Getting PCS orders to Little Rock Air Force Base (LRAFB)? This checklist covers everything military families need to handle — housing, schools, VA loans, neighborhoods, and timeline — so you arrive ready, not scrambling.
LRAFB is home to the 19th Airlift Wing and is one of the major C-130 bases in the Air Force. The surrounding Central Arkansas communities — especially Cabot, Jacksonville, Sherwood, and Conway — are extremely military-friendly and well set up for incoming service members.
LRAFB Quick Facts
- Location: Jacksonville, AR (just northeast of Little Rock)
- Primary Mission: 19th Airlift Wing — C-130H/J aircraft
- On-base housing: Managed by Balfour Beatty — waitlist often applies
- Nearest cities: Jacksonville (adjacent), Cabot (18 mi), Sherwood (8 mi), North Little Rock (12 mi), Conway (35 mi)
- BAH Area: Little Rock, AR
The PCS to LRAFB Checklist
✅ 6+ Months Out
- Request your PCS orders in writing and confirm your report date
- Research off-base housing areas — compare Cabot, Sherwood, Jacksonville, and Conway
- Look up current BAH rates for your rank at the Little Rock rate area
- Determine buy vs. rent based on your expected tour length (3+ years = usually smarter to buy)
- Check VA loan entitlement — if you have remaining entitlement, a VA loan is usually your best financing option
✅ 3–6 Months Out
- Contact a VA-experienced Central Arkansas REALTOR® — early contact is critical, especially in fast-moving markets like Cabot
- Get VA loan pre-approval through a VA-approved Arkansas lender
- Research Cabot School District vs. other area school districts if you have children
- Apply for on-base housing at LRAFB (waitlist may apply — don’t rely on this as your only plan)
- Start virtual home tours — Ashley Watters provides video walkthroughs for incoming families before they arrive in Arkansas
✅ 1–3 Months Out
- Make an offer on a home if you haven’t already — VA appraisals + closing take 30–45 days
- Schedule final in-person visit if needed (many families close remotely)
- Arrange movers through your Transportation Office (TMO)
- Transfer children’s school records — contact Cabot School District or target district directly
- Update your vehicle registration and driver’s license for Arkansas (required within 30 days of establishing residency)
✅ Arrival Week
- In-processing at LRAFB (Airman & Family Readiness Center is a great first stop)
- Keys to your new home (if purchased) or first rental payment
- Register vehicles in Arkansas
- Enroll children in school
- Get an Arkansas driver’s license within 30 days
Best Off-Base Housing Areas Near LRAFB
Cabot, AR — #1 Recommended for Families
Distance to LRAFB: 18–20 miles (~20–25 min)
Cabot is the most popular destination for LRAFB families. Top-rated school district, affordable homes ($180K–$280K), low crime, strong military community. Full Cabot guide →
Jacksonville, AR — Closest to Base
Distance to LRAFB: Adjacent (5–10 min)
Jacksonville sits directly next to LRAFB. Convenient commute, but housing inventory is more limited and home values are generally lower than Cabot. Good for families wanting the shortest possible commute.
Sherwood, AR — Best for North Little Rock Area
Distance to LRAFB: 8–12 miles (~15 min)
Sherwood offers established neighborhoods, good schools, and easy access to North Little Rock and Little Rock amenities. Military REALTOR® Sherwood →
Conway, AR — Best School District Option
Distance to LRAFB: 35–40 miles (~35–45 min)
Conway has excellent schools and a vibrant community, but the commute to LRAFB is the longest of the major options. Best for families where the school district is the top priority. Military REALTOR® Conway →
Buy or Rent at LRAFB?
If your tour is 3+ years, buying typically wins — especially with VA loan benefits (no down payment, no PMI) and Cabot’s affordable market. A $220,000 Cabot home with a VA loan often has a monthly payment at or below the BAH rate, meaning you build equity at no additional cost. If your tour is under 3 years, renting or on-base housing may make more sense depending on market conditions. Ashley Watters can help you model both options.
Your Central Arkansas Military REALTOR®
Ashley Watters specializes in PCS moves to LRAFB and Central Arkansas. She offers video tours for incoming families, works with VA-approved lenders, and understands the urgency of military timelines. Hundreds of families have used her to find their Central Arkansas home without ever visiting in person until moving day.
📞 Contact Ashley Watters — Start Your LRAFB Home Search
More resources: Cabot AR REALTOR® | VA Loans in Cabot | LRAFB Housing Guide | Cabot School District | PCS to LRAFB — Buy vs Rent Guide