Knox Hills Housing at Fort Knox — On-Post Living Guide

Knox Hills is the privatized military housing community on Fort Knox, managed by Lendlease under the Centinel brand. If you are considering on-post housing at Fort Knox, Knox Hills is your only option — and for many families, it is a good one. This guide covers everything you need to know: the application process, what to expect, the neighborhoods, and how to decide if on-post is the right call for your family.

What Is Knox Hills?

Knox Hills is part of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative (MHPI), which transferred management of on-post housing from the Army to private companies. Lendlease operates Knox Hills under a 50-year partnership with the Army, maintaining and renovating homes across 20 neighborhoods on Fort Knox.

When you move into Knox Hills, your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is allotted directly to the housing office — you do not receive a BAH check and then pay rent. The allotment covers your home, basic utilities (electric, water, gas, trash), and maintenance. There is no security deposit and no lease in the traditional sense — you sign a housing agreement that lasts as long as you are assigned to Fort Knox.

The 20 Neighborhoods

Knox Hills spans 20 neighborhoods across the installation, ranging from older historic areas to recently renovated communities. The neighborhoods are divided by rank tier and family size, though specific assignments depend on availability at the time you apply. Some of the neighborhoods include:

• Anderson, Gruber, and Hammond — Larger homes typically assigned to senior NCOs and officers. Many have been recently renovated with updated kitchens, flooring, and HVAC systems.
• Prichard Place, Walker, and Wilson — Mid-range neighborhoods serving NCOs and junior officers. A mix of renovated and original condition homes.
• Craig, Gruber, and Brandenburg Station — Communities serving a range of ranks with two- to four-bedroom options.
• Gold Vault and other junior-grade areas — Smaller two- and three-bedroom homes for junior enlisted families.

The condition and style of homes varies significantly across neighborhoods. Some have been through recent renovation cycles with modern finishes, while others are older and more utilitarian. You may be able to request a preferred neighborhood, but assignment is ultimately based on availability, rank, and family size.

Application Process

Applying for Knox Hills housing is straightforward, but timing matters — especially during peak PCS season. Here is the step-by-step process:

1. Contact Knox Hills as early as possible. Call (502) 378-3708 or visit their office on post. You can begin the application process as soon as you receive your PCS orders to Fort Knox — you do not need to be on the ground.
2. Submit your application. You will need a copy of your PCS orders, your LES (Leave and Earnings Statement), a completed application form, and family member information (dependents who will live with you).
3. Get placed on the waitlist. Knox Hills will assess your rank, family size, and housing needs and place you on a waitlist for an appropriate unit. Waitlist times vary:
   • 2-bedroom: Typically 2-4 weeks
   • 3-bedroom: Typically 4-8 weeks, longer in summer
   • 4-bedroom: Typically 6-12 weeks during peak season
4. Accept your assigned home. When a unit becomes available, Knox Hills will contact you with the address and schedule a walkthrough. You can accept or decline — but declining may move you to the back of the waitlist.
5. Move in. Sign the housing agreement, set up your BAH allotment through your finance office, and pick up your keys. Knox Hills will provide a move-in checklist and a guide to maintenance request procedures.

Unit Types and Amenities

Knox Hills homes are single-family residences, duplexes, and townhomes depending on the neighborhood. Most homes include:

• Two to four bedrooms with one to two and a half bathrooms
• Attached or detached garage or carport (varies by neighborhood)
• Fenced or unfenced yard (varies — some neighborhoods have standard fencing)
• Washer and dryer hookups (some units include the appliances)
• Kitchen appliances: refrigerator, stove/oven, dishwasher, microwave
• Central heating and air conditioning
• Basic lawn care for common areas (you maintain your yard)

Community Amenities

Knox Hills neighborhoods include shared amenities that vary by community:

• Community centers and gathering spaces
• Playgrounds and tot lots in most neighborhoods
• Dog parks in select communities
• Walking trails connecting neighborhoods to on-post facilities
• Resident events organized by Knox Hills community management

Beyond the Knox Hills community itself, on-post living gives you easy access to Fort Knox's full range of MWR facilities — fitness centers, pools, bowling alley, Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area, the commissary, PX, and Ireland Army Health Clinic.

What to Expect Living in Knox Hills

Living on-post at Knox Hills has a different feel than living in the civilian community. Here is an honest assessment of the day-to-day experience:

• Maintenance response times vary. Routine work orders (leaky faucet, broken blinds) may take days to weeks. Emergency maintenance (burst pipe, no heat) is typically same-day. Experiences vary by neighborhood and season — winter heating season can strain response times.
• Community standards are enforced. Knox Hills expects you to maintain your yard, keep the exterior clean, and follow noise and guest policies. Periodic inspections occur, though they are generally not invasive.
• Your neighbors are all military. This is either a pro or a con depending on your perspective. The shared experience creates natural bonds, but it also means the military is omnipresent — there is no separation between work and home life.
• Move-out can be stressful. When you PCS out, Knox Hills conducts a detailed move-out inspection. You are responsible for leaving the home in good condition. Professional cleaning is often recommended to avoid charges.

Temporary Housing While You Wait

If you arrive at Fort Knox before your Knox Hills home is ready, temporary options include:

• Knox Hills temporary/guest housing: Limited furnished units may be available for waitlisted families. Ask when you apply.
• IHG Army Hotels on post: Government-rate hotel rooms on Fort Knox. Book early during PCS season.
• Off-post extended stay: Elizabethtown has several extended-stay hotels along the I-65 corridor with kitchenettes.
• TLE reimbursement: You are authorized up to 10 days of Temporary Lodging Expense per your orders, which helps offset temporary housing costs.

Is Knox Hills Right for Your Family?

Knox Hills works well for families who value convenience, community, and simplicity. It works less well for families who want to build equity, have specific neighborhood preferences, or value separation between their military and home lives. Our on-post vs off-post comparison provides a detailed decision framework. If you decide off-post is the better fit, the off-post housing guide compares Elizabethtown, Radcliff, Vine Grove, and Brandenburg.