Receiving PCS orders to Fairchild Air Force Base near Spokane, Washington is an exciting opportunity — and one that comes with a lot of questions about housing, neighborhoods, schools, and the local real estate market. Whether you're an active-duty service member, a military spouse, or a veteran transitioning out of the Air Force, this guide is designed to help you navigate the Spokane real estate market with confidence.

At The Fowler Group | EXP Realty, we specialize in working with military families PCSing to and from Fairchild AFB. We understand your unique timeline, your VA loan benefits, and the specific neighborhoods that work best for the military community in and around Spokane. We're here to make your move as smooth as possible — no matter how short your window is.

About Fairchild Air Force Base

Fairchild AFB is located approximately 12 miles west of downtown Spokane, Washington, just off US-2. It is home to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing and the 141st Air Refueling Wing (Washington Air National Guard), and serves as a major installation in the Pacific Northwest. The base supports thousands of active-duty military members, DoD civilians, and their families, making the surrounding Spokane metro area a well-established military community.

The Spokane region offers a genuinely high quality of life — four distinct seasons, outdoor recreation ranging from skiing and hiking to lake days and river floating, a thriving food and coffee scene, and a much lower cost of living than most other major military installation areas. For families PCSing in from high-cost-of-living areas like California, Virginia, or Hawaii, Spokane often comes as a very pleasant surprise.

On-Base Housing vs. Off-Base Housing Near Fairchild AFB

One of the first decisions you'll face when PCSing to Fairchild is whether to live on base or off base. Here's a quick overview of both options:

On-Base Housing

On-base housing at Fairchild is managed by Hunt Military Communities and offers a range of floor plans for families of various sizes. Waitlists can vary significantly depending on rank and family size — some families get in quickly, others wait months. If you're considering on-base housing, submit your application as early as possible, even before your official PCS date.

Off-Base Housing: Renting

Many military families choose to rent off base while getting to know the area before committing to a purchase. Spokane has a strong rental market, and neighborhoods like Airway Heights, Medical Lake, and Cheney are all popular choices for military renters due to their proximity to the base and affordable price points. Expect average rents for a 3-bedroom home in these areas to range from approximately $1,400–$2,200/month depending on condition and location.

Off-Base Housing: Buying

For many military families, buying a home off base is the smartest long-term financial move — especially with VA loan benefits available. Purchasing allows you to build equity during your tour, and in a market like Spokane, many families come out ahead even on a 3-year assignment. We'll discuss VA loans and the buying process in detail below.

Best Neighborhoods Near Fairchild AFB for Military Families

Spokane and the surrounding communities offer a wide range of options for military families depending on your priorities — commute time, school district, budget, or lifestyle. Here are the most popular areas:

Airway Heights

Airway Heights sits just outside the west gate of Fairchild AFB, making it the closest community to the base. It's a rapidly growing city with new construction homes, affordable pricing, and a tight-knit military-friendly community feel. Many service members choose Airway Heights for the ultra-short commute and the sense of community among fellow military families.

Medical Lake

Medical Lake is a charming small town about 10 minutes south of Fairchild, known for its peaceful lakes, strong schools, and relaxed pace of life. It's a favorite for families looking for a quieter setting with easy base access. Home prices are generally affordable, with many single-family homes available in the $280,000–$420,000 range.

Cheney

Home to Eastern Washington University, Cheney is a college town with a lively atmosphere, walkable downtown, and excellent schools. It's roughly 15–20 minutes from the main gate and offers a nice balance of small-town charm and amenities. Cheney also tends to have strong rental demand, which is a consideration if you're thinking about keeping the property as an investment after PCS.

Spokane

For families who want more options in terms of restaurants, shopping, schools, and entertainment, the South Hill and Eagle Ridge neighborhoods offer quick access to the full metro area while still being a reasonable commute to base (15–25 minutes). The South Hill is known for it's older homes with character with a wonderful walking community. Eagle Ridge is known for newer construction with community parks and trails. 

Spokane Valley

Many military families are drawn to the Spokane Valley community. Homes tend to be a lower price point while offering great schools and a shorter commute thanks to quick access to the freeway.

North Spokane / Deer Park / Colbert

Families seeking acreage, a rural lifestyle, or newer construction often look north of the city toward areas like Deer Park, Colbert, and Mead. These areas are farther from base (30–40 minutes) but offer more land, newer developments, and the wide-open Pacific Northwest landscape that many families fall in love with.

Using Your VA Loan at Fairchild AFB

If you have VA loan eligibility, using it in the Spokane market is one of the best financial moves you can make. Here's what you need to know:

• No down payment required: Eligible veterans and active-duty service members can purchase a home with zero down payment, making homeownership accessible even when cash is tight after a move.
• No private mortgage insurance (PMI): Unlike conventional loans with less than 20% down, VA loans do not require PMI, saving you hundreds of dollars per month.
• Competitive interest rates: VA loans consistently offer some of the lowest interest rates available in the mortgage market.
• Flexible qualification standards: VA loans are generally more forgiving on credit scores and debt-to-income ratios than conventional financing.
• VA loan limits in Spokane County: With full entitlement, there is no VA loan limit — meaning you can purchase at any price point without a down payment (subject to lender approval and income qualification).

The Fowler Group works closely with VA-approved lenders who specialize in military borrowers and understand the unique aspects of PCS purchases — including tight timelines, remote signings, and power of attorney situations. We can connect you with a trusted VA lender as your first step.

BAH at Fairchild AFB: What Is Your Housing Allowance?

Your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a critical piece of your home-buying or renting budget. BAH rates at Fairchild AFB are set for the Spokane, WA metropolitan area and vary by pay grade and dependency status. In general, BAH at Fairchild is well-suited to cover a quality off-base rental or contribute meaningfully toward a mortgage payment in the area.

Because Spokane's cost of living is relatively affordable compared to many other military installation markets, many service members find that their BAH covers — or comes close to covering — their full housing costs when buying or renting in the areas closest to base. We always recommend sitting down with a VA lender to understand exactly what your BAH, base pay, and other allowances mean for your purchasing power.

The PCS Buying Timeline: How to Buy a Home Remotely or Quickly

One of the most common challenges military families face is the compressed timeline that comes with a PCS move. You may have as little as 30–60 days from orders to report date, which means you need to move fast — and strategically. Here's how The Fowler Group helps military buyers navigate this:

Step 1: Get Pre-Approved for Your VA Loan

Before anything else, connect with a VA-approved lender and get your pre-approval letter. This tells you exactly what you can afford and makes your offers competitive in Spokane's market. Your pre-approval can often be started and completed remotely.

Step 2: Start Your Search Remotely

We work with military buyers who are still stationed across the country or overseas. We can send you detailed video walkthroughs, FaceTime live tours, and neighborhood overview videos so you can narrow down your list before you ever set foot in Spokane. Many of our military clients arrive in town having already identified their top 3–5 homes.

Step 3: Schedule a Home-Finding Trip

If at all possible, a home-finding trip to Spokane before your PCS date is highly recommended. Even 3–4 days allows you to tour homes, drive the commute routes, explore neighborhoods, and make an informed decision. The Fowler Group will coordinate your entire visit to maximize your time on the ground.

Step 4: Make an Offer and Go Under Contract

Once you've found your home, we'll craft a competitive offer that leverages your VA benefits and protects your interests. We're experienced with VA appraisal requirements and know how to negotiate VA-friendly terms with sellers.

Step 5: Close — Even Remotely If Needed

Can't be in Spokane for closing? No problem. We regularly coordinate remote closings and power of attorney signings for military clients who are still at their current duty station. Your VA lender and title company will work with us to make it seamless.

PCSing Out of Fairchild AFB: Selling Your Home

Receiving orders out of Fairchild? The Fowler Group is equally experienced helping military homeowners sell — often on a tight, military-mandated timeline. Here's what to know:

• Start early: As soon as you have an indication of upcoming orders, reach out to us for a no-obligation home value assessment. Knowing your equity position helps you plan.
• Pricing strategy matters: Spokane's market can move quickly, but overpricing kills days on market. We use hyper-local data to price your home to sell fast and for top dollar.
• Consider your options: Depending on your equity, timeline, and financial situation, you may want to sell outright, or you may want to explore keeping the home as a rental investment while at your next duty station. We can walk you through both scenarios.
• SCRA and military protections: The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides certain protections regarding lease termination, mortgage interest caps, and more. We'll make sure you're aware of every protection available to you.

Spokane Schools Near Fairchild AFB

School quality is one of the top concerns for military families during a PCS move. The Spokane area offers a range of public school districts near Fairchild AFB, including:

• Cheney School District — Consistently strong academics, serving families in Cheney and surrounding areas. A popular choice for military families.
• Medical Lake School District — A smaller, tight-knit district with a strong reputation for community involvement and student support.
• Spokane School District — The largest district in the region, with a wide range of schools including magnet and specialty programs.
• Mead School District — Highly regarded district serving North Spokane, known for strong academics and well-rounded programs.
• Central Valley School District — Serving the Spokane Valley area with solid schools and a growing community.

We're happy to help you identify which neighborhoods feed into specific schools that best match your family's needs and priorities.

Why Military Families Choose The Fowler Group

The Fowler Group at EXP Realty has deep roots in the Spokane military community. Danielle Fowler and her team understand that a PCS move isn't just a real estate transaction — it's a life transition that involves your family, your finances, your timeline, and your service. We bring:

• Experience with VA loans, military timelines, and remote/virtual home purchases
• In-depth knowledge of every neighborhood near Fairchild AFB
• A network of trusted VA lenders, inspectors, and contractors who respect military schedules
• Honest, straightforward guidance — no pressure, no surprises
• A genuine commitment to the military community and those who serve

Whether you're inbound to Spokane, preparing to PCS out, or just starting to research your options, we'd love to connect. There is no obligation — just honest information and a team that's genuinely on your side.

✉ Contact The Fowler Group — Your Fairchild AFB Real Estate Experts

Frequently Asked Questions: PCS to Fairchild AFB

How far in advance should I start looking for a home near Fairchild AFB?

Ideally, begin your home search 60–90 days before your report date. Even if you can't close until you arrive, getting pre-approved and narrowing your search remotely puts you in a much stronger position when you land in Spokane.

Can I buy a home near Fairchild AFB before I arrive in Spokane?

Yes — and we help military families do this regularly. Through video tours, live FaceTime walkthroughs, and remote closings, you can go under contract and even close before setting foot in Spokane. Reach out early so we have time to prepare.

Is Spokane a good real estate market for military investment?

Spokane has historically been a stable and appreciating real estate market with strong rental demand — in large part because of the steady military population at Fairchild AFB. Many service members choose to keep their Spokane home as a rental after PCSing out, creating a long-term investment asset. We can help you evaluate whether buying vs. renting makes sense for your specific situation.

What is the average home price near Fairchild AFB?

Home prices vary by area and property type. In communities like Airway Heights and Medical Lake, entry-level single-family homes typically start in the mid-$200,000s to low-$300,000s. In more established Spokane neighborhoods or newer construction areas, prices typically range from $350,000 to $550,000+. Your VA loan eligibility, BAH, and income will determine what range makes the most sense for your household.

Assumable VA Loans: A Hidden Advantage for Military Buyers and Sellers Near Fairchild AFB

One of the most powerful — and most overlooked — benefits available to military families is the assumable VA loan. If you're PCSing to Spokane in today's market, understanding how assumable loans work could save you tens of thousands of dollars. And if you're PCSing out and have an existing VA loan, it could make your home dramatically easier to sell.

What Is an Assumable VA Loan?

An assumable loan is one where the buyer takes over the seller's existing mortgage — including its original interest rate, remaining balance, and loan terms. VA loans are assumable by law, which means any qualified buyer (not just veterans) can assume a VA loan with lender approval.

Here's why this matters right now: if a seller locked in a VA loan at 2.5% to 3.5% a few years ago, a buyer who assumes that loan gets to keep that rate — even if today's market rates are significantly higher. In a high-rate environment, that's a massive financial advantage.

How the Numbers Work

Let's say a home is priced at $450,000 and the seller has an existing VA loan with a $380,000 remaining balance at 3.0%. The buyer would assume that $380,000 balance at 3.0% and pay the $70,000 difference in cash or through a second loan. Compared to financing the full $450,000 at a market rate of 6.5% or higher, the monthly savings can be $800 – $1,200 per month — or more.

Benefits for Military Buyers Assuming a VA Loan

• Below-market interest rate: Inherit the seller's original rate, which could be 2–4% lower than current market rates — saving hundreds per month.
• Lower funding fee: The VA funding fee on an assumption is just 0.5%, significantly lower than the standard purchase funding fee.
• Reduced closing costs: No new appraisal is required in many cases, and loan origination fees are minimal.
• Open to all buyers: Non-veterans can also assume a VA loan, which broadens the pool of sellers willing to offer assumable terms.

Important Considerations for VA Sellers

If you're a veteran selling a home with an existing VA loan, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• VA entitlement stays with the loan: If the buyer is not a veteran, your VA entitlement used for that loan will remain tied up until the loan is paid off — potentially limiting your ability to use a VA loan on your next home. This can be avoided if the buyer is a veteran who substitutes their own entitlement.
• Lender approval is required: The buyer must qualify through the original lender or servicer. Unauthorized assumptions (where the property changes hands without lender knowledge) are not permitted and can trigger a due-on-sale clause.
• Assumable homes are a competitive listing advantage: In a higher-rate market, advertising an assumable VA loan can attract significantly more buyers and support a stronger sale price.

Finding Assumable VA Loan Homes Near Fairchild AFB

The Fowler Group actively helps military buyers identify homes with assumable VA loans near Fairchild AFB. This is a niche that requires knowing the right questions to ask and the right way to structure an offer — and it's something we do regularly for our military clients. Whether you're buying or selling, we can walk you through the process and connect you with VA-savvy lenders who specialize in loan assumptions.

» Ask Us About Assumable VA Loan Homes Near Fairchild AFB