About the Base
Fort Benning, is located on the border of Georgia and Alabama near Columbus. It’s home to the U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence and supports about 27,000 active-duty soldiers with a total community exceeding 100,000 including families and civilians. BAH ranges from $1,400–$2,300 depending on rank.
Nearby Communities
- Columbus, GA: The main city with affordable homes, entertainment, and restaurants.
- Phenix City, AL: A popular choice for lower cost of living and short commutes.
- Midland: Suburban area with newer homes and top-rated schools.
- Smiths Station, AL: Quiet family area with newer developments.
Schools & Education
Families are primarily served by Muscogee County School District in Georgia and Phenix City Schools in Alabama. Brookstone School and Glenwood are private options nearby.
Things to Do
Local Favorites: Eat at 11th and Bay for riverfront dining or The Loft for live music and Southern cuisine.
Outdoor Recreation: Whitewater rafting on the Chattahoochee River, hiking at Flat Rock Park, and ziplining between Georgia and Alabama are local highlights.
Nearby Attractions: Providence Canyon (“Little Grand Canyon”) and Callaway Gardens are perfect weekend trips. Atlanta is just 90 minutes away.
Annual Events: RiverFest, Uptown Beer & Wine Festival, and the Columbus Jazz Festival.
Getting Around
Columbus Metropolitan Airport is 15 minutes from base, with I-185 and US-431 offering quick routes north to Atlanta or south to Florida.
Get Connected
Ready to start your move to Fort Benning? Get connected with an agent who’s an expert around Fort Benning and understands the military lifestyle.