There you go (maybe once more) – your orders have dropped and you are PCSing to DAFB.
Moving to a new area can be both exciting and terrifying at the same time. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through the process of PCSing to Dover Air Force Base alone – there are plenty of resources out there that can help you make your transition easier and more enjoyable!
Delaware – Small Wonder
Here is some local information on what to expect when you’re PCSing to DAFB.
Delaware is a small mid-Atlantic U.S. state that has only three counties – you read that right 3 counties only! – New Castle County, Kent County, and Sussex County.
It sits on a peninsular marked by dune-backed beaches bordering the Atlantic Ocean.
The entire state of Delaware is merely 96 miles long and you can drive from one end to another in just a few hours!
Delaware is a four-season state so you will get to experience spring, summer, fall, and winter – and a lot of wind!
It is also close neighbors with Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, and Virginia – so there is always plenty to do and a lot to see!
Dover Air Force Base (DAFB) Housing
DAFB is located in Kent County – Dover, Delaware (Central Delaware).
The base housing is operated by Eagle Heights Hunt Military Community and is located directly across from the main base.
The housing entrance is monitored by guards and proper ID is required at all times.
Base housing has a community pool and splash pads, several playgrounds, various open fields, and a golf course to be enjoyed by all.
There is also an elementary school, Major George S. Welch Elementary, and a middle school, Air Base Middle School within the base that is part of the Ceasar Rodney School District.
DAFB also has its own local Facebook community page which provides tons of helpful information for anyone associated with DAFB.
Another great Facebook community page that you may seek information on is Woman of Dover AFB 2.0.
Where to live near DAFB
With DAFB being in Central Delaware there are plenty of options to where you may want to live and still be near the base.
Although base housing is directly across from the main base, it is not everyone’s cup of tea so there are many other locations you can choose from.
Just like anywhere else, there are advantages and disadvantages to how far you would like to live from where you work.
Some areas in Delaware are more countryside than others but here is a list of towns/cities that are near DAFB:
- Dover
- Smyrna
- Clayton
- Cheswold
- Camden / Camden/Wyoming
- Felton
- Magnolia
- Hartly
- Frederica
- Leipsic
- Riverview
- Milford
- Harrington
Shopping Centers
If you like to do some shopping and get some bargains – you are in for a treat!
From Macy’s to Nordstrom to your local Nike store, you are guaranteed to find them all in Delaware.
Near the base, North and South you are just a few minutes away from shopping. These are several shopping centers that you will find in Delaware:
- Dover Mall – Located in Dover
- Cristiana Mall – Located in Christiana – about 45 minutes North of DABF
- Tanger Outlets Rehoboth – Located in Lewes / Rehoboth – about 45 minutes South of DABF – this outlet consists of three separate outlets.
If you are PCSing and hold an out-of-state ID don’t forget to stop by the Tanger Outlets concierge and get your discount coupon book that has some amazing deals!
The following stores are located within Dover and are near the base:
Grocery Shopping
Let me be honest… don’t expect too much from the local supermarkets. Depending on where you are coming from, you will find that Delaware lacks many options for ethnic foods.
But by traveling a short distance to the nearby states, you can find what you are looking for – if you are really craving!
Here is a list of local supermarkets – most of these stores will give you the option to order online for order pickup and delivery:
- Dover Air Force Base Commissary (located on base)
- Walmart Supercenter
- Target
- Aldi
- Lidl
- Safeway
- Food Lion
- Redners
- Sam’s Club
- Costco
- Trader Joes
- Fifer Orchards – Local Farm
Entertainment / Family Fun
There are plenty of entertainment and fun activities in Delaware and neighboring states.
If you are into hiking, camping, kayaking, the beach, or live shows – you are guaranteed to find something to do.
Most outdoor entertainment will be during the spring, summer, and fall seasons – outdoor winter activities will be geared more toward the holiday season.
Related: Summer Fun Activities in Delaware
Beaches
The beaches are a short drive.
If you like to walk the boardwalk Rehoboth Beach won’t disappoint. If you have little ones and prefer a more calmer beach check out Lewes Beach – with low ties and barely any waves the kids will have a great time.
Here is a list of some of the beaches to check out!
- Bowers
- Bethany Beach / Fenwick Park
- Slaughter Beach
- Dewey Beach
- Rehoboth Beach
- Delaware Seashore State Park
- Cape Henlopen
- Lewes Beach
- Killens Pond State Park
Here is a little view of Rehoboth Boardwalk:
Movies / Bowling
If you are looking for some indoor fun DAFB has its own movie theater and bowling alley – don’t forget to sign up for Kids Bowl Free for free tickets all summer long.
Thunder Over Dover
DAFB hosts Thunder Over Dover in May of every other year.
This event is open to the public – but don’t worry, military and DoD cardholders get a special day without the madness of the public.
Dover Motor Speedway
If you are into speed and love racing – get ready for the races that come to Dover Motor Speedway. Different races happen several times during the year.
Skating
Love skating? And I mean – 80s and 90s style skating with lights, music, and a lot of fun?
Then check out Dover Skating Center – they are open all year round and they play some awesome music to skate to! Awesome fun for everyone at any age!
Trampoline Park
Or if you prefer to be a little more daring and love to jump on trampolines there is We Shell Bounce Trampoline Park and Sky Zone Trampoline Park – a guaranteed fun for the kids and a good night’s sleep for the parents! Just saying…
Farms
Also, don’t forget to check out the local farms like Fifer Orchard and Milburn Orchard– they have great entertainment during the summer and fall and delicious local fruits and veggies – make sure you try the apple cider donuts!
If you have little ones that enjoy a petting zoo check out The Little Farm in Camden Wyoming, DE – the animals are super friendly and there is so much to see.
Zoo
The zoo is always a fun time to learn and see different animals.
The Brandywine Zoo is a great location to visit and spend a family day. It is a small zoo but there are tons of different animals to see and interact with.
They have some exotic animals too! I highly recommend bringing a picnic-style lunch so you can sit right outside the zoo and enjoy some fun at the park as well.
Another great local zoo is 3 Palm Zoo – they even have a smiling donkey and an alligator!
Local Restaurants
Awwww food… Are you a foodie? Do you like to try out different styles of food? Then you are in for a treat!
There are plenty of chain restaurants around DAFB like Outback Steakhouse, Applebee’s Grill + Bar, LongHorn Steakhouse, Olive Garden, and much more but within a short drive either North or South of the base you will experience a little bit more.
I have to share with my favorite restaurant which is a short drive South of DAFB – Agave Mexican! Can I say I crave Mexican food every time I talk about it? The food alone is amazing – very flavorful beautifully presented – just delicious! But add the place’s ambiance and you are guaranteed a good time. And they have 2 locations – Rehoboth and Lewes.
Another restaurant that I would highly recommend for a family outing is Paradise Grill – the location is right by the water and they have decent food. They also have live bands playing right on the sand and have a great playground for the kids.
Getting to the location may be a little questionable – but keep going I can assure you this little gem is hidden!
School Districts
As a parent when PCSing to a new location, you may be wondering about the school system. As with everything else, everyone has a different opinion and standard about school.
I highly recommend you check out the school rating on Niche so you can make an informative decision for your family.
Delaware is a school choice state and when available you may be able to send your children to a different school than you are assigned. But note that school choice opens once per year around November and the deadline usually closes in January.
Depending on where you live in Kent County you will be in either Capital School District, Ceasar Rodney School District, or Lake Forest School District.
Base housing does have its own elementary and middle school, Major George S. Welch Elementary, and Air Base Middle School which is part of the Ceasar Rodney School District.
Crime Rating
Let’s talk about the big old elephant in the room – local crime rating!
Let’s be honest, everywhere you go there will be good and bad areas. You can’t escape the bad apples but you can make an informative decision when you have direct information.
Delaware is no exception – It has some really good areas but also has areas that are “questionable”. It depends on your conform level of what you are used to and are willing to accept.
If you want to learn more about the crime rating in the areas you are interested in check out the Delaware State Police CrimeMapping, the Sex Offender Registry, and the Dover CrimeMapping so you can make an informed decision for your family.
Whether you are permanently or temporarily PCSing to DAFB you will find that it is just like any other place you have been to.
Final Thoughts
Moving to a new duty station, such as Dover Air Force Base, can be both an exciting and challenging experience.
By understanding what to expect and preparing accordingly, you can make the transition smoother for yourself and your family.
Additionally, exploring the local area and getting involved in community activities can help you quickly feel at home. Dover offers a range of recreational opportunities, educational facilities, and healthcare services that cater to military families.
While the process of relocating can be overwhelming, staying organized and proactive will help alleviate some of the stress. Keep open lines of communication with your new unit and fellow service members who have gone through similar transitions.
Ultimately, every PCS move is an opportunity for growth and new experiences. Embrace the adventure, and don’t hesitate to seek out resources and support to ensure a successful transition to life at Dover Air Force Base.
Just remember – life is what you make of it!
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