We know it’s stressful to plan a PCS move with little knowledge of what it’s really like to live, work, and play around the base.
That’s why we’ve rounded up the most important things to know about Maxwell Air Force Base and Gunter Annex. This list gives you a heads-up on housing, military family resources and how to make the most of your time in Alabama.
Maxwell AFB Location Information
1. Maxwell Air Force Base and Gunter Annex are situated in central Alabama, near the capital, Montgomery. The central part of the base is about five miles west of Montgomery, and Gunter is approximately 17 miles northeast of the main sites of Maxwell AFB.
Because of the distance, it’s a good idea to locate your place of work before buying or renting a home to ensure the shortest commute.
2. Thanks to its central location in Alabama, Maxwell AFB has direct access to multiple major state and federal roadways, starting with Montgomery’s intersection of I-85 (East) and I-65 (North and South).
3. Montgomery has big-city neighbors like Birmingham and Atlanta, Georgia, for weekend getaways, but Montgomery offers the best of both worlds that military families appreciate: a small-town feel with the cultural, retail, and dining amenities found in larger cities.
4. Montgomery is in Montgomery County. The River Region has about 12,500 active-duty members, Reservists, civilians, and contractors.
5. Out in the community, you’ll probably hear locals use multiple versions of the base’s name because of name changes in the past. Some are old, some new, but they all mean the same place!
So keep an ear out for Maxwell-Gunter AFB, Maxwell AFB, Gunter Annex, and, on occasion, Gunter Field or Gunter Air Force Station. The last two are nods to origins in Air Force aviation history.
6. Speaking of aviation history, Maxwell AFB is well-known for its connections to the birth of modern flight. The Wright Brothers left a historical influence on Montgomery because of the Wright Flying School. Orville started instruction in 1910.
7. An Air Force base wouldn’t be complete without an air show to feature! Each April, Maxwell AFB hosts the Beyond the Horizon Air & Space Show. Spectators come to be wowed by aerial displays and historic planes.
Look for big names like the United States Air Force Thunderbirds and the perennial favorite, Wings of Blue, the USAF’s skydiving team.
8. Military members who leave their families at previous cities or duty stations while they complete their time at Maxwell AFB are common. These "geo-bachelors" usually find apartments, shared homes, and vacancies in military housing on Maxwell AFB.
If you’re new to the South, one of the best ways to jump into local culture is to embrace the food! See 7 Restaurants to Try in Prattville, Alabama, for some of the best restaurants in the area.
Maxwell AFB Off-Base Housing
Near Maxwell AFB, military families live in a variety of cities. Each has a unique personality and specifics that will tailor your house hunt.
Maxwell on-base housing is limited, so most families live in off-base housing. Houses for rent in Montgomery AL, and houses for rent in Prattville AL, are in high demand, especially for students assigned to the base for shorter periods of time. But, because of the low cost of living and affordable housing in the area, those permanently assigned here also seriously consider other homes for sale near Maxwell AFB.
Montgomery’s downtown has thriving neighborhoods with unique personalities and diverse residents. The art and music scene, as well as nightlife activities, thrive downtown, but nearby cities such as Prattville, Millbrook, Redland, and Wetumpka are also popular among military families.
If you're moving to Maxwell AFB, here are the most up-to-date MilitaryByOwner property listings to help you find your next home:
- Homes for sale near Maxwell AFB
- Homes for sale in Montgomery, AL
- Houses for rent in Montgomery, AL
- Houses for rent in Prattville, AL
Photo by Monkey Business Images via Canva.com
What Should Military Families Know Before PCSing to Maxwell Air Force Base?
There’s much to learn before your PCS move to Maxwell AFB, so, we’re sharing some of the most important facts for you to make the best military move decisions.
Maxwell AFB Military Family Resources
School Information
DoWEA operates Maxwell AFB elementary and middle schools, which serve students from pre-k through grade eight. Students who live on Maxwell AFB in grades 9-12 attend Carver Senior High School, and Gunter students attend Percy Julian High School. Both are part of the Montgomery County Public School System. The school system provides bus service.
Pike Road School System, Autauga County Schools, and Elmore County Schools permit military family students to attend their schools, regardless of whether they live on Maxwell AFB.
Military Spouse Employment & Connections
Military spouses in Alabama recently had a career licensing roadblock lifted. The state signed the Military Family Jobs Opportunity Act into law, which helps spouses transfer their professional licenses. If you’re looking for direct employment, the major employers include Maxwell AFB, the State of Alabama, Montgomery Public Schools, Baptist Health, and Hyundai Motor Manufacturing.
You won’t have to look hard for military spouse connections near Maxwell AFB. Check out a Facebook group like Maxwell-Gunter Spouses. Or, if you prefer in-person get-togethers, try the Women Business Owners of Montgomery, Prattville Running and Triathlon Club, or the River Region MOPS.
Many military families return to the area after their service ends. Learn the reasons military families love to retire near Maxwell AFB.
Things to Do Near Maxwell AFB & Gunter Annex
Some of the best things to do in Montgomery AL, are found near Maxwell AFB and Gunter. Plan your outings carefully; you’ll likely want to revisit a couple of sites after they become your favorites.
Life at the Max is the catch-all publication that serves the Maxwell AFB population. Life at the Max provides vital base information directly related to service members and their families. Readers find community news, event schedules, and directories. Various support topics are highlighted, including education, career information, and military lodging.
The American Civil Rights Movement has deep roots in Montgomery. The city recognizes its important place in history, and the Civil Rights Memorial Center is one of Montgomery’s most notable attractions. Visitors also head to historical sites such as the Rosa Parks Museum and Library, Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice.
Need kid-centric outings? 13 Ideas for Family Fun Near Maxwell AFB, Alabama, will have your kids busy for days!
Outdoor Fun Near Maxwell AFB
Military families love the long-lasting warm seasons and access to plenty of recreational water activities, especially when the heat and humidity crank up. River activities flourish because the Coosa and Tallapoosa rivers converge to form the Alabama River, which flows north of Montgomery. Kayakers, boaters, and families hoping to wade find plenty of opportunities in the River Region.
If your family loves the beach, Maxwell AFB is the perfect location. Its proximity to I-65 provides the shortest distance to popular beach towns like Gulf Shores, Alabama; Pensacola; and Panama City, Florida. Nearby beach towns in Lower Alabama and the Western Florida panhandle have tons of fans, too.
For a different vacation vibe, take a day or overnight trip to a tourist favorite, such as Skyline Park in Atlanta or shopping in Birmingham. Each destination offers unique amenities, from sporting events to family adventure parks. Don’t forget about NASA; its presence is impressive in Huntsville. The NASA Marshall Space Flight Center draws tourists from across the country each year.
After reading all this information, you should feel a little better about your PCS to Maxwell AFB. All it takes is a little familiarity with the base and surrounding area to start picturing yourself as a local. If you’re searching for a home near Maxwell AFB, check MilitaryByOwner’s inventory for instant updates on available houses to rent and buy.
