Hanscom AFB

At Hanscom Air Force Base, we acquire critical warfighting systems for the Air Force and our sister services. These systems provide the connectivity for and between our warfighters with items such as radar, communication and intelligence systems, command and operations centers and network infrastructure and cyber defense. It's critical work that helps our men and women in uniform prevail in battle and return home safely.

This is one of the top three areas in the country for cost of living. Utilities, housing, car insurance and other associated living costs will probably be higher than you are used to. Please prepare financially for your move here.

Base personnel live in six states, so the housing research area is wide. From October to April expect black ice or snow/ice. Good windshield wipers, plenty of windshield wiper fluid, and a full tank of gas are critical. Watch for moose, deer and other wildlife in the roads from dusk to dawn.

Housing most likely will be much more expensive and difficult to find; Two-bedroom apartments start at $2500+ per month. Utilities may be more expensive than what you are used to. Child care off-base is also extremely expensive ($350-$600 per week) and difficult to secure. Please contact the CDC or Family Child Care (FCC) in advance to get on their wait list or visit MilitaryChildCare.com to fill out an online application for care.

There is no longer any lodging facilities on base. Please look at local area lodging facilities. 

Visit these "Wi-Fi" locations if you need internet connectivity while settling in: Military and Family Readiness Center, Education Center, Bowling Center, Hanscom Conference Center.

Passports and Visas

Ensure member and/or dependents have the required passports and/or visa prior to final out-processing. Member and/or dependents are not allowed to final out-process without the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents. Members electing the accompanied tour will not be permitted to out-process without having the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.

These actions are necessary to prevent unforeseen hardships to the military members and their families. Therefore, as a last reiteration, it is essential, members do not out-process without having the appropriate passports/visas for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.

• DoD Civilians and retirees are eligible to apply for privatized base housing at Hanscom AFB.
• Base personnel live in six states, so the housing research area is wide, most are in NH and MA.
• Housing is very expensive here and utilities may be more expensive than what you are used to.
• Child care off-base is also extremely expensive ($350-$600 per week) and difficult to secure and the CDC has a wait list for some categories.
• Oct - Apr features everything from black ice on the roads (if you have to scrape your windshield in the morning, watch for ice patches on bridges, ramps, etc.) to freezing rain, snow, etc. Winter driving involves reducing speed and lengthening space between vehicles.
• Massachusetts has strict firearm laws. Don't drive into the state with firearms without checking the state laws on the Mass.gov website.

May to Sept brings a wide range of temperatures, from the 50’s in May to 90+ in August. It can also be very humid. (This is why we enjoy the ocean and the many lakes/rivers!) During this time be prepared for seasonal allergies (mold, pollen, etc.). We have a pretty short growing season. Mosquitoes & ticks (active in temps over 40 degrees) are problematic, so pets (and you) should be protected. Ticks are found in tall grasses, so check everyone over after outdoor activities. It helps to wear light colored clothing. Protect yourself and family members between dusk to dawn from mosquitoes (stay indoors or check out many of the over the counter products).

Visit these "Wi-Fi" Hot Spots if you need internet connectivity while settling in: Military and Family Readiness Center, Education Center, Bowling Center, and The Commons.

Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions

The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included.