Fort Bliss, located in El Paso, Texas, is one of the largest military installations in the United States, spanning over 1.12 million acres across Texas and New Mexico. Home to the 1st Armored Division and numerous other units, Fort Bliss sees thousands of military families relocate each year through Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders. Whether you're arriving at Fort Bliss for your first assignment or preparing to move to your next duty station, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate every aspect of your military relocation.
At TREX RE LLC, we've worked with hundreds of military families over the years. We understand that PCS moves come with unique challenges—tight timelines, uncertainty about orders, the stress of coordinating a cross-country move while maintaining military duties, and the financial pressures of buying or selling a home on a military schedule. Our goal is to make your transition as smooth as possible, whether that means buying your home for cash so you can close quickly, connecting you with trusted local realtors, or providing guidance on the El Paso housing market.
This guide covers everything you need to know about relocating to or from Fort Bliss—from understanding the local housing market and BAH rates to selling your home quickly and finding the right neighborhood for your family. We've compiled insights from years of working with military families to give you the most practical, actionable information available.
Understanding Fort Bliss and El Paso
Fort Bliss has a rich history dating back to 1848, making it one of the oldest continuously active military posts in the United States. Today, it serves as the Army's premier installation for training and readiness, hosting major units including the 1st Armored Division, the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, and the William Beaumont Army Medical Center. The installation's massive size and diverse training capabilities make it a critical asset for national defense.
El Paso itself is a vibrant, multicultural city of nearly 700,000 people, making it the sixth-largest city in Texas. The city offers a unique blend of American and Mexican cultures, with Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, just across the Rio Grande. This binational metropolitan area creates a distinctive cultural experience you won't find anywhere else in the country. The cost of living in El Paso is significantly lower than many other military towns, which means your BAH goes further here than at installations in California, Virginia, or other high-cost areas.
Climate and Geography
El Paso enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year, with a desert climate that features hot summers and mild winters. The Franklin Mountains, which run through the center of the city, provide stunning natural beauty and excellent hiking opportunities. If you're coming from a humid climate, you'll appreciate the dry desert air, though you'll need to adjust to the intense summer heat and the importance of staying hydrated. The region's geography creates unique real estate considerations, which you can learn more about in our article on Franklin Mountains geography and its impact on El Paso.
Military Community and Support
The military community in El Paso is strong and supportive. With such a large military presence, you'll find that local businesses, schools, and organizations are accustomed to working with military families. The installation offers extensive support services including the Army Community Service (ACS), Military OneSource, and various family readiness groups. Off-post, you'll find numerous veteran-owned businesses and organizations dedicated to supporting service members and their families.
Fort Bliss Quick Facts
Size
1.12 million acres (largest Army installation)
Population
~40,000 military personnel + families
Major Units
1st Armored Division, 32nd AAMDC
Medical
William Beaumont Army Medical Center
Housing Options for Military Families
When PCSing to Fort Bliss, you have several housing options to consider. Each has its advantages depending on your family situation, financial goals, and how long you expect to be stationed here. Understanding these options will help you make the best decision for your family.
On-Post Housing
Fort Bliss offers privatized housing managed by Corvias Military Living. On-post housing eliminates the commute, provides a built-in military community, and simplifies budgeting since your BAH goes directly to housing. The neighborhoods on post range from older, established areas to newer construction. Wait times vary by rank and family size, so it's important to get on the waiting list early if you're considering this option.
Advantages of on-post housing include proximity to work, no utility bills (covered by BAH), maintenance handled by the housing office, and a secure environment for families. However, some families prefer the independence and investment potential of off-post housing.
Renting Off-Post
Renting is a popular choice for military families, especially those on shorter assignments or who prefer flexibility. El Paso offers a wide range of rental options, from apartments to single-family homes. The Northeast side of El Paso, closest to Fort Bliss, has the most rental inventory catering to military families. Areas like Horizon City, Northeast El Paso, and the newer master-planned communities offer convenient access to the installation.
When renting, look for landlords experienced with military tenants who understand the Military Clause (allowing lease termination with PCS orders). Your BAH at Fort Bliss is competitive, and you can often find quality rentals within your allowance. If you're interested in renting, check out our available rental properties in El Paso.
Buying a Home
Many military families choose to buy homes at Fort Bliss, taking advantage of VA loan benefits and El Paso's affordable housing market. With median home prices significantly below the national average, your BAH can often cover a mortgage payment with room to spare. This makes homeownership an attractive option for building equity and wealth.
The VA loan program offers significant advantages for military buyers: no down payment required, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), competitive interest rates, and more flexible credit requirements. If you're considering buying, work with a lender experienced in VA loans and a realtor who understands military timelines. We can connect you with trusted professionals—just fill out the form above or learn more about hiring a realtor in El Paso.
Pro Tip: Consider Your Assignment Length
Financial experts generally recommend buying only if you plan to stay at least 3-4 years. This allows time to build equity and offset transaction costs. However, El Paso's affordable market and strong rental demand mean you could potentially keep the property as a rental investment if you PCS before that timeframe.
Best Neighborhoods for Military Families
Choosing the right neighborhood is crucial for your family's quality of life during your assignment. El Paso offers diverse communities, each with unique characteristics. Here are the most popular areas for military families:
Northeast El Paso
The most popular choice for Fort Bliss families due to proximity to the installation. Features newer construction, good schools, and family-friendly amenities. Communities like Tierra Este, Montwood, and Pebble Hills offer excellent value. Commute times to most areas of Fort Bliss are 10-20 minutes.
Horizon City
A rapidly growing community east of El Paso with affordable new construction and a small-town feel. Slightly longer commute (20-30 minutes) but offers more space and newer homes for the money. Popular with families seeking larger lots and quieter neighborhoods.
West Side / Upper Valley
El Paso's most established and upscale neighborhoods. Features excellent schools (Coronado High School district), mountain views, and mature landscaping. Longer commute to Fort Bliss (30-45 minutes) but preferred by families prioritizing school quality and neighborhood character.
East Side
More affordable options with easy access to Fort Bliss. Mix of older established neighborhoods and some newer development. Good choice for budget-conscious families or those seeking investment properties. Strong sense of community with diverse cultural influences.
For more detailed information about El Paso's growing communities, read our article on Northeast El Paso master-planned communities, which covers the newest developments popular with military families.
Need to Sell Your Home Before PCS?
We understand military timelines don't wait. If you need to sell quickly before your PCS date, we can make a fair cash offer and close on your schedule—even in as little as 7 days.
- No repairs or cleaning needed
- Close on your PCS timeline
- No realtor commissions
- We handle all paperwork
Get Your Cash Offer
Fast, fair offers for military families
Selling Your Home When PCSing from Fort Bliss
Receiving PCS orders often means you need to sell your home quickly—sometimes within weeks. This time pressure can be stressful, but you have options. Understanding your choices will help you make the best decision for your family's financial situation.
Option 1: Traditional Sale with a Realtor
If you have 60-90 days or more before you need to close, a traditional sale through a realtor typically yields the highest sale price. El Paso's market is generally favorable for sellers, and a good agent can help you maximize your return. However, traditional sales come with uncertainty—deals can fall through due to financing issues, inspection problems, or buyer cold feet.
For military sellers, we recommend working with agents experienced in military relocations who understand PCS timelines and can market your home aggressively. We've built relationships with excellent local agents and are happy to provide referrals.
Option 2: Sell to a Cash Buyer
When time is critical, selling to a cash buyer like TREX RE LLC offers certainty and speed. We can close in as little as 7-14 days, work around your PCS schedule, and buy your home as-is—no repairs, cleaning, or staging required. While you'll receive less than full market value (we're investors who need to make a profit), the convenience and certainty can be worth the trade-off.
Cash sales are particularly valuable when you're facing tight timelines, your home needs repairs you can't afford or don't have time to complete, or you simply want the certainty of a guaranteed closing. We've helped many military families avoid the stress of trying to sell while managing a PCS move.
Option 3: Keep as a Rental Property
Some military families choose to keep their El Paso home as a rental investment. With Fort Bliss creating constant demand for rentals, this can be a viable wealth-building strategy. However, being a long-distance landlord has challenges—you'll need a property manager, and you should be prepared for vacancies, maintenance issues, and the responsibilities of being a landlord.
If you're considering this option, we can discuss property management solutions or make you an offer if you later decide to sell. Many military families start as landlords but eventually decide to sell when the hassle outweighs the benefits. Learn more about selling rental properties if you're in this situation.
| Factor | Traditional Sale | Cash Buyer | Keep as Rental |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timeline | 60-90+ days | 7-14 days | N/A |
| Sale Price | Highest | Below market | N/A (rental income) |
| Certainty | Medium | High | Ongoing commitment |
| Repairs Needed | Usually yes | No | Yes (for tenants) |
| Your Effort | Moderate | Minimal | Ongoing |
| Best For | Time available, max value | Tight timeline, certainty | Long-term investment |
BAH Rates and Financial Considerations
Understanding your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is essential for making smart housing decisions at Fort Bliss. BAH rates are calculated based on local housing costs and vary by pay grade and dependency status. El Paso's BAH rates are moderate compared to coastal installations, but the lower cost of living means your allowance goes further here.
Making Your BAH Work for You
Many military families at Fort Bliss find they can pocket some of their BAH by choosing housing below their allowance. This is easier in El Paso than in high-cost areas. For example, an E-6 with dependents might receive enough BAH to afford a nice home in Northeast El Paso while still having money left over for savings or other expenses.
When buying a home, your BAH can often cover a mortgage payment with room to spare, especially if you use a VA loan with no down payment. This makes homeownership accessible for many military families and can be a smart wealth-building strategy. Just be sure to factor in property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs when calculating affordability. For information on property taxes, check out our guide on El Paso Central Appraisal District (EPCAD).
Important: Verify Current BAH Rates
BAH rates are updated annually and can change. Always verify current rates on the Defense Travel Management Office website before making housing decisions. Rates can increase or decrease based on local market conditions.
Schools and Family Resources
For military families with children, school quality is often a top priority when choosing where to live. El Paso has several school districts, each with different strengths and characteristics. Understanding your options will help you choose the right neighborhood for your family.
El Paso Area School Districts
El Paso Independent School District (EPISD)
The largest district, covering central and west El Paso. Includes highly-rated schools like Coronado High School. Known for strong academic programs and diverse student body.
Socorro Independent School District (SISD)
Covers the east and southeast areas, including many neighborhoods popular with military families. Fast-growing district with newer facilities and strong community involvement.
Ysleta Independent School District (YISD)
Serves the Lower Valley and parts of east El Paso. Offers various magnet and specialty programs. Strong bilingual education options.
Clint Independent School District
Covers Horizon City and surrounding areas. Smaller district with a community feel. Growing rapidly with new school construction.
Military Family Support Resources
Fort Bliss offers extensive support services for military families. Army Community Service (ACS) provides relocation assistance, financial counseling, employment help for spouses, and family programs. The installation has excellent childcare facilities, youth programs, and recreational opportunities. Off-post, El Paso's military-friendly community offers additional resources through veteran organizations and support groups.
Spouse employment can be challenging with frequent moves, but El Paso offers opportunities in healthcare, education, retail, and government sectors. The installation's Spouse Employment Program can help with job searches and career development.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Military relocations come with unique challenges. Here's how to address the most common issues families face when PCSing to or from Fort Bliss:
Tight Timelines
PCS orders often come with short notice, leaving little time to sell a home. If you're facing a tight deadline, consider a cash sale for certainty, or work with an aggressive realtor who can price your home to sell quickly.
Solution: Contact us immediately when you receive orders. We can provide a cash offer within 24 hours and close on your timeline.
Home Needs Repairs
Years of military life can leave homes needing updates or repairs. If you don't have time or money to fix issues before selling, a cash buyer can purchase as-is.
Solution: We buy homes in any condition. No repairs, cleaning, or staging required. Learn more about selling distressed properties.
Underwater on Mortgage
Some military families find themselves owing more than their home is worth, especially if they bought during a market peak. This complicates selling and can require bringing money to closing.
Solution: Explore options like short sales, loan modifications, or renting until equity builds. We can discuss your specific situation and help you understand your options.
Long-Distance Coordination
Managing a home sale while already at your new duty station is challenging. Coordinating showings, inspections, and closing from across the country adds stress.
Solution: Cash sales simplify this significantly—one visit, minimal paperwork, and we handle everything. If listing traditionally, ensure your agent can manage the process remotely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can you buy my house before I PCS?
We can close in as little as 7 days, though 14-21 days is more typical. We work around your PCS schedule and can coordinate closing even if you've already relocated. We've closed deals with service members who were already at their new duty station.
Do you work with VA loans if I'm buying?
We're cash buyers, so we don't use financing when purchasing. However, if you're looking to buy a home in El Paso, we can connect you with lenders experienced in VA loans and realtors who understand military buyers.
What if I have tenants in my property?
We buy properties with tenants in place. You don't need to wait for leases to expire or deal with evictions. We'll handle the tenant situation after closing.
What areas around Fort Bliss do you buy in?
We buy properties throughout El Paso County, including Northeast El Paso, Horizon City, the East Side, West Side, and all areas popular with military families. We also buy in surrounding areas of New Mexico near Fort Bliss.
Is there any cost or obligation to get an offer?
Absolutely not. Getting a cash offer from us is completely free with no obligation. We'll evaluate your property, make a fair offer, and you decide if it works for your situation. No pressure, no sales tactics.
What if my home has title issues or liens?
We have experience with complicated title situations and can often still purchase properties with issues that would derail traditional sales. Learn more about how we handle title issues.
Thank You for Your Service
We're honored to support military families during PCS transitions. Whether you need to sell quickly, find housing, or just want advice about the El Paso market, we're here to help.
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Prefer to talk? Call us directly:
(915) 206-5814