Maxwell Air Force Base
Key Contacts
Maxwell-Gunter Housing Office
42 CES/CEIH
551 E. Maxwell Blvd.
Maxwell AFB, AL 36112
PH: 334-953-5718
DSN 312-493-5718
Maxwell Family Housing
(Hunt Military Community)
400 Maxwell Blvd E
Montgomery, AL 36112
PH: (334) 262-1630
School Liaison
50 Lemay Plaza South
Maxwell AFB, AL 36112
Phone: (334) 953-6430
DSN 493-6430
Maxwell Airman & Family Readiness Center
55 S. Mitchell Street, Bldg. 677
Montgomery, AL 36112
PH: (334) 953-2353
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 Maxwell Air Force Base
“. . . the intellectual and leadership center of the Air Force . . .”
Maxwell Air Force Base is located in Montgomery, Alabama. As the host unit for Maxwell Air Force Base and Gunter Annex, the 42nd Air Base Wing's mission is critical to national security. It provides the foundation for success for Air University, the intellectual and leadership center of the Air Force. Additionally, the 908th Airlift Wing, the Business and Enterprise Systems Directorate, and more than 30 tenant units call Maxwell AFB home.
The Wing ensures Airmen are ready to deploy in support of U.S. military operations worldwide and takes a proactive approach to promote their professional and personal
growth. The Wing is also responsible for the safety and security of the base, which it accomplishes through force protection, maintaining and modernizing facilities and
infrastructure, and seeking efficient new ways of conducting operations.
With a population of more than 12,500 active duty, reserve, civilian and contractor personnel, the Maxwell-Gunter community has a significant economic and cultural impact on the River Region.
About Montgomery County
LOCATION
Maxwell Air Force Base is in Montgomery County, Montgomery, Alabama, the capital city. Positioned roughly 90 miles southeast of Birmingham, Alabama, and 300 miles northeast of New Orleans, Louisiana, being stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base o ers plenty of opportunities both building community within the Montgomery area and proximity to other large cities and ease of travel.
WEATHER
Maxwell Air Force Base area is generally a warm and sunny place to live. The most pleasant months of the year are October, April, and May. Montgomery has three comfortable months with temperatures of 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit. July is the hottest month for Montgomery, with an average high temperature of 91 degrees Fahrenheit, which ranks it as warmer than most places in Alabama. March is the snowiest month in Montgomery, with 0.2 inches of snow, with no significant snowfall during any other months. The most uncomfortably humid months are July, August, and June.
ATTRACTIONS
For those traveling in and out of the Maxwell Air Force Base area by air, locally, there’s the Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM), with international airport options available in nearby Birmingham-Shuttlesworth (BHM), 97 miles away, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL), 155 miles away. The base is convenient to many Gulf Coast beaches: Destin, Panama City, and Seaside are less than three hours away. Rich with Civil Rights history, the Montgomery area will leave no shortage of enriching landmarks to visit while you’re stationed there. The 60-plus miles of white sands on the “Emerald Coast” attracts tourists and beach-goers year-round.
HELPFUL HINTS
This is considered to be a low-cost-of-living area. The heat and humidity may mean your electric bill could be higher if you aren’t careful. Commute times, schools, and accessibility of restaurants and shopping should be considered when choosing a neighborhood and its proximity to Maxwell Air Force Base.
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Nearby Neighborhoods
ON-BASE HOUSING
Homes on Maxwell Air Force Base are managed by Hunt Military Communities and offer nearly 500 historic and traditional homes, ranging from two to four bedrooms. On-base housing boasts walkable neighborhoods with easy access to a community center, parks, a pool, and playgrounds. Residents are close to the Montgomery Metro area, with plenty of historical attractions, recreational activities, entertainment, dining, shopping, cultural events, and natural beauty to enjoy. Elementary and middle school students attend DODEA schools, and high school students are zoned for Montgomery County Public Schools.
OFF-BASE HOUSING
Maxwell Air Force Base is located inside Montgomery County, with popular areas of Montgomery city limits, Prattville, and Wetumpka attracting many families. Additionally, many service families choose to reside in several off-post communities. Students living in Montgomery attend Montgomery County Public School System, and students north of Montgomery attend either Autauga County Schools or Elmore County Schools.
Montgomery
ABOUT
With plenty to see and do, many military families love living inside the Montgomery city limits. This area provides unlimited access to dining, shopping, and entertainment!
Popular Neighborhoods
- Old Cloverdale
- Hope Hull
- Boylston
- Chisolm
- Catoma
Nearby Attractions
- Legacy Museum
- National Memorial for Peace + Justice
- Rosa Parks Library + Museum
- Dexter Parsonage Museum
- Civil Rights Memorial Center
By the Numbers
- Population 201,000
- Household Income $51,000
- Median Home Value Home values and the median rental rate vary widely in this area. See your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- Dining, shopping, and entertainment are abundant
- Home of Alabama State University
- 2.6 mile, 8-minute commute to Maxwell AFB via Maxwell Boulevard (from the city center)
Things to Consider
- Depending on the area and time of day, traffic and congestion could affect the
commute
Prattville
ABOUT
One of the most popular outlying Maxwell AFB communities, Prattville offers a great mix of a tight-knit community feel while providing access to the comforts of suburban living.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Washington Hill/Wadsworth
- Old Kingston
- Dosterville
Nearby Attractions
- Wilderness Park
- Pratt Park
- Pratt Cotton Gin Mill
- Cooter’s Pond Park
By the Numbers
- Population 37,781
- Household Income $61,000
- Median Home Value Home values and the median rental rate vary widely in this area. See your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- Suburban setting with shopping options like Target, Lowe’s, and Bass Pro Shop
- Very military-family friendly community
- Lots of newer construction and planned developments
Things to Consider
- Established neighborhoods with homes that may require updating and maintenance
- 11-mile, 18-minute commute to Maxwell AFB via Birmingham Hwy & US 31 N
Millbrook
ABOUT
Millbrook is the place to call home if you’re looking for a slower pace with a small-town feel. With a similar commute time as Prattville, residents enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and a quiet, small town.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Deatsville/Ross Road
- Robinson Springs
Nearby Attractions
- Jackson Lake Island
- Alabama Nature Center
- Barber Berry Farm
By the Numbers
- Population 17,000
- Household Income $63,000
- Median Home Value Home values and the median rental rate vary widely in this area. See your real estate
agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- Sparse suburban feel with lots of parks and outdoor nature opportunities
- 10-mile, 15-minute commute to Maxwell AFB via I 65 N & AL 143 N
Things to Consider
- Limited nightlife, arts, and culture scenes
- Many residents drive to nearby Prattville or Montgomery for access to shopping.
- Most of the real estate inventory is new construction.
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.
