Where to Live When You’re PCSing to Robins Air Force Base
Moving to Robins? Here’s what you need to know!
When families get orders to Robins AFB, the first thing they do is try to figure out which Middle Georgia town actually makes sense for their day-to-day life. On a map, everything looks close. In real life, each area feels different — the commute, the pace, the types of neighborhoods, even the grocery store experience.
Here’s what you need to know before you choose where to live.
Warner Robins
Warner Robins is the biggest and busiest area around the Base. Some parts are extremely close, literally a few minutes from the gate, but a lot of Warner Robins stretches much farther out than people expect. If you land on the west side (near Centerville or Fort Valley) or the far north side, your “close to base” dream turns into a 25–30 minute drive (with traffic) pretty quickly.
Living here is convenient. You’ll have every store, restaurant, and service you could need within a short drive. Neighborhoods range from older, established streets to newer developments sprinkled in. It’s very practical living — great if you like being near everything — but it’s not the quiet, suburban feel some families prefer.
The Warner Robins area has so many wonderful neighborhoods to choose from!
Bonaire & Kathleen
Bonaire and Kathleen get a lot of attention from military families, and honestly, it’s for good reason. These areas sit just south of the Base, and depending on which gate you use, they can be closer than huge sections of Warner Robins. People are often surprised by that.
Both towns have a calmer, more suburban feel—lots of newer homes, sidewalks, tidy streets, and neighborhoods that feel consistent and well cared for. The schools in this part of Houston County are a big draw, and many families who PCS with kids end up here for that reason alone.
You won’t find as many stores or restaurants in Bonaire or Kathleen, so you’ll drive into Warner Robins for most errands, but the tradeoff is a quieter daily rhythm. It’s the kind of place where people walk dogs in the evenings and kids ride bikes without heavy traffic flying by.
Centerville
Centerville doesn’t get as much attention as it should, but it’s a solid choice for families who want something peaceful without being far from anything. It’s wedged right between Warner Robins and I-75, which makes airport trips, Atlanta visits, and long travel days way easier.
The neighborhoods here are steady and well kept, a mix of older homes with character and some newer builds. You’re close to plenty of shopping near the Galleria Mall area but still outside the thickest parts of Warner Robins traffic. Commutes to the Base stay manageable, usually around 15–20 minutes depending on your exact spot.
If you want quiet but not remote, Centerville makes sense.
Perry
Morning by Morning Coffee in downtown Perry, Georgia
Perry sits just south of Bonaire/Kathleen and gives you a completely different vibe. It’s small-town in the best way. Historic downtown streets, local restaurants and shops, festivals, and a genuinely friendly feel. Think Hallmark movie-like! If you want space, Perry delivers. Many homes have larger lots, and the neighborhoods feel open and relaxed.
The drive to Robins AFB is a little longer, usually 20–30 minutes, but it’s straight and easy. A lot of families love Perry because it gives them breathing room while still being close enough to everything. If you’re someone who wants community events, quieter weekends, and a little more charm, this is where you’ll find it.
Choosing the Right Area Comes Down to How You Want to Live
If you want everything close by, Warner Robins works!
If you want quiet streets, newer homes, and strong schools, Bonaire or Kathleen is a great option.
If you want the easiest access to the interstate or airport, Centerville is tough to beat.
If you want a slower pace and small-town charm, Perry is the one that feels like home.
No matter which town you choose, one thing you’ll notice pretty quickly is the Southern charm that runs through Middle Georgia. Neighbors really do wave, people take pride in their community, and there’s a genuine sense of welcome that military families feel right away. A lot of service members end up retiring here because this place grows on you: the slower pace, the friendly faces, the familiar routines. It’s easy to build a life here, and even easier to feel connected.
If you’re heading to Robins AFB and trying to figure out where your family should land, I’m here to help you sort through the neighborhoods and the day-to-day realities so you can settle somewhere that feels good from the start. Whether it’s Warner Robins, Bonaire, Kathleen, Centerville, or Perry, you can build a great life here, and I’d love to help you find the right spot.
