PCS to Kings Bay Housing Guide – Best Places to Live Near Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay

Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is located in the coastal town of St. Marys in southeast Georgia, just north of the Florida state line. The base is approximately 40 minutes from Jacksonville, Florida and is one of the U.S. Navy’s most important submarine bases.

Because of its location along the Georgia coast, military families relocating to Kings Bay have several great housing options nearby. Many service members choose to live in communities such as St. Marys or Kingsland for a short commute, while others prefer Brunswick or St. Simons Island for additional amenities, beaches, and lifestyle options.

This area of coastal Georgia offers a relaxed pace of life, beautiful natural surroundings, and access to excellent boating, fishing, and outdoor recreation.

-St. Marys, Georgia

St. Marys is the closest town to Kings Bay Naval Base and is a popular choice for many Navy families. The commute to the base is typically just 5 to 10 minutes, making it extremely convenient for service members.

St. Marys offers a charming historic downtown, waterfront views, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. Many neighborhoods here are family-friendly and provide easy access to schools, parks, and shopping.

-Kingsland, Georgia

Kingsland is located just west of St. Marys and is another highly popular location for military families. Kingsland offers newer residential communities, shopping centers, restaurants, and easy access to Interstate 95.

The commute to Kings Bay Naval Base is usually around 10 minutes, making Kingsland one of the most convenient areas for off-base housing.

- Waverly, Georgia

-Woodbine, Georgia

-Yulee, Florida

-Brunswick, Georgia

Brunswick is located about 35 minutes north of the base and offers more housing inventory and often more affordable home prices.

Many buyers choose Brunswick because it provides access to larger homes, established neighborhoods, and proximity to the Golden Isles area.

-St. Simons Island

St. Simons Island is one of the most desirable coastal communities in Georgia. While the commute to Kings Bay Naval Base is longer (typically around 45–50 minutes), many buyers choose St. Simons Island for its beaches, golf courses, restaurants, and coastal lifestyle.

For buyers who value quality of life and long-term real estate investment, St. Simons Island can be a very attractive option.

Home prices near Kings Bay vary depending on the community and proximity to the coast. Generally, homes closer to the base tend to be more affordable, while coastal communities have higher property values.

Typical home price ranges:

St. Marys – around $300,000 average home price
Kingsland – around $325,000 average home price
Brunswick – around $275,000 average home price
St. Simons Island – around $650,000 average home price

Prices can vary significantly based on home size, neighborhood, and proximity to the water.

Many military buyers relocating to Kings Bay choose to purchase homes because the cost of ownership can often be comparable to renting, especially when using VA loan benefits.

Families relocating to Kings Bay have two main housing choices: on-base housing or off-base homes in nearby communities.

On-base housing is managed through the base housing office and provides convenient access to the installation. These homes are typically located within the base community and offer easy access to work, schools, and base facilities.

However, many military families choose to purchase homes off base. Buying a home allows families to build equity, gain more space, and often enjoy larger properties and neighborhood amenities.

Communities like St. Marys, Kingsland, and Brunswick offer many housing options that are popular with military buyers relocating to Kings Bay.

One of the biggest advantages for military families relocating to Kings Bay is access to VA home loan benefits.

VA loans offer several advantages that make homeownership more accessible for active-duty service members and veterans.

Key benefits include:

• zero down or low down payment options
• no private mortgage insurance (PMI)
• competitive interest rates
• flexible credit requirements
• easier qualification for military buyers

Many military families purchasing homes near Kings Bay use VA loans to buy their first home in coastal Georgia.

Working with a local Realtor who understands VA financing can help make the process smoother and ensure buyers take full advantage of these benefits.

Commute time is one of the biggest considerations for military families deciding where to live.

Typical commute times include:

St. Marys – approximately 5 to 10 minutes
Kingsland – approximately 10 minutes
Brunswick – approximately 35 minutes
St. Simons Island – approximately 45 to 50 minutes

Many service members prefer to live within 15 minutes of the base, but others choose coastal communities for lifestyle benefits and are comfortable with a longer commute.

Families relocating to Kings Bay will find several school districts serving the surrounding communities.

The Camden County School District serves St. Marys and Kingsland and is known for strong community support and family-friendly neighborhoods.

Brunswick and the surrounding Glynn County communities are served by the Glynn County School System.

Parents relocating to the area often explore both public and private school options depending on their family’s needs.

Many buyers relocating to the Kings Bay area choose to purchase homes in nearby communities such as St. Marys, Kingsland, Brunswick, or St. Simons Island.

Each area offers a variety of housing options including single-family homes, townhomes, new construction communities, and waterfront properties.

If you're considering relocating to Kings Bay Naval Base, exploring available homes early can help you understand pricing, neighborhoods, and the types of properties available in the area.

Compared to many parts of the country, the cost of living in coastal Georgia is relatively affordable. Housing costs, property taxes, and daily expenses are often lower than in many large metropolitan areas.

Home prices in communities near Kings Bay are generally more affordable than major coastal cities, while still offering access to beaches, outdoor recreation, and coastal lifestyle amenities.

Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also typically reasonable compared to national averages, which can make relocating to the Kings Bay area an attractive option for military families.

Relocating due to military orders can be stressful, especially when moving to a new area. Working with a local Realtor who understands military relocation and VA loans can make the process much easier.

Dave Burton helps military families relocating to Kings Bay find homes that fit their needs, timelines, and budgets. Whether you're looking in St. Marys, Kingsland, Brunswick, or St. Simons Island, having a local expert can help you navigate neighborhoods, home values, and the buying process.

If you're preparing for a PCS move to Kings Bay Naval Base, having experienced local guidance can help make your relocation smoother and more successful.