by Daniel Yoon | eXp Realty | Richmond, Virginia
If you are PCSing to the Richmond, Virginia area, whether to Fort Barfoot, DISA, Defense Supply Center Richmond, or one of the defense contractors in the region, this guide covers everything you need to know about housing, schools, neighborhoods, and using your VA loan to buy.
Military Installations Near Richmond
- Fort Barfoot (formerly Fort Pickett): 90 minutes southwest. Some personnel live in Richmond and commute for drill weekends.
- Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR): Located in Chesterfield County, 15 minutes south of downtown.
- DISA (Defense Information Systems Agency): Fort Gregg-Adams area, 30 minutes south via I-95.
- Joint Base Langley-Eustis: 60 minutes southeast. Some families choose Richmond for the schools and commute.
Best Neighborhoods for Military Families
Chesterfield County
Closest to DSCR and Fort Gregg-Adams. Strong schools in the Midlothian zone. Home prices: $300,000 to $475,000. Best value for space and schools.
Mechanicsville (Hanover County)
Top schools (Atlee High, top 15 in Virginia). Home prices: $340,000 to $450,000. 20-minute commute to DSCR.
Glen Allen (Henrico County)
New construction with builder incentives that stack with VA loan benefits. Home prices: $350,000 to $520,000. Central location for any direction.
Using Your VA Loan in Richmond
VA loans are the best mortgage product available. Zero down, no PMI, lower rates. In Richmond, you can combine VA financing with builder incentives on new construction for a near-zero out-of-pocket purchase. I have helped multiple military families close with less than $2,000 cash.
BAH and Affordability
Richmond BAH rates for E-5 with dependents run approximately $1,800 to $2,000/month. That covers a mortgage payment on a $350,000 to $400,000 home with a VA loan. Many military families buy homes in the Richmond area that their BAH fully covers.
FAQs
Can I use BAH to qualify for a VA loan?
Yes. BAH counts as income for VA loan qualification. Combined with base pay and any other allowances, most E-5 and above can qualify for $350,000 to $450,000 in the Richmond area.
Should I buy or rent during a PCS to Richmond?
If you expect to be in the area 3+ years, buying with a VA loan is usually the better financial decision. Zero down payment means low entry cost, and Richmond’s steady appreciation builds equity. If your assignment is under 2 years, renting may be safer.
PCSing to Richmond? Call Daniel Yoon at (804) 896-2694. I specialize in helping military families find the right home and maximize VA loan benefits.