PCS to Savannah: Housing Guide for Military Families

Getting PCS orders to Savannah is genuinely good news — this is one of the most livable, most culturally rich, and most affordable military assignment cities on the East Coast. As Mia Madison's Tenant Relations Manager, I work with military families relocating to the Savannah area regularly, and I want to give you the practical housing guide that actually helps.

Hunter Army Airfield vs. Fort Stewart

Most service members assigned to the Savannah area are reporting to one of two installations. Hunter Army Airfield (HAAF) is located on the Southside of Savannah — close to the city, beaches, and all Savannah has to offer. Fort Stewart is located about 45 miles southwest in Hinesville — a longer commute to Savannah but a lower cost of living in the surrounding community.

This guide is primarily focused on HAAF and Savannah-area housing, but much of the advice applies to Fort Stewart families as well.

Should You Live On-Base or Off?

On-base housing at HAAF is managed by a private company and wait times can vary significantly depending on rank and family size. Many families — particularly those who want more space, more neighborhood options, or simply prefer off-base living — choose to rent in the surrounding community using their Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH).

Savannah's rental market is generally BAH-friendly at the E-5 through O-3 level, meaning your housing allowance can cover a quality rental in a good neighborhood without significant out-of-pocket expense. Check the current BAH rates for Savannah (ZIP code 31401) on the DoD BAH calculator before you start your search.

Best Neighborhoods for Military Families Near HAAF

Southside Savannah: The most practical choice for HAAF families — short commute, family-friendly neighborhoods, strong school options, and rental inventory that fits most BAH levels. This is where the majority of off-base military families we work with choose to live.

Pooler: A popular choice for families who want newer construction, more space, and a suburban feel. The commute to HAAF is 20–30 minutes depending on traffic, but many families consider it worth it for the school quality and community feel. Pooler is especially popular for families with school-age children.

Richmond Hill: Located south of Savannah in Bryan County, Richmond Hill offers top-rated schools and a family-oriented community. The commute to HAAF is 30–40 minutes. Popular with families prioritizing school quality above commute convenience.

Midtown/Southside border areas: If proximity to Savannah's restaurants, culture, and lifestyle matters to you, this area offers a good balance of commute time and city access.

How to Find Housing Before You Arrive

Most military families don't have the luxury of visiting Savannah before their report date. Here's how to navigate the search from a distance:

Start your search 60–90 days before your report date when possible — good rentals in Savannah move quickly
Use a property management company with an online application process so you can apply remotely
Request virtual tours or video walkthroughs of properties you're seriously considering
Be upfront with landlords about your PCS situation — most Savannah landlords are accustomed to military renters and understand the timeline
Understand the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) — it gives you the right to terminate a lease early if you receive PCS orders, which is important protection to have in writing in your lease

What to Look for in a Military-Friendly Lease

Make sure your lease explicitly includes SCRA protections and a military clause that allows early termination with proper notice (typically 30 days) upon receipt of PCS orders. Mia Madison Properties includes these protections as standard in all our leases — we work with military families regularly and understand the unique needs of military tenancy.