The Ultimate PCS Guide to Hill Air Force Base, Utah

I. Introduction & Area Overview

Introduction Welcome to Hill Air Force Base, the "Crossroads of the West." As one of the largest employers in Utah, Hill has a multifaceted and critical mission. It is home to the Ogden Air Logistics Complex, an enormous industrial depot responsible for the maintenance and overhaul of key aircraft like the F-35, F-16, and A-10. It is also home to the Air Force's first combat-ready F-35A fighter wings, the 388th and 419th. This creates a unique environment that blends a massive, highly-skilled civilian workforce with front-line fighter pilot operations. A PCS to Hill AFB places you in a vibrant, growing community with an unmatched quality of life for outdoor enthusiasts.

Location & Climate Hill AFB is located in northern Utah, nestled between the majestic Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake. It sits along a populated corridor known as the Wasatch Front, about 30 miles north of Salt Lake City and situated between the cities of Ogden and Layton. You will experience four distinct seasons in a semi-arid mountain climate:

• Summers: Hot and very dry, with temperatures often in the 90s (∘F) and plenty of sunshine.
• Winters: Cold and snowy. The region is world-famous for its abundant, light, powdery snow, making it a skier's paradise.
• Spring & Fall: These seasons are beautiful but can be unpredictable, with a mix of warm, sunny days and late or early snowstorms.
• Inversions: In winter, a weather phenomenon called an inversion can trap cold, polluted air in the valley, sometimes leading to poor air quality.

Local Vibe & Culture Northern Utah's culture is heavily influenced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), which fosters a very clean, safe, family-friendly, and community-oriented environment. The local population is extremely patriotic and supportive of the military. There is a universal passion for outdoor recreation—skiing, hiking, and mountain biking are deeply ingrained in the local identity. The cost of living has risen sharply as the area has grown but remains reasonable compared to the coasts.

II. On-Base Housing & Amenities

On-Post Housing

• Provider: On-post housing is privatized and managed by Boyer Hill Military Housing.
• Reputation & Condition: On-post housing at Hill is very popular and well-regarded, known for its well-maintained neighborhoods, family-friendly amenities, and spectacular mountain views.
• Waitlist Times: Due to the high quality of life and the competitive off-base housing market, waitlists for on-post housing can be long. It is essential to apply early.

Amenities & Services

• Commissary & Exchange: Hill has a large, modern Commissary and Base Exchange (BX) complex.
• Healthcare: The 75th Medical Group operates a large on-base clinic providing comprehensive care. Hospital and emergency services are handled at nearby civilian hospitals in Layton and Ogden.
• MWR (Morale & Welfare Recreation): MWR is world-class and focused on the outdoors. The Outdoor Recreation program is one of the best in the Air Force, offering ski and snowboard rentals, guided trips, and gear for every conceivable outdoor activity.
• Museum: The Hill Aerospace Museum, located just outside the gate, is a major regional attraction with an incredible collection of over 90 aircraft. It is free to the public.

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

Market Overview The housing market along the Wasatch Front is fast-paced and competitive. The area has seen rapid population growth and a corresponding rise in housing prices. Your BAH is high, but the market can be challenging for both renters and buyers. A typical 3-bedroom rental will range from $2,000 to $2,800+.

Popular Neighborhoods for Military Families

1. Layton / Clearfield / Roy:
   • Character: These are the primary suburbs located immediately south and west of the base. They offer the shortest commutes, the widest variety of housing, and extensive shopping and dining. Very popular.
   • Commute: 5-20 minutes.
   • Price Point: Moderate to High.
2. Kaysville / Farmington:
   • Character: Desirable, more upscale communities south of Layton. Known for their excellent schools, charming downtown areas (like Farmington Station), and higher quality of life.
   • Commute: 20-35 minutes.
   • Price Point: High.
3. South Ogden / Ogden:
   • Character: Ogden is a historic railroad town with a revitalized and vibrant downtown (Historic 25th Street). The "East Bench" neighborhoods offer beautiful, older homes with incredible mountain access.
   • Commute: 20-35 minutes.
   • Price Point: Moderate to High.
4. Syracuse:
   • Character: A rapidly growing family-friendly suburb west of Layton, popular for its new construction and community feel.
   • Commute: 15-25 minutes.
   • Price Point: Moderate to High.

IV. Schools & Childcare

On-Post Schools Hill AFB does not have DoDEA schools. Children living on the installation attend schools in the Davis School District. The district operates two highly-rated elementary schools physically located on base.

Off-Post Schools

• Primary Districts: The area is served by some of the best school districts in Utah. Davis School District (serving everything south of the base) is very large and highly-regarded. Weber School District and Ogden School District serve the communities to the north.
• School Ratings: Data is available from the Utah State Board of Education.

Childcare

• On-Post: CDCs are available but are in very high demand. Expect long waitlists. Register at MilitaryChildCare.com immediately.
• Off-Base: Childcare options are plentiful in the surrounding suburbs but can be expensive.

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

Local Must-Dos

1. SKI or SNOWBOARD: This is a bucket-list assignment for winter sports. You are 30-45 minutes from world-class resorts like Snowbasin and Powder Mountain, and just over an hour from Park City's famous resorts.
2. Visit the Hill Aerospace Museum: Explore the incredible collection of aircraft, from WWII bombers to modern stealth fighters. It's free and a fantastic family outing.
3. Hike the Wasatch Front: The mountain trails are practically in your backyard. Hike to waterfalls, beautiful overlooks, or even bag a peak.
4. Explore Historic 25th Street in Ogden: This formerly notorious street is now a vibrant, historic district with the best restaurants, galleries, and breweries in the area.
5. See the Bison on Antelope Island: Drive the scenic causeway into the Great Salt Lake to visit Antelope Island State Park, home to a large, free-roaming bison herd.

Insider Info & Pro-Tips

• Buy a Ski Pass: If you plan to hit the slopes, a multi-resort season pass (like the Epic or Ikon pass) is the most economical option. MWR offers tickets and season pass deals.
• The Dry Climate: The air is very dry year-round. You will need to drink more water than you're used to and will likely need lotion and lip balm on a daily basis.
• Utah's Liquor Laws: Be aware that alcohol laws are unique. Beer on tap is low-point, and hard liquor is sold only in state-run stores with limited hours.
• Explore Utah's "Mighty 5": You are in the perfect location to plan trips to Utah's five stunning national parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef.

Weekend Trips

1. Park City, UT (1 hour): Visit America's most famous ski town. In the summer, it's a hub for mountain biking and festivals like the Sundance Film Festival.
2. Moab, UT (4 - 5 hours): The adventure capital of the U.S. Go hiking in Arches National Park, see the sunrise at Canyonlands National Park, and go off-roading or mountain biking.
3. Jackson, WY (5 hours): A world-class destination. See the stunning Teton Range in Grand Teton National Park and explore the western town of Jackson Hole.
4. Yellowstone National Park (5 - 6 hours): A trip to see America's first national park, with its geysers, hot springs, and abundant wildlife, is an essential part of any assignment to Hill AFB.