WEST POINT
ARMY
West Point, NY
United States
WEST POINT
ARMY
West Point, NY
United States
West Point
Duty, Honor, Country
Base Essentials
The U.S. Military Academy on the Hudson River in New York — a unique assignment for instructors, coaches, and support staff in one of the Army's most historic and prestigious environments.
Base Details
Type
Army Post
Branch
ARMY
Command
TRADOC
Status
Active
Est.
1802
Acres
16,000
Active Duty
4,500
Civilian
3,000
Population
380,000
Economic Impact
$1.5 billion
West Point History
The United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, was founded in 1802 and is the nation's oldest federal service academy. Situated on a commanding bluff above the Hudson River, West Point has produced many of the nation's most notable military and civilian leaders, including Ulysses S. Grant, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Douglas MacArthur, and Norman Schwarzkopf. The Academy graduates approximately 1,000 new second lieutenants each year and continues to evolve its curriculum to address emerging challenges in technology, leadership, and national security.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
U.S. Military Academy
—
—
U.S. Corps of Cadets
—
—
Army Garrison West Point
—
—
Historic Timeline
1778
Washington Fortifies West Point
General George Washington selected West Point as the most strategically important position in America in 1778 and appointed Polish engineer Thaddeus Kosciuszko to design its fortifications, blocking British naval passage of the Hudson River.
1802
U.S. Military Academy Established by Congress
President Thomas Jefferson signed legislation establishing the United States Military Academy on March 16, 1802, and it officially opened on July 4, 1802. West Point is the oldest continuously occupied military post in America.
1817
Sylvanus Thayer Transforms the Academy
Colonel Sylvanus Thayer became Superintendent in 1817 and over the next 16 years established rigorous academic standards, military discipline, an honor code, and a civil engineering-centered curriculum, earning the title "Father of the Military Academy."
1976
First Women Admitted to the Academy
West Point admitted its first female cadets in 1976 following congressional legislation, ending 174 years as an all-male institution in one of the most significant transformations in the Academy's history.
View Key Moments
(4)
1778
Washington Fortifies West Point
General George Washington selected West Point as the most strategically important position in America in 1778 and appointed Polish engineer Thaddeus Kosciuszko to design its fortifications, blocking British naval passage of the Hudson River.
1802
U.S. Military Academy Established by Congress
President Thomas Jefferson signed legislation establishing the United States Military Academy on March 16, 1802, and it officially opened on July 4, 1802. West Point is the oldest continuously occupied military post in America.
1817
Sylvanus Thayer Transforms the Academy
Colonel Sylvanus Thayer became Superintendent in 1817 and over the next 16 years established rigorous academic standards, military discipline, an honor code, and a civil engineering-centered curriculum, earning the title "Father of the Military Academy."
1976
First Women Admitted to the Academy
West Point admitted its first female cadets in 1976 following congressional legislation, ending 174 years as an all-male institution in one of the most significant transformations in the Academy's history.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for West Point.
West Point Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for West Point.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from West Point.
Information
Welcome to West Point Military Academy: Your Comprehensive Guide
Read
Information
20+ Things to Do Near West Point in Highland Falls, Newburgh, and More!
Read
Entertainment Old
The Army Navy Game Is a Rivalry Unlike Any Other
Read
Military News
U.S. Naval Academy, West Point May Soon See Landmarks Renamed
Read
Information
Hacking for Defense Preps Students To Mitigate Security Threats
Read
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to West Point.
Military Personnel Division (MPD), U.S. Army Garrison West Point
Phone
(845) 938-3333Hours
Mon–Fri, 0800–1530 (closed 0800–1300 on 1st and 3rd Thursday for training)
In-Processing
All Soldiers arriving at West Point report first to their unit of assignment, then proceed to the Military Personnel Division at 622 Swift Road. The MPD is the only organization on the installation authorized to issue the Installation In-Processing Checklist. No appointment is required. Personnel must bring PCS orders (including all amendments) and their PCS absence request. After-hours arrivals report to the Provost Marshal Office (Building 616) and complete in-processing the next business day.
Unit-specific reporting locations include: USAG MP to Building 616; MEDDAC to Building 662, Room 1; DENTAC to Keller Army Community Hospital, Room 2D14; HHC USMA staff and faculty to HHC USMA first. During peak PCS season (May–August), the MPD conducts in-processing sessions at 0900 and 1300 Mon–Fri.
West Point is a unique, small installation serving the U.S. Military Academy. In-processing is managed per unit and is more personalized than at larger posts. The MPD provides Personnel Processing, Personnel Services, and Transition Services. Army Community Service can be reached for relocation readiness support and Hudson Valley area orientation.
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Open PCS Entitlements Estimator
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Download Full Base Guide PDF
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 West Point.
On-post family housing at West Point is available primarily to Academy cadre, faculty, and senior staff. The installation's historic campus includes residential quarters in landmark buildings dating to the 19th century as well as newer family housing areas. Housing is limited and allocated based on rank and position — contact your gaining unit for housing eligibilit…
Local Market
$2,600/mo
rent
/
$520,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
Loading calculator...
View Full BAH Rates
Cost of Living Around West Point
130
30% Above National Average
Housing
Calculate Your Buying Power
See what you can afford using your rank, BAH, and local market data.
Open Calculator
Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near West Point.
School Liaison Officer
West Point School Liaison Officer
1
Middle Schools
View schools
2
High Schools
View schools
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
West Point Military Academy sits on the Hudson River highlands in Orange County, New York, about 50 miles north of New York City. The small community of Highland Falls is the primary off-post neighborhood. The region is defined by the spectacular Hudson Valley scenery, Storm King Mountain art installations, and easy Metro-North access to Manhattan. Most civilian staff and faculty families live very close to the academy.
Highland Falls
Small Town
Highland Falls is the village immediately outside West Point's main entrance on US-9W and is the most military-connected community in the area. The village has a Main Street with local restaurants and services, and Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery Central School District educates most military families' children. The post's Thayer Hotel and the Academy campus are walkable. Housing options include older homes and some newer construction.
Commute: 5 min
Schools: Highland Falls - Fort Montgomery Central School District
Families with kids
Retirees
Pet owners
Walking distance to the Academy, tight-knit community, Hudson River views, Storm King Art Center nearby
Cornwall-on-Hudson
Small Town
A charming Hudson Valley village about 12 minutes north of West Point on Route 218 and 9W, Cornwall-on-Hudson and the broader Cornwall area offer a more independent suburban feel with Cornwall Central School District — a higher-performing district than Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery. The community has a genuine Hudson Valley character with local restaurants, a riverfront, and proximity to Black Rock Forest.
Commute: 15 min
Schools: Cornwall Central School District
Families with kids
Outdoorsy types
Retirees
Pet owners
Excellent Cornwall schools, Hudson Valley charm, Black Rock Forest hiking access, stronger school ratings
Newburgh
Urban
The city of Newburgh, about 20 minutes north on I-84, offers the best value housing in the region and the most diverse dining and urban character options. The Newburgh waterfront has been gentrifying, with new restaurants and galleries opening. Newburgh Enlarged City School District has faced challenges, making private school options worth considering for families with children. For singles and couples without school-age kids, the value is compelling.
Commute: 22 min
Schools: Newburgh Enlarged City School District
Single service members
Budget-friendly
Retirees
Best housing value near West Point, gentrifying waterfront, access to I-84 and Stewart Airport, lower cost of living
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at West Point.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully exempt
Retirement Pay
Fully exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
New York fully exempts active duty military pay from New York State income tax for New York legal residents under N.Y. T…
Spouse Income Tax
Under MSRRA, military spouses may maintain their legal domicile outside New York for New York income tax purposes. A qua…
Vehicle Registration
New York charges sales tax on vehicle purchases (4% state + county rates). Military members who are not New York legal r…
Property Tax
New York property taxes vary dramatically by county. Orange County (West Point), Jefferson County (Fort Drum), and Kings…
Latest Videos from MyBaseGuide
View all
Pet Policies at West Point
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at West Point.
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 West Point.
Commissary
1
West Point Commissary
Exchange
PX
Mon–Sat 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Medical
1
Keller Army Community Hospital — Hospital
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about West Point.
01
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.
Read answer
02
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 West Point.
Read answer
03
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.
Read answer
04
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 West Point.
Read answer
Question
More ARMY Installations
Explore other ARMY bases and installations.
Aberdeen Proving Ground
Aberdeen, MD
Anniston Army Depot
Anniston, AL
Brooke Army Medical Center
San Antonio, TX
Camp Humphreys
Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi
Carlisle Barracks
Carlisle, PA
Detroit Arsenal
Warren, MI
Fort Barfoot
Blackstone, VA
Fort Belvoir
Fort Belvoir, VA
Fort Benning
Columbus, GA
Fort Bliss
El Paso, TX
Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg, NC
Fort Buchanan
Guaynabo, PR
Fort Campbell
Fort Campbell, KY
Fort Carson
Colorado Springs, CO
Fort Detrick
Frederick, MD
Fort Devens
Devens, MA
Fort Drum
Watertown, NY
Fort Gordon
Augusta, GA
Fort Greely
Delta Junction, AK
Fort Hamilton
Brooklyn, NY
Fort Hood
Killeen, TX
Fort Huachuca
Sierra Vista, AZ
Fort Indiantown Gap
Annville, PA
Fort Irwin
Fort Irwin, CA
Fort Jackson
Columbia, SC
Fort Knox
Fort Knox, KY
Fort Leavenworth
Leavenworth, KS
Fort Lee
Prince George, VA
Fort Leonard Wood
Waynesville, MO
Fort McCoy
Fort McCoy, WI
Fort McPherson
Atlanta, GA
Fort Meade
Fort Meade, MD
Fort Polk
Leesville, LA
Fort Riley
Junction City, KS
Fort Rucker
Ozark, AL
Fort Sam Houston
San Antonio, TX
Fort Shafter
Honolulu, HI
Fort Sill
Lawton, OK
Fort Stewart
Hinesville, GA
Fort Wainwright
Fairbanks, AK
Hawaii – Army
Honolulu, HI
Natick Soldier Systems Center
Natick, MA
Pentagon
Arlington, VA
Picatinny Arsenal
Wharton, NJ
Presidio of Monterey
Monterey, CA
Redstone Arsenal
Huntsville, AL
Reynolds Army Health Clinic
Fort Sill, OK
Rock Island Arsenal
Rock Island, IL
Schofield Barracks/Wheeler Army Airfield
Wahiawa, HI
Schofield Barracks/Wheeler Army Airfield
Wahiawa, HI
TRIPLER Army Community Hospital
Honolulu, HI
Tobyhanna Army Depot
Tobyhanna, PA
USAG Miami
Doral, FL
Walter Reed National Medical Center
Bethesda, MD
White Sands Missile Range
White Sands, NM
Yuma Proving Ground
Yuma, AZ
Data & Methodology
The information on this page is compiled through a combination of sources. We reference official U.S. Department of Defense publications, branch directives, and installation command websites on a regular cadence to ensure accuracy across policy, regulation, and operational data. Where relevant, we supplement that foundation with credible auxiliary resources, including verified government agencies, military support organizations, and established partners with direct ties to the installation community.
Our editorial team includes past and present military personnel who review and contribute firsthand knowledge — ensuring what you read reflects the real experience of military life, not just what's written in a regulation.
MyBaseGuide is an independent publication and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Department of Defense, any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, or any government agency. Information is provided for general reference and updated periodically. It may not reflect the most recent changes to installation policy or command decisions. Always confirm time-sensitive details directly with your gaining installation.