PCS Moving Guide:
Camp Pendleton & San Diego
Everything military families need to know about PCS moves to Camp Pendleton, MCAS Miramar, Naval Base San Diego, and Naval Base Coronado. From base housing to the best off-base neighborhoods, written by a San Diego moving company that has been helping military families since 1997.
By Discount Movers · Updated August 2026 · 10 min read
San Diego Military Installations
The Four Major
San Diego Bases
San Diego County is home to a dense concentration of military installations. Here is what you need to know about each.
Camp Pendleton
The largest Marine Corps base on the West Coast, covering 125,000 acres along the North County San Diego coast between Oceanside and San Clemente. Home to I Marine Expeditionary Force, the 1st Marine Division and the 1st Marine Logistics Group. The nearest off-base communities are Oceanside, Vista, and Carlsbad. San Clemente in Orange County is also popular for its beach lifestyle and short commute through the base.
MCAS Miramar
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar sits north of downtown San Diego and a few miles inland from the coast. Home to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. Popular off-base neighborhoods include Mira Mesa, Scripps Ranch, Tierrasanta, and Carmel Valley. Excellent schools throughout the area and quick access to beaches, shopping, and freeways.
Naval Base San Diego
The Navy's Pacific Fleet surface force installation, located in the Barrio Logan neighborhood of San Diego, just south of downtown. The Navy counts 54 home ported ships and over 150 tenant commands there. Popular off-base areas include National City, Chula Vista, Coronado, and the Barrio Logan and Sherman Heights neighborhoods.
Naval Base Coronado
Two installations on the Coronado Peninsula: Naval Air Station North Island at the north end, the West Coast carrier homeport, and Naval Amphibious Base Coronado at the south end, home to Naval Special Warfare Command and the SEAL teams. Coronado Island itself is an expensive community. Many families live in Chula Vista, National City, or Imperial Beach for more affordable housing within easy commuting distance.
PPM / DITY Moves
Personally Procured Moves
in San Diego
A PPM (Personally Procured Move, formerly DITY) can put significant money back in your pocket. Here is how Discount Movers helps military families maximize their PPM reimbursement.
What is a PPM?
A PPM allows you to arrange your own move and receive a payment from the government based on what it would have cost for a government-arranged move; for moves starting after September 30, 2025 that allowance is 100 percent of the Government Constructed Cost (a temporary 130 percent rate applied only to moves begun mid-May through September 2025 and has expired). If you move for less than the allowance, you keep the difference; the incentive portion is taxable and is paid at settlement, weeks after the move. Done right, many families come out ahead.
Weight Tickets
PPM moves require official weight tickets from a certified scale, both empty and full. Discount Movers can advise you on the nearest certified scales in San Diego and help you coordinate the weigh-in process properly.
Required Documentation
We provide all necessary documentation including itemized receipts, weight certificates, and any additional paperwork required by your branch for PPM reimbursement. Keep copies of everything.
Short Notice Orders
Military moves often come with very short notice. Discount Movers accommodates short-notice PCS orders. Call (858) 490-0155 as soon as you receive orders and we will do our best to get your date scheduled.
Base Housing Coordination
We can coordinate directly with base housing offices at Camp Pendleton, MCAS Miramar, Naval Base San Diego, and Naval Base Coronado for move-in scheduling, elevator reservations, and parking. Just provide your housing office contact and we will handle coordination.
No Rush Fee
We never charge a rush fee for last-minute military moves. Our rate is $119/hr cash, or $129/hr by card, regardless of how much notice you give. We understand that PCS orders do not always come with advance warning.
Best Neighborhoods
Best Off-Base Areas for
Military Families
Oceanside (Camp Pendleton)
The closest city to Camp Pendleton's main gate. Affordable relative to San Diego proper, good schools, beach access, and a military-friendly community. Vandegrift Boulevard carries traffic to the Main Gate, with the San Luis Rey gate as the alternative when the main gate backs up.
Carlsbad (Camp Pendleton)
A step up in cost but excellent schools, beautiful beaches, and a great quality of life. Many senior NCOs and officers live in Carlsbad. La Costa area is particularly popular with military families.
Mira Mesa (MCAS Miramar)
Right next to MCAS Miramar. Affordable, family-friendly, excellent Asian restaurants and markets, good schools, and quick freeway access throughout San Diego. Very popular with MCAS Miramar families.
Scripps Ranch (MCAS Miramar)
An established family neighborhood of cul-de-sacs, mature trees and two-story homes with garages and driveways, which makes for straightforward truck access on move day. More expensive than Mira Mesa but many families find it worth the cost.
Chula Vista (Naval Base San Diego / Naval Base Coronado)
South San Diego's largest city. Very affordable, rapidly improving, and convenient to both Naval Base San Diego and Naval Base Coronado. The western areas near the bay are particularly popular with Navy families.
Coronado (Naval Base Coronado)
Living on Coronado Island is the dream for many Naval Base Coronado families. Expensive, but the quality of life is extraordinary. The Village has excellent schools, a beautiful beach, and a tight-knit community.
PCS Moving FAQ
Book Your PCS Move Today
PPM/DITY assistance available. No rush fee. BHGS licensed. 4.6 stars. Family owned since 1997.
📞 Call (858) 490-0155Mon-Sun 8am–8pm · Available for short-notice PCS orders
Related: Camp Pendleton PPM moves, explained · Camp Pendleton Movers · MCAS Miramar Movers
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