Get to Know Wright-Patterson AFB

Halfway between Indianapolis, Indiana, and Ohio’s capital city of Columbus, you'll find Dayton, Ohio.

In this area known as the "Crossroads of America" sits Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. If you’re heading to WPAFB, take a moment to explore the area with us.

Learning Your Way Around Wright-Patterson AFB

Wright-Patterson AFB, or "Wright-Patt," is located about one mile from Fairborn, Ohio, and six miles northeast of Dayton. Wright-Patterson AFB is the birthplace, home, and future of aerospace and is one of the most important bases in the United States Air Force.

The base was originally the home of Wilbur Wright Field and Fairfield Aviation General Supply Depot. It’s now the location of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, the oldest and largest aviation museum in the world. The host wing, the 88th Air Base Wing, has a motto of "Strength Through Support." Whether you’re assigned to the 88th or an associate unit such as AFMC, AFLCMC, AFIT, or AFRL, WPAFB provides leading edge support for today's warfighters. 

Wright-Patt has a workforce numbering approximately 38,000 people, including military, civilians, and contractors. Thousands of area retirees also use the services on WPAFB. The base is the largest single site employer in the state of Ohio.

Military Bases Near Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio

WPAFB Areas A and B Locations

Wright-Patt is divided into Areas A, B, and Kittyhawk. Area B is about two miles from the other areas. Getting around WPAFB may be a little confusing at first, as State Highway 444 divides Areas A and B. Once you determine which side you need to get to, it’s easy to navigate. A base shuttle system provides service between all areas, including Kittyhawk Center.

WPAFB has multiple base gates, which have varying hours and are subject to change depending on mission needs. Gate 1A is the "commissary gate," which provides access to the commissary and Exchange services.

WPAFB Military Housing

Unaccompanied Housing is provided for unaccompanied Airmen in the ranks of E-1 to E-3, as mwell as E-4s with less than three years of service.

Most military family housing at Wright Patterson AFB is privatized. Housing consists of two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes offered in two different neighborhoods called "The Prairies" and "The Woods." It is managed by the Wright Field Development Company and called The Properties at Wright Field. Privatized housing is located adjacent to the base. 

On-base government housing is available for officers and General Officers and consists of 100 three- and four-bedroom units. Most of these units are designated for key and essential personnel. Contact the WPAFB Military Housing Office for more details.

WPAFB Off-Base Housing

The Wright-Patt area is known to be military friendly, and many communities are within an easy drive of the base. Popular nearby towns include Beavercreek, Bellbrook, Centerville, Fairborn, Huber Heights, Kettering, Oakwood, and Xenia.

You’ll find the cost of living to be reasonable in the Dayton area. Whether renting or buying, you should be able to find a home for your military family with a reasonable amount of square footage for a good price. 

Start your home search:

• Homes for sale and houses for rent near WPAFB: Wright-Patterson AFB Homes. 
• Fairborn: Homes for Sale, Houses for Rent
• Beavercreek: Homes for Sale, Houses for Rent
• Dayton: Homes for Sale, Houses for Rent

Things to Do Near Wright-Patterson AFB

While stationed at this Midwestern Air Force base, you won’t run out of things to do, and in fact may find yourself falling in love with the Midwest lifestyle. This list is just the start for your family explorations at Wright-Patt.

• National Museum of the U.S. Air Force: Wright-Patterson AFB is home to the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world. Explore aircraft and learn more about our nation’s aviation history.  
• Carillon Historical Park: Open-air history musuem bringing the area's history to life. 
• Germanfest Picnic: Enjoy German food, music, a Biergarten and more at this yearly fest. Kids have their own Kid Zone.
• Young’s Jersey Dairy: Iconic location with petting zoo and delicious ice cream made with milk from their own herd.
• The annual Air Force Marathon is hosted in the Dayton area, with 5k, 10k, half marathon and full marathon events.  

Military Spouse Connections At Wright-Patterson AFB

Military spouses at Wright-Patt will discover many opportunities for involvement. Whether you’re looking to further your career, find new volunteer opportunities, or continue your education, you can connect before you even arrive.

WPAFB Military and Family Support Center: a wealth of employment assistance information and resources for military families. 

Airman and Family Readiness Flight: Newcomer resources, classes, and counseling.

Higher education near WPAFB: Sinclair Community College, Central Michigan University, Clark State Community College, Strayer University, University of Dayton, and Wright State University.

Moving to WPAFB? Get more information about schools, employment, finding a home, military spouse employment, and more with our free guide below.