Neighborhoods
Lemoore (city)
Small city$1,100 to $1,500/mo
The adjacent city of Lemoore is the primary community for base personnel. Affordable, close, and improving with new development driven by military demand.
Hanford
Small city$1,100 to $1,500/mo
Kings County seat 10 miles north of base with a charming historic downtown, more retail options than Lemoore, and slightly lower housing costs.
Visalia
Suburban$1,300 to $1,700/mo
Larger Tulare County city 20 miles south with excellent schools, more shopping, and dining. Popular with officer families willing to commute.
Clovis / North Fresno
Suburban$1,400 to $1,900/mo
About 40 miles north in the Fresno metro, Clovis offers top-rated schools and a larger city experience. The commute is longer but many senior officers choose this area.
Schools
Lemoore High School
Grades 9-12
Serves the base community directly. Has improved significantly over time with strong military family involvement.
Clovis North High School
Grades 9-12
One of the top public high schools in California, in Clovis Unified School District. Worth the commute for many families.
Mt. Whitney High School (Visalia)
Grades 9-12
Well-regarded Visalia Unified school popular with families who prefer Visalia over Lemoore for its size and amenities.
Housing Intel
On-Post Housing
On-base housing is well-maintained and popular given the limited off-base options. Apply early through Lincoln Military Housing.
Off-Post Rental Market
Rental and purchase market is very affordable by California standards. BAH easily covers comfortable housing in Lemoore or Hanford.
Commute
Lemoore city and Hanford are 5 to 15 minutes from the base. Visalia is 20 to 25 minutes via SR-198. Fresno and Clovis are 40 to 50 minutes via SR-99. The drive is straight and flat with minimal traffic outside rush hours.
Installation Highlights
- West Coast master jet base for F/A-18 and F-35C squadrons
- Dramatically lower cost of living than coastal California
- Gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- Tight-knit aviation community with strong squadron culture
- Central Valley weather is hot and sunny with mild winters