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Carlisle Barracks

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Anne Ely Hall
Root Hall
Childcare Development Center (CDC)
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Cost of Living

The cost of living in Pennsylvania is relatively lower than other states in the Northeast region. For Carlisle, energy expenses are 8.4% lower than the national average; foods costs 24.8% less than the national average; healthcare is 4.6% lower than the national average; housing is 15.1% lower than the national average; and, transportation costs 11.9% less than the national average.

The cost of living in Carlisle, PA increased by 1.5% from a year ago in 2025. The largest increases were found in Transportation, Food, Housing. Carlisle, PA has a Best Places Cost of living score of 95.4, which is 4.6% lower than the U.S. average and 0.8% lower than the average for Pennsylvania. The median rent in Pennsylvania is roughly $1237.00 and the median home sales price is $292.100.

The prices are rising but remain lower than the the surrounding states. It would be challenging to find a rental for $1237.00 in the Borough of Carlisle, but possible in the surrounding countryside or a smaller town nearby.

Installation Details

Special and Critical Installation Information

Phone numbers have been updated on the Military One Source Contact pages. Carlisle Barracks is undergoing a telephone transformation. The building with the switchboard is being demolished and our phone numbers now go through TEAMS through the computers, which are assigned to specific individuals and to new numbers that start with 571-821-XXXX are being assigned to agencies. Current phone numbers are being updated throughout all webpages on post. Please call ACS at 571-821-7509, if you need assistance with a phone number. We do not have the master list for across the entire post, but have most of the main agencies, but not specific TEAMS numbers for every individual. We have added the new numbers to this webpage in the Contacts Section and as we review each category.

  • Family Quarters has government housing for a total of 277 families. For those unable to be housed on the installation, they will be referred with assistance in locating a home in the local community. Current information on quarters availability and off post housing may be obtained at the Housing Office-Balfour Beatty-Leased- (717) 243-7177 , info is on their website, Balfour Beatty Communities website.- or Housing Referral Office 520-673-7870/7742 or 571-821-7538 (Off post) or email usarmy.carlisle.id-training.mbx.amim-clb-pwh@army.mil.
  • Child Development Center provides full-day and part-day care. Further information can be obtained by contacting the Child Development Center 571-821-8441.
  • McConnell Youth Center 571-821-8450. Enrollment information can be obtained through Parent Central services at 520-674-3108 or at the numbers listed above. Youth Sports is managed by the CYS.
  • Exceptional Family Member Program Enrollment is completed through the Dunham Health Clinic at 571-821-7632.

Army Community Service (ACS), Information and Referral has a listing of the main post agencies and services, but not for specific individuals. ACS, Information and Referral can be reached at 571-821-7509.

In-Depth Overview

Mission

U.S. Army Garrison Carlisle Barracks provides integrated base support to the U.S. Army War College and surrounding military communities to enhance readiness.

History

Carlisle Barracks is the second oldest Army installation, dating back to 1745, when British soldiers created the "Camp near Carlisle." In December 1776, the Continental Congress authorized establishment of an ordinance center at Washingtonburg, as the Barracks was called during the Revolutionary War. Carlisle Barracks was the home of the Indian Industrial School where the All-American football halfback Jim Thorpe attended. Carlisle Barracks now supports the U.S. Army War College, a field operating agency of the U.S. Army, which educates and prepares military officers for leadership at the highest levels. 

Population

The Harrisburg–Carlisle metropolitan area's estimated population was 615,361 in 2024. This area includes Cumberland County, which had a 2022 estimate of 268,579, along with Dauphin County and Perry County.

Carlisle has a 2025 population of 23,804. It is also the county seat of Cumberland County.

As of March 2025, Carlisle Barracks serves 744 full-time military as well as 1,172 full-time civilians, (to include DA, PCS Students Civilians, Contractors and Others). On average 91 TDY full -time military and 4 TDY Student civilians. Total Post Population of 2011.

Location

Carlisle Barracks is located in Cumberland County in South Central Pennsylvania, near the state capital of Harrisburg. Agriculture, tourism, industry, and services all play vital roles in the local economies. Harrisburg, and nearby Hershey, combine to form a nucleus of culture, education, healthcare, and government. Carlisle Barracks, is one of the oldest active military posts in the United States. The cost of living in Cumberland County compares favorably to those of the metropolitan areas and adjacent counties. Carlisle Barracks sits in the Cumberland Valley with the Appalachian mountains to the south and the Blue Ridge mountains to the north.

Carlisle is located 2.5 hours from Washington, D.C., 2 hours and 20 minutes from Philadelphia, 3.5 hours to NYC, 3 hours to Pittsburgh. Harrisburg International Airport and the Amtrack Station are located in Harrisburg, PA.

Directions

If you're traveling by Air Travel, Harrisburg International Airport serves the Cumberland Valley with more 120 flights daily and is just a thirty minute drive from Carlisle. For more information visit the airport's website.

From Harrisburg International Airport

Carlisle Barracks is adjacent to Carlisle, Pennsylvania: 18 miles west of Harrisburg, PA - 27 miles north of Gettysburg. The Army installation is located almost two miles west of the Carlisle interchange of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-81.

Map your route to 870 Jim Thorpe Road, Carlisle 17013 (open 24 hours/7 days)

NOTE: Do not map your route directly to an on-base address - you risk that your mapping system will direct you to make an unauthorized entry, with resulting police intervention and possible citation. Ashburn Gate is off of Rte. 11, but has limited hours. 0630 - 0830 Monday-Friday and outbound until 1730 Monday-Friday, it is closed during the weekend. Only ID card holders can use this gate.

  • DO Use '870 Jim Thorpe Road' ... and then follow signage on post to your destination.
  • From Harrisburg International Airport or via PA Turnpike (I76)
  • Upon exiting the airport follow the signs to PA-283 West and then the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Interstate 76) West.
  • Exit the Turnpike at the Carlisle exit, Exit 226 (old exit number 16).
  • Once through the tollbooth stay to the right toward US 11 South and follow the signs to Carlisle Barracks.
  • Turn left at Harmony Hall Road (second traffic light).
  • Turn right at Claremont Road.
  • Turn left at Jim Thorpe & Claremont roads to enter vehicle security point. ID card holders proceed directly to gate guard. Unescorted visitors use left lane to Visitors Center.
  • From North or South on I81
  • Take Exit 52 Middlesex/Carlisle and follow Highway 11 South into Carlisle.
  • Left on Harmony Hall Road
  • Right on Claremont Road
  • Turn left at Jim Thorpe & Claremont roads to enter vehicle security point. ID card holders proceed directly to gate guard. Unescorted visitors use left lane to Visitors Center.

Baltimore International Terminal is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes away.

Dulles International Terminal is approximately 2 hours away.

Philadelphia International Airport is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes hours away. Amtrack Trains on the Keystone route are available from Philadelphia to Harrisburg and Harrisburg to Philadelphia, if flying to or from Philadelphia.

Carlisle Barracks is located approximately 18 miles west of Harrisburg, on US-11 and I-81. The main gate is the Claremont Gate, located at 875 Jim Thorpe Rd. The Ashburn Gate-Rte. 11 Gate is open only M-F, from 6:30-8:30 a.m. for normal inbound and outbound for DOD I.D. card and visitor pass holders. Monday-Friday- 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.-Outbound traffic only.

Map your route to 875 Jim Thorpe Road, Carlisle, PA 17013 (open 24 hours/7 days)

NOTE: Do not map your route directly to an on-base address - you risk that your mapping system will direct you to make an unauthorized entry, with resulting police intervention and possible citation.

DO Use '875 Jim Thorpe Road' ... and then follow signage on post to your destination.

From Harrisburg International Airport or via PA Turnpike (I-76)

  • Upon exiting the airport follow the signs to PA-283 West and then the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Interstate 76) West.
  • Exit the Turnpike at the Carlisle exit, Exit 226 (old exit number 16).
  • Once through the tollbooth stay to the right toward US 11 South and follow the signs to Carlisle Barracks.
  • Turn left at Harmony Hall Road (second traffic light).
  • Turn right at Claremont Road.
  • Turn left at Jim Thorpe & Claremont roads to enter vehicle security point. ID card holders proceed directly to gate guard. Unescorted visitors use left lane to Visitors Center.

From North or South on I-81

  • Take Exit 52 Middlesex/Carlisle and follow Highway 11 South into Carlisle.
  • Left on Harmony Hall Road
  • Right on Claremont Road
  • Turn left at Jim Thorpe & Claremont roads to enter vehicle security point. ID card holders proceed directly to gate guard. Unescorted visitors use left lane to Visitors Center.

From DC area

  • From I-495 Beltway west, take I-270 North toward Frederick, MD
  • Continue north on Hwy 15 at Frederick
  • Exit onto Hwy 74 (North = left) at Dillsburg , PA
  • Upon reaching Carlisle intersection with Hwy 641/Trindle Road/East High Street (Speedway Gas on right), turn left and proceed one block to N. Spring Garden St.; turn right and proceed two blocks to East North Street; turn right and proceed .5 miles to the entrance to Carlisle Barracks at Jim Thorpe & Claremont roads (right turn) to enter vehicle security point. ID card holders proceed directly to gate guard. Unescorted visitors use left lane to Visitors Center.

ALTERNATE ROUTE from Northern Virginia area:

  • I-66 West, to I-81 North towards Winchester. (There is a shortcut by taking the Rte. 17 exit to Rte 17/50 towards Winchester). Follow I-81 North, approximately 1.5 hours. Exit at the Carlisle, Hanover Street exit, turn left off ramp. Follow Hanover Street and turn right on E. North Street, follow road appx. 1.5 miles, pass AGWAY and cross the Railroad Tracks, the post will be on the left side. Take the first right on Jim Thorpe Drive, follow around to the right to the Security Check point, ID card holders proceed directly, visitors will use the left lane to proceed to the Visitors Center for a pass. This route is a little longer than Hwy 15, but is more direct and all highway and less stressful then I-495 and I-270.

Base Transportation

No public transportation is provided on the installation.