HANSCOM AFB: IN-DEPTH WELCOME CENTER
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Introduction
Welcome to Hanscom AFB, just outside historic Boston, Massachusetts! Like many Air Force bases, Hanscom was created during the lead up to World War II. It was originally for the Army Air Forces to train in fighter operations. Named in 1943 for Medal of Honor winner Laurence G. Hanscom, the base served as a testing center for new radar equipment in conjunction with MIT which later made it the Air Force’s center for development and acquisition of electronic systems. Systems and technology development has remained its primary function ever since. The base is now home to a total workforce of more than 10,000 including DOD personnel, both active duty and National Guard, and civilian contractors and scientists. With 846 acres, there are 731 homes on base. Continue reading for our in-depth guide on Hanscom AFB to help aid you in your transition to your new home.- Where Is Hanscom AFB?
- Google Map View
- Getting There – Directions to the Base
- Entering Hanscom AFB and Base Amenities
- Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel
- Hanscom AFB Visitor Center
- Hanscom AFB DEERS Office
- Hanscom AFB Gate Hours
- Hanscom AFB Commissary
- Hanscom AFB Exchange
- Hanscom AFB Barber Shops
- Hanscom AFB Post Office
- Hanscom AFB Finance Office
- Hanscom AFB Legal Office
- Hanscom AFB Library
- Hanscom AFB Hotels
- Where Should I Live Near Hanscom AFB?
- What Schools are Near Hanscom AFB?
- What’s the Weather Like in Hanscom AFB?
- Things to Do Near Hanscom AFB
Where Is Hanscom AFB?
Hanscom AFB is located just 20 miles northwest of Boston Massachusetts. It sits on the border of the historic towns of Bedford, Lincoln, Concord, and Lexington, in the very cradle of the American Revolution.Hanscom AFB
10 Kirtland St, Bldg 1240 Hanscom AFB, MA 01731Hanscom AFB Map
Directions to Hanscom AFB
Logan International Airport Shuttle
There is a free E-Shuttle for personnel on orders to and from the airport that can be scheduled by reservation Monday through Friday 0615 through 2000. For information on how to book a ride using the HanscomNet app, visit the base website here.Taxis
Pre Approved taxis are available to access the base and can be reached at (781) 937-6000.Driving Directions to Hanscom AFB
If Driving North on I-95
- Take I-95 North towards Portsmouth
- Take exit 30 to merge onto MA-2A W/Marrett Rd toward Concord
- Turn right onto Hanscom Dr
- Slight right onto Old Bedford Rd
- Continue onto Vandenberg Dr
If Driving South on I-95
- Take I-95 S
- Take exit 30B toward MA-2A W/Concord
- Merge onto MA-2A W/Marrett Rd
- Turn right onto Hanscom Dr
- Keep right to stay on Hanscom Dr
- Slight right onto Old Bedford Rd
- Continue onto Vandenberg Dr
Hanscom AFB Transportation Office
Hanscom AFB Household Goods / Transportation Office
10 Kirtland St, Bldg 1240 Hanscom AFB, MA, 01731Phone
: 1 (781) 235-7776 or 1 (800) 225-5915Hanscom AFB Transportation Office Hours
Monday through Friday
: 0630-1500
Entering Hanscom AFB and Base Amenities
Guards will conduct a 100% ID check at all gates. All visitors must have a valid military ID or proceed to the visitor control center for a pass. Due to current COVID measures, be sure to show your IDs with the barcodes facing the guard so that they may scan them without touching them. Pass information and entry requirements can be found here.Hanscom AFB Visitor Control Center
Vandenberg Gate, Bldg 1617 Hanscom AFB, MA 01731Phone
: 1 (781) 225-6642Hours
: Monday through Friday: 0600-2000Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel
AFLCMC personnel should report to Bldg 1605 next to the base chapel between 0730 and 1630 with all PCS paperwork to include:- CAC
- AF Form 899 (orders)
- AF Form 330
- AF Form 133 (Oath of Office)
- SGLI
- AFIMT 766
Hanscom AFB Visitor Center
Hanscom AFB Visitor/Welcome Center
Sartain Gate, Bldg 1617 Hanscom AFB, MA 01731Phone
: 1 (781) 225-5605 or 1 (781) 225-6642Hours:
Monday through Friday
: 0600-2200Saturday and Sunday
: 0700-1700
DEERS Office Hanscom AFB
The ID card office is open for walk-ins. For ID card questions, call 1 (781) 225-1438. Check the RAPIDS appointment website here to make an appointment once restrictions are eased. In order to get an ID card, check here for the requirements.Hanscom AFB ID Card Section/DEERS
20 Schilling Circle, Bldg 1305 Hanscom AFB, MA 01731Phone
: 1 (781) 225-1320Hanscom AFB ID Card/DEERS Walk in Hours
Monday through Friday
: 0800-1200
Hanscom AFB Gate Hours
Gate hours and status can be found here.Sartain Gate
- 24/7Ruiz Gate
- 0600-0800 & 1500-1700 Monday through FridayVandenberg Gate
- 0530-2000 Monday through Friday, 0600-1800 Saturday and Sunday
![Hanscom Commissary](https://mbg-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/12/MBG20_Hanscom-AFB_Commissary-min.png)
Hanscom Commissary
Pick up groceries, dine, and shop in the department store-style exchanges located conveniently on base.Hanscom AFB Commissary
1709 Griffiss St Hanscom AFB, MA 01731Phone
: 1 (781) 337-4211Hanscom AFB Commissary Hours
Monday
: ClosedTuesday through Saturday
: 0900-1900Sunday
: 1000-1800
Hanscom AFB Exchange
100 Elgin St, Bldg 1709 Hanscom AFB, MA 01731Phone
: 1 (781) 862-0580Hanscom AFB Post Exchange Hours
Monday through Saturday
: 0900-1800Sunday
: 1100-1700
![Hanscom AFB Barber Shops](https://mbg-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/12/MBG20_Hanscom-AFB_Barber-min.png)
Hanscom AFB Barber Shops
BX Barber Shop
100 Elgin St, Bldg 1709 Hanscom AFB, MA 01731Phone
: 1 (781) 862-1956Hours
:Monday through Saturday
: 0800-1500Sunday
: Closed
Hanscom AFB Post Office
Get your letters and packages delivered where they need to go properly and on time with the help of the Hanscom AFB Post Office.Hanscom AFB Post Office
50 Griffiss St Hanscom AFB, MA 01731Phone
: 1 (781) 275-8777Hours
:Monday through Friday
: 0830-1600
Hanscom AFB Finance
The Finance Office offers financial help to all service members and their families.Hanscom AFB Finance Office
20 Schilling Circle, Bldg 1305 Hanscom AFB, MA 01731Phone
: 1 (781) 225-1210![Hanscom AFB Legal Office](https://mbg-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/12/MBG20_Hanscom-AFB_LEgal.png)
Hanscom AFB Legal Office
Active duty, dependents, and retirees are eligible for legal assistance in most areas. For a full list of what services the office can perform and which services on which they can only provide legal advice, check their website here.Legal Services
20 Schilling Circle, Bldg 1305, 2nd Floor Hanscom AFB, MA 01731Phone
: 1 (781) 225-1410Legal Service Office Hours
Monday through Friday
: 0900-1500Hanscom AFB Library
The Hanscom AFB is currently closed due to Coronavirus considerations.Hanscom AFB Library
98 Barksdale St, Bldg 1531 Hanscom AFB, MA 01731Phone
: 1 (781) 687-6618Hotels near Hanscom AFB
Hanscom Inn
1425 Kirtland St, Bldg 1427 Hanscom AFB, MA 01731Phone
: 1 (781) 225-4444Hours
: 24/7![Where should I live](https://mbg-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/12/MBG20_Hanscom-AFB_Home.png)
Where Should I Live Near Hanscom AFB?
Cities Near Hanscom AFB
Hanscom sits just 20 miles northwest of Boston and borders Lincoln, Concord, Lexington, and Bedford. The area is well developed and suburban with lovely communities surrounding Boston. If you’re considering living on base, check out the available on-base housing options. Otherwise, read on to find out more about living off base.Best Places to Live Near Hanscom AFB
There are great communities in the nearby area with affordable housing options for both buying and renting.Boston
Boston is the busy New England city nearby rich in history and lots to do. Houses start around $279,000 for a two bedroom and rentals start around $1050 for a one bedroom apartment. This thriving community is a cultural and historical hub with world renowned schools and universities. A 30 minute commute is the biggest downside.Lincoln
Lincoln is a small town about six miles from base with around 5,100 people. Houses start around $319,000 for a two bedroom or $1,025 for a one bedroom rental.Arlington
Arlington is another good town about six miles away with around 42,000 people. Houses start around $429,000 for a three bedroom. Rentals start around $900 for a one bedroom apartment. Access to many good schools and short commutes make this a great choice.Winchester
Winchester is just eight miles away and has around 20,000 people. Houses start around $299,000 for a two bedroom home and rentals start around $1000 for a one bedroom apartment. Picturesque views, the Freedom Trail, and easy access by commuter rail and shuttle bus make this an attractive choice.Burlington
Burlington is a town of 23,000 just six miles away. Houses start around $369,000 for a three bedroom home while rentals start around $845 for a one bedroom apartment. Featuring a new mall with lots of shopping and dining, good schools, and a short commute to base.![Look for homes and apartments for rent or sale on AHRN.com.](https://mbg-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/12/MBG20_Hanscom-AFB_HotTip2.png)
Hot Tip: Look for Hanscom AFB homes and apartments for rent or sale, and find BAH, PCS, TLA & ETS military housing information at AHRN.com.
![Hanscom AFB Schools](https://mbg-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/12/MBG20_Hanscom-AFB_Schools.png)
Hanscom AFB Schools
There are two schools on base; Hanscom Primary School which serves kindergarten through 3rd grade, and Hanscom Middle school which serves 4th grade through 8th. The Lincoln Public School System just outside base serves preschool through 8th grade. High school students are transported to Bedford High School or Shawsheen Vally Tech High School.Lincoln Public Schools
6 Ballfield Rd Lincoln, MA 0177Phone
: 1 (781) 259-9400 For any questions or help, your school liaison officer is there to assist you in your transition.Hanscom AFB School Liaison Officer
10 Kirtland St, Bldg 1240 Hanscom AFB, MA 01731Phone
: 1 (781) 225-2765![Weather Hanscom AFB](https://mbg-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/12/MBG20_Hanscom-AFB_Weather-min.png)
Hanscom AFB Weather
Hanscom AFB is in New England. That means the summers are warm and the winters are freezing and harsh. The summer highs typically average from 74 to 85. Lows are between 52 and 63. Winter lows can vary from 2 to 18 degrees while winter highs average around 35 to 45. The Summers are only mildly humid in late July and early August and it is partly cloudy year round. Precipitation is fairly consistent between 25-34%. Snow is an issue near Boston with January being the most common month for snowfall.![Things to Do Around Hanscom AFB](https://mbg-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/12/MBG20_Hanscom-AFB_TDD-min.png)
Things to Do Near Hanscom AFB
Boston Attractions
The Boston area is rich in things to do. The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile walking trail marked by a red line of bricks that lead to 16 historic sites of the American Revolution; from meeting houses to battlefields, ships, and pubs. This is a must-see if in the area. In Lexington and Concord, you can visit the battle site of the famous “shot heard round the world” that started the Revolution and enjoy local dining and shopping in these beautiful towns. Newbury Street is a famous street of shops in the heart of Boston with designer brands, local art, dining, and more. Boston Commons is a beautiful park with live events and surrounded by the most historic parts of Boston. Museums abound in the area with the USS Constitution, the John F Kennedy Presidential Museum and Library, the Museum of Science, the Boston Public Library, and many more. Visit the gorgeous campuses of the world famous Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University. Check out a Red Sox game at the famous Fenway Park or a hockey game with the Bruins! Boston fans are like none other. The Samuel Adams Brewery offers tours a beer garden and lots of fun.Suggested Read:
25 Of the Best Things to Do Near Hanscom AFB![Restaurants Hanscom AFB](https://mbg-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/12/MBG20_Hanscom-AFB_Restaurant-min.png)
Restaurants Near Hanscom AFB
Here are three top restaurants located near Hanscom AFB recommended by TripAdvisor.1. Town Meeting Bistro
, American 2027 Massachusetts Ave Lexington, MA 02421Phone
: 1 (781) 301-6655 Formerly called “Artistry on the Green”, this colonial spot features New England favorites with inspired twists. Try the chowder!2. The Bancroft
, American Steakhouse 15 3rd Ave Burlington, MA 01803Phone
: 1 (781) 221-2100 A chef driven steakhouse with craft cocktails, it describes itself as edgy and urban with warm attentive service.3. Mario’s Italian Restaurant
, Italian/Pizza 1733 Massachusetts Ave Lexington, MA 02420Phone
: 1 (781) 861-1182 A long term establishment that has stayed around by serving exactly what you expect; good Italian fare to include pastas, pizza, subs, and the ubiquitous chicken parmesan. Looking to explore more options? Check out the 20 of the Best Hanscom AFB Restaurants.![Connect with military-trusted businesses and deals exclusively at MyBaseGuide.com](https://mbg-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/12/MBG20_Hanscom-AFB_HotTip3-1.png)
Hot Tip: Connect with military-trusted businesses and deals exclusively for Hanscom AFB at MyBaseGuide.
Conclusion
Congratulations on your new base and good luck to you! There is so much to see and do in the Boston area and we hope this guide helps to make your move easier so you can get out and start exploring all the great New England towns! Be sure to bundle up in the winter and, whatever you do, don’t mention the Yankees near Fenway Park.The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
Last Updated:
10/1/2021SHARE:
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