The Ultimate PCS Guide to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

I. Introduction & Area Overview

Introduction Welcome to Camp Lejeune, the East Coast's premier "Home of Expeditionary Forces." This massive installation is the home of the II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF), the 2nd Marine Division, the 2nd Marine Logistics Group, and other key commands. The mission is to provide combat-ready forces for global deployment at a moment's notice. The base and its satellite facilities, like Marine Corps Air Station New River, are a hub of amphibious and crisis response training. A PCS to Camp Lejeune places you in a community with a proud, tough, and deeply traditional Marine Corps identity, set against the backdrop of North Carolina's beautiful coastline.

Location & Climate Camp Lejeune is located in Onslow County in southeastern North Carolina, with the city of Jacksonville serving as its primary support community. The region is known as the Crystal Coast for its clear waters and beautiful beaches. The climate is humid subtropical:

• Summers: Long, very hot, and extremely humid. Afternoon thunderstorms are a daily occurrence.
• Winters: Short and mild, with cool temperatures and occasional frosts. Snow is very rare.
• Hurricane Season: From June through November, the area is at high risk for tropical storms and hurricanes. This is a major factor of life in the region, and preparedness is critical.

Local Vibe & Culture Jacksonville is a quintessential military city. Its economy, culture, and rhythm of daily life are completely intertwined with Camp Lejeune. The community is exceptionally supportive of the military. The culture is a blend of Southern hospitality and the diverse, transient nature of the Marine Corps. A defining advantage of this duty station is the very low cost of living, which is well below the national average and makes for a comfortable lifestyle, especially for a coastal location.

II. On-Base Housing & Amenities

On-Post Housing

• Provider: On-post housing is privatized and managed by Atlantic Marine Corps Communities (Lendlease).
• Reputation & Condition: Camp Lejeune has an enormous inventory of housing spread across numerous distinct neighborhoods. The quality is extremely varied, ranging from brand-new, modern homes to a large number of older, legacy quarters. The base provides all residents with annual water quality reports (Consumer Confidence Reports) to ensure continued safety.
• Waitlist Times: Waitlists for the most desirable and newly built neighborhoods can be long, especially during the peak summer PCS season. However, due to the large inventory, options are often more accessible than at bases in high-cost-of-living areas.

Amenities & Services

• Commissary & Exchange: There are multiple large Commissaries and Marine Corps Exchanges (MCX) on the main base and at satellite facilities like MCAS New River.
• Healthcare: The Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune is a large, modern hospital on base providing comprehensive healthcare services.
• MCCS (Marine Corps Community Services): MCCS provides world-class support. A top perk is access to Onslow Beach, a beautiful, military-only beach with rental cabanas and recreational facilities. The base also features multiple golf courses, marinas, and robust family support programs designed for a high-deployment environment.

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

Market Overview The local housing market is very active and extremely affordable. Your BAH will go a very long way, and homeownership is an attainable goal for many military families here. A typical 3-bedroom rental will range from $1,200 to $1,900 per month.

Popular Neighborhoods for Military Families

1. Jacksonville:
   • Character: The closest, largest, and most common choice. It offers a huge inventory of affordable homes for sale and rent, along with all major shopping and dining.
   • Commute: 5-25 minutes.
   • Price Point: Low.
2. Hubert / Swansboro:
   • Character: Located south of the base. Swansboro is a particularly charming and desirable historic fishing village on the Intracoastal Waterway, offering a distinct coastal town feel.
   • Commute: 20-40 minutes.
   • Price Point: Moderate (for the region).
3. Sneads Ferry / Holly Ridge:
   • Character: These communities are south of the base and very convenient for personnel working at MARSOC or the southern training areas. They also offer quick access to the popular beaches of Topsail Island.
   • Commute: 20-35 minutes.
   • Price Point: Low to Moderate.
4. Richlands:
   • Character: A more rural community northwest of Jacksonville, popular with families seeking more land, a country atmosphere, and good schools.
   • Commute: 25-40 minutes.
   • Price Point: Low.

IV. Schools & Childcare

On-Post Schools A major advantage of Camp Lejeune is its extensive on-post DoDEA school system, which serves all grade levels from Pre-K through 12. The system includes seven schools (elementary, middle, and high school) and is a primary reason many families choose to live on base.

Off-Post Schools

• Primary District: The entire area is served by Onslow County Schools. It is a very large school district that is extremely experienced with the unique needs and challenges of military children.
• School Ratings: Data is available on the NC Department of Public Instruction website.

Childcare

• On-Post: Camp Lejeune has a large network of CDCs and FCC homes, but the demand from the massive base population means waitlists are still long. Register at MilitaryChildCare.com immediately.
• Off-Base: Childcare options are plentiful and very affordable in Jacksonville and the surrounding towns.

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

Local Must-Dos

1. Enjoy Onslow Beach: This pristine, military-only beach is a top perk. Spend your weekends relaxing, fishing, or searching for seashells.
2. Explore the Crystal Coast: Take day trips to the beautiful barrier island beaches of Emerald Isle and the historic, charming town of Beaufort (once named "America's Coolest Small Town").
3. Visit Topsail Island: Just a short drive south, Topsail is a 26-mile-long barrier island with laid-back beach towns, great fishing piers, and the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center.
4. Pay Respects at Lejeune Memorial Gardens: Visit this beautiful park in Jacksonville, which honors service members with the Beirut Memorial, the Montford Point Marine Memorial, and the 9/11 Memorial Beam.
5. Get on the Water: The Intracoastal Waterway, New River, and the Atlantic Ocean provide endless opportunities for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.

Insider Info & Pro-Tips

• Hurricane Preparedness is a Requirement: This is a high-risk hurricane area. You must take this threat seriously. Have a hurricane kit, an evacuation plan, and listen to all command directives and local warnings.
• Embrace the OPTEMPO: Camp Lejeune is the home of the II MEF. Deployments are a fundamental part of the lifestyle. Connect with your unit's Family Readiness Officer (FRO) and the robust MCCS support services.
• Heat, Humidity, and Bugs: Be prepared for oppressive humidity in the summer. It's the Deep South. Bug spray is essential for dealing with the mosquitoes and other biting insects.
• Explore Beyond "J-ville": While Jacksonville provides all the necessities, the true gems of the assignment are the charming small towns and beautiful beaches that line the Carolina coast.

Weekend Trips

1. Wilmington, NC (1 hour south): A beautiful historic port city with a vibrant downtown Riverwalk, a WWII battleship to tour (USS North Carolina), and nearby beaches like Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach.
2. The Outer Banks, NC (3 - 4 hours north): A legendary and historic string of barrier islands. Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, climb the lighthouses, and enjoy the rugged, natural coastline.
3. Raleigh, NC (2.5 hours northwest): The state capital offers fantastic free museums (Natural Sciences and History), a great food scene, and major ACC college sports.
4. Myrtle Beach, SC (2.5 hours south): A major tourist destination with countless family attractions, live entertainment theaters, hundreds of restaurants, and a famous boardwalk.