Orders to Fairchild Air Force Base usually arrive with a report date and a long list of things to figure out, and housing tends to sit near the top. The good news is that the Spokane area offers a range of options within a reasonable drive of the base. This guide is written for active-duty service members, veterans and their households planning a move, and it focuses on the housing decisions you will face along the way.
Getting Oriented
Fairchild sits west of Spokane, near Airway Heights, on the area known locally as the West Plains. Downtown Spokane is a short drive east, and Spokane International Airport is nearby. That location shapes where many relocating service members look first, though plenty choose to live farther out depending on lifestyle and budget.
Your first step should be connecting with the base housing office. They can explain on-base housing availability, current wait times and resources for living off base. Knowing your options there helps you decide whether buying, renting or on-base housing makes the most sense.
Where to Look Off Base
Commute, lot size and the style of home you want will narrow the search. Some areas people commonly consider:
Test the drive to the base at the hours you will be commuting. Winter weather on the West Plains can include wind and blowing snow, so a short commute in summer may feel different in January. If school districts matter to you, confirm which district serves a specific address rather than relying on a city name.
Buy or Rent?
There is no single right answer for a military move. A few questions to help you decide:
Buying can make sense when you expect a longer assignment or plan to hold the home as a rental in the future. Renting can offer flexibility if your timeline is short or uncertain. A lender and a tax professional can help you look at your specific situation, and it is worth asking about occupancy requirements if you are considering renting the home out later.
Using Your VA Loan Benefit
For many eligible service members and veterans, a VA home loan is the most valuable tool in a military move. VA loans are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and can allow eligible buyers to purchase with no down payment.
What to Know About the Process
Choose a lender experienced with VA financing, and confirm details like entitlement and eligibility directly with them. Spokane also has a VA medical center, which many veterans in the region find convenient.
Buying From Another Duty Station
Many service members start house hunting before they arrive. Buying remotely is common and very workable with the right preparation.
Summer is the busiest moving season for military households, and it is also an active time in the local real estate market. Starting your search early gives you more room to be thoughtful, especially if your report date is fixed.
Local Inspection Priorities
Homes on the West Plains and around Spokane face Inland Northwest weather. During inspections, pay attention to:
Planning for Your Next Move Now
Military households know another PCS is coming eventually. When choosing a home, think about how it would work as a rental or how it might appeal to future buyers. Practical floor plans, reasonable maintenance and a manageable commute to Fairchild tend to hold broad appeal. Consult a tax professional about rental income and any tax considerations before you convert a home to a rental.
Let's Plan Your Move Together
A relocation to Fairchild involves a lot of moving parts, and housing is one you do not have to figure out alone. The Bonds & Co. team works with military and veteran buyers across Spokane and the West Plains, and we would be glad to help you understand your options before you arrive. Reach out to start the conversation, wherever you are stationed now.
