If you have orders for a PCS to Naval Station Mayport or Naval Air Station Jacksonville, you are heading to one of the largest concentrations of Navy families on the East Coast. PCS stands for Permanent Change of Station, the military term for moving from one duty station to another. The Jacksonville area has two major Navy installations sitting on opposite sides of the metro — a fact that shapes every housing decision you will make. This 2026 guide covers the missions of both bases, where families live, how housing pay works, schools, healthcare, and what to expect from life in northeast Florida.
What and Where Are Naval Station Mayport and NAS Jacksonville?
The Jacksonville area has two distinct Navy installations, and knowing what each one does helps you understand why the community looks the way it does.
Naval Station Mayport
Naval Station Mayport (NS Mayport) sits on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the St. Johns River, about 19 miles east of downtown Jacksonville. According to the NS Mayport About page on cnic.navy.mil, it has grown since commissioning in 1942 to become the third largest fleet concentration area in the United States, covering 3,409 acres with a harbor capable of accommodating 34 ships. NS Mayport supports more than 80 commands including 20 naval ships and three helicopter squadrons, and serves as an East Coast homeport for destroyers, cruisers, and amphibious ships.
Naval Air Station Jacksonville
Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NAS Jax) sits about 10 miles southwest of downtown along the St. Johns River. Its stated mission, per the NAS Jacksonville Base Information page on cnic.navy.mil, is to "provide the premier platform for generating and projecting naval power from the shore." The station is home to more than 120 tenant commands, including Patrol Squadron Thirty (VP-30), the Navy's largest aviation squadron and the only Fleet Replacement Squadron for the P-8A Poseidon — the Navy's long-range maritime patrol and anti-submarine aircraft. NAS Jacksonville also hosts the mission control center for Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 (MQ-4C Triton), five MH-60R Romeo helicopter squadrons, and a Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) detachment supporting aviation maintenance across the fleet.
The key takeaway: NS Mayport is on the coast east of the city; NAS Jax is inland to the west. Knowing which base you are assigned to before you start your housing search will save you a lot of time.
Where to Live When PCSing to Mayport or NAS Jacksonville
Because the two bases sit on opposite sides of the metro, there is no single neighborhood that fits everyone. The communities below are arranged roughly by drive time from the coast inward. Times to Mayport and NAS Jax will differ — Atlantic Beach is a short drive to Mayport and a longer one to NAS Jax, while Orange Park flips that equation.
For more on neighborhoods near NAS Jacksonville specifically, see our guide to the best neighborhoods near NAS Jacksonville for military families.
Approximate one-way drive times. Actual times vary with traffic and which gate you use. Times reflect a midpoint estimate between the two bases.
Atlantic Beach
The closest community to NS Mayport, with the station's main gate essentially inside city limits. For Mayport sailors, the commute is as short as it gets — about 15 minutes. The area has a walkable beach-town feel and good dining. Housing costs more than inland options, and the drive to NAS Jax runs 40–45 minutes.
Neptune Beach
Just south of Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach shares the same coastal character with slightly more residential feel. About 18 minutes to Mayport; 35–40 minutes to NAS Jax.
Jacksonville Beach
A coastal resort city about 20 minutes from Mayport, with a range of housing options from condos to single-family homes. Strong beach access and a lively commercial strip. About 30–35 minutes to NAS Jax.
Jacksonville (City)
Jacksonville covers a wide range — it is the largest city by land area in the continental United States. Families at NAS Jax often favor the Westside, Mandarin, or Southside for 15–25 minute commutes. Families at Mayport often look at the Arlington and Regency areas on the Northside for more affordable housing with a manageable beach drive. A central city location averages about 20 minutes to either base.
Orange Park
In Clay County, southwest of downtown and close to NAS Jax — about 25 minutes. Orange Park is a consistent choice for NAS Jax families who want more home for the money and good schools. Mayport runs roughly 45–50 minutes from here.
Fleming Island
South of Orange Park in Clay County, with newer construction and well-rated schools. A strong option for NAS Jax families wanting space and quiet. About 30 minutes to NAS Jax; 50–55 minutes to Mayport.
Ponte Vedra
Southeast of Jacksonville in St. Johns County, Ponte Vedra and surrounding communities are known for highly rated schools and easy access to the beach and I-95. About 30 minutes to Mayport going north along the coast; a similar drive west to NAS Jax. St. Johns County schools are among the most in-demand in Florida.
BAH and the Cost of Living Near Jacksonville
If you live off base, the military helps cover your housing through BAH, which stands for Basic Allowance for Housing — a monthly, tax-free payment. The amount depends on your rank, whether you have dependents, and your duty station's Military Housing Area, or MHA. Both NS Mayport and NAS Jacksonville fall within the Jacksonville, Florida MHA.
Because rates change each year and vary by rank and dependent status, we do not publish a rate table here. Use the official DoD calculator — travel.dod.mil BAH Rate Lookup — and enter your rank and a Jacksonville ZIP code. Always confirm your rate before signing a lease or making an offer.
The typical home value in Jacksonville was about $287,325 as of May 2026, according to Zillow — a typical value, not a median sale price. Beach communities and St. Johns County run higher; the Westside and parts of the Northside are more affordable. As of the week of June 18, 2026, Freddie Mac reported the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 6.47 percent. If you are considering a VA loan (a home loan backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs), see what are the benefits of a VA loan and how does a 0-down VA loan work.
