HANSCOM AFB
AIR FORCE
Bedford, MA
United States
HANSCOM AFB
AIR FORCE
Bedford, MA
United States
Hanscom AFB
Base Essentials
Home of Air Force Lifecycle Management Center's electronic systems programs outside Boston — an acquisition and program management posting in New England's most expensive real estate market, offset by strong career development.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
AFMC
Status
Active
Est.
1941
Acres
846
Active Duty
2,200
Civilian
3,500
Population
4,900,000
Economic Impact
$2.2 billion
Hanscom AFB History
Named AfterLaurence G. Hanscom (civilian aviation advocate)
Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, Massachusetts, was established in 1941. It is the headquarters of the Electronic Systems Center and other program management offices responsible for developing and acquiring the Air Force's command and control, intelligence, and cyber systems. Unlike most Air Force bases, Hanscom has no flying mission — its focus is entirely on systems acquisition and lifecycle management. The installation supports a large workforce of military, civilian, and contractor professionals and is a key node in the defense technology ecosystem of the greater Boston area.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
66th Air Base Group
—
—
Electronic Systems Center / Program Executive Offices
—
—
Historic Timeline
1941
Established as Hanscom Field
1948
Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories Established
2006
Electronic Systems Center Becomes Primary Mission
—
View Key Moments
(3)
1941
Established as Hanscom Field
The airfield was established in 1941 and named for Laurence G. Hanscom, a local aviation advocate who championed building an airport for the Boston area and died in a 1941 crash. The military took over the field during WWII for logistics and transport operations.
1948
Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories Established
The Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories were established at Hanscom in 1948, beginning the installation's evolution into one of the Air Force's premier research and development centers. Hanscom now houses the Air Force Research Laboratory's sensors and electronics divisions.
2006
Electronic Systems Center Becomes Primary Mission
Hanscom is home to the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, and Networks directorate, making it the Air Force's center for acquisition of electronic and command-and-control systems. Major programs including AWACS, JSTARS, and battle management systems were developed here.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Hanscom AFB.
Hanscom AFB Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Hanscom AFB.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Hanscom AFB.
Information
How the NSSC Natick Soldier Systems Center Advances Military Tech
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Information
20 of the Best Restaurants Near Hanscom AFB
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Information
25 Of the Best Things to Do Near Hanscom AFB
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Information
Hanscom AFB: In-Depth Welcome Center
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Information
Hanscom AFB Housing: 5 On-Base Options
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Hanscom AFB.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
66th Force Support Squadron — Military and Family Readiness Center (M&FRC)
Phone
(781) 225-2765Hours
Mon–Fri, 0800–1600
In-Processing
Personnel arriving at Hanscom have branch-specific reporting procedures. AFLCMC military and civilian personnel report to Building 1604, Room 125 (0730–1630 weekdays) with their PCS package. Most other military personnel report to the Military Personnel Section (MPS) in Building 1305, first floor (Mon–Fri 0900–1500). Finance briefings are held Mondays and Wednesdays at 0930 in the Brown Building's third-floor conference room.
The Welcome/Visitor Center is in Building 1617 (Sartain Gate), reachable at (781) 225-5605, Mon–Fri 0600–1600. The M&FRC coordinates newcomer orientation workshops for both military and DOD civilian personnel. Hanscom is a predominantly contractor-heavy environment supporting the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center.
Required documents for in-processing: medical and dental records, shot records, OJT records, and education records in addition to PCS orders. The Greater Boston/Bedford area offers outstanding cultural amenities, but housing costs are among the highest in the military system — begin housing research well before your report date.
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Hanscom AFB.
On-post family housing at Hanscom AFB is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities under the Air Force's RCI program. On-post inventory is limited given Hanscom's relatively small footprint and primarily civilian/contractor workforce. Most military families assigned to Hanscom live off-post in the surrounding Boston suburbs. Hanscom AFB is located in Bedford, Massachuse…
Local Market
$3,000/mo
rent
/
$680,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around Hanscom AFB
155
55% Above National Average
Housing
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See what you can afford using your rank, BAH, and local market data.
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Hanscom AFB.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Office
2
Middle Schools
View schools
2
High Schools
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Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Hanscom AFB is a research and development installation embedded in the affluent suburbs northwest of Boston, Massachusetts. It is home to the Air Force Research Laboratory and a large acquisition community. The surrounding Lincoln, Lexington, Concord, and Bedford communities are among Massachusetts' most prestigious — and most expensive — suburbs. BAH rates reflect the Boston metro premium.
Bedford
Suburban
The town immediately adjacent to Hanscom's main gate, Bedford is one of the few communities near the base with a mix of military families and established local residents. Bedford Public Schools are strong, and the town has a Main Street with local businesses. Home prices and rents are high by national standards, but Hanscom BAH is set accordingly. The Minuteman Commuter Bikeway connects Bedford to Lexington and Cambridge.
Commute: 8 min
Schools: Bedford Public Schools
Families with kids
Dual military
Retirees
Closest to Hanscom, excellent Bedford schools, Minuteman Bikeway, historic Battle Road Trail, convenient to Cambridge and Boston
Lexington
Suburban
Famous as the site of the "shot heard round the world" that started the American Revolution, Lexington is one of Massachusetts' premier suburbs with exceptional Lexington Public Schools and a beautiful town center. Families pay a significant premium for Lexington, but the school quality and historical character are undeniable. The commute to Hanscom via Route 2A is 15 minutes.
Commute: 15 min
Schools: Lexington Public Schools
Families with kids
Retirees
Dual military
Top Massachusetts schools, Revolutionary War history, walkable town center, strong home values, high prestige community
Billerica / Chelmsford
Suburban
Moving north from Lexington toward US-3, Billerica and Chelmsford offer more affordable housing while maintaining reasonable commute times to Hanscom via I-95 and Route 225. Billerica and Chelmsford public schools are solid, and these towns have more suburban character with big-box retail along Route 3A. Families willing to be 25–30 minutes from the gate find significantly better housing value here.
Commute: 28 min
Schools: Billerica Public Schools / Chelmsford Public Schools
Families with kids
Budget-friendly
Dual military
More affordable near Boston, solid school districts, suburban amenities, I-495 corridor access
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Hanscom AFB.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully exempt
Retirement Pay
Partially exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Massachusetts fully exempts active duty military pay from Massachusetts income tax for Massachusetts legal residents. Th…
Spouse Income Tax
Under MSRRA, military spouses may maintain their legal domicile outside Massachusetts for Massachusetts income tax purpo…
Vehicle Registration
Massachusetts charges a 6.25% motor vehicle sales or use tax on vehicle purchases. Military members who are not Massachu…
Property Tax
Massachusetts has moderate property tax rates but high property values, particularly near Boston. Middlesex County (Hans…
Pet Policies at Hanscom AFB
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Hanscom AFB.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
8
Prohibited Animals
4
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Hanscom AFB.
Commissary
1
Hanscom AFB Commissary
Exchange
BX
Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Medical
1
66th Medical Squadron Clinic — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Hanscom AFB.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Sartain Gate (formerly Vandenberg Gate / Main Gate) is the primary visitor access gate, open Mon–Fri 5:30 AM - 10:00 PM, Sat–Sun 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM. See the Gates section for the full schedule of all 2 gates and their access requirements.
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02
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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03
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for Hanscom AFB.
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04
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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05
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near Hanscom AFB.
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Question
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.