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PCS to Fort Gordon: The Complete Relocation Guide

Everything You Need to Know Before Your Military Move to the Augusta Area

Everything You Need to Know Before Your Military Move to the Augusta Area

Receiving PCS orders can be exciting—but it also comes with countless questions. Where should you live? How are the schools? Should you rent or buy? What is life really like in the Augusta area?

Created by two retired military officers who have experienced military life firsthand, this guide is designed to help you make informed decisions, avoid common mistakes, and begin your next assignment with confidence

Quick Facts

Fort Gordon is home to the Cyber Center of Excellence.

Commute times depend more on gate traffic than miles.

Most military families choose Evans, Grovetown, Martinez, Augusta, or North Augusta.

The CSRA includes communities in both Georgia and South Carolina.

Buying with a VA loan may help you build long-term wealth.

In This Guide

✔ Active-duty military members PCSing to Fort Gordon

✔ Military spouses preparing for a relocation

✔ Families deciding where to live in the CSRA

✔ Service members considering whether to rent or buy

✔ Anyone who wants to understand what life is really like in the Augusta area before they arrive

Who This Guide Is For

  • Before You Arrive

  • Your First 72 Hours

  • Understanding the Augusta Area

  • Choosing the Right Community

  • Rent or Buy?

  • Schools

  • Employment

  • Healthcare

  • Life Around Augusta

  • Tips We Wish Someone Had Told Us

Introduction

A PCS move is more than a change of duty station—it's a major life transition.

Between orders, housing decisions, schools, moving logistics, and helping your family adjust, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. We've been there ourselves.

As retired military officers, we've experienced military life from both the service member's and the family's perspective. Over the years, we've also helped countless military families relocate to the Augusta area. This guide isn't meant to replace official Army resources. Instead, it answers the practical questions families ask after reading the official information—questions about neighborhoods, schools, commutes, housing, and what everyday life is really like here

1. Before You Arrive

Preparation begins long before the moving truck arrives.

Gather important documents such as school records, immunization records, financial documents, and pet records before your move. If you're planning to purchase a home, consider speaking with a lender before arriving so you can begin exploring your financing options early.

Most importantly, research communities—not just homes. The right neighborhood should fit your family's lifestyle, commute, schools, and long-term goals, not simply your budget.

2. Your First 72 Hours

Many military families feel pressure to find housing immediately.

Instead, take time to settle in and explore the communities you're considering. Drive potential commutes during rush hour, visit grocery stores, parks, restaurants, and neighborhoods both during the day and in the evening.

Remember:

The goal isn't simply finding a house. It's finding the right place for your family.

3. Understanding the Augusta Area

One of the biggest surprises for newcomers is that "Augusta" isn't just one community.

The CSRA is made up of several distinct cities and neighborhoods, each offering its own lifestyle, housing options, schools, and amenities.

Whether you prefer newer developments, established neighborhoods, shorter commutes, or riverfront living, there's likely a community that fits your family's needs.

4. Where Military Families Choose to Live

Military families often consider:

  • Evans

  • Martinez

  • Grovetown

  • Augusta

  • North Augusta

Each offers different advantages depending on your priorities. Some families focus on schools, others on commute times, newer homes, affordability, or community atmosphere.

Rather than asking, "Where is the best place to live?" ask:

"Which community best fits our family's priorities?"

Related Guide: Best Neighborhoods Near Fort Gordon

5. Should You Rent or Buy?

Many military families automatically assume renting is the safer option.

However, buying may provide opportunities to build equity and long-term wealth, especially if you expect to remain in the area for several years or plan to keep the property as a rental after your next PCS.

Every family's situation is different. Your timeline, finances, future assignments, and personal goals should all be part of the decision.

Related Guide: Buying a Home with a VA Loan

Military family preparing for a PCS move to the Augusta, Georgia area.
Military family preparing for a PCS move to the Augusta, Georgia area.

6. Schools, Careers & Family Life

Choosing a community is about more than finding a house.

Schools, employment opportunities, healthcare, parks, shopping, and everyday conveniences all contribute to your family's quality of life.

The Augusta area offers strong healthcare systems, growing cybersecurity opportunities, higher education institutions, and numerous recreational activities that make it attractive to many military families.

Related Guides:

  • CSRA School Guide

  • Fort Gordon Commute Guide

7. What Life Is Really Like Here

Every city has online reviews—both positive and negative.

Our advice is simple:

Explore for yourself.

Many military families discover favorite parks, restaurants, community events, and weekend destinations that never appear in online rankings. From the Augusta Riverwalk to Clarks Hill Lake and weekend trips to Savannah or North Georgia, there's much more to the CSRA than many people expect.

8. Helpful Resources

Before your move, familiarize yourself with resources such as:

  • Fort Gordon Newcomer Orientation

  • Housing Office

  • School districts

  • Vehicle registration requirements

  • Utility providers

Having these contacts available before you arrive can make your transition much smoother.

The Arich Tip

Don't choose your home first.

Choose the lifestyle you want for your family first.

Then find the home that supports it.

You'll rarely regret choosing the right community—but many families regret choosing the wrong one simply because they rushed the decision. This reflects one of the central themes repeated throughout your original guide.

Common Mistake

Many military families focus only on finding a home close to post.

In reality, factors like schools, healthcare, shopping, recreation, and your family's daily routine often have a greater impact on your long-term happiness than saving a few minutes on the commute.

Frequently asked questions

Should we buy before we arrive?

It depends on your comfort level and timeline. Many families choose to purchase remotely, while others prefer to explore the area first.

Is living on post the best option?

On-post housing offers convenience, but availability varies throughout the year. It's important to ask about current wait times before making your decision.

Which communities are most popular with military families?

Evans, Martinez, Grovetown, Augusta, and North Augusta are among the most commonly considered communities.

Should we rent or buy?

The answer depends on your assignment length, financial goals, and future plans—not simply whether you're military.

Related Guides

Buying a Home with a VA Loan
Best Neighborhoods Near Fort Gordon
Fort Gordon Commute Guide
Moving Checklist
CSRA School Guide
PCS Checklist

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Download the complete PCS to Fort Gordon Relocation Guide for additional tips, local resources, and detailed information to help make your move easier.

📥 Download the Complete 28-Page PCS Guide (PDF)

Ready to Start Your PCS?

Whether you're still waiting on orders or already planning your move, we're here to help you navigate every step of the relocation process.

As retired military officers who chose to make the CSRA our home, we understand that a PCS is more than a move—it's a new beginning. Our goal is to help your family arrive informed, confident, and excited about what comes next.

📞 Ari Saladin: 808-594-7918

📞 Richard de los Santos: 386-333-4795

📧 Ari@Arich.us

📧 Richard@Arich.us

🌐 www.Arich.us

Serving Georgia & South Carolina | English • Español • Português

About the Authors

The Arich Team is led by retired military officers Aracelis "Ari" Saladin and Richard de los Santos. Together, they combine decades of military service with years of real estate experience helping military families relocate to the Central Savannah River Area.

Veteran-Led. Family-Focused. Helping Military Families Make Confident PCS Decisions.