Fort Rucker
Key Contacts
Military Housing Office
PH: (334) 255-1854
Corvias Military Living
9700 Division Road
Fort Rucker, AL 36362
PH: (334) 440-8988
Fax: (334) 440-8989
School Liaison
6th Avenue
Bldg. 132, Rm. 118
Fort Rucker, AL 36362
PH: (334) 255-9812
Fort Rucker Army Community Service
Soldier Service Center
Bldg 5700, Room 177 Suite 350
PH: (334) 255-3161
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 Fort Rucker
". . .headquarters for the U.S. Army Aviation”
Fort Rucker, located in southeast Alabama, was named the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence in 2008. Today, it continues to serve as the headquarters for the U.S. Army Aviation. Its ongoing mission is to develop the aviation force for its worldwide objective. This mission includes developing concepts, doctrine, organization, training, leader development, material, and soldier requirements. It also provides resident and nonresident aviation maintenance, logistics, and leadership training to support the total force and foreign nations to sustain joint and combined aviation operations.
Major commands on Fort Rucker include U.S. Army Garrison Fort Rucker, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence (USAACE), U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center, U.S. Army Warrant Officer Career College, U.S. Army Aviation Technical Test Center (ATTC), Aviation Center Logistics Command (ACLC), U.S. Army Aeromedical Center, U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory, U.S. Army School of Aviation Medicine, and U.S. Army Air Traffic Services Command (ATSCOM).
Fort Rucker covers about 63,000 acres of southeast Alabama countryside in an area known as the Wiregrass, named for a wild grass peculiar to the region. This post is a small city with nearly 5,000 active duty personnel, 10,000 civilian personnel, and around 3,000 family members assigned to the installation. It is a great place to live and work, much like any hometown.
Fort Rucker is a U.S. Army post located primarily in Dale County, Alabama, and adjacent to the town of Daleville. Tenant units of Fort Rucker utilize airfields, heliports, and ranges located throughout the surrounding area, such as Cairns Army Airfield, Hanchey Army Heliport, Lowe Army Heliport, and Shell Army Heliport.
About Dale County
LOCATION
Fort Rucker is located in Dale County in Southeast Alabama, roughly 120 miles northwest of Tallahassee, Florida, and 90 miles southeast of Montgomery, Alabama. The main post has entrances from three bordering cities Daleville, Ozark, and Enterprise. Fort Rucker offers plenty of opportunities to build community and true small-town living for those stationed there. Service members and families alike can enjoy a slower pace with the convenience of larger cities nearby.
HELPFUL HINTS
This is considered a low-cost living area, though there has been significant growth in the housing market over recent years. A new access control point, open Monday to Friday, 4:30 am to 8:30 pm, located on Christian Road in Enterprise, has made the northern part of town a convenient commute. Commute times, schools, and accessibility of restaurants and shopping should be considered when choosing a neighborhood and its proximity to Fort Rucker.
ATTRACTIONS
The base is convenient to many Gulf Coast beaches: Destin, Panama City, and Seaside are less than two hours away. The 60-plus miles of white sands on the “Emerald Coast” attracts tourists and beach-goers year-round. Many service families take advantage of the Destin Army Recreation Area, a fifteen-acre gated resort. More of an amusement park enthusiast? Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is drivable in under six hours. Fort Rucker is generally a warm and sunny place to live. Average temperatures range from 37-92 degrees Fahrenheit; April, May, and October are some of the most pleasant months there. The annual rainfall is around 57 inches, and due to its proximity to the coast, those stationed at Fort Rucker take hurricane preparedness measures. Other highlights of south Alabama living include access to excellent southern cuisine, small-town festivals, college football, and beautiful homes - some more than 100 years old.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
For those traveling in and out of the Fort Rucker area by air, five airports are within a short driving distance: Valparaiso (VPS), Panama City (ECP), Pensacola (PNS), Dothan (DHN), and Tallahassee (TLH), with Dothan being the closest.
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Nearby Neighborhoods
ON-BASE HOUSING
Corvias manage homes on Fort Rucker with a mix of single and duplex homes ranging from two to four bedrooms. Each of the three neighborhoods has access to community centers with meeting spaces, game rooms, fitness centers, swimming pools, and playgrounds. However, recent COVID-19 procedures have limited access to some indoor amenities. Fort Rucker families who live on the base can send their students to a DODEA school that services children ages four through sixth grade.
OFF-BASE HOUSING
Additionally, many service families choose to reside in several off-post communities. Fort Rucker and Ozark are inside Dale County; Enterprise is in Coffee County; and Dothan covers parts of Dale, Henry, Houston, and Geneva Counties. Enterprise City Schools, Dale County Schools, Dothan City Schools, Houston County Schools, and Ozark City Schools serve students in the surrounding areas.
Enterprise
ABOUT
- Known for its hospitality and easy commute to base, Enterprise is one of the top areas many military families choose to call home during their time at Fort Rucker.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Cotton Creek
- Sommer
- Brook
- Alpha Heights
Nearby Attractions
- Johnny Henderson Park Trail
- Southern Broadway Dinner Theater
- All About Art
- Boll Weevil Monument
- Boll Weevil Brewing Supply
By the Numbers
- Total Housing Units 12,194
- Household Income $64,000
- Median Home Value: Home values vary widely in this area, so ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- Major industries include aviation, peanut processing, automotive, textiles, electronics, die-cast metal, truck trailers, and poultry processing.
- Home of Enterprise Community College and Alabama Aviation College
- 9-mile, 18-minute commute to Fort Rucker via AL 248 W
Things to Consider
- Large retiree population
- Limited shopping and dining options
Ozark
ABOUT
If you’re looking for a slower pace with a small-town feel, Ozark is the place to call home. With a similar commute time as Enterprise, your dollar will stretch further by buying a house here.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Marley Hill
- Dill
Nearby Attractions
- Ed Lisenby Lake
- Lake Tholocco
- Historic Downtown Ozark
- Milky Moo’s
By the Numbers
- Population 14,000
- Household Income $42,000
- Median Home Value: Home values vary widely in this area, so ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- Quiet, rural setting
- The town has three sites on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the geographical Wiregrass Region – so-called because of its native wire-like grass
- 10-mile, 17-minute commute to Fort Rucker via Andrews Avenue
Things to Consider
- Fewer options for shopping, restaurants are mostly of the mom-and-pop variety
- Established neighborhoods with homes that may require updating and maintenance
Rocky Point
ABOUT
The largest of the outlying Fort Rucker communities, Dothan offers more opportunities for shopping, restaurants, and a larger selection of newly built homes.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Brentwood
- Whispering Pines
- Cherokee Acres
- Highlands
- Jones Crossroads
Nearby Attractions
- Folklore Brewing and Meadery
- KBC Eatery
- Peanuts Around Town
- Dothan Area Botanical Gardens
- Highland Oaks Golf Course
By the Numbers
- Population 71,000
- Household Income $47,411
- Median Home Value: Home values vary widely in this area, so ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- Sparse suburban feel with lots of parks, young professionals, and families
- Quaint downtown historic district and great shopping at Wiregrass Commons
- Newer construction with a wide variety of home styles
Things to Consider
- Limited nightlife, arts, and culture scenes
- 25-mile, 40-minute commute to Fort Rucker via US 84 E or US 231 S
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.
