Oceanside
At the south end of base. A beach city with lots of options.
PCS to California
Most Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton families live in Oceanside, Temecula, Fallbrook or San Clemente. With a VA loan you can buy with no money down, and your BAH can count toward qualifying. Start your pre-approval as soon as you have orders so you're ready to make offers before you arrive.
Where families live
At the south end of base. A beach city with lots of options.
Inland to the northeast. More house for the money.
On the east side of base, with a rural feel.
At the north end. Beach living at higher prices.
Good to know in California
California prices scare a lot of people off. With full VA entitlement there's no VA loan limit, so you can buy with $0 down as long as you qualify for the payment. California is also a community property state, so a spouse's debts can count when you qualify.
Your PCS timeline
Your BAH can count as income when you qualify. Look up your new rate on the official DoD BAH lookup.
Reach out and get pre-approved. Look up the BAH rate for your new location so you know what fits.
Tour homes by video with a local agent, and use house-hunting leave if you can get it.
You can often sign your closing papers from your current station. If you'll be away, a specific power of attorney can work. Tell us early so we set it up correctly.
The VA expects the home to be your main residence, usually within about 60 days of closing. If you're deployed, your spouse living there can count.
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton questions
Most families look at Oceanside, Temecula, Fallbrook or San Clemente. The best fit depends on where your unit works, your budget and how much space you want. We can help you compare neighborhoods and commutes.
Yes. Many families get pre-approved at their current station, tour homes by video and close before or right after they report. If you'll be away, a specific power of attorney can let your spouse sign.
Yes. Lenders can count BAH as income. Look up your rate for the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton area on the official DoD BAH lookup, and we'll use it in your pre-approval.
Get started
The earlier you get pre-approved, the more time you have to find the right home. One person on our team will be your point of contact from your current station to closing day.