The Ultimate Military Relocation Guide to Fort Sill, Lawton, Elgin & Cache, Oklahoma
Your comprehensive, data-driven resource for a smooth PCS to Southwest Oklahoma — updated for 2026
Welcome to the Lawton-Fort Sill Area!
Congratulations on your PCS orders to Fort Sill! You are about to discover one of the best-kept secrets in military real estate: the Lawton, Oklahoma area offers an outstanding quality of life at a fraction of the cost of most duty stations. This guide compiles the most current and comprehensive information from official military sources, government data, and local community resources to help you make the best decisions for your family.
Fort Sill is located in Comanche County, adjacent to Lawton, approximately 90 miles southwest of Oklahoma City and 50 miles north of Wichita Falls, Texas, on Interstate 44. Military OneSource describes it as the home of the United States Army Field Artillery School, the Air Defense Artillery School, the 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade, and one of four Army Basic Combat Training locations.
Fort Sill: Getting On Post & In-Processing
Fort Sill is a closed post, meaning a valid Military ID is required for access. Visitors must complete Fort Sill Form 118 and visit the Visitor Welcome Center (VWC) to obtain a pass. All individuals must present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification. Fort Sill Official Site
| Gate | Hours |
|---|---|
| Bentley Gate | 24/7 |
| Key Gate West | 24/7 |
| Scott Gate | Mon-Fri 5am-7pm | Sat 6am-2pm |
| Apache Gate | Mon-Fri 5am-7pm | Sat 6am-2pm |
| 52nd St Gate | Mon-Fri 5am-1pm |
| Key Gate East | Mon-Fri 5am-1pm |
All arriving service members report to the Reception Detachment at Bldg 4700, 4700 Mow Way Road (open 24/7). You will attend a mandatory Initial Brief at 0730 the following duty day. In-processing is expected to be completed within five duty days. Contact: (580) 442-3217.
On-Post Housing: Corvias Property Management
On-post housing at Fort Sill is managed by Corvias Property Management. They offer three distinct neighborhoods with amenities including resort-style pools, splash pads, fitness centers, bark parks, bike paths, and community centers. Orders are not required to begin the application process. Corvias Leasing Office: 5445 Greble Road, Fort Sill, OK 73503 | Phone: (580) 581-2100 | Leasing: (580) 581-2144
Your 2026 BAH: What It Buys You in Lawton
One of the most significant advantages of Fort Sill is how far your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) goes. The 2026 BAH rates increased an average of 4.2% from 2025. BAH covers ZIP codes: 73501, 73502, 73503, 73505, 73506, 73507, 73527, 73528, 73538, 73540, 73541, 73543, 73552, 73557, 73558, 73567. VA Claims Insider
| Pay Grade | 2026 BAH (With Dependents) | 2026 BAH (Without Dependents) |
|---|---|---|
| E-5 | $1,233/mo | $1,092/mo |
| E-6 | $1,494/mo | $1,170/mo |
| E-7 | $1,587/mo | $1,209/mo |
| W-2 | $1,632/mo | $1,287/mo |
| O-2 | $1,491/mo | $1,227/mo |
| O-3 | $1,758/mo | $1,395/mo |
| O-4 | $2,055/mo | $1,587/mo |
| O-5 | $2,271/mo | $1,704/mo |
BAH is tax-free and can be used as qualifying income for a VA loan. In Lawton, BAH typically covers rent or a mortgage payment entirely. See the official DoD BAH page for full rate tables.
Where Military Families Live: Lawton, Elgin & Cache
| Community | 2026 Median Home Price | Median HH Income | School District | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawton | $166,250 | $51,571 | Lawton Public Schools | Largest selection, shopping, dining, shortest commute to most gates |
| Elgin | $281,250 | $78,561 | Elgin Public Schools | Top-rated schools, fast-growing suburb, popular with military families |
| Cache | Est. $150,000+ | N/A | Cache Public Schools | Small-town feel, great value, close to Wichita Mountains |
Schools & Education
| School | District | Grades | Rating | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flower Mound Public School | Flower Mound | PK-5 | 8/10 | 350 |
| Woodland Hills Elementary | Lawton Public | PK-5 | 7/10 | 466 |
| Elgin Elementary School | Elgin Public | PK-4 | 8/10 | 945 |
| Elgin Middle School | Elgin Public | 5-8 | 7/10 | 791 |
Fort Sill MWR: Recreation & Family Programs
The Fort Sill MWR program offers Cosmic Bowling, the annual Shamrock Run, LETRA (Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area) with cabins, paintball and golf, free MakerSpace! STEAM activities, free tax preparation, escape rooms, book clubs, and cooking classes.
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is a 60,000-acre refuge home to free-roaming bison, Texas longhorn, and Rocky Mountain elk. Activities include 15+ hiking trails, camping at Doris Campground (reserve at Recreation.gov), fishing and kayaking, wildlife viewing, and rock climbing. Address: 21088 State Hwy 115, Cache, OK 73527 | (580) 429-3222 | Visitor Center: Daily 9am-5pm | No admission fee.
Medicine Park: Oklahoma's First Resort Town
Medicine Park, founded in 1908, is a unique cobblestone resort town at the foot of the Wichita Mountains. It offers swimming at Bath Lake ($3 fee), unique shops, art galleries, and dining including Mrs. Chadwick's Bakery and the Old Plantation restaurant.
Ready to Find Your Home Near Fort Sill?
Waylon Stricklin is Lawton's military relocation specialist. With over 20 years of experience and deep roots in the Lawton-Fort Sill community, Waylon understands the unique needs of military families. He will help you find the right home, in the right neighborhood, on your timeline and within your BAH.
Call or text Waylon today: (580) 722-4647
