--- title: >- PCS to Peterson and Schriever Space Force Bases: A 2026 Guide for Military Families slug: pcs-to-peterson-schriever-sfb-colorado-springs-2026-guide description: >- PCSing to Peterson or Schriever Space Force Base in 2026? Plain-language guide to housing, BAH, schools, and Space Force life east of Colorado Springs. publishedAt: '2026-04-19T09:00:00.000Z' updatedAt: '2026-06-22T00:00:00.000Z' author: VeteranPCS categories: - PCS Help - US Military Bases canonical: >- https://www.veteranpcs.com/blog/pcs-to-peterson-schriever-sfb-colorado-springs-2026-guide componentSlug: us-military-bases stateSlug: colorado --- # PCS to Peterson and Schriever Space Force Bases: A 2026 Guide for Military Families If you have orders to Peterson Space Force Base (SFB) or Schriever Space Force Base, you are heading to the eastern side of Colorado Springs — the prairie and plains side — home to some of the most mission-critical space operations in the U.S. military. This 2026 guide covers what to expect when you PCS (Permanent Change of Station) to Peterson or Schriever SFB: the mission, where to live, how housing pay works, schools, healthcare, and daily life in this corner of Colorado. Peterson and Schriever are the eastern anchors of the Colorado Springs military community. If you have orders to Fort Carson or the Air Force Academy, we have separate guides for those. ## What and Where Are Peterson and Schriever Space Force Bases? ### Peterson Space Force Base Peterson SFB sits on the eastern edge of Colorado Springs, directly adjacent to Colorado Springs Airport. It is the headquarters of [Space Operations Command](https://www.petersonschriever.spaceforce.mil/spacebasedelta1/), the U.S. Space Force major command responsible for commanding day-to-day space operations worldwide. Peterson is also home to [Space Base Delta 1](https://www.petersonschriever.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Article/326192/space-base-delta-1/) (SBD 1), the garrison command that provides base support for four Space Force Deltas and more than 114 mission partners across 19 worldwide locations. The base sits at roughly 6,200 feet elevation, close enough to the mountains to see Pikes Peak clearly, but set firmly against the eastern plains. ### Schriever Space Force Base Schriever SFB is about 17 miles east of Peterson, deep into El Paso County's open prairie. Its mission centers on missile warning, space domain awareness, and command and control of more than 170 Department of Defense satellites — the systems that underpin GPS, military communications, and early-warning networks. In 2026, Schriever is undergoing significant investment, including a planned [$250 million Space Force Operations Facility](https://www.cpr.org/2026/06/01/new-space-force-facility/). If "SBD 1" or the "821st Space Base Group" appears on your orders, that is the garrison structure covering both bases, plus Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station and Thule Air Base in Greenland. To see all Colorado installations in one place, start with our guide to [what military bases are in Colorado](/blog/what-military-bases-are-in-colorado). ## Where to Live When PCSing to Peterson or Schriever SFB The east side of Colorado Springs looks different from the west or south sides: open landscapes, prairie-style neighborhood footprints, and newer construction. Most families near Peterson and Schriever settle east of Interstate 25 or along the Powers Boulevard corridor. For how the other sides of Colorado Springs compare, see our companion posts on [PCS to Fort Carson](/blog/pcs-to-fort-carson-colorado-springs-2026-guide) (south side) and [PCS to the Air Force Academy](/blog/pcs-to-air-force-academy-colorado-springs-2026-guide) (north side). ![Approximate drive times from Colorado Springs–area communities to Peterson and Schriever Space Force Bases, including Security-Widefield, Fountain, Falcon, Peyton, and Ellicott.](/images/blog/pcs-to-peterson-schriever-sfb-colorado-springs-2026-guide/where-to-live.png) *Approximate one-way drive times to Peterson SFB main gate. Schriever adds roughly 15–20 minutes from most locations. Times vary with traffic.* ### Central Colorado Springs About 15 minutes from Peterson's gate, central Colorado Springs gives you the widest range of restaurants, shops, and amenities. Housing runs from older established neighborhoods to newer in-fill. A good pick if someone in your household works or attends school west of I-25. ### Security-Widefield Southeast of the city center, Security-Widefield is one of the most popular choices for Peterson and Schriever families. The commute to Peterson runs about 15 minutes, Schriever is reachable without a highway, and the area is affordable relative to the rest of the metro. Widefield School District 3 serves this area. ### Fountain About 20 minutes south of Peterson, Fountain is known mainly as the closest civilian community to Fort Carson — but it works well for Peterson or Schriever families willing to take Powers Boulevard north. Housing prices are among the lowest in the metro. ### Falcon Falcon is the community most naturally suited to Schriever. It sits along Highway 24 east of the city, about 20 minutes from Peterson and well under 30 to Schriever's gate. Newer construction, more square footage for the dollar, and a quieter feel characterize the area. Most of Falcon falls within Falcon School District 49, one of Colorado's fastest-growing districts. ### Peyton Farther east along Highway 24, Peyton is about 30 minutes from Peterson and close to Schriever. It appeals to families who want land and a small-town feel. A practical choice for service members assigned directly to Schriever. ### Ellicott Ellicott sits southeast of the city, about 30 minutes from Peterson with reasonable access to Schriever. It offers some of the metro's lowest prices for families who prioritize space and cost. ## BAH and the Cost of Living Near Peterson and Schriever SFB If you live off base, the military covers part of your housing costs through BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing), a monthly tax-free payment tied to your rank, dependent status, and duty station. Both Peterson and Schriever fall within the Colorado Springs Military Housing Area (MHA). Because rates change annually, use the official DoD BAH Rate Lookup at [travel.dod.mil](https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/Basic-Allowance-for-Housing/BAH-Rate-Lookup/) with your rank and ZIP code to find your exact figure. For a sense of buying costs, the typical home value in Colorado Springs was about $447,000 as of April 2026, according to [Zillow](https://www.zillow.com/home-values/394484/colorado-springs-co/) — a typical value, not a median sale price. Eastern communities like Falcon and Ellicott tend to run below that; central neighborhoods trend near or above it. As of the week of June 18, 2026, [Freddie Mac](https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms) reported the average 30-year fixed rate at 6.47 percent. VA loans (home loans backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs) are widely used in this market. Read [what are the benefits of a VA loan](/blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-a-va-loan) or [our complete guide to buying your first home with a VA loan](/blog/complete-guide-to-buying-your-first-home-with-a-va-loan) to get up to speed. For east-side listings and current pricing, ask Jason Anderson, a VeteranPCS agent in Colorado Springs, for current listings and prices. ## Schools Near Peterson and Schriever SFB Three main districts serve the eastern side of Colorado Springs. [Colorado Springs School District 11](https://www.d11.org/administration/aboutus) covers much of the central city, with a wide range of choice and specialty programs. Doherty High School holds a Purple Star designation for support of military-connected students. [Falcon School District 49](https://www.d49.org/discover-d49/about-district-49/district-map) covers 133 square miles of eastern El Paso County, including Falcon and Peyton. It is one of Colorado's fastest-growing districts, with multiple Purple Star schools — Falcon High School, Falcon Elementary School of Technology, and Meridian Ranch Elementary among them. Families in the Falcon and Peyton corridors will almost certainly land in District 49. [Widefield School District 3](https://www.wsd3.org/welcome-to-widefield) serves the Security-Widefield area. Mesa Ridge High School holds a Purple Star designation. Colorado's Purple Star program recognizes schools that provide targeted support to military-connected students navigating frequent moves. As of April 2026, 21 southern Colorado schools hold that designation, most of them near Colorado Springs installations. Always confirm the assigned school for any specific address before committing — boundaries shift. ## Healthcare: 21st Medical Group and Evans Army Community Hospital On-base medical care at Peterson SFB is provided by the [21st Medical Group (Space Base Delta 1)](https://peterson.tricare.mil/About-Us), the military treatment facility (MTF) serving both Peterson and Schriever. The 21st MDG offers primary care, flight medicine, and TRICARE enrollment support. TRICARE Prime enrollees call (719) 556-CARE on weekdays starting at 6:30 a.m. for appointments. Inpatient care and specialty referrals go to [Evans Army Community Hospital](https://evans.tricare.mil/) at Fort Carson, the 10th Medical Group at the Air Force Academy, or civilian network facilities depending on your TRICARE plan. Enroll at the [TRICARE Service Center in the 21st MDG](https://peterson.tricare.mil/Health-Services/Other/TRICARE-Operations-and-Patient-Administration-TOPA) on arrival and update your information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). Doing this early prevents gaps in care. TriWest: (888) 874-9378. ## Climate and Things to Do Colorado Springs sits at approximately 6,000 feet above sea level. The [National Weather Service office in Pueblo](https://www.weather.gov/pub/climateCosDailyNormalsRecords) describes the region as semi-arid — low humidity, plenty of sunshine, and four seasons. Snow falls but often melts quickly. If you are arriving from sea level, expect to feel the altitude the first week or two. Drink extra water and ease into hard exercise until your body adjusts. **Pikes Peak.** The 14,115-foot summit is visible from almost everywhere on the east side. Viewed from the eastern plains, the entire profile rises from flat grassland — a different perspective from the close-up approach on the west side. Road access via the Pikes Peak Highway is from the city's west side. **Garden of the Gods.** The red sandstone park is about 25–30 minutes from Peterson. Admission is free. One of the most visited spots in Colorado. **Peterson Air and Space Museum.** Located on base at 150 E. Ent Ave ([petemuseum.org](https://petemuseum.org/)), this is Colorado's oldest aviation museum, covering Air Defense Command, Aerospace Defense Command, and Air Force Space Command history. Sixteen aircraft and five missiles are on display in the outdoor airpark. Admission is free; non-DoD visitors need a visitor pass requested at least one day in advance. Open Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. **East-side open space.** Falcon Regional Park and the high prairie east of Schriever offer wide-open trails and big-sky terrain for families who prefer flat horizons over mountain switchbacks. ## Plan Your PCS to Peterson and Schriever SFB A smooth PCS starts with a timeline and the right contacts. Use [the ultimate PCS checklist and timeline for active-duty military personnel](/blog/the-ultimate-pcs-checklist-and-timeline-for-active-duty-military-personnel) to map out your move from orders to move-in day. Give yourself extra lead time if you are looking in the Falcon or eastern corridor — inventory moves quickly there. When you are ready to look at homes, ask Jason Anderson, a VeteranPCS agent in Colorado Springs, for current listings and prices. If you plan to use your VA loan benefit, connect with Jamie Fischer, a VeteranPCS lender in Colorado Springs. For agents and lenders across the state, [connect with our VeteranPCS network in Colorado](https://www.veteranpcs.com/colorado). Know another Space Force family with orders to the Colorado Springs area? Share this guide with your network so they can plan their move too. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What MHA covers Peterson and Schriever for BAH purposes? Both fall within the Colorado Springs Military Housing Area. Use the [DoD BAH Rate Lookup](https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/Basic-Allowance-for-Housing/BAH-Rate-Lookup/) with your rank and ZIP code to find your exact rate. ### Where do families typically live near Peterson vs. Schriever? Peterson families often choose central Colorado Springs, Security-Widefield, or Fountain. Schriever families tend to settle in Falcon or Peyton, which are closer to Schriever's eastern location. Security-Widefield splits the difference for both. ### What is Space Base Delta 1? SBD 1 is the garrison command for Peterson SFB, Schriever SFB, Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station, and Thule Air Base. It handles base support functions — housing, facilities, security — for all mission partners on those installations. If your orders reference SBD 1 or the 821st Space Base Group, you are arriving at Peterson. ### Which school district serves Falcon and the eastern communities? Falcon School District 49 covers most of eastern El Paso County, including Falcon and Peyton. It is one of Colorado's fastest-growing districts with multiple Purple Star schools. Widefield District 3 covers Security-Widefield. ### Does Peterson SFB have a medical facility? Yes. The 21st Medical Group provides primary care and TRICARE enrollment at Peterson. Inpatient care and specialty referrals go to Evans Army Community Hospital at Fort Carson or civilian network providers. Call (719) 556-CARE or visit [peterson.tricare.mil](https://peterson.tricare.mil/). ### Can civilians visit the Peterson Air and Space Museum? Yes. Admission is free, but non-DoD visitors need a visitor pass requested at least one day in advance. Open Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. See [petemuseum.org](https://petemuseum.org/). This content is for informational purposes. Consult a professional for personal financial decisions.