The Ultimate PCS Guide to Travis Air Force Base, California

I. Introduction & Area Overview

Introduction Welcome to Travis Air Force Base, the "Gateway to the Pacific." As a critical hub for Air Mobility Command, Travis is home to the 60th Air Mobility Wing, the largest air mobility wing in the Air Force. The base operates a fleet of C-5 Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster III, and KC-46 Pegasus aircraft, providing strategic airlift and aerial refueling capabilities across the globe. The mission is 24/7, high-tempo, and has a direct impact on global operations. A PCS to Travis places you in the heart of Northern California, a region of incredible diversity, culture, and natural beauty, but also one with a significant cost of living.

Location & Climate Travis AFB is located in Solano County, adjacent to the city of Fairfield. It is perfectly situated between two major California cities: Sacramento, the state capital, is 45 miles to the east, and San Francisco is 55 miles to the southwest. The climate is Mediterranean, characterized by:

• Summers: Hot and dry, with temperatures often in the 90s (∘F) or higher. A consistent evening "Delta Breeze" from the nearby Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta often provides welcome relief.
• Winters: Mild and wet. This is the rainy season, from roughly November to March. Snow is nonexistent. Dense "Tule Fog" can occur in the winter, creating hazardous driving conditions.
• Spring & Fall: These seasons are long and considered idyllic, with warm, sunny days and comfortable temperatures.

Local Vibe & Culture The immediate area of Fairfield and Vacaville is classic, diverse California suburbia. The military is a well-integrated and respected part of the community. The overall culture is laid-back California casual. The single most important factor to understand before moving here is the extremely high cost of living. While not as expensive as San Francisco proper or Silicon Valley, it is one of the more expensive duty stations in the United States.

II. On-Base Housing & Amenities

On-Post Housing

• Provider: On-post housing is privatized and managed by Travis Family Homes (Hunt Military Communities).
• Reputation & Condition: The on-post housing is in extremely high demand due to the exorbitant cost of living off-base. The communities are generally well-regarded, with a variety of neighborhoods and home styles.
• Waitlist Times: The waitlists are exceptionally long. It is common for the wait to be 18 months or longer for some housing categories. Many families will spend their entire tour on the waitlist and never receive an offer. It is critical to have a realistic off-base plan.

Amenities & Services

• Commissary & Exchange: Travis has a very large, modern Commissary and Base Exchange (BX) complex.
• Healthcare: David Grant USAF Medical Center is the Air Force's largest medical facility on the West Coast. It is a major regional medical hub providing a vast array of specialty services.
• MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation): MWR is excellent, with facilities including the Cypress Lakes Golf Course, a base marina for boating on the delta, horse stables, and an exceptional Outdoor Recreation program that runs trips to Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, and other iconic destinations.
• Museum: The Jimmy Doolittle Air & Space Museum on base has a fantastic collection of historic aircraft.

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

Market Overview The Northern California housing market is brutally expensive and highly competitive. Your BAH is very high, but it will be stretched to its limit. Be prepared for a fast-moving market with limited inventory. A 3-bedroom rental typically ranges from $2,800 to $4,000+.

Popular Neighborhoods for Military Families

1. Vacaville:
   • Character: This is one of the most popular choices for Travis families. It is generally considered a step up from Fairfield, with highly-rated schools, a family-friendly atmosphere, and extensive shopping, including a large premium outlet mall.
   • Commute: 15-25 minutes.
   • Price Point: Very High.
2. Fairfield:
   • Character: The city adjacent to the base, offering the shortest commute and the widest range of housing types and prices. Neighborhood quality can vary significantly by area.
   • Commute: 5-20 minutes.
   • Price Point: High.
3. Dixon:
   • Character: A smaller town west of Vacaville with a more rural, agricultural feel. Popular for its excellent schools and a quieter, small-town lifestyle.
   • Commute: 20-30 minutes.
   • Price Point: High.
4. Benicia / Vallejo:
   • Character: Located closer to the San Francisco Bay, these cities offer historic waterfronts and a more distinct "Bay Area" feel. The commute can be challenging due to bridge traffic.
   • Commute: 30-50 minutes.
   • Price Point: Very High.

IV. Schools & Childcare

On-Post Schools Travis AFB does not have DoDEA schools. However, children living on the installation attend the Travis Unified School District (TUSD). TUSD is a small, highly-regarded district that primarily serves the base, with all of its schools located on or immediately adjacent to the installation. This is a major benefit for on-base residents.

Off-Post Schools

• Primary Districts: In addition to TUSD, the main districts are Vacaville Unified School District (VUSD) and Dixon Unified School District (DUSD). Both are generally well-regarded.
• School Ratings: Data is available on the California Department of Education website.

Childcare

• On-Post: CDCs are available but are in extremely high demand and have notoriously long waitlists. Register at MilitaryChildCare.com the moment you have orders.
• Off-Base: Off-base childcare is widely available but is very expensive, reflecting the high cost of living in California.

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

Local Must-Dos

1. Go Wine Tasting in Napa and Sonoma: You are only a 30- to 45-minute drive from arguably the most famous wine region in the world. This is the number one perk of the assignment.
2. Explore San Francisco: Be a tourist in your own backyard. Visit Alcatraz (book tickets months in advance), walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, ride a cable car, and explore iconic neighborhoods.
3. Visit the Jelly Belly Factory: Located in Fairfield, this is a fun, free, and quirky factory tour that is great for families.
4. Explore Sacramento: Discover California's history in Old Sacramento and visit the world-class California State Railroad Museum.
5. Day Trip to the Coast: Head to Point Reyes National Seashore or the charming town of Bodega Bay for beautiful coastal scenery.

Insider Info & Pro-Tips

• Budget for the Cost of Living: The sticker shock is real. Gas, groceries, taxes, and dining out are all significantly more expensive. Careful budgeting is essential.
• Traffic Dictates Your Life: Traffic on Interstate 80 into the Bay Area is among the worst in the nation. Plan any trips for weekends or off-peak hours to save your sanity.
• Take BART to the City: Do not drive into San Francisco. The parking is impossible and expensive. Drive to a nearby BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) station and take the train in.
• The "Delta Breeze" is Your Friend: Even on a 100-degree day, a cool breeze often kicks in around 4-5 PM, making for very pleasant evenings.
• This is a "Weekend Trip" Mecca: The number of world-class destinations within a few hours' drive is unparalleled. Make a bucket list and start exploring.

Weekend Trips

1. Lake Tahoe (2.5 - 3 hours): A breathtakingly beautiful alpine lake high in the Sierra Nevada mountains. In winter, it's a world-class ski destination. In summer, it's a paradise for hiking, boating, and beach-going.
2. Yosemite National Park (3 - 4 hours): One of the crown jewels of the National Park System. See the iconic granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome and the giant sequoia trees. Park entrance reservations are often required.
3. Monterey & Carmel (2.5 hours): Drive down the stunning coastline to visit the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, walk the iconic 17-Mile Drive, and explore the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
4. Redwood National and State Parks (5 - 6 hours): A longer but unforgettable trip to Northern California's coast to walk among the tallest living things on Earth.