South Carolina

Things to know...

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

• Weather & Natural Disasters

  South Carolina’s weather features hot, humid summers with temperatures often reaching the low 90s and mild winters averaging between 40°F and 60°F. The state is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms during the Atlantic hurricane season, as well as occasional severe thunderstorms and flooding.

  Hurricanes & Flooding

  Hurricane season in South Carolina spans from June to November, with the highest risk occurring from August to October. Beaufort, being a coastal city, is particularly vulnerable to storm surges, high winds, and heavy rainfall from hurricanes. Even if the area is not directly hit by a major hurricane, tropical storms and their remnants can still cause significant flooding, wind damage, and coastal erosion.

  The risk of flooding increases during severe storms or hurricanes, which can push seawater into low-lying areas of Beaufort. Always be prepared for the possibility of coastal flooding and avoid traveling in flooded areas.

  Prepare

  Receiving weather warnings, alerts and updates through multiple means will ensure that you are prepared and can 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

  Located just a few miles from downtown Beaufort, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort is one of the largest Marine Corps aviation facilities in the United States. Known for its historic charm, downtown Beaufort offers a blend of Southern hospitality and coastal living. CAF members can also consider nearby Port Royal, a small coastal town known for its waterfront access and laid-back atmosphere.  

  CAF members can also search in for housing in the small coastal town of Port Royal (known for its waterfront access, and laid-back vibe).

  Neighborhood Navigator: A tool from Military One Source that helps you explore and learn more about a community, including information on schools, amenities, demographics, and more. 

• Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort
  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 Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.
  
  Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort offers a Marine Corps Exchange, and various Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facilities. Amenities include a fitness center, walking trails, playgrounds, swimming pools, tennis and basketball courts, a community center, and the Lasseter Theater. For the most updated information on Beaufort Marine Corps MWR facilities and services > visit South Caroline Marine Corps Community Services
• Getting Around

  Getting around Beaufort is primarily car-dependent, as the base is located just outside the city. Traffic around the base can be heavier during shift changes or military-related activities.

• On-Base Medical Treatment Facility

  Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort in South Carolina provides medical services through the Branch Health Clinic (BHC) at MCAS Beaufort, which offers primary care exclusively to active duty personnel. Canadian spouses and dependents may be eligible for TRICARE coverage if they are registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and meet the criteria for TRICARE benefits.
  
  Unsure about your healthcare coverage? Visit our Healthcare in the U.S. webpage, where you'll find tailored pathways for personalized coverage details. 

  
   
• Critters & Wildlife

  South Carolina is home to wildlife such as venomous snakes like the Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake and the cottonmouth, as well as ticks that can carry Lyme disease, especially in wooded and grassy areas. The state also has insects like mosquitoes, fire ants, and occasional encounters with alligators, particularly in coastal and wetland regions. Compared to Canada, South Carolina’s warmer climate supports a greater variety of reptiles and insects, making routine pest control recommended to manage mosquitoes, fire ants, and other pests that thrive in the humid environment.

• Children's Education

  There are several public schools along with a charter schools within a 25-mile radius of Beaufort.

  • Beaufort Country School District
  • Riverview Charter School

  
  It is highly recommended that you connect with your installation’s School Liaison, who can provide valuable information on local school districts, act as a bridge between the military community and school administrators, and offer expert guidance on educational matters.

  Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort School Liaison Program

• Child Care

  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 Department of Defense and accredited by a national accrediting body, such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

  For a full list of 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. There, you can enter your location or military installation to find a comprehensive list of childcare programs, as well as submit requests for care through Child Development Centers, school-age care programs, and DOD-certified Family Child Care providers.

  Additional Child and Developement Resources

  Vsit our Family Care webpage, where you’ll find parenting and advocacy programs, development resources, toolkits, and more.

• Automobile Registration, Plates & Licenses

  The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles provides information on transferring out-of-state titles and licenses.