament is held at nearby Augusta National Golf Club. The base is gifted 100 badges to the Masters every year, and service members can enter a lottery for a chance to go to one of the four rounds (this allows 400 people a shot). The local school districts even sync spring break with the Masters’ week! Entrepreneurial minds also use this opportunity to rent out their homes to Masters’ attendees, Airbnb style, and make some extra cash.
Fort Gordon recently completed construction on a large interchange on Gordon Highway/US-278 and 107th Ave. This gate includes Fort Gordon’s New Visitor Center and provides quick access to 1st Cyber Protection Battalion and NSA Georgia. Gates 2 and 3, both in the vicinity of 19th Street, have been closed, so commuters from Grovetown or Augusta can choose between the new Gate 6 or the smaller Gate 1 on 7th Ave. When evaluating commute times, it helps to know which side of post your unit is located on.
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Nearby Neighborhoods
Augusta
About
The Savannah River bisects this eastern Georgia city, so half of the city lies in Georgia and the other half in South Carolina. Augusta was widely known for its cotton trade in the late 1800s, though now another small, white sphere comes to mind when thinking of this southern city. Currently, Augusta is synonymous with American golf and is best recognized for hosting the Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club every spring, attracting spectators from all over the world.
Singles, geo-bachelors, and young married couples tend to gravitate toward Augusta as apartments and smaller, older single-family homes are the most prevalent, and they can enjoy the affordable options. There is an urban vibe to Augusta, but don’t expect a hopping nightlife (the downtown could use some revitalization). On the upside, the local minor league baseball team, the Augusta Green Jackets, offer a pleasant alternative for a summer afternoon.
Neighbordhood Info | Augusta
Points of Interest
- Augusta Riverwalk
- Savannah Rapids Visitor Center
- Augusta National Golf Club - The Masters
Big Plus
- The Masters Golf Tournament is a once-in-a-lifetime sporting event and is not to be missed! Being stationed at Fort Gordon provides one of the best opportunities to attend.
- Fort Gordon is ideal for day trips to the beach, the mountains, or Atlanta —take your pick and go explore!
- There is a large concentration of military families in the area.
Things to Consider
- Even though Augusta is a bustling city hosting one of the most recognized American golf matches, it sorely lacks cultural activities and a “nightlife.” Culture can be sought in Grovetown and Evans on a small-town scale.
- You are in Georgia—it is hot, and humid, and some swear that the mosquito is the state bird. Be prepared for sweltering summers, but on the upside, the miserable summers give way to mild winters.
- Hot summers mean high utility bills if you aren’t careful!
- Augusta students attend Richmond County School district. We suggest that you do your own
By the Numbers
- Population: 140,000
- Household Income: $40,000
- Median Home Value: Home values change rapidly in this market, so ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
School Scoop
- Public schools in Augusta are part of the Richmond County School System, which serves not just Augusta, but also Fort Gordon and areas south of post.
- Registration takes place online on the Infinite Campus portal throughout the summer.
- Publicly funded Pre-K classes are offered throughout the district. The Pre-K program provides services to Richmond County students who are four years old on or before September 1st of the year applying. A lottery determines pre-K slots. Make sure you register early!
- Richmond County School System is full of magnet schools and programs from which to choose, including science and engineering, fine arts, STEM, robotics, and more. Interested students must apply and test for these prestigious programs.
Evans
About
While only ten miles from the heart of downtown Augusta, Evans is considered to be fairly rural. Established neighborhoods boast mature trees and sidewalks, and the quality of life for families is high. This is where you’ll find abundant options for churches, sports, service organizations, and family-friendly activities. With big-box retailers at your fingertips, you can get most of what you need in Evans.
Neighborhood Info | Evans
Points of Interest
- Riverside Park
- Columbia County Amphitheater
- Lady Antebellum Pavilion
Big Plus
- The Masters Golf Tournament is a once-in-a-lifetime sporting event and is not to be missed! Being stationed at
Fort Gordon provides one of the best opportunities to attend. - Evans offers a family-friendly alternative to the urban feel of Augusta and boasts a large Towne Center retail complex for your daily needs.
- There is a large concentration of military families in the area.
- Evans offers fantastic parks and green spaces in the community, including the large Lakeside Athletic Complex and Patriots Park.
Things to Consider
- You’ll find a few date night options in Evans, such as some restaurants and a movie theater, but it isn’t known for its bustling nightlife.
- Evans offers a mix of established homes and new developments.
- Hot summers mean high utility bills if you aren’t careful!
By the Numbers
- Population: 34,500
- Household Income: $110,000
- Median Home Value: Home values change rapidly in this market, so ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
School Scoop
- Families in Evans and Grovetown are served by Columbia County School District, which operates 18 elementary
schools, eight middle schools, and 5 high schools - Students new to the district can use the online registration portal to save time.
- Publicly funded Pre-K classes are offered in eight different sites throughout the district. The Pre-K program provides services to students who are four years old on or before September 1st of the year applying, and spaces are determined by lottery.
- All district elementary schools have implemented the School-wide Enrichment Model (SEM), which features enrichment clusters and community speakers. Middle schools in Columbia County have a STEM-driven curriculum focusing on exploratory learning. Each of the four high schools has a different focus area, including a recently launched International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
Grovetown
About
Grovetown is close to Fort Gordon, but traffic in this congested area can make a significant commute. Primed for a revitalization effort, this Augusta suburb prides itself on retaining its country charm. This culturally diverse area is filled with newer, cookie-cutter homes built in subdivisions that are less than ten years old.
Neightborhood Info | Grovetown
Points of Interest
- Grovetown Museum
- Wildwood Park
- Euchee Creek Park
Big Plus
- Grovetown is convenient to Fort Gordon’s Gate 6
- While it is considered a suburb of Augusta, Grovetown has a suburban or rural feel, depending on where you
choose to live. - Even in this small town, you’ll find great parks and rec spaces such as Grovetown Trails at Euchee Creek, Liberty Park, Goodale Dog Park, and Kiddie Park.
Things to Consider
- This area is known for some traffic congestion, though the new interchange off of Gordon Highway is expected to reduce traffic on local roads.
- Grovetown may not be as convenient for someone working on the east side of post.
- Grovetown has enough to cover the necessities and is still growing, but you may need to head to Evans or Augusta for big-box shopping, specialty stores, or medical needs.
By the Numbers
- Population: 15,500
- Household Income: $69,000
- Median Home Value: Home values change rapidly in this market, so ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
School Scoop
- Families in Evans and Grovetown are served by Columbia County School District, which operates 18 elementary
schools, eight middle schools, and five high schools. - The district can use the online registration portal to save time.
- Publicly funded Pre-K classes are offered in eight different sites throughout the district. The Pre-K program provides services to students who are four years old on or before September 1st of the year applying, and spaces are determined by lottery.
- All district elementary schools have implemented the Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM), which features enrichment clusters and community speakers. Middle schools in Columbia County have a STEM-driven curriculum focusing on exploratory learning. Each of the four high schools has a different focus area, including a recently launched International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
Looking at relocating?
Enter your information below and we will reach out to help the process.
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.
