PCS to Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base | VA Loan & Relocation Guide

Planning your PCS? Learn about pre-qualification before orders drop.

Learn About Pre-Qualification Schedule a PCS Consult VA Loan Guide — Kings Bay

Understanding Your BAH & Housing Budget

Many service members use their Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to plan their monthly housing budget during a PCS move.

Check current BAH rates for Kings Bay:

Kings Bay BAH Rates DoD BAH Calculator

If you're relocating from another duty station, I can help you plan your move and understand how your housing allowances may fit into your overall mortgage planning.

Base Overview

Location: St. Marys, Georgia (Camden County)
Mission: East Coast home port for Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines and guided missile submarines
Population: Approximately 9,000 active duty, reserve, DoD civilians, and contractors
Major Commands: Submarine Group 10, Strategic Weapons Facility Atlantic
On-Base Housing: Available through Lendlease (formerly Balfour Beatty Communities)
Base Website: CNIC Kings Bay

Where to Live Off-Base

Popular neighborhoods near Kings Bay offer diverse options from waterfront homes to suburban family communities.

St. Marys

Commute: 5-15 minutes to base

Vibe: Historic downtown, waterfront access, family-friendly, walkable riverfront district

Typical Prices: $200K-$350K | Rentals: $1,400-$2,200/month

Schools: Camden County School District (St. Marys Elementary, Middle, High)

Kingsland

Commute: 15-20 minutes to base

Vibe: Newer developments, shopping centers, suburban feel, growing rapidly

Typical Prices: $220K-$380K | Rentals: $1,500-$2,400/month

Schools: Camden County schools; convenient to multiple schools

Woodbine

Commute: 20-25 minutes to base

Vibe: Rural, more land, quieter, potential for USDA loans

Typical Prices: $180K-$300K | Rentals: $1,200-$1,900/month

Schools: Camden County schools; county seat location

Fernandina Beach, FL

Commute: 30-40 minutes to base (cross state line)

Vibe: Beach town, historic downtown, tourism, higher cost of living

Typical Prices: $350K-$600K+ | Rentals: $2,000-$3,500/month

Schools: Nassau County Schools (FL) - highly rated

Brunswick

Commute: 35-45 minutes to base

Vibe: Larger city, more amenities, hospital, college, coastal access

Typical Prices: $180K-$400K | Rentals: $1,300-$2,200/month

Schools: Glynn County Schools; more options including private schools

Commute & Transportation

Traffic Patterns

Most common routes to base are via GA-40 and Spur 40. Traffic is generally light except during shift changes (0630-0730, 1530-1630).

Gate Information

Main Gate: GA-40/Spur 40 - Primary access, can have backups during morning rush
Back Gate: Charlie Smith Sr. Highway - Often faster during peak times

Tips

No tolls between local communities and base
GA-40 is the main artery; well-maintained and straightforward
If living in Fernandina Beach (FL), expect bridge traffic on A1A
Consider gate proximity when choosing neighborhoods

Schools & Childcare

Camden County School District (Georgia)

All off-base housing in St. Marys, Kingsland, and Woodbine falls under Camden County Schools.

Elementary: Crooked River, David L. Rainer, Kingsland, Mamie Lou Gross, Mary Lee Clark, Matilda Harris, St. Marys, Sugarmill, Woodbine
Middle: Camden County Middle School, St. Marys Middle School
High: Camden County High School
Alternative: Camden Success Academy
Website: Camden County Schools

Private & Daycare Options

Multiple private daycares and preschools in St. Marys and Kingsland. Average cost: $150-$250/week depending on age and program.

Community Resources

Local Area Information

Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay: Civilian positions available via USAJOBS
Southeast Georgia Health System: Hospitals in Brunswick and St. Marys
Local Business Community: Growing sectors in Kingsland and St. Marys
Jacksonville, FL: 45-60 minutes south; major metro area with diverse opportunities

Military Family Resources

Camden County Chamber of Commerce: camdenchamber.com | Mitch's Chamber Profile
Fleet & Family Support Center (FFSC) Kings Bay: Resource referrals, resume assistance, transition support
Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP): Official DoD resource for connecting with partner employers

Note: I share local resource links to help you get started; I don't place candidates or guarantee outcomes. Official resources like FFSC and MSEP are your best starting points.

VA & PCS Loan Tips for Kings Bay

VA Loan Advantages

0% Down Payment: Purchase with no money down
No Monthly MI: Unlike FHA or conventional loans under 20% down
Competitive Rates: Often lower than conventional financing
Flexible Credit: I work with all credit levels

Second-Tier Entitlement

Many submariners get orders back to Kings Bay multiple times. Depending on your situation, second-tier entitlement may allow you to keep your current home while purchasing at your new duty station. Let's discuss whether this option is available for you.

Discuss Your Options

USDA Loans in Woodbine & Rural Areas

Much of Camden County qualifies for USDA loans with 0% down for eligible rural properties. Great alternative to VA if you want to preserve VA entitlement or don't have VA eligibility yet.

See USDA Loan Info

Closing Cost Strategy

Seller Credits: In this market, asking for 3-6% seller credits toward closing costs is common
Rate Buydowns: Use seller credits to buy down your rate or cover VA funding fee
Timing: Start pre-qualification as soon as you get orders; aim to close within 30-45 days of arrival

PCS-Specific Support

I specialize in helping military families navigate PCS timelines, remote closings, and coordinating with command schedules. Licensed in all 50 states so I can help you sell your current home and buy at Kings Bay simultaneously.

See Full PCS Support Services

Key Contacts & Links

Base Housing

Navy Housing Office — Kings Bay

Phone: (912) 882-2729

Navy Housing — Kings Bay

Base Information

Kings Bay Main

Phone: (912) 573-4200

Official Base Website

Fleet & Family Support

FFSC Kings Bay

Phone: (912) 573-4512

Fleet & Family Support Center

Relocation Assistance

Housing Referral Office

Phone: (912) 573-2108

Help finding off-base housing, local area orientation

Utilities - Georgia

Electricity: Georgia Power - (888) 660-5890

Water: City of St. Marys - (912) 576-3219 | Kingsland - (912) 729-5642

Internet: Comcast/Xfinity, AT&T, TDS Telecom, Hargray

Schools

Camden County Schools

Phone: (912) 576-6644

School District Website

Moving to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay