HANSCOM AFB: IN-DEPTH WELCOME CENTER

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.

1. Where Is Hanscom AFB?
2. Google Map View
3. Getting There – Directions to the Base
4. 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
5. Where Should I Live Near Hanscom AFB?
6. What Schools are Near Hanscom AFB?
7. What’s the Weather Like in Hanscom AFB?
8. 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 01731

Hanscom 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

1. Take I-95 North towards Portsmouth
2. Take exit 30 to merge onto MA-2A W/Marrett Rd toward Concord
3. Turn right onto Hanscom Dr
4. Slight right onto Old Bedford Rd
5. Continue onto Vandenberg Dr

If Driving South on I-95

1. Take I-95 S
2. Take exit 30B toward MA-2A W/Concord
3. Merge onto MA-2A W/Marrett Rd
4. Turn right onto Hanscom Dr
5. Keep right to stay on Hanscom Dr
6. Slight right onto Old Bedford Rd
7. Continue onto Vandenberg Dr

Hanscom AFB Transportation Office

Hanscom AFB Household Goods / Transportation Office

10 Kirtland St, Bldg 1240 Hanscom AFB, MA, 01731

Phone

: 1 (781) 235-7776 or 1 (800) 225-5915

Hanscom 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 01731

Phone

: 1 (781) 225-6642

Hours

: Monday through Friday: 0600-2000

Check-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

New 2Lts will also need:

• AF Form 133 (Oath of Office)
• SGLI
• AFIMT 766

All other personnel to include 66 ABG, 66 MDS, 66 FSS, 66 SFS, 66 CPTS, 66 LRS, Recruiters (except for 319th RCS), AFIT, NWC, will report to the Military Personnel Section located at Bldg 1305, 1st Floor between 0900 and 1500 Monday to Friday. Personnel should arrive in uniform and have their PCS package. 319th RCS personnel should report to 59 Otis St Bldg 1211 between 0800 and 1630 Monday through Friday in uniform with your PCS package. They can be reached at 1 (781) 225-6570. All DOD civilians will be processed through the Civilian Personnel Office.

Hanscom AFB Visitor Center

Hanscom AFB Visitor/Welcome Center

Sartain Gate, Bldg 1617 Hanscom AFB, MA 01731

Phone

: 1 (781) 225-5605 or 1 (781) 225-6642

Hours:

• Monday through Friday

  : 0600-2200

• Saturday 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 01731

Phone

: 1 (781) 225-1320

Hanscom 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

  - 24/7

• Ruiz Gate

  - 0600-0800 & 1500-1700 Monday through Friday

• Vandenberg Gate

  - 0530-2000 Monday through Friday, 0600-1800 Saturday and Sunday

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 01731

Phone

: 1 (781) 337-4211

Hanscom AFB Commissary Hours

• Monday

  : Closed

• Tuesday through Saturday

  : 0900-1900

• Sunday

  : 1000-1800

Hanscom AFB Exchange

100 Elgin St, Bldg 1709 Hanscom AFB, MA 01731

Phone

: 1 (781) 862-0580

Hanscom AFB Post Exchange Hours

• Monday through Saturday

  : 0900-1800

• Sunday

  : 1100-1700

Hanscom AFB Barber Shops

BX Barber Shop

100 Elgin St, Bldg 1709 Hanscom AFB, MA 01731

Phone

: 1 (781) 862-1956

Hours

:

• Monday through Saturday

  : 0800-1500

• Sunday

  : 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 01731

Phone

: 1 (781) 275-8777

Hours

:

• 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 01731

Phone

: 1 (781) 225-1210

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 01731

Phone

: 1 (781) 225-1410

Legal Service Office Hours

Monday through Friday

: 0900-1500

Hanscom AFB Library

The Hanscom AFB is currently closed due to Coronavirus considerations.

Hanscom AFB Library

98 Barksdale St, Bldg 1531 Hanscom AFB, MA 01731

Phone

: 1 (781) 687-6618

Hotels near Hanscom AFB

Hanscom Inn

1425 Kirtland St, Bldg 1427 Hanscom AFB, MA 01731

Phone

: 1 (781) 225-4444

Hours

: 24/7

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.

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

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 0177

Phone

: 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 01731

Phone

: 1 (781) 225-2765

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 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 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 02421

Phone

: 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 01803

Phone

: 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 02420

Phone

: 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.

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:

10/1/2021