Welcome to the Sandhills of North Carolina, the epicenter of the U.S. Army's Airborne and Special Operations communities. A PCS to Fort Liberty is an assignment to one of the most populous military installations in the world. This guide will give you the detailed information you need for a smooth transition.

Area Overview:

• Location & Climate: Fort Liberty is a massive installation located just west of Fayetteville, NC. The climate is humid subtropical, meaning hot, humid summers (often in the 90s with high humidity) and mild, damp winters where temperatures rarely stay below freezing for long. Spring and fall are beautiful but can be short.
• Local Vibe: The area is unabashedly military-focused. You'll find military discounts everywhere and a strong sense of patriotism. Fayetteville is an older city working to revitalize its downtown area, while the surrounding towns offer more suburban and rural living.

On-Base Housing & Amenities:

• Housing: On-post housing is managed by Corvias Military Living. It's divided into several distinct neighborhoods, such as Linden Oaks for more senior personnel or the renovated historical homes in the Old Post Quad. Pro-Tip: Apply for housing the moment you have orders in hand. Waitlists can be long, especially for larger homes.
• Amenities: Fort Liberty is self-sufficient. It has multiple commissaries and exchanges, including the large North Post Commissary and the mini-mall at the South Post PX. Womack Army Medical Center is the main hospital. For recreation, Smith Lake offers beaches, paddle boats, and picnic areas, and there are numerous gyms, pools, and two 18-hole golf courses at Ryder Golf Course.

Local Housing Market & Popular Neighborhoods:

• Fayetteville: The most convenient option. Neighborhoods vary widely. Haymount is a historic, desirable area with older, charming homes. The areas north of post are newer but can have more traffic.
• Raeford/Hoke County: A 20-30 minute drive west, popular for those wanting more land, newer construction, and a slightly more rural feel without being too far out.
• Southern Pines/Pinehurst (Moore County): About a 45-minute commute, this area is significantly more upscale. It's known for its charming, walkable downtowns, boutique shops, and world-class golf. It's a popular choice for families who prioritize a specific community feel and have a higher housing budget.

Schools & Childcare:

• On-Post Schools: Fort Liberty has a well-regarded DoDEA school system for families living on the installation.
• Off-Post Schools: Cumberland County Schools serve Fayetteville. Moore County Schools (serving Southern Pines/Pinehurst) and Hoke County Schools are also popular and generally well-regarded. North Carolina has a robust charter school system, offering alternative public school options.
• Childcare: Child & Youth Services (CYS) offers on-post childcare centers (CDCs) and a network of certified Family Child Care (FCC) homes. Demand is high, so get on the waiting list as soon as possible.

Things to Do & Pro-Tips:

• Local Must-Dos: Explore the Airborne & Special Operations Museum in downtown Fayetteville (it's free!). Catch a Fayetteville Woodpeckers minor league baseball game.
• Insider Info: The traffic getting on and off post via the All American Freeway during peak hours can be very heavy. Learn the alternate gates like Randolph or Chicken Road to save time.
• Weekend Trips: You're perfectly positioned for getaways. The beaches of the Crystal Coast (Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach) are 2.5 hours east. The beautiful mountains and vibrant city of Asheville are 4 hours west.