When military families receive orders to Offutt Air Force Base, the reaction is often mixed. PCSing to Offutt Air Force Base can feel overwhelming at first, with many assuming they’re headed to a remote area filled with nothing but cornfields. However, those who have made the move quickly discover that the Omaha metro area—and Offutt itself—has a lot to offer.
I recently sat down with Alicia Villa, a seasoned Air Force spouse and Key Support Mentor, to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities military families face when relocating to Offutt. As someone who has PCS’d multiple times—including twice to Offutt—Alicia shared a wealth of knowledge about the best resources, local highlights, and how to settle in quickly.
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What to Expect When PCSing to Offutt
One of the most common concerns military families have when getting orders to Offutt is the perception that there’s “nothing to do” in Nebraska. However, Alicia emphasized that Offutt is actually located in a thriving area with great schools, activities, and community support.
“The biggest tip I always give people is to immerse yourself in what the area has to offer. There are so many resources and family-friendly activities—people just don’t realize it until they get here.”
Must-Have Memberships and Discounts
Alicia shared a few insider tips on discounts and memberships that can make your time at Offutt more enjoyable:
- The Luminarium Membership – Offers a “pay what you can” option, making it much more affordable than advertised.
- Get Out Pass – A Nebraska-specific pass that includes free or discounted entry to Storm Chasers baseball games, escape rooms, pottery painting, and more.
- Vet Tix – A nationwide program that provides free or discounted tickets to major events, including concerts and sports games in Omaha.
Outdoor Recreation and ITT: Hidden Gems on Base
One of Alicia’s favorite resources at Offutt is the Outdoor Recreation (ODR) and Information, Tickets & Travel (ITT) office.
“I’ve never been to another base with an outdoor rec program as good as Offutt’s. They rent everything—from yard maintenance tools to camping gear. If you’re a DIYer, this is a game-changer.”
The ITT office also offers discounts on tickets to local attractions, amusement parks, and travel destinations, helping military families save money while exploring the area.
Military Housing: Rising View and On-Base Options
If you’re considering base housing, Rising View is the primary provider of privatized housing at Offutt. It includes both on-base housing (Kaufman Heights) and off-base housing in Bellevue.
“Most people choose Rising View’s off-base housing because it avoids the challenges of guest access to on-base homes. It’s also super close to Offutt, making for an easy commute.”
For those considering renting in the local area, Alicia noted that market rent prices in Omaha and Bellevue can exceed Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), making Rising View a more budget-friendly option.
Childcare and Family Support
For families with young children, childcare availability can be a challenge. While Offutt offers two Child Development Centers (CDCs), the waitlist for infant care is typically around nine months.
“The moment you find out you’re pregnant, you need to get on the CDC waitlist,” Alicia advised.
An alternative is Child Care Aware, a program that reimburses military families for childcare if on-base Family Child Care (FCC) providers aren’t available—which, as of now, Offutt doesn’t have any.
For general family support, the Military Family Readiness Center (MFRC) is an incredible resource, offering everything from resume workshops for spouses to Bundles for Babies programs.
Preparing for Nebraska Weather
If you’re moving from a warmer climate, Nebraska’s winters can be a shock. Alicia provided some key recommendations for preparing your family:
- Winter Car Kit – Keep gloves, hats, a blanket, granola bars, and bottled water in your vehicle in case of emergencies.
- Good Tires – Your tires make a huge difference in icy and snowy conditions. They don’t need to be snow tires, but they should have good tread and be properly inflated.
- Layered Clothing – Snow pants, winter jackets, and boots are essential for kids, especially if they’ll be playing outside.
Traffic and Commuting Tips
Compared to larger cities, traffic in the Omaha metro is relatively mild. However, peak commute times to Offutt can see delays.
“Traffic heading into base can double your commute time if you catch it right at 7:30 AM. But once you’re on the main gate road, the process moves quickly.”
Most military families live in Bellevue, Papillion, or surrounding areas, making Hwy 370 and Capehart Road common routes to base.
Healthcare and TRICARE Options
Offutt recently transitioned to TRICARE TriWest as of January 1st. Families enrolled in TRICARE Prime are assigned to Ehrling Bergquist Clinic, located near base. Those choosing TRICARE Select have the flexibility to see any provider in the area but may have higher out-of-pocket costs.
Retiring at Offutt: A Popular Choice
One surprising fact? Many service members end up retiring in the Offutt area.
“People get stationed here, expect the worst, and end up loving it. The veteran resources and cost of living make it a great place to retire.”
Nebraska offers significant benefits for retired military, including homestead tax exemptions for 100% disabled veterans and free hunting and fishing licenses for any veteran with a disability rating.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Community
If you’re PCSing to Offutt Air Force Base, Alicia’s biggest piece of advice is to get involved.
“Join the Offutt spouse Facebook groups, get out into the community, and take advantage of all the resources available. The military community here is welcoming, and there’s so much to do if you look for it.”
If you need help finding the right place to live or where to go, please reach out to me for help. As a Navy veteran who is retired in the Omaha area, I’m well-versed in the unique struggles that come along with PCS moves. As a licensed REALTOR, I can help you find the right home.
About Alicia Villa
Alicia Villa is a Key Support Mentor (KSM) at Offutt Air Force Base, providing vital support to military families navigating PCS moves and deployments. She is also a Financial Representative with Principal Financial, specializing in military family financial planning. With 15 years of experience as a military spouse and multiple PCS moves under her belt, Alicia is passionate about helping families thrive in their new communities.
