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Housing and Services: On‑Post Living

The Army Housing Office (AHO) is your first stop for housing questions and options in the Carlisle area. They provide unbiased information about both on‑post student neighborhoods and off‑post rentals so you can choose what works best for your family and budget.

For help comparing options or reviewing a lease, contact the AHO:

  • Location: Shughart Hall, 460 Sumner Road, Carlisle, PA 17013

  • Phone: 717‑245‑4959 or 717‑245‑3322 (DSN 242)

  • Email: usarmy.carlisle.id-training.mbx.amim-clb-pwh@army.mil

On-post housing

Balfour Beatty Communities has been the Army's Privatization Partner for Family Housing at Carlisle Barracks since 2006.

Carlisle Barracks Homes student neighborhoods make collegial get-togethers, children's friendships, and walking access to the Army War College and post services easy. There are 152 dedicated student homes within four neighborhoods-

  • The Meadows
  • Heritage Heights
  • Young Hall
  • Forbes Avenue

These homes range in styles from two-story duplexes to spacious single-level historic homes. BBC has several homes built to Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards. These UFAS homes were constructed to be either accessible or readily modifiable. BBC also has a limited number of homes with fenced yards. Applicants with specific requirements for a UFAS home or a fenced yard should contact BBC immediately after applying.

For additional information regarding homes available with Balfour Beatty Communities, please visit Carlisle Barracks Homes at https://www.carlislebarrackshomes.com, the Carlisle Barracks Homes Facebook site http://www.facebook.com/CarlisleBarracksHomes or contact directly at (717) 243-7177.

Off-post housing

There are many rental options within a short drive of Carlisle Barracks and some within walking distance.

Off-post rental information may be found at www.HOMES.mil. Listings include available community rentals, shared rentals, rooms for rent, furnished or unfurnished, and temporary lodging. Note: HOMES.mil landlords and property managers have agreed to understand the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, which as a federal law, provides extra protections for our military community.

Military members are required, and civilians are encouraged to contact the AHO before deciding to rent, lease or purchase off-post housing. Our HSO is available to provide you with the personalized assistance you desire. Students are advised not to send security deposits before receiving official assignment orders.

For additional information and assistance, please contact the Army Housing Office via email at usarmy.carlisle.id-training.mbx.amim-clb-pwh@army.mil; or Commercial Phone at (520) 673-7870 / 7742.

Who gets on‑post student housing first

Student assignments to on‑post homes follow a clear priority:

  1. Military students (U.S. and international) accompanied by family members

  2. Unaccompanied military students (geo‑bachelors and other unaccompanied personnel)

  3. Civilian students

Incoming students can indicate their interest in sharing occupancy (for example, geo‑bachelor arrangements) when they apply for on‑post housing through the Online In‑Processing Portal before the stated deadline.

Special needs and accommodations

If your family has Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) requirements or needs specific accommodations, identify those needs when you apply for on‑post housing so the AHO and Balfour Beatty can help match you with an appropriate home.

Shared housing options

Students who are unaccompanied or geo‑bachelors may request to share on‑post housing with other students. You can indicate your interest in shared occupancy within the Online In‑Processing housing application, and the Housing Office can advise you on options and expectations.

Shared housing can help reduce costs and build community, but it should be requested early because the number of suitable homes is limited.

Understanding housing costs and BAH

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for Carlisle Barracks depend on your grade and dependency status. Students considering off‑post housing should review current BAH tables and compare with local rents and utilities.

You can look up BAH rates for Carlisle Barracks at the official DoD site https://www.carlislehousing.com/bah-rates or consult with AHO for help translating rates into realistic monthly housing budgets.

Garrison Services

A-Z guide to garrison services at Carlisle Barracks, All Services: U.S. Army Carlisle Barracks, e.g., USAWC Memorial Chapel, DEERS/ ID Card Section, Army Community Service Office, and more.

Carlisle Barracks is an Army post that honors its military tradition and has the beauty, charm, and convenience of a college campus. The small post is organized into sectors: retail area (Commissary, Exchange/ Class VI, Exchange vendors like laundry/dry cleaners, and more); youth area (anchored by the Delaney Clubhouse on one end, the McConnell Youth Center on the other, with the Moore Child Development Center and youth sports field in between); the medical-dental center; a campus-wide set of fitness opportunities; and recreational venues scattered throughout the post and adjoining (bowling, golf, movie theater, and LVCC's Pershing's Tavern, Tiki Bar).

Post Chapel
The Post Chapel supports Catholic and Protestant congregations and services and can guide you to religious services throughout the region. For more information visit https://home.army.mil/carlisle/index.php/Carlisle-Barracks/all-services/us-army-war-college-memorial-chapel.

Apart from regular services and activities the following seasonal events are available:

  • Vacation Bible School is offered July 27 - 31. Register by calling (571) 821-7512.
  • A variety of family enrichment opportunities are offered throughout the year.

Commissary and Exchange

  • The Commissary is open six days a week (closed on Mondays) and features a bakery, custom photo cakes, deli, and fresh sandwiches to go, party cakes, rotisserie chickens and sushi.
  • The Exchange complex here features a food court, barbershop, optical center, Dunham Army Health Center Pharmacy pick-up site, and LIMITED clothing sales. There are more uniform options (Army only) available at Ft. Indiantown Gap
  • The Class VI is located inside of the Exchange and is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat and Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m..
 

CYS/CDC

The Sgt. Andrew McConnell Youth Center is a modern facility designed with recommendations by former Youth Services members -- a demonstration kitchen for cooking classes and a gym with a sports court that can be used interchangeably for roller-skating, roller hockey, and basketball. The Youth Center is on Bouquet Road, in the Family Section of post: YS, CDC, sports fields, and Delaney Club House.

The Moore Child Development Center is fully accredited by multiple authorities to offer care for children 6 weeks through pre-school age and part-day programs for kindergartners. Hourly care programs are available and ready to help relieve some of the stress when trying to juggle the family calendar. The CDC may be open to registered Families during after-hours student social events.

See the Family section for details about registration, which is required for all CYS/CDC activities except the Welcome Jams, which are open to all, regardless of on-base/off-base lodging.

Morale, Welfare and Recreation

MWR is committed to supporting resilience in the military community through fitness and recreation. See more details about fitness in the Health and Fitness section of the Carlisle Experience pages.

  • The Splash Zone Swimming Pool for cool summertime fun. Located behind the Letort View Community Center and offers a large slide, separate baby pool, and splash pad. A sand volleyball court is available on a first-come, first-served basis during pool hours of operation. Volleyballs are available at the snack bar, or you may bring your own. (571) 821-7799
  • The Carlisle Barracks Golf Course, 920 Jim Thorpe Rd, Carlisle, is one of the finest in Cumberland Valley. It measures more than 6,300 yards, has a par 72, and is fully irrigated, with a normal golfing season from April - November. It also features a recently constructed practice facility that includes a driving range, practice putting green, and a green with a bunker. The golf course running/walking track is popular and beautiful and connects to the Army Heritage and Education Trail for added interest. (717) 243-3262 https://www.facebook.com/CarlisleBaracksGolfCourse/
  • Strike Zone Bowling Center offers six synthetic lanes, automatic scoring, bumper bowling, a pro shop, and Strike Zone Pizza. Popular with bowling leagues and kids’ parties. (571) 821-7775
  • Outdoor Recreation offers easy access to skiing, indoor rock climbing, cycling, white water rafting, camping, or mountain climbing, to name a few. Call (571) 821-7930 for more information.
  • The Barracks Crossing Engraving Studio offers a variety of personalized gift items, trophies, custom-designed and scanned images, logos, branch or insignia souvenirs, and memorabilia, all laser engraved on coated metals and plastics. https://carlisle.armymwr.com/programs/arts-crafts-center
  • The Barracks Crossing Automotive Center at Carlisle Barracks offers do-it-yourself and full-service car repair services including state inspections, oil changes and more. https://carlisle.armymwr.com/programs/barracks-crossing-automotiv-center
  • The Letort View Community Center offers a venue for weddings, anniversaries, conferences, retirement ceremonies, or other special occasions. It features more than 15,000 square feet of flexible meeting/banquet space, an outside pavilion with a poolside bar, and dedicated professional catering.

Insider housing tips

  • Apply early in the Online In‑Processing Portal. On‑post housing starts with the Online In‑Processing Portal, not a separate form. If you submit by early April, you’re in the first round of assignments that Balfour Beatty Communities (BBC) makes before they move to a rolling, first‑come process based on Army priority.

  • Know the priority order. When BBC reviews applications after the initial round, they follow a clear order:

    1. Military students accompanied by family,

    2. Unaccompanied military students (including geo‑bachelors),

    3. Civilian students.
      BBC usually finishes military assignments in early May, and then begins making offers to civilians.

  • Flag shared housing upfront. If you’re a geo‑bachelor or open to sharing, say so directly on your on‑post housing application in the portal before the April 8 cut‑off. Indicating interest early makes it easier for housing to match you with a compatible arrangement.

  • Call out EFMP and special needs early. Balfour Beatty has a limited number of homes with fenced yards and homes built to Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards. If your family has EFMP requirements or specific accessibility needs, identify them clearly on your application and follow up with the Community Management Office so you’re considered for the right homes from the start.

  • Plan for a few household items. On‑post homes do not come with everything. Residents are expected to provide their own fire extinguisher and microwave oven, so factor those into your move‑in checklist.

  • Pick the neighborhood that fits your style.

    • Heritage Heights and The Meadows (built 2009–2014) feel like newer, open‑plan family neighborhoods: two‑car garages, central air, solid-surface flooring on the first floor, master suites, two‑and‑a‑half baths, wide hallways, covered porches, and extra storage. Several homes are built to be accessible or easily modified.

    • Young Hall offers historic charm with one‑level convenience. These 26 homes were renovated in 2006 and have central air, open floor plans, two full baths, modern kitchens, storage areas, and shared exterior porches/balconies, inviting lobbies, and elevators.

  • Pets are welcome—with a few caveats. All on‑post homes are pet friendly, up to two pets per household. There is a non‑refundable pet fee of $150 per pet due at move‑in, and certain breeds are restricted, so check the current list on the Carlisle Barracks Homes website before you finalize plans.

  • Use Delaney Field Clubhouse as your “third place.” Residents can use Delaney Field Clubhouse for everyday life and special events: an internet café area, a kid’s room, a conference room, a kitchen, and a community room. The kitchen and community room are available to rent for private events, which makes it a go‑to spot for seminar gatherings, birthday parties, and farewell events.