ABOUT CAMP PENDLETON BASE | AREA SCHOOLS
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Housing Rentals Off Base for Camp Pendleton
There are generally some pretty safe areas around Camp Pendleton. Most of this guide will refer to Southern Camp Pendleton as most of the base is in this area.
Should I rent housing at Camp Pendleton? There are many home rentals for military in the area. The BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing zip 92055). Make sure you do a search before you rent to see if there are any pedophiles in your area via Megan’s Law Oceanside, CA or 92054 (If you are living in other areas, you’ll have to look those cities and zips up). Keep your property secure, it’s always a good idea to keep doors and cars locked; be mindful of your surroundings. Do your research and ask for recommendations from others.
Many families choose to buy homes in the Murietta/Temecula or Fallbrook area, where schools are better, rent is cheaper than at the coast, but can take longer to commute to. The schools are better in all of these areas than in Oceanside. There’s a very convenient back gate connecting the base to Fallbrook which leads to the I-15, but can get congested at times.
Utility Costs off Base
Remember that utilities in California are spendy. If you live next to the ocean, most of these homes don’t have air conditioning. You will have the cool ocean breezes to keep you cool. For those living several miles inland, it is not uncommon to have a $300 electric bill in the summer.
Cellular Service
Be mindful when choosing your cell phone providers when living on Pendleton. Only AT&T and Verizon have coverage in the middle of Pendleton (those stationed or living near Horno, 1st Marine Regiment – Infantry) and possibly SOI (School of Infantry). Sprint works mostly everywhere but has dead spots throughout the base.
Relocation Assistance Program
Website for more information, phone numbers, and Welcome Aboard Packet.
Camp Pendleton Base Housing
Almost all of the base housing has been remodeled or is currently in the works. I would have to say the best guide for choosing a place to live would be whether or not you have kids. Most would say that living in a neighborhood on base is great. The housing on base is nice, utilities are free and friends are right next door. We have a lot of pools on the Marine Corps base here and many activities are hosted as well. Many would say that it is much easier to make friends when you live on base and have each other to lean on when your spouse gets deployed! If you don’t live on base, there are some great options out in town and know that you will have to drive a bit further to reach your friends. Keep in mind that you will be responsible for your own utilities and you may lose out on the military community.
Of course living on base always has its own set of problems, which are consistent with every other base in the Marine Corps.
If you live on base, then you will most likely be served by Lincoln Military Housing. Check their website for more information that isn’t listed on this page. No washers or dryers will be in your home on base, you will be responsible for providing your own. Also, there have been several problems with the drinking water. Best bet is to get water delivered for drinking or get a water purifier installed.
Maps of Camp Pendleton
Check out these very helpful Camp Pendleton Base Maps. It will give you an idea of where work locations are versus housing locations.
Schools are an important factor in deciding where to live. The housing is nice on base overall, but the biggest factor is picking the best school district for your children. Overall, avoid the Oceanside School District (OSD) if possible and try to get into the Fallbrook School District (FSD) or Capistrano School District (CSD).
If you dont have kids, try as best as you can to live close to an access point to get on and off base and try to pick a housing area next to the ocean. Some areas are only for families with children, so you may not get as close as you want depending on your rank, but make sure you ask around.
Officer Housing
Del Mar Neighborhood Military Housing: Click for Housing Maps, Housing Photos and Housing Floor plans. OSD: W1-O9. This is one of the best housing area on Camp Pendleton; it’s right on the ocean and next to the Harbor. Some housing is closed because it is under renovation. Not a great school district. 2 pet max. Elementary School: Santa Margarita
San Luis Rey Neighborhood Military Housing: Click for Housing Maps, Housing Photos and Housing Floor plans. FSD: O1-O9. Close to Vista and East Oceanside and easy access to many restaurants and shops. Tends to be 10-15 degrees hotter than on the coast, but still very livable. Right next to stables, pool, golf course and close to mainside with movie theatre and shopping. Ideal for those working on mainside. 2 pet max. Elementary School: Mary Fay.
San Mateo Point: CDS: W1-O6. Just north of the base in a private gated community by the ocean. Consider these areas if your spouse will be stationed at Horno (infantry) or San Onofre, Talega, SOI and San Mateo for commute purposes. Dogs only community. Elementary School: San Onofre.
San Onofre 1 Neighborhood Military Housing: Click for Housing Maps, Housing Photos and Housing Floor plans. FSD or CSD. W1-O3E. Northernmost part of the base next to Orange County. Consider these areas if your spouse will be stationed at Horno (infantry) or San Onofre, Talega, SOI and San Mateo for commute purposes. Elementary School: San Onofre Elementary.
Enlisted Housing
Deluz Neighborhood Military Housing: Click for Housing Maps, Housing Photos and Housing Floor plans. This is Hunt Housing which means that Lincoln doesn’t control this property. It can be 10 degrees hotter that the coast in the summer, but all units do have a/c. It is also a quick drive to Interstate 15. Elementary School: Mary Fay.
Forster Hills Neighborhood Military Housing: OSD, E1-E3. 2 pet max. Older homes with a one car garage. Elementary School: North Terrace.
O’Neill Heights Neighborhood Military Housing: Click for Housing Maps, Housing Photos and Housing Floor plans. FSD: E6-E9. Next to the hospital and takes about 15 minutes to get to the main gate. 2 pet max. Elementary School: Mary Fay.
O’Neill Heights EAST Neighborhood Military Housing: Click for Housing Maps, Housing Photos and Housing Floor plans. FSD: E4-E5: A nice neighborhood but it does take about 15 minutes to get to the main gate (where the freeway is) and it tends to be much hotter in the summer (10-15 degrees). Elementary School: Mary Fay.
Pacific View Neighborhood Military Housing: Click for Housing Maps, Housing Photos and Housing Floor plans. OSD, E4-E9. Non pet community. Nice larger homes with two car garages. Some have ocean views. Elementary School: North Terrace.
San Onofre 1 Neighborhood Military Housing: Click for Housing Maps, Housing Photos and Housing Floor plans. CSD, E4-E9. Many of these homes have an ocean view. This neighborhood is located right next to the Orange County border and has excellent schools. Elementary School: San Onofre.
San Onofre 2 Neighborhood Military Housing: Click for Housing Maps, Housing Photos and Housing Floor plans. CSD, E1-E3. 2 pet max. This neighborhood is located right next to the Orange County border and has excellent schools. Elementary School: San Onofre.
San Onofre 3 Neighborhood Military Housing: Click for Housing Maps, Housing Photos and Housing Floor plans. CSD, E4-E5. 2 pet max. This neighborhood is located right next to the Orange County border and has excellent schools. Elementary School: San Onofre.
Santa Margarita: OSD*, E4-E5. Click for Housing Maps and Housing Photos. The grade schools in this housing environment are on base and good. 2 pet max. Elementary School: Santa Margarita.
Serra Mesa Neighborhood Military Housing: Click for Housing Maps, Housing Photos and Housing Floor plans. FSD. E1-E3. Non pet housing. A bit older housing and has a community center and pool. Inland from the beaches and tends to be 10-15 degrees warmer in the summer, but close to shopping and the movie theater.
South Mesa 1: OSD*, E4-E9. Click for Housing Maps and Housing Photos. The grade schools in this housing area are on base and good. Close to main gate and receives the ocean breezes. 2 pet max. Elementary School: Santa Margarita.
South Mesa 2: E1-E3. Click for Housing Maps and Housing Photos. Elementary School: Santa Margarita (for SM East) and (SM West) is North Terrace. The grade schools in this housing area are on base and good. Close to main gate and receives the ocean breezes. 2 pet max.
Stuart Mesa 1 and 2: OSD* E4-E9. Dogs only, no cats. Very nice housing with a community center and pool in the neighborhood. The grade schools in this housing environment are on base and good. Elementary School: Stuart Mesa.
Wire Mountain 1: OSD, E1-E9. Very nice homes. Close to the main gate, pool, community center and ocean breezes. 2 pet max. Elementary School: North Terrace
Wire Mountain 2: FSD, E1-E9. Very nice homes. Close to the main gate, pool, community center and ocean breezes. 2 pet max. Elementary School: North Terrace or Santa Margarita
Wire Mountain 3: OSD, E4-E5. Close to the main gate, pool, community center and ocean breezes. 2 pet max. Elementary School: Elementary School: North Terrace
Wire Mountain? Not sure if these streets fall into the Wire Mountain Category, but they are kind of off on their own. Click to view Littleton Court, Johnson Court, and Christianson Court
