PCS to Hill AFB: A 2026 Guide for Military Families Near Ogden, Utah

If you have orders for a PCS to Hill Air Force Base, you are headed to one of the Air Force's largest and most mission-rich installations. PCS stands for Permanent Change of Station, the military term for moving from one duty station to another. Hill AFB sits in northern Utah, just outside Ogden and Layton, with the Wasatch Mountains rising sharply to the east and the Great Salt Lake stretching out to the west. This 2026 guide walks you through what you need to know before you arrive: where to live, how housing pay works, schools, healthcare, the local climate, and a few things to do once the boxes are unpacked.

A move is a lot to manage. Our goal is to make the Hill AFB part feel a little smaller and a lot clearer.

What and Where Is Hill AFB?

Hill Air Force Base is a U.S. Air Force installation in Davis County, Utah, straddling the cities of Ogden to the north and Layton to the south. The 75th Air Base Wing is the host wing, responsible for installation support across the entire base.

The flying mission belongs to two fighter wings. The 388th Fighter Wing is the active-duty unit. Its stated mission is to "Deliver F-35 dominance...anytime, anywhere." The wing maintains combat-coded F-35A Lightning II squadrons and deploys them worldwide in support of combatant commanders. The 419th Fighter Wing is the Air Force Reserve associate unit flying alongside the 388th, also operating the F-35A. Together they make Hill AFB one of the first operational F-35A bases in the Air Force.

Hill is also home to the Ogden Air Logistics Complex, or OO-ALC, which employs nearly 7,000 military, civilian, and contract personnel. OO-ALC provides depot-level maintenance and logistics for the F-35A, F-22, F-16, A-10, C-130, and the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) fleet — making it one of the Air Force's most important sustainment hubs.

Where to Live When PCSing to Hill AFB

Most families who move to Hill AFB either live in on-post housing or settle in one of the surrounding communities. Your choice usually comes down to commute, schools, budget, and feel. Ask your sponsor and the housing office about on-base options and wait times early.

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

Clearfield

Clearfield sits just west of the main gate, making it one of the closest cities to the installation. The commute is roughly 8 minutes. Housing options range from established single-family homes to newer builds, with typical home values lower than the national average. Families who want the shortest possible drive to work often start here.

Sunset

Sunset is a small city directly adjacent to the base fence line, also about 8 minutes out. It is quiet, compact, and practical for families who want to be as close as possible without living on post.

Layton

Layton is the largest city in the immediate area and sits south of the base, about 12 minutes away. It offers a wide range of housing, retail, dining, and parks. According to Zillow, the typical home value in Layton was about $493,000 in June 2026. That is a typical value, not a median sale price. Layton has good schools, easy freeway access, and a strong sense of community, which makes it a first stop for many incoming families.

Roy

Roy is northwest of the base, roughly 12 minutes away, and is one of the more affordable communities in the area. It has a well-established layout and is convenient for both Hill AFB and the city of Ogden. Families looking for value without sacrificing access often look here.

Kaysville

Kaysville is south of Layton and about 15 minutes from the gate. It has a small-town feel with strong schools, quiet neighborhoods, and quick access to outdoor recreation. Families who want a little more space and a slower pace tend to like Kaysville.

Ogden

Ogden is the largest city in the area, about 15 minutes north of the gate. It has a diverse housing market, a lively downtown on Historic 25th Street, and easy access to skiing, hiking, and recreation. For families who want city amenities alongside outdoor access, Ogden is a strong fit.

Syracuse

Syracuse is southeast of the base and about 15 minutes out. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in Davis County, with newer construction and good family-friendly neighborhoods. If you want newer housing, Syracuse is a strong option.

Hill AFB BAH and the Cost of Living

If you live off post, the military helps cover your 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, or MHA. An MHA is the geographic zone the Department of Defense uses to set local housing pay. Hill AFB falls within the Ogden-Clearfield 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 at travel.dod.mil BAH Rate Lookup. Enter your rank and ZIP code to see the current rate. Exact BAH rates are verified separately, so always confirm yours before signing a lease or making an offer.

For a sense of buying costs, the typical home value in Clearfield was about $398,000 in June 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 and your personal financial picture.

For more on using your VA home loan benefit, read what are the benefits of a VA loan and how does a 0% down VA loan work.

Schools Near Hill AFB

The schools your children attend depend on where you live. Two civilian districts serve most of the Hill AFB area.

Davis School District covers Layton, Clearfield, Kaysville, Syracuse, and Sunset, among others. It is one of the largest districts in Utah and serves most families south and east of the base, with high schools including Clearfield High and Layton High.

Weber School District serves Ogden, Roy, and surrounding Weber County communities to the north, with high schools including Roy High and Weber High.

Boundaries can shift, so confirm the assigned school for any specific address before you commit.

Healthcare: 75th Medical Group

On-base medical care at Hill AFB is provided by the 75th Medical Group, which operates at the base and offers primary care, preventive care, specialty services, and a TRICARE Health Benefits Office. You can find clinic details, appointments, and referral information through the 75th Medical Group health services page.

Your military health coverage runs through TRICARE, the health care program for service members and their families. Set up your TRICARE plan early in your PCS. Update your information in DEERS, choose or transfer your plan, and request any referrals before you arrive so there is no gap in care. The 75th Medical Group appointments and referrals page has current guidance. Getting this squared away before you arrive is one of the easiest ways to reduce stress.

Climate and Things to Do

Northern Utah has a four-season climate. According to the National Weather Service Salt Lake City office, winters are cold and snowy, with significant snowfall that feeds the world-class ski resorts in the nearby Wasatch Mountains. Summers are warm and dry. Spring and fall are mild. The dry air and abundant sunshine are a consistent feature year-round.

For outdoor recreation, the area around Hill AFB is exceptional. Two world-class ski resorts sit less than an hour from the base. Snowbasin Resort is about 30 miles from Ogden and hosted the downhill and Super-G events at the 2002 Winter Olympics. Powder Mountain covers 5,000 acres of terrain and receives around 360 inches of snow annually. Both are accessible for day trips, and the mountains offer excellent hiking, biking, and camping once the snow clears.

Antelope Island State Park, managed by Utah State Parks, sits in the Great Salt Lake and is about 30 miles from the base. It is home to a free-roaming bison herd of around 500 animals, along with pronghorn, mule deer, coyotes, and migratory shorebirds. The park offers trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, plus camping and swimming.

In Ogden itself, Historic 25th Street draws more than a million visitors a year. The street is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to restaurants, brewpubs, art galleries, the Ogden Farmers Market, and the Twilight Concert Series. For a family that enjoys an active lifestyle with easy city access, the Hill AFB area is genuinely hard to beat.

Plan Your PCS to Hill AFB

A smooth move comes down to good information and the right team. Start with our overview of what military bases are in Utah to put Hill AFB in context. To keep your timeline on track, use the ultimate PCS checklist and timeline for active-duty military personnel. If you plan to buy, read our complete guide to buying your first home with a VA loan and 2026 VA loan limits explained for military homebuyers before you start your search.

When you are ready to connect with a local professional who knows the Hill AFB market, connect with a VeteranPCS agent in Utah. If you plan to use your VA loan, connect with a VeteranPCS lender.

Know another family with orders to Hill AFB? 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 Utah.

Frequently Asked Questions

What MHA is Hill AFB in for BAH?

Hill AFB falls within the Ogden-Clearfield 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 Hill AFB?

Common choices include Clearfield and Sunset, which are closest to the main gate; Layton and Syracuse for newer housing and strong schools; Roy for value; Kaysville for a quieter, small-town feel; and Ogden for city amenities and mountain access. On-base housing is also available — ask the housing office about current options and wait times.

Which school district will my children attend near Hill AFB?

It depends on your address. Families in Layton, Clearfield, Kaysville, Syracuse, and Sunset are generally served by Davis School District. Families in Ogden and Roy fall under Weber School District. Confirm the assigned school for any specific home before you commit.

Where do I get healthcare at Hill AFB?

On-base care is provided by the 75th Medical Group. Visit hill.tricare.mil for clinic details, appointment information, and referral guidance. Set up your TRICARE plan and update DEERS before you arrive.

What is the weather like near Hill AFB?

Northern Utah has four full seasons. Winters bring cold temperatures and significant snowfall, which feeds the nearby ski resorts. Summers are warm and dry. The area has low humidity and plenty of sunshine year-round. The National Weather Service Salt Lake City office at weather.gov/slc publishes historical climate data if you want month-by-month averages.

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