Holloman Air Force Base
Holloman Air Force Base is in Alamogordo, New Mexico -- a very small town, with small-town charm. It's primarily a military town, which adds a level of comfort for incoming families. Holloman is the home of the 49th Wing of the Air Education and Training Command and supports the White Sands Missile Range and often hosts foreign military units for training.
Alamogordo is at the base of a small mountain range and in a desert basin. It's centrally situated for those wishing to explore the Southwest, with mountain towns within an hour's drive and several larger cities within a few hours.
Off-Base Neighborhoods
Housing off base is mostly single-family homes, with some new developments and other areas with modular homes. The southeast section of town has some of the new developments, and the popular, more established Wood Streets neighborhood is on the north side of town. Renting is popular, and many single service members rent out rooms to housemates.
On Base Housing
There are just over 1,000 homes available in the Soaring Heights Communities on base, in three neighborhoods. The community boasts over 20 playgrounds, basketball courts, splash pads, and walking paths. Residents generally find the homes to be functional and clean, with enclosed backyards and garages or carports.
Schools
School-aged children living on Holloman AFB or in the nearby area attend Alamogordo Public Schools, which has nine elementary schools, three middle schools, and Alamogordo High School. There are also two pre-school programs and a virtual academy. New Mexico is not known for topping the charts on public school education, but Holloman Elementary and Middle School -- conveniently located on base -- are ranked higher than average on Great Schools, and the high school is right at the average ranking.
Cost of Living and BAH
The cost of living in New Mexico -- and Holloman Air Force Base -- is below the national average, making some things a bit more affordable for those stationed here. Holloman AFB BAH is relatively low and may come as a surprise for those moving from a higher cost-of-living area.
Holloman AFB BAH varies depending on rank and whether or not you have dependents. To determine your BAH at Holloman AFB, use our BAH calculator.
Housing Costs
The median sales price home in Alamogordo is $189,300, at about $118 per square foot. There aren't many other towns around the area, but there are usually a handful of rental options in the area.
Weather
The weather around Holloman AFB is almost always dry and often windy, with summer temperatures in the 90s, and fall and spring temperatures in the 60s. August brings the mild rainy season, referred to as the "monsoon season." As in the desert, the evenings can get quite cool. Temperatures drop as you increase in elevation, which means towns like Cloudcroft and Ruidoso can be 10 to 15 degrees cooler than Alamogordo in the summer.
Base Amenities
Holloman AFB has one commissary, which is closed on Monday, and the Exchange has a variety of stores including GNC, an optical store, and alterations. The Food Court boasts Dunkin' Donuts, Subway, Charley's, and Taco Bell.
Domenici Fitness Center has an indoor pool and (when open) an indoor playground. Adults can apply for 24/7 access to extend the opportunity for them to work out according to their schedule. CrossFit Holloman is near the fitness center and is open for a few hours Monday through Friday and Saturday morning. As a non-profit military affiliate, classes are free to active duty and dependents 18 and over.
Area Attractions
Alamogordo is a small town, but there are some bonuses. One is the Museum of Space History, and another is the Alameda Zoo. The museum is open every day but Tuesday and has activities and events for all ages. The 12-acre zoo is open daily and home to about 200 animals. It has an education center, picnic area, and playground. The zoo is a great place to take friends and family when they come to visit. In the warmer months, First Fridays at the Zoo are popular, with live music and food trucks.
Moving beyond the town limits, you can find some new views starting in Cloudcroft, about half an hour away. It's greener than Alamogordo and has a lot of little shops to visit. Beyond that is Las Cruces -- about an hour away -- and El Paso which is about 90 minutes away.
The closest major airport is in El Paso, which may be important when friends or family come to visit. Fort Bliss is also there, which has a huge PX and lots of amenities on base. You can also visit Franklin Mountains State Park and Hueco Tanks State Historic Site, as well as the El Paso Mission Trail or a show at the Plaza Theater.
Within a few hours of Alamogordo are Santa Fe, Albuquerque -- maybe check it out during the hot air balloon festival -- and Las Cruces. When you extend your road trip timeline for a long weekend, you can reach Amarillo, Phoenix, Tucson, or even Denver.
Food and Drink
The town may be small, but there are a few options for food. Consider La Hacienda for Mexican or Fatwood BBQ in the immediate local area. There Picacho Brewing Company and 575 Brewing are two great options in Alamogordo for a night out. Another great option for date night is Tall Pines Beer & Wine Garden, where there is indoor and outdoor seating with a fire pit.
Cloudcroft Brewing Company is about 30 minutes away and offers beer and pizza. "Beer tastes better in the mountains" is their slogan and it's something beer lovers should check out. Another place to eat in Cloudcroft is Mad Jack's for barbecue, which is highly recommended. And, if you're headed to Las Cruces for shopping or a change of scenery, consider eating at Si Señor.
Research Your Area Before Your Move
Discover area guides and trusted reviews by and for the military and veteran community for local neighborhoods, base housing, moving companies, lenders, schools, and more.
Access Review