Fort Leonard Wood
KEY CONTACTS
Fort Leonard Wood Family
Housing Office
235 Ellis Street
Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473
PH: (573) 329-0122
School Liaison Officers
13486 Replacement Ave.
Bldg. 470
Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473
PH: (573) 596-0357
Army Community Services
486 Replacement Ave.
Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473
PH: (573) 596-0212
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
About Fort Leonard Wood
If you are part of the chemical, engineer, or military police branches, chances are high that you will pass through Fort Leonard Wood! Named in honor of General Leonard Wood, former Chief of Staff of the Army, Fort Leonard Wood has a history of training and educating engineers since 1941. In 1999, the Army moved the schools for the U.S. Army Chemical Corps and the U.S. Army Military Police Corps to Fort Leonard Wood, and the base was designated a U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center.
Fort Leonard Wood is located in south central Missouri. The area is part of the Ozarks, a region consisting of a high plateau—not a mountain range, as is commonly assumed—stretching across Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. The area surrounding Fort Leonard Wood has caverns to explore, and the local rivers are great for fishing and floating. The Lake of the Ozarks, an artificial lake about one hour away, is a frequent weekend destination for those living at Fort Leonard Wood. Branson, Mo., is a country music mecca and is about two hours southwest of Fort Leonard Wood, while St. Louis is two and a half hours to the east.
Life at Fort Leonard Wood (jokingly called Fort Lost in the Woods) moves slowly and lacks suburban perks—the closest Target is more than an hour’s drive!—but it is a very military-friendly area. It is hard to tell where the base ends, and the adjacent town of St. Robert begins, as military members and retirees make up a significant portion of the population.
Perhaps because of the remote location, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation plans activities for the community throughout the year. There are various clubs and groups to join, including Keepers of the Castle (a group for Engineers’ spouses), Hearts on a Mission (a fitness group), and the Fort Wood Spouses Club, all of which help keep community members busy and foster relationships among those who call Fort Leonard Wood base home.
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Nearby Neighborhoods
Popular Neighborhoods
St. RObert
About
The city of St. Robert bills itself as “the gateway to Fort Leonard Wood” and draws many military members to the area. St. Robert is primarily a residential community and is an archetypal small town. Residents travel to Waynesville or Rolla for most shopping needs but have the convenience of a local Walmart. There are also several popular mom-and-pop restaurants. Favorites include Cafe Korea, the Hub German Restaurant, and Sweetwater Barbecue.
Keeping properties as a rental investment is a popular choice for military families, as you often compete with word-of-mouth-only rentals. Soldiers often return to Fort Leonard Wood, and owning a property can make for a seamless PCS. Houses are inexpensive in this rural town, and buyers and renters can save on BAH. An experienced AgentHero can help guide you to properties that would make an excellent investment.
Neighbors
Most St. Robert residents are affiliated with Fort Leonard Wood. Military members make up more than half the population, and many others are retired from the military or work on the base.
Neighborhood Feel
Homes in St. Robert are mostly ranches with moderate-sized yards. A half-acre lot or smaller is common.
Neighborhood Info | St. Robert
Points of Interest
- Tiger Typhoon Aquatic Center
- Pulaski County Tourism Bureau and Visitor’s Center
- George M. Reed Roadside Park with M-60 tank
- City of Saint Robert Museum
Big Plus
- Just north of Fort Leonard Wood, St. Robert’s proximity to post makes for short commutes.
- Houses in St. Robert have a low initial cost and can be good investment properties.
- St. Robert has several delicious family-run restaurants.
Things to Consider
- Walmart is the main shopping option in town. If you need more choices, you will have to travel elsewhere.
- St. Robert has a quiet, small-town vibe, and activities are limited.
School Scoop
- The public schools in Waynesville are in the Waynesville R-Vi School District, the largest district in Pulaski County.
- Elementary students on-post attend Partridge Elementary, Wood Elementary, or Thayer Elementary. Off-post the elementary schools are Freedom Elementary or East Elementary. At the middle school level, sixth graders attend the Sixth Grade Center, and seventh and eighth graders attend Waynesville Middle School. High schoolers attend either Waynesville Senior High School or the Waynesville Career Center, which offers learning opportunities in culinary arts, graphic design, television production, masonry, A/C repair, metal work, auto service, commercial design, business management, and JROTC.
- Maranatha Baptist Academy in St. Robert is a private option.
Highlighted Areas
- Hickory Valley
- Paddock Estates
Waynesville
About
Waynesville offers a small-town experience similar to St. Robert, but there is a bit more happening in this community of nearly 5,000. With a movie theater, a grocery store, and a YMCA, Waynesville provides a solid range of conveniences. Some favorite local spots include Reinkemeyer’s Touch of Dutch Country Store (an Amish market with fresh, local produce), Nona’s Kitchen, and Purn’s Thai Kitchen.
Route 66 passes through Waynesville, and the Old Stagecoach Stop—the oldest structure in the county—is one of the attractions found on this historic road. The building is currently a museum depicting the site's history, which served at various times as a tavern, a boarding house, a Civil War hospital, and, of course, a stagecoach stop. Waynesville also has a quaint historical downtown area to explore.
Neighbors
Waynesville has a significant military population. Many residents are either retired from the military or active-duty Army families.
Neighborhood Feel
Single-family homes, usually ranch or split-level style, are common in Waynesville. Three or four-bedroom houses are typical.
Neighborhood Info | Waynesville
Points of Interest
- Old Stagecoach Stop Museum
- Pulaski County Courthouse Museum
- Waynesville Splash Park
- Historic Talbot House
Big Plus
- Waynesville has more retail options and activities than nearby St. Robert.
- With easy access to the interstate, Waynesville offers an easy commute to Fort Leonard Wood.
- Support for the military is high. Schools have ample resources for military students and are well-versed in helping kids through PCSes and deployments.
Things to Consider
- Some roads in Waynesville aren’t paved, making travel treacherous in inclement weather.
- Though Waynesville has more shopping and conveniences than adjacent St. Robert, it is still a small town, and some might find the pace too sleepy.
School Scoop
- The public schools in Waynesville are in the Waynesville R-Vi School District, the largest district in Pulaski County.
- Elementary students on-post attend Partridge Elementary, Wood Elementary, or Thayer Elementary. Off-post the elementary schools are Freedom Elementary or East Elementary. At the middle school level, sixth graders attend the Sixth Grade Center, and seventh and eighth graders attend Waynesville Middle School. High schoolers attend either Waynesville Senior High School or the Waynesville Career Center, which offers learning opportunities in culinary arts, graphic design, television production, masonry, A/C repair, metal work, auto service, commercial design, business management, and JROTC.
- Westside Christian Academy in Waynesville is a private option.
Highlighted Areas
- Taylor Hills
- Ridge Creek
- Summit
Rolla
About
Rolla (pronounced Raw-lah) is located midway between Springfield and St. Louis on Interstate 44. Home to about 20,000 residents, Rolla is significantly larger than either St. Robert or Waynesville.
With several healthcare centers, a university, and plenty of retail establishments, spouses who wish to work will find more employment options in Rolla. It is home to the Missouri University of Science and Technology, known for its engineering and computer science programs. Spouses and service members who wish to pursue higher education might like to be close to the university.
Fans of the outdoors will find lots of areas to explore in Rolla. The Mark Twain National Forest headquarters—a 1.5 million acre forest covering 29 counties—is located here. Abundant hiking trails, parks, campsites, and the numerous creeks and streams provide kayaking, floating, and fishing opportunities. Anglers, take note—there are more trout streams in Phelps County than in any other county in Missouri!
Neighbors
Rolla is more of a college town than a military town. The primary source of employment is the school, so expect a good number of students and university employees.
Neighborhood Feel
Houses and neighborhoods vary and range from upscale areas to well-worn rental homes geared toward college students. If you’re interested in renting, our MILLIE Scouts can assist by checking out the neighborhood and taking extra photos of the property you’re interested in. Don’t end up living next to a frat house!
Neighborhood Info | Rolla
Points of Interest
- Kokomo Joe’s Family Fun Center
- Mark Twain National Forest
- Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology
- Slice of Pie
- Fugitive Beach
- Rolla Lions Club Den and Park
Big Plus
- Spouses—especially those who work in healthcare or higher education—will find more employment opportunities in Rolla.
- Rolla offers more options for shopping, restaurants, and nightlife than Waynesville or St. Robert.
- If you’re looking to get away from military life, Rolla is more removed from Fort Leonard Wood and provides more anonymity than the towns closer to post.
Things to Consider
- The commute from Rolla to Fort Leonard Wood can take up to an hour.
- Though Rolla is bigger than Waynesville or St. Robert, some feel there is not enough to justify a long drive.
School Scoop
- Public schools in Rolla belong to the Rolla 31 School District. Rolla has three public elementary schools, all of which start at Pre-K. Rolla offers both a middle school and a junior high.
- Two private schools are available in Rolla, St. Patrick School and Rolla Seventh-Day Adventist Elementary School.
Highlighted Areas
- Country Aire Place
- Wedgewood Manor
- Newcastle
- Oak Knoll
Hopkinsville
About
What started as a small settlement in 1794 has now grown into the city of Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Over the past 200-plus years, it has evolved from an agricultural center to an expanding industrial town of around 30,000 residents. Hopkinsville is proud of its history, reflected in the revitalized downtown. This is small-town living with big-city amenities. Sprinkle in fantastic green spaces, parks, and outdoor recreational opportunities; you have a great city to consider!
Neighbors
According to the city’s website, 1 in 10 Hopkinsville residents is military. Families love the area for kid-friendly activities and affordable housing.
Neighborhood Feel
There are a variety of homes in Hopkinsville. Most are at very affordable price points. The historic district has classic older homes, character and charm, and sprawling Victorian mansions. Some homes are tiny and date back to the 1960s and 1970s, while others are brand new and spacious! You can also find a few lofts downtown if you need less space and a walkable neighborhood.
Neighborhood Info | Hopkinsville
Points of Interest
- Trail of Tears Commemorative Park
- Alhambra Historic Theater
- Downtown Farmers’ Market
- Annual Western Kentucky State Fair
- Tie Breaker Family Aquatic Center
- Amish Farm Communities
- Blue Springs Resort – 22-acre spring-fed rock quarry and popular scuba diving destination
Big Plus
- Living in this area adds up: low cost of living, reasonable home prices, and lower taxes than Clarksville, Tennessee. Plus, there’s no state income tax or sales tax on groceries or new cars!
- Imagine a quaint, tree-lined, “main-street” downtown area with classic ice cream parlors, a vintage theater, historic churches, boutiques, and friendly locals.
- The drive to Fort Campbell is scenic, taking you through rolling hills and farmland.
School Scoop
- Public schools in Hopkinsville are part of the Christian County Public Schools.
Things to Consider
- Some people we spoke to consider Hopkinsville to be pretty far out. As far as commutes go, it’s reasonable to Fort Campbell, but it’s definitely over an hour to
Nashville. - The nightlife is practically nonexistent, so if that’s a priority, you may be left wanting.
- Some of the neighborhoods can be less safe from crime, and we would advise that you do your research. It is not recommended to buy or rent sight unseen here. Having the support of an experienced real estate agent is extremely helpful in this market.
Highlighted Areas
- Historic Downtown
- Hunters Ridge
- Wadlington Place
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.
