Box Elder
Right next to the base, and growing fast.
PCS to South Dakota
Buying a home near Ellsworth Air Force Base
Where do military families live near Ellsworth Air Force Base?
Most Ellsworth Air Force Base families live in Box Elder, Rapid City or Piedmont. With a VA loan you can buy with no money down, and your BAH can count toward qualifying. Start your pre-approval as soon as you have orders so you're ready to make offers before you arrive.
Where families live
Towns near Ellsworth Air Force Base
Rapid City
To the west. Larger, with lots of options.
Piedmont
To the northwest, with more space.
Good to know in South Dakota
New missions at Ellsworth are bringing more families to Box Elder and Rapid City. Getting pre-approved before you arrive helps you move quickly.
Your PCS timeline
How to buy before you report
Your BAH can count as income when you qualify. Look up your new rate on the official DoD BAH lookup.
As soon as you have orders
Reach out and get pre-approved. Look up the BAH rate for your new location so you know what fits.
Shop from where you are
Tour homes by video with a local agent, and use house-hunting leave if you can get it.
Make an offer and close
You can often sign your closing papers from your current station. If you'll be away, a specific power of attorney can work. Tell us early so we set it up correctly.
Move in
The VA expects the home to be your main residence, usually within about 60 days of closing. If you're deployed, your spouse living there can count.
Ellsworth Air Force Base questions
Straight answers
Where do most families live near Ellsworth Air Force Base?
Most families look at Box Elder, Rapid City or Piedmont. The best fit depends on where your unit works, your budget and how much space you want. We can help you compare neighborhoods and commutes.
Can I buy a home near Ellsworth Air Force Base before I arrive?
Yes. Many families get pre-approved at their current station, tour homes by video and close before or right after they report. If you'll be away, a specific power of attorney can let your spouse sign.
Can my BAH help me qualify?
Yes. Lenders can count BAH as income. Look up your rate for the Ellsworth Air Force Base area on the official DoD BAH lookup, and we'll use it in your pre-approval.
Get started
Orders to Ellsworth Air Force Base? Start now.
The earlier you get pre-approved, the more time you have to find the right home. One person on our team will be your point of contact from your current station to closing day.