Explore TDY lodging and off-base housing options near Scott Air Force Base with easy access to the base, St. Louis metro area, and nearby communities.
Welcome to Scott Air Force Base
Scott Air Force Base sits just outside St. Louis in southwestern Illinois and serves as a major hub for command, communications, and global operations. With its central location and easy transportation access, Scott AFB connects military personnel to one of the Midwest’s most vibrant metro areas.
What’s It Like Living There?
Living near Scott AFB offers a comfortable suburban lifestyle with strong military support. Popular nearby communities like O’Fallon, Shiloh, and Belleville provide a wide range of apartments, townhomes, and furnished rentals close to schools, restaurants, and shopping centers. St. Louis is only about 25 minutes away, offering professional sports, museums, and entertainment.
The Climate: Four Distinct Seasons
The region experiences all four seasons. Summers are warm and humid, while winters bring cooler temperatures and occasional snowfall. Spring and fall are especially pleasant with comfortable temperatures and colorful scenery.
Why People Love Off-Base Rentals
Many military families prefer off-base housing because it provides more neighborhood options and access to local communities. It also allows residents to enjoy everything the St. Louis area has to offer while keeping a manageable commute to base.
Key Units of Scott Air Force Base
375th Air Mobility Wing
375th Air Mobility Wing932nd Airlift Wing
932nd Airlift Wing126th Air Refueling Wing
126th Air Refueling WingUnited States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM)
United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM)Best Cities to Live Near Scott Air Force Base
Best Schools Near Scott Air Force Base
Scott Elementary School
Elementary school serving military families stationed at Scott AFB with strong community involvement.
Mascoutah Middle School
Public middle school in Mascoutah School District offering academics and athletics for students near Scott AFB.
Mascoutah High School
Local high school serving Mascoutah and Scott AFB families with advanced academic programs and extracurricular activities.
Health Care Near Scott Air Force Base
TRICARE Facility375th Medical Group – Scott AFB
Primary on-base medical facility supporting active duty members and military families at Scott Air Force Base.
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Hospital
Clinic
Healthcare Coverage
TRICARE Coverage
at Scott Air Force Base
Scott Air Force Base healthcare services are provided by the 375th Medical Group located on the installation. The clinic offers primary care, specialty clinics, pharmacy services, and medical support for active-duty personnel, retirees, and military families, while coordinating additional care through the TRICARE East civilian provider network.
Tricare Prime
An HMO-style plan where you're assigned a Primary Care Manager. This is the most budget-friendly option, with minimal out-of-pocket costs.
Tricare Select
A PPO-style plan that gives you the flexibility to see any TRICARE-authorized provider—no referral needed. Perfect if you want more choice in your care.
Tricare for Life
Designed for beneficiaries with Medicare Parts A & B, this plan serves as wraparound coverage. It acts as a secondary payer to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
Recreation & Leisure
Things to Do Around Scott Air Force Base
Outdoor / Nature~1 hr 30 minShawnee National Forest
Beautiful outdoor recreation area with hiking trails, lakes, and scenic views.
Entertainment~25 minBallpark Village
Downtown St. Louis entertainment district with restaurants, bars, and sports events.
Cultural / Educational~25 minMissouri History Museum
Museum exploring the history and culture of St. Louis and the surrounding region.
Air Travel
Closest Airports to Scott Air Force Base
Regional Airport~6 miles
Regional / Commercial Airport~38 miles
International Airport~95 miles
FAQ
Frequently Asked
Questions
01Where is Scott Air Force Base located?
Scott Air Force Base is located in St. Clair County, Illinois, near Belleville and about 17 miles east of downtown St. Louis, Missouri. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
02What major commands are headquartered at Scott Air Force Base?
Scott AFB hosts the headquarters of Air Mobility Command and U.S. Transportation Command, coordinating global transportation and logistics for the U.S. military. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
03What units are stationed at Scott Air Force Base?
Key units include the 375th Airlift Wing (host wing), the 932nd Airlift Wing (Air Force Reserve), and the Illinois Air National Guard’s 126th Air Refueling Wing. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
04What is the closest commercial airport to Scott Air Force Base?
The closest airport is MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) in Mascoutah, Illinois, located only a few miles from the base, while Lambert–St. Louis International Airport is about 38 miles away. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
05What schools serve families living on Scott Air Force Base?
Students living on base typically attend schools in Mascoutah Community Unit School District 19, including Scott Elementary School located near the base. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
