Travis Air Force Base isn't just a military installation. It's the economic heartbeat of Solano County, California. Located just three miles east of Fairfield, Travis AFB employs over 26,000 people and pumps billions of dollars into the local economy every year. Whether you're a military family looking for your next assignment or a civilian drawn to the area's job market and Bay Area proximity, understanding Travis AFB's role in this community matters. Local real estate expert Michael Hulsey has helped countless families find homes near the base, and he knows firsthand how Travis shapes everything from property values to neighborhood character.
What Is Travis Air Force Base?
Travis AFB serves as the home of the 60th Air Mobility Wing, the largest wing in Air Mobility Command. The base operates a fleet of C-5M Super Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft, plus KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling tankers. This makes Travis the busiest military air terminal in the United States for both cargo and passenger traffic.
Originally established in 1942 as Fairfield-Suisun Army Air Base, the installation was renamed in 1951 to honor Brigadier General Robert F. Travis. Throughout the decades, Travis has supported every major U.S. military operation, from the Berlin Airlift to operations in the Pacific theater.
Here's why that matters for you:
The base's mission stability means sustained job growth and steady housing demand. Military installations that handle critical global logistics don't get relocated or downsized easily.
The Economic Engine of Solano County
Travis AFB is the largest employer in Solano County. In fiscal year 2024, the base generated $3.7 billion in total economic impact. That number includes direct payroll, healthcare spending, construction projects, facilities maintenance, and service contracts.
Beyond direct employment, Travis creates over 5,100 indirect jobs throughout the county, adding another $252.6 million annually to the local economy. More than 15,000 base personnel live in Solano County, and they spend approximately $298 million locally each year.
💡 Pro Tip: Homes within a 15-minute commute of the main gates tend to hold their value well because of consistent demand from incoming military families.
World-Class Healthcare at David Grant Medical Center
David Grant USAF Medical Center is the Air Force's largest medical facility in the continental United States. The 265-bed hospital serves over 500,000 beneficiaries across eight western states, including active duty personnel, retirees, dependents, and veterans.
The medical center operates in partnership with the VA Northern California Health Care System, which co-locates services on the Travis campus. This arrangement provides care to over 377,000 veterans in the region while saving taxpayers $9.6 million annually through shared resources.
David Grant also runs the Air Force's largest graduate medical education program, partnering with UC Davis for residency programs in surgery, emergency medicine, and internal medicine. For families considering the area, having a major teaching hospital nearby offers significant peace of mind.
Housing Options Near Travis AFB
Whether you're looking to buy or rent, you'll find options to fit different budgets and lifestyles near the base.
On-Base Housing
Travis Family Homes operates the on-base residential community, offering two, three, and four-bedroom floor plans exclusively for active duty Air Force families. These homes include central heating and air conditioning, garages, and full access to base amenities. The gated community provides walkable neighborhoods, playgrounds, and easy access to the commissary and exchange.
Off-Base Communities
Most families living near Travis AFB choose homes in Fairfield, Vacaville, or Suisun City. Each community offers different advantages:
|
City |
Distance to Base |
What to Expect |
|
Adjacent to base |
Closest option; new construction available; median price ~$590K |
|
|
~15 minutes |
More suburban feel; strong retail; outlet shopping |
|
|
~5 minutes |
Smaller community; waterfront downtown; often lower prices |
Schools Serving Military Families
Travis AFB does not have schools located on the installation itself. Instead, children attend schools in the Travis Unified School District (TUSD), which specifically serves the base community and surrounding neighborhoods.
TUSD operates 10 schools serving approximately 5,400 students. The district ranks as the second-best school district in Solano County according to Niche, with high marks for student diversity. Vanden High School offers Advanced Placement courses and maintains a 97% graduation rate.
Families living outside the immediate base area can also access schools in Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District or Vacaville Unified School District. Higher education opportunities include Solano Community College and UC Davis, which is about 30 miles northeast.
Strategic Location: Bay Area Access Without Bay Area Prices
Travis AFB sits at the intersection of opportunity. The base is located along Interstate 80, providing easy access in multiple directions:
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San Francisco: 52 miles southwest
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Sacramento: 46 miles northeast
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Napa Valley: 19 miles northwest
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Oakland: 30 miles southwest
This positioning lets residents enjoy wine country weekends, Bay Area cultural attractions, and Sacramento's growing food scene while paying significantly less for housing than they would in any of those markets.
But here's what really sets this area apart:
The combination of military job stability, diverse civilian employment, and regional access creates a housing market that performs well even when other California markets struggle.
How Travis Integrates with the Local Community
The relationship between Travis AFB and surrounding communities runs deeper than economics. The Travis Regional Armed Forces Committee (TRAFC) brings together over 150 local businesses and civic leaders to support base personnel and advocate for the installation's interests. This organization hosts events throughout the year, including Military Recognition Night, Commander's Night, and NCO Night.
Many military families and retirees choose to make Fairfield their permanent home after their service ends. This creates a stable population of residents with strong ties to both the military and civilian communities.
The base also opens its gates for community events. The Wings Over Solano air show, held in March 2024, drew thousands of visitors to see aircraft demonstrations and tour military planes. These events strengthen the bond between the installation and the residents it serves alongside.
What's Next for the Travis AFB Area?
The region continues to attract attention from developers and investors. California Forever, a company that acquired over 50,000 acres near the base, has proposed building a new planned community in eastern Solano County. The project would include housing, jobs, and solar energy infrastructure.
Travis AFB leadership worked with California Forever to ensure any development protects the base's mission capabilities. The revised plans received acknowledgment from the 60th Air Mobility Wing, confirming that the base can continue all operational, exercise, and training flights with the adjusted development boundaries.
Regardless of what happens with large-scale development proposals, Travis AFB's position as the region's economic anchor remains secure. The base's global mission, substantial infrastructure investments, and deep community ties ensure it will continue shaping Solano County for generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is living near Travis AFB noisy?
Some areas experience aircraft noise, but homes in Fairfield and surrounding communities fall outside the FAA's 65 dB threshold for residential incompatibility. The base's 2023 Air Installation Compatible Use Study shows residential areas are located in compatible noise zones. That said, you'll hear aircraft. If you're sensitive to noise, tour properties during different times of day.
Can civilians work at Travis AFB?
Absolutely. The base employs over 3,100 civilian workers in positions ranging from healthcare at David Grant Medical Center to administrative and technical roles. Many civilian positions are posted on USAJobs.gov.
What's the housing market like compared to the Bay Area?
Much more affordable. The median home price in Fairfield is approximately $590,000, compared to over $1.2 million in San Francisco and surrounding Bay Area cities. You get more square footage for your money while still having access to the region.
Are there VA loan-friendly properties available?
Yes. Many properties in the area qualify for VA financing, and local lenders are experienced with military buyers. The stable military population means sellers and their agents typically understand the VA loan process.
How does the base affect property values?
Generally positively. The consistent demand from incoming military families, base employees, and retirees provides a floor for the housing market. Homes in good school districts within easy commuting distance tend to perform well.
Ready to Find Your Home Near Travis AFB?
Whether you're PCSing to Travis, retiring in the area, or simply attracted to what Solano County offers, finding the right home matters. The market moves fast, and understanding which neighborhoods fit your needs takes local expertise.
Michael Hulsey has helped military families, veterans, and civilians find homes in the Fairfield area for years. He understands the specific needs of buyers relocating to Travis AFB and can guide you through every step of the process. Contact Michael today to start your home search with someone who knows this market inside and out.
