---
title: PCS to Arizona: A Comprehensive Guide for Active Duty Military Personnel Moving to Arizona
slug: pcs-to-arizona-a-comprehensive-guide-for-active-duty-military-personnel-moving-to-arizona
description: Discover Arizona's military-friendly perks for active duty and veterans! Our guide offers valuable tips for a seamless PCS transition to the Grand Canyon State.
publishedAt: 2023-11-14T05:22:06.000Z
updatedAt: 2023-11-14T05:22:06.000Z
author: Stephen Levesque
categories: [US Military Bases]
canonical: https://www.veteranpcs.com/blog/pcs-to-arizona-a-comprehensive-guide-for-active-duty-military-personnel-moving-to-arizona
---

# PCS to Arizona: A Comprehensive Guide for Active Duty Military Personnel Moving to Arizona

Arizona is a prime destination for active-duty military personnel and veterans. With its **many military bases, tax-free military pay, outdoor recreation opportunities, and military-friendly communities**, Arizona provides a welcoming environment for military families.

If you're **PCSing to Arizona**, this guide will help you prepare for your transition, covering everything from **housing and schools** to **cost of living and military-friendly communities**.

## **Military Bases in Arizona**

Arizona is home to several major military installations:

- **Fort Huachuca (Army)**
- **Luke Air Force Base (Air Force)**
- **Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (Air Force)**
- **Marine Corps Air Station Yuma (Marine Corps)**

Each base has its own mission and community. Researching your assigned base before arrival will help ease your transition. Visit [Military OneSource](https://www.militaryonesource.mil/) for base-specific details.

## **Tax-Free Military Pay in Arizona**

Arizona is **one of the few states that do not tax military pay**.

- The **average military family pays over $2,000 per year in state income taxes** in other states.
- In Arizona, **your military income is completely tax-free**, providing **significant savings**.

For tax details, visit the [Arizona Department of Revenue](https://azdor.gov/).

## **Outdoor Activities in Arizona**

Arizona offers **year-round outdoor activities**, from hiking and biking to fishing and boating. Popular destinations include:

- **Grand Canyon National Park** – Famous for breathtaking hikes such as **Bright Angel Trail** and **South Kaibab Trail**.
- **Saguaro National Park** – Explore scenic desert landscapes filled with **iconic saguaro cacti**.
- **Sedona** – Known for its **red rock formations** and trails like **Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock**.
- **Prescott** – Offers excellent **mountain biking trails**, including the **Prescott Circle Trail**.
- **Scottsdale** – Home to **world-class golf courses** such as **TPC Scottsdale and Troon North Golf Club**.

Find more outdoor activities on the [Arizona Department of Tourism](https://www.visitarizona.com/) website.

## **Military-Friendly Communities in Arizona**

Many **Arizona communities actively support military personnel and their families**, offering:

- Military **discounts**
- **Employment assistance**
- **Childcare support**
- **Education benefits**

### **Top Military-Friendly Communities in Arizona**

**Sierra Vista** – Home to **Fort Huachuca**, a major Army intelligence base.

**Marana** – Close to **Davis-Monthan Air Force Base**, a key Air Force installation.

**Goodyear** – Home to **Luke Air Force Base**, the **largest fighter pilot training base in the world**.

**Gilbert** – One of the **fastest-growing towns** near Phoenix.

**Tempe** – Home to **Arizona State University**, the largest public university in Arizona.

For more information, visit the Arizona Military Affairs Council.

## **Arizona Schools & Education Benefits**

Arizona schools rank **above average nationally**, and the state offers **military-friendly education programs** such as the **Military Interstate Tuition System (MIST)**.

- **MIST** allows **military families to pay in-state tuition rates at Arizona public colleges and universities**, regardless of residency status.

For details, visit the [Arizona Department of Education](https://www.azed.gov/).

## **Arizona Housing & Cost of Living**

Arizona offers a **lower cost of living than many other states**, including:

- **Affordable housing**
- **Lower food and transportation costs**
- **No state tax on military pay**

According to the **Council for Community and Economic Research**, the cost of living in **Phoenix is 10.1% lower than the national average**.

## **Get Ready for Your PCS to Arizona**

Arizona is an **excellent location for military families**, offering **tax-free military pay, affordable housing, outdoor recreation, and military-friendly communities**.

If you're **PCSing to Arizona**, our **trusted military real estate agents** are here to assist you.