04.03.2025
Tennessee Military Bases: Your Complete PCS Guide to the Volunteer State
Receiving orders to Tennessee? You're in for a treat. As a military-friendly state with diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and significant tax advantages, Tennessee offers an exceptional quality of life for active duty service members, veterans, and their families.
This comprehensive guide will help you navigate your PCS move to one of Tennessee's military installations, understand the unique benefits of living in the Volunteer State, and discover which communities might be the perfect fit for your next chapter.
Tennessee's Military Installations: What You Need to Know
Tennessee is home to three major military installations, each serving different branches and offering unique opportunities and communities.
Fort Campbell (Clarksville, TN)
Mission & Units: While technically straddling the Tennessee-Kentucky border, Fort Campbell primarily operates in Tennessee and serves as home to the legendary 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), the 5th Special Forces Group, and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Night Stalkers).
Size & Population: Spanning over 105,000 acres, Fort Campbell supports approximately 30,000 active duty soldiers and 53,000 family members.
Base Amenities:
Commissary and PX
Blanchfield Army Community Hospital
Multiple fitness centers
MWR facilities including pools, golf course, and bowling alley
Family housing through Campbell Crossing
DoD schools for on-post families
Off-Base Communities: Most military families live in Clarksville, TN or Oak Grove, KY, with easy access to post gates.
Arnold Air Force Base (Tullahoma, TN)
Mission & Units: Home to the Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC), this installation is the largest and most advanced aerospace testing facility in the United States.
Size & Population: While smaller than Fort Campbell, Arnold AFB employs approximately 3,000 personnel, including active duty Air Force, civilian employees, and contractors.
Base Amenities:
Base Exchange
Recreation area with camping, fishing, and hunting
Fitness center
Medical clinic (non-emergency services)
Off-Base Communities: Tullahoma, Manchester, and Winchester are the primary communities serving Arnold AFB personnel.
Naval Support Activity Mid-South (Millington, TN)
Mission & Units: NSA Mid-South houses Navy Personnel Command, Navy Recruiting Command, and various other Navy organizations focused on human resources and support functions.
Size & Population: Supporting approximately 7,500 military, civilian, and contract personnel.
Base Amenities:
Commissary and Navy Exchange
MWR facilities including fitness center and pool
Navy Lake Recreation Area
Medical and dental clinics
Off-Base Communities: Millington and the northern suburbs of Memphis are popular living locations for NSA Mid-South personnel.
Financial Benefits for Military in Tennessee
Tennessee offers significant financial advantages for military families that can substantially impact your quality of life and long-term financial planning.
No State Income Tax
Tennessee is one of only nine states with no state income tax on wages or salaries. This means your military pay goes further, essentially giving you an automatic raise compared to many other duty stations.
Military-Specific Vehicle Tax Benefits
Active duty military members and veterans with a service-connected disability rating can receive substantial tax breaks on vehicle purchases:
Active duty personnel stationed in Tennessee: Exempt from paying vehicle sales tax on one vehicle
Disabled veterans (100% service-connected): Exempt from paying registration fees and vehicle sales tax on two vehicles
Disabled veterans (partially service-connected): Reduced registration fees based on disability rating
Property Tax Relief Programs
Tennessee offers property tax relief programs specifically for veterans with service-connected disabilities and their surviving spouses. Depending on your disability rating, you may qualify for a reduction in property taxes on your primary residence.
Housing Markets Near Tennessee Military Bases
Understanding the current housing market is essential for making informed decisions during your PCS move. Here's a breakdown of median home prices and rental markets near each installation:
Fort Campbell/Clarksville Area
Median Home Price: $310,000 (50% lower than Nashville)
Average Rent (3BR): $1,400-1,800/month
Growing Neighborhoods: St. Bethlehem, Sango, Northeast Clarksville
BAH Compatibility: Current BAH rates generally align well with the local market
Arnold AFB/Tullahoma Area
Median Home Price: $250,000
Average Rent (3BR): $1,200-1,500/month
Growing Neighborhoods: Lakewood Park, Country Club, Westwood
BAH Compatibility: Excellent BAH-to-housing cost ratio in this area
NSA Mid-South/Millington Area
Median Home Price: $230,000
Average Rent (3BR): $1,300-1,600/month
Growing Neighborhoods: Easley Estates, Woodstock area
BAH Compatibility: Strong purchasing power with current BAH rates
Other Military-Friendly Communities
Nashville: $605,000 median home price (premium market)
Murfreesboro: $460,000 median home price
Lebanon: $415,000 median home price
VA Loan Tip: Tennessee's housing markets are generally VA Loan-friendly. Work with a military-experienced real estate agent to navigate the appraisal process smoothly.
Tennessee's Education Landscape
Education quality is a top priority for military families. Tennessee has made remarkable strides in improving its educational systems in recent years.
K-12 Education Highlights
Tennessee ranks as the fastest-improving state in K-12 education nationally
Strong post-pandemic academic recovery compared to other states
Implementation of the "Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement" funding formula to better support students
Top School Districts Near Military Installations
Fort Campbell Area:
Clarksville-Montgomery County School System
Notable schools: Rossview High School, Hazelwood Elementary
Arnold AFB Area:
Tullahoma City Schools (highly rated)
Coffee County Schools
Notable schools: Tullahoma High School, East Middle School
NSA Mid-South Area:
Millington Municipal Schools
Tipton County Schools
Notable schools: Millington Central High, Brighton High School
Higher Education Opportunities
Tennessee offers the Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect programs that provide tuition-free community college education to residents, which can be an excellent benefit for military spouses and dependents.
Major universities near military installations include:
Austin Peay State University (Clarksville)
Middle Tennessee State University (Murfreesboro)
University of Memphis
Tennessee Tech University (Cookeville)
University of Tennessee system campuses
Living in Tennessee: Regional Highlights
Tennessee offers diverse living experiences depending on which region you call home. Here's what you need to know about the main areas surrounding military installations:
Middle Tennessee (Fort Campbell/Arnold AFB)
Nashville and Surrounding Areas
Cultural Scene: World-class music venues, professional sports (Titans NFL, Predators NHL), museums
Outdoor Activities: Percy Priest Lake, Natchez Trace Parkway, numerous state parks
Family Attractions: Nashville Zoo, Adventure Science Center, Grand Ole Opry
Military Community: Strong veteran presence and support organizations
Clarksville (Fort Campbell)
Growth Rate: One of the fastest-growing cities in Tennessee
Family-Friendly: Excellent parks system, Liberty Park, Dunbar Cave State Park
Military Integration: Deeply connected to Fort Campbell with strong support services
Commute to Nashville: Approximately 45-60 minutes, making it viable for spouse employment
Tullahoma/Manchester (Arnold AFB)
Outdoor Paradise: Near Tims Ford Lake, Old Stone Fort State Park
Cost of Living: Significantly lower than national average
Community Feel: Small-town atmosphere with growing amenities
Special Events: Bonnaroo Music Festival (Manchester), Tullahoma's 41A Music Festival
West Tennessee (NSA Mid-South)
Memphis and Surrounding Areas
Cultural Icons: Beale Street blues scene, Graceland, National Civil Rights Museum
Culinary Scene: World-famous BBQ (try Central BBQ and Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous)
Family Attractions: Memphis Zoo, Pink Palace Museum, Mud Island River Park
Sports: Memphis Grizzlies (NBA), Memphis 901 FC (soccer)
Millington
Community Character: Small-town feel with proximity to Memphis (30 minutes)
Outdoor Recreation: Edmund Orgill Park, USA Stadium sports complex
Military Support: Strong veteran community and military appreciation events
Cost Advantage: Significantly more affordable than Memphis proper
East Tennessee Destinations
While not home to major military installations, East Tennessee offers incredible weekend getaway options for military families stationed in the state:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Most visited national park in America
Hiking, wildlife viewing, scenic drives
Gateway towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
Chattanooga
Lookout Mountain and Ruby Falls
Tennessee Aquarium
Outdoor recreation on the Tennessee River
Revitalized downtown and riverfront
Knoxville
University of Tennessee campus
Urban Wilderness outdoor recreation area
World's Fair Park
Market Square dining and entertainment
Military Community Support in Tennessee
Tennessee takes pride in supporting its military community through various programs and initiatives:
Tennessee Veterans Services
The Tennessee Department of Veterans Services offers assistance with:
VA benefits claims
Education benefits
Employment services
Long-term care in state veterans homes
Military-Friendly Employers
Tennessee hosts numerous military-friendly employers, including:
FedEx (Memphis)
HCA Healthcare (Nashville)
Nissan North America (Franklin)
Amazon (multiple locations)
Eastman Chemical (Kingsport)
Transition Resources
Military members transitioning to civilian life can access:
Tennessee American Job Centers with veteran employment representatives
Helmets to Hardhats construction career program
Various university veteran success centers
Tennessee Veterans Business Association
Making Your Tennessee PCS Successful
As you prepare for your PCS to Tennessee, consider these practical tips:
Timing Your Move
Summer PCS Season: Housing markets become more competitive May-August
School Enrollment: Most Tennessee districts begin early August
Weather Considerations: Avoid moving during tornado season (March-May) if possible
Housing Search Strategy
Begin your housing search 3-4 months before your PCS date
Consider temporary lodging if moving during peak season
Explore both on-base and off-base options to compare value
Community Integration
Connect with base spouse groups before arrival
Research Tennessee's unique activities and events
Explore regional day trips to get familiar with your new state
Why Tennessee Could Be Your Forever Home
Many military families who PCS to Tennessee end up making it their permanent home after service. Here's why:
Financial Advantages: No state income tax and reasonable cost of living
Central Location: Within a day's drive of 75% of the U.S. population
Four Distinct Seasons: Mild winters and beautiful fall colors
Diverse Landscapes: From mountains to lakes to vibrant cities
Strong Job Market: Growing employment opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing, and technology
Military-Friendly Culture: Strong support for veterans and military families
Ready to PCS to Tennessee?
Whether you're heading to Fort Campbell, Arnold AFB, or NSA Mid-South, our network of military veteran and military spouse real estate professionals can help make your Tennessee PCS smooth and successful.
Our agents understand the unique challenges of military moves, VA Loans, and finding the right community for your family's needs. We can connect you with trusted professionals who know the local markets, schools, and military support resources.
Contact Grant Thompson today to begin your Tennessee house hunt. Visit our state pages to find a military-friendly real estate professional who specializes in your new duty station area.
This article was prepared by Grant Thompson, a real estate professional who specializes in helping military families find their perfect home in Tennessee.
