The Ultimate PCS Guide to Fort Novosel, Alabama

I. Introduction & Area Overview

Introduction Welcome to Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker), the "Home of Army Aviation." With the motto "Above the Best," this post is the headquarters of the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence (USAACE) and the primary training base for every helicopter pilot, warrant officer, and aviation specialist in the force. The sights and sounds of helicopters are a constant and proud feature of daily life here. The mission is singular and vital: to produce the world's finest Army aviators. Your assignment here places you at the very heart of this critical mission, in a close-knit community steeped in aviation history.

Location & Climate Fort Novosel is located in the "Wiregrass Region" of southeast Alabama, named for the tough native grass of the area. The post is surrounded by several small towns, primarily Enterprise, Daleville, and Ozark. Dothan, the largest regional city, is about 30 minutes away. One of the top perks of this location is its proximity to the beautiful Florida Gulf Coast, which is only a 1.5 to 2-hour drive south. The climate is humid subtropical:

• Summers: Very hot and humid, with temperatures in the 90s (∘F) and high humidity from May through September.
• Winters: Very mild and short. Freezes are infrequent and snow is virtually unheard of.
• Spring & Fall: Long and pleasant, with warm temperatures. Spring can bring severe weather, including tornadoes.

Local Vibe & Culture The area is classic Deep South. The surrounding towns are small, friendly, and have economies that are heavily reliant on the post, making them extremely military-friendly. The pace of life is slower, and the culture is centered on community, church, and tradition. A major advantage of this duty station is an extremely low cost of living, among the lowest for any major military installation.

II. On-Post Housing & Amenities

On-Post Housing

• Provider: On-post housing is privatized and managed by Corvias Military Living.
• Reputation & Condition: The housing on post is a mix of newer, modern neighborhoods and older, smaller brick homes that are characteristic of the post's mid-century growth. Due to the very affordable off-post market, many families opt to live in the surrounding towns.
• Waitlist Times: Wait times can vary but are often more manageable than at larger installations, though they can increase during the summer turnover of flight school students.

Amenities & Services

• Commissary & Exchange: Fort Novosel has a modern and well-stocked Commissary and main Post Exchange.
• Healthcare: Lyster Army Health Clinic provides on-post primary and outpatient care. More complex medical needs and hospital services are often handled in Dothan.
• MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation): MWR is very strong, with a focus on family and outdoor activities. Lake Tholocco, a 640-acre lake on post, is a hub of recreation with beaches, boating, fishing, and water skiing. The post also features two 18-hole golf courses.
• Museum: The U.S. Army Aviation Museum is a world-class, Smithsonian-affiliated museum with an incredible collection of aircraft and aviation history. It is an absolute must-see.

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

Housing Market Overview The local housing market is extremely affordable. Your BAH will go a very long way, whether you are renting or buying. It is a popular location for military families to build wealth through real estate. A 3-bedroom rental typically ranges from $1,100 to $1,800.

Popular Neighborhoods for Military Families

1. Enterprise:
   • Character: The largest and most popular of the surrounding towns. It has the most shopping, restaurants, a highly-rated school system, and a large, active military community.
   • Commute: 15-30 minutes.
   • Price Point: Low to Moderate (for the region).
2. Daleville:
   • Character: Known as the "Gateway to Fort Novosel," this small town is located right outside the main gate, offering the shortest possible commute.
   • Commute: 5-15 minutes.
   • Price Point: Low.
3. Ozark:
   • Character: Another small-town option, offering a quiet lifestyle and very affordable housing.
   • Commute: 15-25 minutes.
   • Price Point: Low.
4. Dothan:
   • Character: For those seeking more of a "city" feel. Dothan is the regional hub for shopping (mall), dining, and healthcare.
   • Commute: 30-45 minutes.
   • Price Point: Moderate.

IV. Schools & Childcare

On-Post Schools Fort Novosel has DoDEA schools on post for students in grades Pre-K through 6. This is a significant benefit for families living on the installation. Students in grades 7-12 attend schools in the local communities.

Off-Post Schools

• Primary Districts: The most sought-after district is Enterprise City Schools, which is known for its excellence. Other primary districts are Daleville City Schools and Ozark City Schools.
• School Ratings: School data can be found on the Alabama State Department of Education website.

Childcare

• On-Post: CDCs and FCC homes are available, but as always, demand is high. Register at MilitaryChildCare.com as soon as you have orders.
• Off-Base: Childcare options in the surrounding towns are plentiful and are among the most affordable in the country.

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

Local Must-Dos

1. Visit the U.S. Army Aviation Museum: This is a world-class museum that you will likely visit multiple times. It's fascinating for all ages.
2. Go to the Beach: The number one quality-of-life perk. The beautiful beaches of the Florida Panhandle are close enough for a day trip.
3. Enjoy Lake Tholocco: Take advantage of the fantastic on-post lake for swimming, sunbathing, boating, and fishing.
4. See the Boll Weevil Monument: Visit downtown Enterprise to see its famous and quirky monument dedicated to an insect that changed the course of the region's history.
5. Attend the National Peanut Festival: If you're here in the fall, head to Dothan for this massive regional fair celebrating the area's top crop.

Insider Info & Pro-Tips

• "The Sound of Freedom": You will hear helicopters—a lot. Day and night, the sound of rotor blades is the constant background music of the Wiregrass.
• Rural Living: Be prepared for a slower, rural pace of life. You'll drive to Dothan for major shopping trips. Amazon Prime will be your best friend.
• Bugs and Humidity: The Deep South is not joking about humidity. It is thick in the summer. Invest in good bug spray for the gnats and mosquitoes.
• A Training Environment: The post's rhythm revolves around the flight school classes. You'll meet people from all over the Army as they cycle through for training.

Weekend Trips

1. Florida's Gulf Coast (1.5 - 2 hours): This is the go-to destination. The beautiful white-sand beaches and turquoise waters of Panama City Beach, Destin, Seaside, and the 30A highway are an easy drive away.
2. Montgomery, AL (1.5 hours): Alabama's capital offers a deep dive into Civil Rights history at sites like the Rosa Parks Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice.
3. Atlanta, GA (3.5 - 4 hours): For a big-city fix, head to Atlanta for pro sports, major concerts, the Georgia Aquarium, and world-class dining.
4. Mobile, AL (2.5 hours): Explore this historic port city, tour the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, and experience America's original Mardi Gras celebration.