For service members, civilians and contractors
Arnold AFB Area Homes and Relocation
If you have orders or a new job at Arnold Air Force Base, you are probably trying to figure out where to live and how fast you can get there. This guide covers the basics I share with people relocating to the area. For official information about the base, always go to arnold.af.mil.
Where the base is
According to the base, Arnold AFB is located in Coffee and Franklin counties between Manchester, Tullahoma and Winchester, which form a triangle around it. The area sits on the Highland Rim. Arnold AFB is headquarters for the Arnold Engineering Development Complex, which the Air Force describes as a government owned, contractor operated test complex with more than 90 wind tunnels, engine test cells and other specialized units. AEDC is part of the Air Force Test Center.
Towns people commonly consider
- Manchester, the Coffee County seat, on Interstate 24
- Tullahoma, the other incorporated city in Coffee County
- Winchester and the Tims Ford Lake area in Franklin County
- Rural Coffee County communities such as Hillsboro
Each has a different feel and different school districts. My neighborhoods guide and Manchester vs Tullahoma can help you compare.
Timing a military or civilian move
Relocations often run on a tight clock. Things that help:
- Get preapproved early, and ask your lender about VA loan eligibility if you have served.
- Decide whether you want to buy right away or rent first while you learn the area.
- Ask for video tours if you cannot visit before reporting.
- Plan your closing date around your report date and your household goods delivery.
Programs worth knowing about
The Tennessee Housing Development Agency offers a program called Homeownership for Heroes for qualified active duty military, National Guard and veterans, among others. THDA says it can waive the first time buyer requirement for qualified military or veterans. Check the details and current terms at thda.org, and read my first time buyer guide.
Questions to ask about any home
- How long is the drive to your gate at the time you will make it?
- Which school district serves the address?
- Is the home on city utilities, or well and septic?
- Would it make a good rental if you get orders again?
How I help
I can build a search around your report date, your commute and your budget, and keep you updated while you finish your current assignment. Request my buyer guide below and tell me your timeline.
Common questions
What towns are near Arnold Air Force Base?
The base says Manchester, Tullahoma and Winchester form a triangle around it, across Coffee and Franklin counties.
Is there a Tennessee home loan program for military buyers?
THDA offers Homeownership for Heroes for qualified active duty military, National Guard and veterans, among others. Check thda.org for current terms.
Matt Sargent is a Tennessee licensed affiliate broker with Keller Williams who helps buyers and sellers in Manchester and Coffee County. Call (615) 497 1658 or send a message.