Massachusetts

Things to know...

Details that are different from state to state and may make your posting just a little bit easier!

• Weather & Natural Disasters
  Massachusetts experiences a mix of coastal and inland weather, with hot, humid summers averaging in the 80s, while winters can be cold and snowy, with temperatures often dipping below freezing. The state is prone to winter storms, including nor'easters that bring heavy snow, freezing rain, and strong winds. Spring and summer can bring thunderstorms, though tornadoes are less common.
  
  Tornados
  
  While tornadoes are relatively rare, the state does experience occasional tornadoes. The peak tornado season runs from May to June and Massachusetts has a statewide emergency alert system. If you receive an alert, it's crucial to immediately head to your designated safe room. It's also wise to keep an emergency kit stocked with supplies for several days and to regularly practice your family's tornado plan, just as you would a fire escape plan.
  
  Hurricanes & Flooding
  
  Hurricanes pose a risk to the coastal areas of Massachusetts, particularly from June to November. While hurricanes can weaken by the time they reach the state, they still bring strong winds, heavy rain, and coastal flooding. Stay informed during hurricane season and be ready to evacuate if needed. Flooding can occur year-round, especially in low-lying areas and along rivers, due to heavy rain or snowmelt. Always avoid driving through flooded roads, as just two feet can carry away most vehicles.
  
  Receiving weather warnings, alerts and updates through multiple means will ensure that you and your family can be prepared and act quickly. NOAA weather radio, local weather broadcasts, outdoor sirens, wireless emergency alerts (if you switch to an American area code), weather apps, and social media are all great tools to receive national and statewide disaster and emergency alerts.
  
  For more in-depth information, check out ready.gov, a national campaign aimed at educating and empowering individuals to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergencies and disasters.
   
• Neighbourhoods
  Cities: Boston, Bedford, Cape Cod (Sandwich & Plymouth)
  
  Bedford is home to Hanscom Air Force Base (AFB). The surrounding communities of Bedford, Lexington, Lincoln, Concord, and Burlington offer a variety of housing options.
  
  Cape Cod is home to Joint Base Cape Cod (JBCC), a joint-use base hosting multiple military commands, including Cape Cod Air Force Station. CAF members can look for housing options on Cape Cod in areas like Sandwich which offers a short commute, family-friendly neighborhoods, and a high quality of life. Its combination of historic charm, outdoor recreation with Cape Cod’s renowned beaches, and strong community ties makes it a desirable place to live. The town has a strong local economy driven by tourism; however, due to this very seasonal nature, some amenities may not be available year-round. CAF members may want to search for housing options in Plymouth, which is on the opposite side of the Cape Cod Canal. Known as "America’s Hometown,"
  
  Plymouth is rich in history and offers a mix of coastal and suburban living. It is a larger town with more amenities than some of the smaller Cape Cod communities. It offers a mix of history, coastal living, and modern conveniences, making it a well-rounded choice for military families.
  
  Use this tool to help you learn more about a community. You can get information on schools, home values, weather, population and more > Access the Military One Source Neighbourhood Navigator.
   
• Base Information & Resources
  For more detailed information about each base, including contact information and specific services offered, you can visit Military One Source and select your state followed by your installation or click the links below.
  
  Spouses and dependents with valid Department of Defense (DoD) identification cards have access to these bases.

  • Joint Base Cape Cod offers a commissary, exchange, and various Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facilities. The base also provides outdoor activities, gear rentals, and family programs. For the most updated information on Base Cape Cod MWR facilities and services > visit MWR Cape Cod
  • Hanscom Air Force Base offers a commissary, Base Exchange (BX), fitness center, outdoor recreational, and various Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facilities. For the most updated information on Hanscom AFB MWR facilities and services > visit Hanscom AFB
• Getting Around
  Boston: Getting around Boston is easier with public transportation than by car due to heavy traffic, narrow streets, and limited parking. The MBTA ("T") provides extensive subway, bus, commuter rail, and ferry services, making it the best way to navigate the city and surrounding areas. Driving is manageable but challenging, especially during rush hour.
  
  Bedford: Bedford is primarily car-dependent, with Routes 3 and 128 providing access to nearby towns and Boston. MBTA commuter rail service is available in nearby towns like Lexington and Concord.
  
  Cape Cod: Cape Cod is best navigated by car, with U.S. Route 6 serving as the main highway. Traffic can be heavy, especially in summer.
   
• On-Base Medical Treatment Facility
  The following medical groups provide comprehensive medical care to CAF Families who have been enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and have TRICARE eligibility.
  
  The primary medical treatment facility on base for Joint Base Cape Cod (JBCC) is the Kaehler Memorial Clinic which is operated by the U.S. Coast Guard. Military members can visit this military treatment facility, while all dependants are not able to use this MTF. Eligible dependants access health care through the TRICARE network of civilian providers. To find applicable healthcare providers, use the Provider search function on the Tricare website by visiting > Tricare Website and click on “Find a doctor”
  
  The 66th Medical Squadron at Hanscom Air Force Base at Hanscom Air Force Base.
   
• Critters & Wildlife
  Massachusetts is home to wildlife such as venomous snakes like the Eastern Timber rattlesnake and the copperhead, as well as ticks that can carry Lyme disease, especially in wooded and grassy areas. The state also has insects like mosquitoes and occasional encounters with black bears in more rural regions. Compared to Canada, Massachusetts has a wider variety of insects and reptiles due to its milder climate, so routine pest control is recommended to manage ticks, mosquitoes, and other pests that thrive in the state's humid summers.
• Education
  Below is a list of the public-school districts that serve the respective areas of Boston, Bedford, and Cape Cod.
  
  Boston

  • Boston Public Schools

  Bedford

  • Bedford Public Schools
  • Lincoln Public Schools district
  • Lexington Public Schools

  Cape Cod

  • Barnstable Public School District
  • Sandwich Public Schools
  • Mashpee Public Schools
  • Cape Cod Regional Technical High School

  It is highly recommended that you utilize your installation’s School Liaison Officer, who is available to offer valuable information on local school districts, serve as a bridge between the military community and school administrators, and provide expert consultation on educational matters.
  
  Click here for School Liaison Officer information and contact for Fort Huachuca. To find the most updated contact information for a School Liaison Program visit Military One Source Program and Services Contacts and select School Liaison Program and your location.
   
• Childcare
  Child Development Centers
  Child development centers (CDCs) generally offer childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Care is available Monday through Friday, with some locations offering options such as extended hours, weekend care and respite care. Child development centers vary in size and larger installations may operate multiple facilities. Programs are certified by the Defense Department and accredited by a national accrediting body, such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children
  For a full list of all military-operated childcare programs, including Child Development Centers, Childcare programs, before- and after-school care, as well as summer and holiday camps – visit MilitaryChildCare.com. Here you can enter in your location or Military installation and find a comprehensive list of all Childcare programs as well as initiate a request for childcare through child development centers, school-age care programs and DOD certified family childcare providers.
  Additional Child and Development related resources:

  • Zero to Three is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the healthy development of our nation’s infants and toddlers
  • Birth to Five watch me Thrive is a podcast from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Early Childhood Development provides information for parents about celebrating milestones, the importance of health screenings, how to identify delays and early concerns and how to provide developmental supports for children.
  • Exceptional Family Member Program works with other community and military agencies to make sure military parents have the early intervention services their infants and toddlers need.
  • Thrive — a free, online parenting program that promotes positive parenting, stress management and healthy lifestyle practices.
  • The Military Child Education Coalition is a nonprofit organization that promotes partnerships and provides for networking of military installations and their supporting school districts. 
  • The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children is designed to make transitions smooth for families moving to a new duty station. 
  • Military K-12 Partnership between the DOD and the Department of Defense Education Activity, has all of the services working with educators and administrators across the nation to provide quality education for all children of military families. 
  • Exceptional Family Member Program can help families navigate the DOD’s network of services and support if they have a child with a disability or special need.
  • The MWR Digital Library is a free, online resource for service members and their families that offers a wide variety of activities and materials for all ages. 
  • Sesame Workshop has various toolkits to help military families with young children handle the challenges of military life.
  • Military OneSource education consultants provide one-on-one, free and confidential services. These consultants can provide referrals to in-home tutors and tutoring centers in their area as well as public and private school information. They enable parents to speak to specialists with various areas of expertise. They include the New MilParent specialty consultation, designed for expectant parents and parents of children up to the age of 5 which provides support for a wide range of parenting issues
• Automobile Registration, Plates & Licenses
  The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles provides information on transferring out-of-state titles and licenses.