Serving Those Who Serve
With PCS orders issued and a report date approaching, a move to Fort Sill can feel fast-paced and overwhelming. Between deciding where to live, coordinating household goods, navigating allowances, and ensuring your family is set up for success, every decision impacts your timeline and stress level. Whether you’re considering on-post housing, renting off post, or purchasing a home in Lawton, having a clear plan early can make the transition far smoother. This guide is designed to help you understand your housing options, align them with your PCS timeline, and plan for the key logistics that matter most before and after arrival.
Fort Sill is located in Comanche County, directly adjacent to the city of Lawton. Many military families choose to live off post due to shorter commutes, access to civilian amenities, and broader housing choices. Compared to larger installations near metro areas, Lawton generally offers more affordable housing and less traffic congestion, which can be a major advantage during daily commutes and school drop-offs.
Housing availability and pricing can vary based on PCS season, unit influx, and market conditions. If you’re planning to buy, early mortgage pre-approval is critical so you can move quickly when the right home becomes available. If renting, understanding lease flexibility, move-in timing, and PCS clauses upfront can prevent complications later. For on-post housing, the Fort Sill Housing Office is the authoritative source for eligibility requirements, waitlists, documentation, and timelines.
• Fort Sill Official Site: home.army.mil/sill
• Fort Sill Housing Office: home.army.mil/sill/index.php/housing
• DoD BAH Calculator: travel.dod.mil/Allowances/BAH
• Military OneSource PCS Hub: militaryonesource.mil
• TRICARE: tricare.mil
Understanding gate locations ahead of arrival helps reduce stress during your first weeks at Fort Sill. Gate hours and access requirements can change, so always verify current information before travel.
• Scott Gate – Primary access from Lawton and most commonly used for daily commuting
• Key Gate – Frequently used for training areas and unit access
• Sheridan Gate – Access varies based on mission and time of day
Closest Gate: Scott Gate
Commute: Shortest, easiest commute
Closest Gate: Scott Gate
Commute: Very convenient
Closest Gate: Scott Gate
Commute: Easy access, close to schools
Closest Gate: Key Gate
Commute: Good alternative to Scott traffic, MacArthur School District
Closest Gates: Scott/Key Gate
Commute: Slightly longer (20-25 minutes) but highly sought after school districts, popular with families
Closest Gates: Scott/Key Gate
Commute: 15-20 minute commute, small town
On-post housing is often appealing for service members who want proximity to work, schools, and base services. It can reduce commute time and simplify daily routines, particularly during the first months at a new duty station. Wait lists at Ft. Sill can be lengthy for on-post housing.
Close access to unit areas, schools, CDCs, and medical facilities
Maintenance and repairs handled by housing management
Less variability in costs, simplifying budgeting
Waitlists are common during peak PCS cycles
Floor plans and neighborhoods are limited
Community rules may restrict pets or home modifications
Contact the Housing Office immediately after receiving orders
Ask how waitlists are prioritized and when offers are typically made
Confirm temporary lodging options if housing isn’t available upon arrival
Renting off post provides more control over neighborhood selection, home size, and lease structure. Many families choose to rent initially while learning the area or waiting to buy.
Broader selection of homes and price points
Ability to align rent with BAH
Easier transition if you anticipate another PCS in a short timeframe
Security deposits, application fees, and background checks
Lease terms that may not align perfectly with future orders
Responsibility for utilities, lawn care, and minor maintenance
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) may allow lease termination with PCS orders, but notice requirements must be followed
Always provide a copy of orders when negotiating lease terms
If Fort Sill is expected to be a multi-year assignment, purchasing a home may offer financial and lifestyle benefits. The Lawton area often provides more attainable price points than many CONUS locations, making ownership more accessible for military families.
Long-term housing stability
Opportunity to build equity
Potential future rental income if you PCS again
Closings typically take 30–45 days
Inspections, appraisals, and underwriting require coordination during PCS
Market conditions and resale timelines vary by neighborhood
VA loans offer favorable terms but require owner occupancy
Work with professionals experienced in PCS and VA transactions
Build closing timelines that align with your report date
Many families use temporary lodging upon arrival, especially if housing or HHG delivery timelines don’t align.
Reserve on-post or approved off-post lodging early
Confirm TLE and travel reimbursement entitlements with finance
Plan for HHG storage if delivery occurs after move-in
Town & Country Home Pros specializes in helping military families navigate housing decisions during PCS moves to Fort Sill. Whether you’re choosing on-post housing, renting off post, or purchasing a home, local expertise can help align your housing choice with your PCS timeline and budget.
We pride ourselves on being approachable, knowledgeable, and dependable. Every client receives our full attention, whether buying, selling, or relocating. Your journey matters to us.