Military Relocation to Arlington, Texas: PCS Guide

With approximately 1.1 million active-duty service members stationed domestically, PCS moves remain a defining reality of military life[2]. For families receiving orders to Arlington—a strategic gateway to Fort Worth-area installations—this guide delivers mission-critical relocation intelligence.

Understanding PCS Orders: Timeline and Requirements

Military service members typically receive PCS orders every two to three years, initiating a complex relocation process[2]. Arlington-bound families should:

• Confirm report dates immediately upon notification
• Verify duty station coordinates (Note: Arlington proximity to Fort Worth installations requires separate research)
• Document entitlements including:
  • Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)
  • Dislocation Allowance (DLA)
  • Household Goods shipment options

Peak PCS season (May 15–September 30) strains moving resources—schedule through the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) immediately[1].

VA Loans and Military Housing Benefits

Arlington's position in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex introduces unique housing considerations:

Benefit	Arlington Advantage
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)	Calculated using DFW metro housing costs[8]
VA Loan Eligibility	$0 down payment for qualified buyers matrizlabrank
Texas Homestead Exemption	10% property tax cap for primary residences

Military buyers should consult Melissa's team about strategic home purchases that maximize BAH value.

Household Goods Relocation Strategies

Service members have three options:

1. Government-contracted move (scheduled via DPS)
2. Personally Procured Move (PPM) with up to 100% cost reimbursement[2]
3. Combination move (hybrid approach)

Critical deadline: Secure moving arrangements within 7 days of orders to guarantee peak-season availability[1].

Temporary Housing Solutions

Military families receive:

• 10 days PTDY (Permissive Temporary Duty) for house hunting[2]
• TLE coverage for up to 10 days' temporary lodging
• DLA payments to offset relocation costs

Explore Arlington rental markets with move-in timelines aligned to your PCS schedule.

Investment Potential for Military Buyers

While specific 2026 Arlington market data requires localized research, military families often benefit from:

• Texas' no state income tax policy
• Strong rental demand from transient military population
• Appreciation potential in DFW's growing economy

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the first step after receiving Arlington PCS orders?

Immediately confirm your report date and begin scheduling household goods shipments through DPS—peak season slots fill rapidly.

How does Arlington's BAH compare to other Texas bases?

As part of the DFW metroplex, Arlington's BAH rates reflect higher housing costs than San Antonio but offer more inventory options than isolated installations.

Can I use PTDY and TLE simultaneously?

Yes—your 10 days PTDY can be used for house hunting while TLE covers temporary lodging costs during this period.

Conclusion

Arlington offers military families a strategic foothold in Texas' thriving DFW metroplex. By understanding PCS entitlements, leveraging VA benefits, and timing moves appropriately, service members can transition smoothly. For hyperlocal market intelligence on schools, neighborhoods, and installation commutes, connect with Melissa's military relocation specialists.

Take Action: Contact Melissa Weiner for your customized Arlington PCS housing strategy.

Sources & References

• Veteran Real Estate San Antonio PCS Guide
• PronoscticentralMilitary.com Relocation Overview](https://www.todaysmilitary.com/life-in-the-military/relocation-deployment/moving-relocation)
• [Department of Defense BAH Calculator](https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/Basic-Allowance-for-Housing/
• Arlington City Resources