PCS to F.E. Warren AFB: A 2026 Guide for Military Families in Cheyenne, Wyoming

If you have orders for a PCS to F.E. Warren Air Force Base, welcome to Cheyenne, Wyoming. PCS stands for Permanent Change of Station, the military term for moving from one duty station to another. F.E. Warren AFB is one of the most historic installations in the Air Force and carries a mission unlike almost anywhere else in the military — maintaining the nation's land-based nuclear deterrent. This 2026 guide walks you through what the base does, where to live, how housing pay works, schools, healthcare, the local climate, and things to do once you are settled.

What and Where Is F.E. Warren AFB?

Francis E. Warren Air Force Base sits on the western edge of Cheyenne in Laramie County, Wyoming. The base is named for Francis Emroy Warren, a Medal of Honor recipient and Wyoming's first state governor. It is one of the oldest continuously active military installations in the country and holds a unique place in American military history.

According to the 90th Missile Wing fact sheet on warren.af.mil, F.E. Warren AFB became the nation's first operational Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) base when the Atlas missile was introduced in 1958. Today, the installation is home to the 90th Missile Wing — nicknamed the "Mighty Ninety" — which operates the Minuteman III (LGM-30G) ICBM on full alert 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The wing's mission is stated simply as: Deter, Modernize, Strike.

The 90th Missile Wing employs about 2,800 military personnel and 550 civilian employees, with roughly 4,000 family members adding to the local population. The Minuteman III missiles are dispersed across a 9,600 square-mile complex spanning eastern Wyoming, western Nebraska, and northern Colorado, with 150 hardened launch facilities and 15 missile alert facilities. Launch crews of two officers stand 24-hour alert in underground launch control centers.

The historic architecture on post reflects a long history. F.E. Warren was once known as Fort D.A. Russell, an Army cavalry post, and many of the original red-brick buildings still stand and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Where to Live When PCSing to F.E. Warren AFB

Most families who move to F.E. Warren either live in on-post housing or settle in Cheyenne or one of the surrounding communities. Because the base sits on the west side of the city, many of these options offer short, straightforward commutes.

Approximate one-way drive times to F.E. Warren AFB. Times vary with traffic and which gate you use.

Cheyenne

Cheyenne is the state capital of Wyoming and the city that surrounds F.E. Warren AFB. For most families, it is the obvious choice. The post sits on the city's west side, so commutes are typically around 10 minutes or less. The city offers a full range of housing, shopping, and services, and a strong military community — the base and city have worked together closely for well over a century. Whether you want to rent or buy, Cheyenne gives you the widest selection of options.

Fox Farm

Fox Farm is a small community just east of Cheyenne, roughly 10 minutes from the base. It is quieter and more residential than central Cheyenne, with housing that can be slightly more affordable while keeping you close to city amenities.

Burns

Burns is a small town about 25 miles east of Cheyenne, along the I-80 corridor. The commute runs around 25 minutes, and the area offers a more rural setting with open land and lower housing costs. It tends to attract families who want more space and do not mind a moderate drive.

Pine Bluffs

Pine Bluffs sits about 40 miles east of Cheyenne near the Wyoming-Nebraska border, about 40 minutes from the post. Housing tends to be more affordable than in Cheyenne, and the town has a small, close-knit feel. It makes sense for families where budget or preference for open country outweighs the longer commute.

F.E. Warren AFB BAH and the Cost of Living

If you live off post, the military helps cover your housing 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, or MHA. An MHA is the geographic zone the Department of Defense uses to set local housing pay. F.E. Warren AFB falls within the Cheyenne, Wyoming Military Housing Area.

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. Enter your rank and ZIP code to see the current rate. Always confirm your rate before signing a lease or making an offer.

For a sense of buying costs, the average home value in Cheyenne was about $389,332 as of May 2026, according to Zillow. That is a typical value, not a median sale price. As of the week of June 18, 2026, Freddie Mac 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, so run the numbers for your own situation.

VA loans — home loans backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs — are one of the most powerful tools available to military home buyers, with no down payment required for eligible borrowers. Read more about what are the benefits of a VA loan and how does a 0 down VA loan work.

Schools Near F.E. Warren AFB

The schools your children attend depend on where you live. Nearly all families living off post in the Cheyenne area are served by Laramie County School District 1, or LCSD1, the largest school district in Wyoming with around 14,000 students, three high schools (Central, East, and South), three junior high schools, and more than 30 elementary schools.

LCSD1 takes military family support seriously. The district's military family resources page lists multiple Wyoming Purple Star Program schools — schools recognized for their commitment to military-connected students. Several schools across the district's high schools, junior highs, and elementary schools have earned the designation, which reflects a formal commitment to helping military students navigate the transition process.

School boundaries can change, so confirm the assigned school for any specific address before you commit. The F.E. Warren AFB School Liaison can also help connect you with the right resources before you arrive.

Healthcare: The 90th Medical Group

On-post medical care at F.E. Warren AFB is provided by the 90th Medical Group, an outpatient clinic at Building 160 on Alden Drive. According to fewarren.tricare.mil, the group serves more than 10,500 beneficiaries and is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Services include primary care, preventive care, mental health, pediatrics, dental, pharmacy, vision, and specialty care. The Byars Health Clinic and Clark Health Clinic are both on post.

Your military health coverage runs through TRICARE. Set up your plan early in your PCS, update DEERS, and request any referrals through the 90th Medical Group appointments page before you arrive so there is no gap in care.

Climate and Things to Do

Cheyenne sits at an elevation of about 6,120 feet on Wyoming's high plains, according to the National Weather Service in Cheyenne. The landscape is wide-open rolling prairie to the east, with the Laramie Mountains rising to around 8,700 feet about 30 miles to the west. The climate is classic high plains: dry, windy, and highly variable. Summers are warm and often feature dramatic afternoon thunderstorms. Winters are cold, with periods of strong wind and blowing snow, though extended deep freezes are less common here than at higher elevations. Spring and fall can arrive and depart quickly.

The wind is the thing newcomers notice most. Cheyenne is consistently one of the windier cities in the country, with sustained winds and gusts that are simply part of the landscape. Dress in layers and secure anything in the yard or truck bed.

Cheyenne Frontier Days is Wyoming's signature annual event — a 10-day outdoor rodeo and concert festival held at Frontier Park each July (the 2026 edition runs July 17–26 and marks the 130th year). It features Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) competition, nightly concerts, parades, and a carnival, and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each summer.

Curt Gowdy State Park, about 25 miles west of Cheyenne, offers more than 35 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails around three reservoirs, plus fishing, kayaking, camping, and winter snowshoeing. Its trail system holds an International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) Epic designation.

Vedauwoo, about 35 miles west near Laramie, is a rock climbing and hiking area known for Sherman granite formations and reportedly more than 700 climbing routes, with camping available as well.

The Rocky Mountains are within easy weekend reach. Skiing, snowshoeing, and high-country hiking are all a short drive from Cheyenne.

Plan Your PCS to F.E. Warren AFB

A smooth move starts with good information and the right people. Start with our overview of what military bases are in Wyoming to understand the full picture of installations in the state. To keep your timeline on track, use the ultimate PCS checklist and timeline for active-duty military personnel. If you are thinking about buying, read 2026 VA loan limits explained for military homebuyers and our complete guide to buying your first home with a VA loan.

When you are ready to look at neighborhoods and listings in the Cheyenne area, connect with a VeteranPCS agent in Wyoming. If you plan to use your VA loan, connect with a VeteranPCS lender.

Know another family with orders to F.E. Warren AFB? Share this guide with your military network so they can start planning their move too.

For agents and lenders across the state, connect with our VeteranPCS network in Wyoming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What MHA or area is F.E. Warren AFB in for BAH?

F.E. Warren AFB falls within the Cheyenne, Wyoming 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 using your rank and ZIP code.

Where do military families live near F.E. Warren AFB?

Most families choose Cheyenne, which surrounds the base and offers the shortest commutes and the widest range of housing and services. Fox Farm is a quieter community just east of the city with a roughly 10-minute drive. Burns, about 25 minutes east, and Pine Bluffs, about 40 minutes east, offer more rural settings and typically lower housing costs. On-post housing is also available; check with your sponsor and the housing office about current options and wait times.

What school district serves families near F.E. Warren AFB?

Most families living off post are served by Laramie County School District 1, the largest district in Wyoming, with three high schools, three junior highs, and more than 30 elementary schools. Multiple Purple Star-designated schools support military-connected students across the district. Confirm the assigned school for your specific address before you commit, and contact the F.E. Warren AFB School Liaison for help.

Where do I get healthcare at F.E. Warren AFB?

On-post care is provided by the 90th Medical Group, an outpatient clinic at Building 160 on Alden Drive. The clinic covers primary care, preventive care, mental health, pediatrics, dental, pharmacy, vision, and more. Set up your TRICARE plan early, update DEERS, and arrange any needed referrals before you arrive.

What is the weather like in Cheyenne?

Cheyenne sits at about 6,120 feet on Wyoming's high plains. The climate is dry and often windy, with warm summers, cold winters, and dramatic variability throughout the year. Wind is a constant feature of daily life. The National Weather Service in Cheyenne maintains local forecasts and historical climate data.

What are some things to do near F.E. Warren AFB?

Cheyenne Frontier Days each July is the signature local event — a 10-day rodeo and concert festival that has run for 130 years. Curt Gowdy State Park, about 25 miles west, offers mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and camping. Vedauwoo, about 35 miles west near Laramie, is well known for rock climbing and hiking on Sherman granite formations. The Rocky Mountains are within easy weekend reach for skiing, snowshoeing, and high-country hiking.

This content is for informational purposes. Consult a professional for personal financial decisions.