The Ultimate PCS Guide to Fort Moore, Georgia

I. Introduction & Area Overview

Introduction Welcome to Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), the intellectual and physical center of the U.S. Army's ground combat forces. As the official "Home of the Infantry" and "Home of the Armor," Fort Moore is the Maneuver Center of Excellence (MCoE). This is a legendary training post where nearly every Infantry and Armor soldier starts their career, and where leaders are tested in demanding courses like Airborne School and the U.S. Army Ranger School. The post has a palpable sense of purpose and history, as it is quite literally where generations of America's warriors have been made.

Location & Climate Fort Moore is located in west-central Georgia on the Alabama border, which is formed by the Chattahoochee River. The post is directly integrated with the city of Columbus, Georgia. The climate is humid subtropical:

• Summers: Long, hot, and humid. Temperatures are consistently in the 90s (∘F) with high humidity from late May through September. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
• Winters: Short and mild, with infrequent and brief cold snaps. Snow is extremely rare.
• Spring & Fall: These seasons are long and pleasant, representing the best weather the region has to offer.

Local Vibe & Culture Columbus is a thriving city of over 200,000 people that has a fantastic partnership with Fort Moore. It's a true "city," not just a "base town," with a beautifully revitalized downtown ("Uptown") area that has become a hub for dining and recreation. The culture is a mix of Southern charm and military pride. A key benefit of the assignment is the very low cost of living, which is well below the national average, making it an economically comfortable place for military families.

II. On-Base Housing & Amenities

On-Post Housing

• Provider: On-post housing is privatized and managed by The Villages of Benning (Lendlease).
• Reputation & Condition: Fort Moore has a vast housing inventory that includes everything from beautiful historic homes on main post to dozens of modern, suburban-style housing villages and older, more dated units. Quality can vary significantly by village.
• Waitlist Times: Due to the large number of personnel rotating through training and permanent assignments, waitlists can be long for the most desirable neighborhoods, especially during the busy summer PCS season.

Amenities & Services

• Commissary & Exchange: Fort Moore features a large, modern main Exchange complex and a new, spacious Commissary.
• Healthcare: Martin Army Community Hospital is the on-post facility providing a full range of medical services to the Fort Moore community.
• MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation): MWR is excellent, with multiple fitness centers, pools, and a standout Outdoor Recreation program that leverages the local environment. MWR offers guided rafting trips on the Chattahoochee, and the on-post Uchee Creek Campground and Marina is a fantastic local getaway.
• National Infantry Museum: Located just outside the gates, this world-class, Smithsonian-affiliated museum is a community treasure and an absolute must-visit.

III. Local Housing Market & Popular Neighborhoods (Off-Base)

Housing Market Overview The local housing market is very affordable. BAH provides a comfortable standard of living with plenty of options for renting or buying. A typical 3-bedroom home rental will range from $1,300 to $2,000. Many families choose to live in either Georgia or Alabama.

Popular Neighborhoods for Military Families

1. North Columbus, GA:
   • Character: This is the most popular area for military families. It's a large suburban area with excellent shopping, restaurants, and highly-regarded schools.
   • Commute: 20-35 minutes.
   • Price Point: Moderate (for the region).
2. Phenix City, AL:
   • Character: Located directly across the river from Columbus. It offers even more affordable housing and lower property taxes, making it a very attractive financial option.
   • Commute: 15-30 minutes.
   • Price Point: Low to Moderate.
3. Harris County, GA:
   • Character: North of Columbus, this area offers a more rural lifestyle with larger lots and a small-town feel. It is known for its excellent school system.
   • Commute: 30-45 minutes.
   • Price Point: Moderate.
4. Fort Mitchell, AL:
   • Character: A quiet, popular community just south of Phenix City, offering a very convenient commute to the south side of Fort Moore.
   • Commute: 10-25 minutes.
   • Price Point: Low.

IV. Schools & Childcare

On-Post Schools Fort Moore has a comprehensive DoDEA school system serving students in grades Pre-K through 8 who live on post. This is a major benefit and a primary reason many families opt for on-post housing. High school students attend schools in the surrounding community.

Off-Post Schools

• Primary Districts: In Georgia, the main districts are Muscogee County School District (Columbus) and the highly sought-after Harris County School District. In Alabama, options include Phenix City Schools and Russell County Schools.
• School Ratings: School data is available from the Georgia Department of Education and the Alabama State Department of Education.

Childcare

• On-Post: Fort Moore has numerous Child Development Centers (CDCs), but demand is high and waitlists are common. Register at MilitaryChildCare.com as soon as you have orders.
• Off-Base: Childcare options are widely available in Columbus and Phenix City and are very affordable compared to the national average.

V. Things to Do, Pro-Tips & Weekend Trips

Local Must-Dos

1. National Infantry Museum: This is not just a museum; it's an immersive experience. Plan to spend a full day here. Admission is free.
2. Go Whitewater Rafting: The stretch of the Chattahoochee River that runs through Uptown Columbus is the longest urban whitewater course in the world. It's a thrilling adventure.
3. Explore Uptown Columbus: Stroll the beautiful RiverWalk, enjoy the weekend farmers markets (Market Days on Broadway), and try the fantastic local restaurants.
4. Attend a Graduation: Watching an Airborne or Ranger School graduation on post is a powerful and motivating experience that connects you to the post's core mission.
5. Visit Providence Canyon: Known as Georgia's "Little Grand Canyon," this state park is less than an hour away and offers stunning views and great hiking.

Insider Info & Pro-Tips

• Don't Judge by Victory Drive: The main road outside the gate is not representative of the area. The gem of the city is the revitalized Uptown Columbus district.
• Sounds of Freedom: Fort Moore is an active training installation. You will frequently hear the sounds of artillery, helicopters, and machine guns.
• GA vs. AL: Choosing to live in Alabama can save you significant money on vehicle and property taxes, but requires you to navigate two different states' laws for things like driver's licenses and vehicle registration.
• The Gnat Line: You are in the Deep South. Gnats can be a persistent annoyance during the warmer months, especially outdoors.

Weekend Trips

1. Atlanta, GA (1.5 - 2 hours): Explore one of the South's largest cities. Visit the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, catch a professional sports game, or enjoy world-class dining.
2. Florida's Gulf Coast (3 - 4 hours): The beautiful white-sand beaches of Destin, Panama City Beach, and the scenic 30A highway are a very popular and accessible destination for a long weekend.
3. Montgomery, AL (1.5 hours): Visit Alabama's state capital and explore its rich and complex civil rights history at sites like the Rosa Parks Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice.
4. Plains, GA (1 hour): Take a day trip to visit the hometown of President Jimmy Carter and tour the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park.