--- title: 'PCS to Fairchild AFB: A 2026 Guide for Military Families in Spokane' slug: pcs-to-fairchild-afb-spokane-2026-guide description: >- Planning a PCS to Fairchild AFB in 2026? Get a plain-language guide to housing, BAH, schools, healthcare, and where to live near Spokane, Washington. Start here publishedAt: '2026-04-02T09:00:00.000Z' updatedAt: '2026-06-22T00:00:00.000Z' author: VeteranPCS categories: - PCS Help - US Military Bases canonical: 'https://www.veteranpcs.com/blog/pcs-to-fairchild-afb-spokane-2026-guide' componentSlug: us-military-bases stateSlug: washington --- # PCS to Fairchild AFB: A 2026 Guide for Military Families in Spokane If you have orders for a PCS to Fairchild Air Force Base, welcome to the Inland Northwest. PCS stands for Permanent Change of Station, the military term for moving from one duty station to another. Fairchild is a busy, mission-focused installation on the western edge of Spokane, Washington, and it is home to one of the most important aerial refueling fleets in the Air Force. This 2026 guide is written for the airmen, civilians, and families who are moving here to live and work. A move is a lot to manage. Our goal is to make the Fairchild part feel clearer. We will walk through what the base does, where families live, how housing pay works, schools, healthcare, the local climate, and things to do once you are settled. ## What and Where Is Fairchild AFB? Fairchild Air Force Base sits about 12 miles southwest of downtown Spokane, in eastern Washington. It is the home of the [92d Air Refueling Wing](https://www.fairchild.af.mil/Units/), which is the host unit for Team Fairchild and, according to the [Team Fairchild fact sheet](https://www.fairchild.af.mil/Information/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/238995/team-fairchild/), the largest KC-135 Stratotanker unit in the Air Force. The 92d ARW operates 68 KC-135 R/T Stratotanker aircraft. The KC-135 is the Air Force's primary aerial refueling jet, and the wing provides in-flight refueling to U.S. and allied aircraft in support of conventional and strategic deterrence operations worldwide. The wing is also responsible for cargo airlift and aeromedical evacuation. The [141st Air Refueling Wing](https://www.fairchild.af.mil/Information/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/238997/141st-air-refueling-wing/) is a Washington Air National Guard (ANG) associate unit with more than 1,200 citizen-airmen that shares the 92d ARW's KC-135R aircraft. It has a state mission supporting the governor and a federal aerial refueling mission under Air Mobility Command when mobilized. Also on the installation is the [336th Training Group](https://www.fairchild.af.mil/Base-Agencies/336th-Training-Group/), home to the Air Force's Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) school. SERE trains at-risk personnel to survive, evade capture, and resist exploitation. The 336th TRG's motto is "Return with Honor." The basic course runs 19 days and includes field training in the Colville and Kaniksu National Forests about 70 miles north of the base. The group trains approximately 20,000 students a year across four locations. Team Fairchild includes more than 11,800 active-duty, ANG, and tenant personnel, making it the largest employer in eastern Washington. For an overview of all Washington installations, see [what military bases are in Washington](/blog/what-military-bases-are-in-washington). You can also compare notes with families headed to [Joint Base Lewis-McChord](/blog/pcs-to-joint-base-lewis-mcchord-jblm-2026-guide) on the western side of the state. ## Where to Live When PCSing to Fairchild AFB Most families who move to Fairchild either live in on-post housing or settle in one of the surrounding communities. Your choice typically comes down to commute time, schools, budget, and the feel you want. Ask your sponsor and the housing office about current on-post availability and wait times. ![Approximate one-way drive times from Spokane-area communities to Fairchild AFB, including Airway Heights, Medical Lake, Cheney, Spokane, Spokane Valley, and Liberty Lake.](/images/blog/pcs-to-fairchild-afb-spokane-2026-guide/where-to-live.png) *Approximate one-way drive times to Fairchild AFB. Times vary with traffic and which gate you use.* ### Airway Heights Airway Heights is right at the base's front door, about 10 minutes from the main gate. It is the most convenient off-post choice, with grocery stores and restaurants close by. Most airmen who want a short commute start here. ### Medical Lake Medical Lake is a small city about 12 minutes from the gate, set near a lake of the same name. It has a quiet, small-town character with a tight-knit community and a quick drive to work. ### Cheney Cheney is a college town about 20 minutes southwest of the base, home to Eastern Washington University. Housing ranges from established neighborhoods to newer construction. The [Cheney School District](https://www.cheneysd.org/community/military/fairchild-air-force-base) serves both Cheney and Airway Heights and has earned the Purple Star Award for its support of military families. ### Spokane Central Spokane is about 20 minutes from the base and offers the full range of city amenities: restaurants, hospitals, theaters, and professional sports. Neighborhoods vary widely, so touring in person or talking to a local agent pays off. ### Spokane Valley Spokane Valley, east of downtown, is a large suburban area roughly 30 minutes from the gate with a wide range of housing prices and strong retail access. It is a popular choice for families who want more space. ### Liberty Lake Liberty Lake is about 35 minutes from the base and borders northern Idaho. It is one of the region's newer communities, with planned neighborhoods, a natural lake, and a well-regarded school district. Families looking for newer construction often look here. ## Fairchild AFB BAH and the Cost of Living If you live off post, the military helps cover housing costs through BAH, which stands for Basic Allowance for Housing. BAH is a monthly, tax-free payment. The amount depends on three things: your rank, whether you have dependents, and your duty station's Military Housing Area (MHA). Fairchild AFB falls within the Spokane, Washington MHA. Because rates change each year and vary by rank and dependent status, we do not publish a rate table here. To find your exact figure, use the official DoD BAH calculator: [travel.dod.mil BAH Rate Lookup](https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/Basic-Allowance-for-Housing/BAH-Rate-Lookup/). Enter your rank and ZIP code to see the current rate. Always confirm yours before signing a lease or making an offer. For a sense of buying costs, the typical home value in Spokane was about $395,325 as of March 31, 2026, according to [Zillow](https://www.zillow.com/home-values/20604/spokane-wa/). That is a typical value, not a median sale price. As of the week of June 18, 2026, [Freddie Mac](https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms) reported the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 6.47 percent. Whether buying or renting makes more sense depends on how long you expect to be stationed here and your personal financial picture, so run the numbers for your own situation. If you are considering buying, start with our guide to [what are the benefits of a VA loan](/blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-a-va-loan). A VA loan is a home loan backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and it is one of the strongest benefits available to eligible service members. ## Schools Near Fairchild AFB The schools your children attend depend entirely on where you live. Several districts serve the communities around the base. The [Cheney School District](https://www.cheneysd.org/community/military/fairchild-air-force-base) serves Cheney and Airway Heights, the communities closest to the gate. The district holds the Purple Star Award for military family support and draws about seven percent of its enrollment from military families. It is the first call for most base-area families. The [Medical Lake School District](https://www.mlsdfairchild.org/) serves Medical Lake. Families in Spokane proper fall under [Spokane Public Schools](https://www.spokaneschools.org/), the large city district with a wide range of programs. Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake families fall under their respective local districts. Always confirm the assigned school for any specific address before you commit, as boundaries can shift. ## Healthcare: 92nd Medical Group On-base medical care at Fairchild is provided by the [92nd Medical Group](https://fairchild.tricare.mil/), located on the installation. The 92d MDG serves more than 31,000 eligible beneficiaries in the local area and has more than 12,000 patients enrolled in the Military Treatment Facility (MTF). It provides primary care, dental care, and a range of specialty services. Your military health coverage runs through TRICARE, the health care program for service members and their families. Set up your TRICARE plan early, update your information in DEERS, and review referral procedures on the [92nd Medical Group's Getting Care page](https://fairchild.tricare.mil/Getting-Care/Appointments-Referrals) before you arrive so there is no gap in care. ## Climate and Things to Do Spokane has a four-season continental climate. According to the [National Weather Service in Spokane](https://www.weather.gov/otx/), the city sits at around 2,000 feet above sea level in the rain shadow of the Cascades, which means far less precipitation than western Washington. Winters are real — snow from late November through February is common. Summers are dry and sunny, with daytime highs in the 80s and low humidity. Spring and fall are short but striking, with ponderosa pines and Palouse hills providing the backdrop. [Riverside State Park](https://parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/riverside-state-park) covers 9,194 acres along the Spokane and Little Spokane rivers, one of Washington's largest state parks. It offers hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, boating, and in winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The Bowl and Pitcher area, set among ponderosa pines along the Spokane River, is one of eastern Washington's most recognizable spots. Mount Spokane State Park, about 30 miles northeast, has ski runs in winter and miles of trails in summer. Lake Coeur d'Alene in Idaho is about 30 minutes away and draws families all summer for boating and swimming. Downtown Spokane has a walkable core with Riverfront Park and Spokane Falls — one of the largest urban waterfalls in the country — right at its center. ## Plan Your PCS to Fairchild AFB A smooth move comes down to good information and the right people. To keep your timeline on track, use [the ultimate PCS checklist and timeline for active-duty military personnel](/blog/the-ultimate-pcs-checklist-and-timeline-for-active-duty-military-personnel). If you are thinking about buying, read our [complete guide to buying your first home with a VA loan](/blog/complete-guide-to-buying-your-first-home-with-a-va-loan), [how does a 0 down VA loan work](/blog/how-does-a-0-down-va-loan-work), and [2026 VA loan limits explained for military homebuyers](/blog/2026-va-loan-limits-explained-for-military-homebuyers). When you want a local read on a specific Spokane neighborhood and its Fairchild commute, you can ask Kristi Zorb, a VeteranPCS agent in the Spokane area, for current listings and prices. If you plan to use your VA loan, you can also [connect with a VeteranPCS lender](https://www.veteranpcs.com/contact-lender) who works with military families in Washington. Know another family with orders to Fairchild? Share this guide with your military network so they can plan their move too. For agents and lenders across the state, [connect with our VeteranPCS network in Washington](https://www.veteranpcs.com/washington). ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What MHA is Fairchild AFB in for BAH? Fairchild AFB falls within the Spokane, Washington Military Housing Area for BAH purposes. Your rate depends on your rank and whether you have dependents. Look up your exact figure with the official [DoD BAH calculator](https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/Basic-Allowance-for-Housing/BAH-Rate-Lookup/) using your rank and ZIP code. ### Where do military families live near Fairchild AFB? The most common choices are Airway Heights and Medical Lake, which are closest to the base; Cheney for a college-town feel and Purple Star schools; central Spokane for city amenities; and Spokane Valley or Liberty Lake for more space and newer neighborhoods. On-post housing is also available, so ask your sponsor and the housing office about wait times. ### Is Fairchild AFB a good base for families? It is a strong choice. The 92d MDG is large, the housing market is affordable, and the Cheney School District earns high marks for military family support. The winters require preparation, but most families who come for one tour end up staying longer. ### Which school district serves Airway Heights and the base area? The [Cheney School District](https://www.cheneysd.org/community/military/fairchild-air-force-base) serves Airway Heights and Cheney. It holds the Purple Star Award for military family support. Families in Medical Lake fall under the Medical Lake School District. Confirm the assigned school for any specific address before you commit. ### Where do I get healthcare at Fairchild AFB? On-base care is centered at the [92nd Medical Group](https://fairchild.tricare.mil/). Set up your TRICARE plan early, update your information in DEERS, and arrange referrals before you arrive so your care continues without a gap. ### What is the weather like in Spokane? Spokane has a four-season continental climate. Winters are cold with regular snowfall from late November through February. Summers are warm, dry, and sunny. The [National Weather Service in Spokane](https://www.weather.gov/otx/) keeps the local climate normals and records if you want month-by-month averages before your move. This content is for informational purposes. Consult a professional for personal financial decisions.