PCS to Utah: Riverside Estates in Riverdale, 9 Minutes From Hill AFB

Got orders to PCS to Utah? Riverside Estates in Riverdale offers 68 new homes just 9 minutes from the Hill AFB North Gate, with strong builder incentives for military families.

Riverside Estates in Riverdale, Utah at a Glance

Riverside Estates is a new 68-home single-family community in Riverdale, Utah, built by Alpine Homes and Fieldstone Homes, about 9 minutes from the Hill AFB North Gate.

If you just got orders to PCS to Utah, Riverside Estates in Riverdale belongs on your short list. It is a brand-new subdivision with 68 single-family homes, and it sits just minutes from the north side of Hill Air Force Base.

Two builders share the community: Alpine Homes and Fieldstone Homes. That gives you more floor plans, more price points and more incentive options than a single-builder project usually does.

• Location: Riverdale, Utah (Weber County)
• Builders: Alpine Homes and Fieldstone Homes
• Size: 68 single-family homes
• Styles: Rambler and two-story options, ADU floor plans, walkout basements
• Bonus: Some lots back right up to Schneiter's Riverside Golf Course
• Incentives: A 5.99% fixed rate or a free finished basement

In the video, I drive the neighborhood and time the real commute to the Hill AFB North Gate and to Northrop Grumman, so you can see exactly what your mornings would look like.

Why Riverdale Works So Well for a PCS to Utah

Riverdale puts you about 9 minutes from the Hill AFB North Gate and 6 minutes from Northrop Grumman, with Ogden shopping and Snowbasin skiing close by.

Most families who PCS to Utah want three things: a short commute, a good school path and a home that will be easy to rent or sell when the next orders come. Riverdale checks all three boxes.

The city sits on the south edge of Weber County, right between Ogden and the north side of base. You get quick freeway access, everyday shopping close by, and a quieter neighborhood feel once you turn off the main roads.

It is also a smaller city, so new construction does not come up often. A 68-home community is a meaningful chunk of new inventory for this area. You can learn more about the city on our Riverdale, Utah community page.

Another plus is how central Riverdale feels. You are close to Ogden to the north and Davis County to the south, so weekend errands, medical appointments and kids' activities rarely mean a long drive. If you are weighing both counties, our Davis County community guide covers Layton, Clearfield and the other cities south of base.

For many families, that combination of a quick commute and a calmer neighborhood is the whole reason they choose Riverdale over busier areas closer to the freeway interchanges.

Commute From Riverside Estates to Hill AFB and Northrop Grumman

In the video's timed drives, Riverside Estates is about 9 minutes from the Hill AFB North Gate and about 6 minutes from Northrop Grumman.

I did not want to guess at drive times, so I timed them on camera. From Riverside Estates, it took about 9 minutes to the Hill AFB North Gate and about 6 minutes to Northrop Grumman.

That matters more than most people think. A 9-minute drive means you can come home for lunch, make it to a school pickup, or handle an early recall without a long haul through traffic.

• Hill AFB North Gate: about 9 minutes
• Northrop Grumman: about 6 minutes
• Snowbasin ski resort: about 27 minutes

Your exact time will depend on the time of day, gate wait lines and where on base you work. For current gate hours and base updates, check the official Hill Air Force Base website before you plan your daily route.

One tip from years of helping PCS families: drive the route yourself during your house-hunting trip at the time you would actually leave for work. Seeing the morning flow firsthand gives you real peace of mind before you commit to a home.

If your spouse also commutes, map their drive too. Riverdale's central spot often works well for dual-income households where one person works on base and the other works in Ogden or farther south.

Home Styles: Ramblers, Two-Story Plans and ADU Options

Riverside Estates offers rambler and two-story floor plans, including homes with ADU potential and walkout basements, from two different builders.

Because two builders share this community, you get real choice in layout. There are rambler (single-level) plans and two-story plans, so you can match the home to your family and your stage of life.

A rambler keeps the main living spaces and primary bedroom on one floor. That is great for young kids, aging parents or anyone who is tired of stairs. A two-story usually gives you more square footage on a smaller footprint and separates the bedrooms from the living areas.

Some plans also include ADU potential. An ADU (accessory dwelling unit) is a separate living space inside the home, often in the basement, with its own entry. For a military family, that can mean space for visiting family, a live-in parent or future rental income.

Exact square footage, bedroom counts and pricing vary by plan and lot. Call me for the current plan list, since builders update them often.

Inside the Homes: Kitchens, Living Areas and Primary Suites

Kitchens, living areas and primary suite placement vary by builder and plan. Ramblers put the primary suite on the main floor, while two-story plans group bedrooms upstairs.

This video is a neighborhood tour, not a single-house walkthrough. So instead of promising a specific countertop or appliance package, here is how to compare the kitchen and main living spaces between the two builders.

• Layout: Look at how the kitchen connects to the family room and dining area. Open layouts are easier for busy families.
• Standard vs. upgrade: Ask for the builder's standard features list. Know what is included before you visit the design center.
• Storage: Check pantry size, cabinet height and mudroom space near the garage door.
• Natural light: Lots that back up to the golf course may offer better views from the main living area.

Builders sometimes stack incentives on top of design center credits. Always ask how an incentive like the 5.99% fixed rate compares in dollars to an upgrade allowance before you choose.

The primary suite placement is one of the biggest differences between the rambler and two-story options here. In a rambler, the primary bedroom is on the main level. In a two-story, it is usually upstairs with the other bedrooms.

If you have toddlers, many parents like being on the same floor as the kids. If you have teens, a main-floor primary in a rambler can give everyone a little more privacy.

For the other bedrooms, think about your next duty station too. A plan with a flexible room that can work as an office, nursery or guest room tends to appeal to the next buyer or renter as well.

When you tour models, bring a short checklist and take photos of every room. After a few model homes, they all start to blur together, and the photos help you compare later.

Walkout Basements and the Free Finished Basement Incentive

Some Riverside Estates homes offer walkout basements, and builders are currently offering a free finished basement as one incentive option.

Basements are a big deal in Northern Utah, and Riverside Estates has some great ones. Certain lots offer walkout basements, which means the lower level opens straight out to the backyard with full-size doors and more natural light.

Right now, builders are offering a free finished basement as one of their incentives. A finished basement can add bedrooms, a bathroom, a family room or a future ADU space without you paying for it later.

Here is why that is powerful for military buyers:

• You get more livable space on day one.
• A finished basement can boost rental appeal if you keep the home after your next PCS.
• Paired with an ADU floor plan, the basement could become its own living unit.

Ask exactly what "finished" includes for each builder, such as the number of bedrooms, bathroom fixtures and flooring, so you can compare apples to apples.

Golf Course Lots, Yards and Garages

Some lots in Riverside Estates back directly onto Schneiter's Riverside Golf Course, giving you open views and no rear neighbors.

One of the standout features of this community is that some homes back right up to Schneiter's Riverside Golf Course. That means open green views out the back and no house staring into your yard.

Golf course lots are usually the first to sell, and they often carry a lot premium. If one of these is on your wish list, move early and ask the builder which lots remain.

When you compare lots, look at:

• Yard size and slope, especially for walkout lots
• Garage size and room for trucks, gear and storage
• Sun direction for snow melt on the driveway in winter
• Fencing rules along the golf course edge

Builder Incentives: 5.99% Fixed Rate or a Free Finished Basement

Builders at Riverside Estates are offering either a 5.99% fixed rate or a free finished basement. The best choice depends on how long you plan to keep the home.

The incentives in this community are some of the strongest I have seen. Builders are currently offering a 5.99% fixed rate or a free finished basement.

Here is a simple way to think about it:

Incentives change often and usually require using the builder's preferred lender. Ask for the details in writing and have me run the numbers on both options for your exact budget.

A good rule of thumb: if you expect to stay only until your next set of orders, the lower rate may save you more each month. If you plan to keep the home as a rental or grow into it, the extra finished space can add long-term value. Either way, never pick an incentive based on the headline alone.

VA Loans, Down Payment and Closing Costs at Riverside Estates

VA loans can let eligible buyers purchase with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. Pairing a VA loan with builder incentives can put cash back in your pocket at closing.

If you are a veteran or active-duty service member, your VA loan benefit is one of your biggest tools. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA-backed loans often come with no down payment and no private mortgage insurance for eligible buyers.

New construction and VA loans can work very well together. The key is to structure the deal so builder incentives and seller-paid costs work in your favor. Done right, you may be able to get cash back at closing, within VA and lender rules.

Ask me how to stack your VA benefit with the current builder offers. Every buyer's entitlement, credit and budget is different, so we will tailor the plan to you.

For VA buyers, the down payment can often be zero. Conventional and FHA buyers will need some money down, and the amount depends on the loan type and credit profile.

Closing costs are a separate bucket. They include lender fees, title, prepaid taxes and insurance, and the VA funding fee if it applies to you. Some disabled veterans are exempt from the funding fee, so check your status.

• Earnest money: Builders usually require a deposit when you sign.
• Upgrades: Design center upgrades may need cash up front.
• Incentives: A rate buy-down or closing cost credit can reduce what you bring to closing.

Get a written cost estimate early so there are no surprises right before closing day.

Schools Near Riverside Estates in Riverdale

Riverside Estates is served by Weber County schools: Riverdale Elementary, T.H. Bell Junior High and Bonneville High School.

School boundaries matter for families on orders, especially if you are moving mid-year. According to the video, the community feeds into these schools:

• Riverdale Elementary
• T.H. Bell Junior High
• Bonneville High School

Boundaries can shift as new homes are built, so always confirm your exact address with the district before you sign. If you are coming from a different state, ask the school about transcript transfers and enrollment timing early.

The Military Interstate Children's Compact is also worth knowing. The Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission helps military kids move between schools with fewer gaps in credits, placement and sports eligibility.

If you are arriving in summer, try to register as soon as you have a signed contract and expected closing date. That gives your kids the best shot at class placement and fall activities.

Lifestyle: Golf, Skiing and Weber County Living

Riverside Estates puts you next to Schneiter's Riverside Golf Course and about 27 minutes from Snowbasin, so weekend recreation is close.

Living here is not just about the commute. You have a golf course right in the neighborhood, and some homes back right onto Schneiter's Riverside Golf Course.

In winter, Snowbasin is about 27 minutes away. That is close enough for a half day on the slopes after a morning shift.

The rest of Weber County adds hiking, mountain biking, reservoirs and a growing food scene in nearby Ogden. Browse our Weber County community guide to compare Riverdale with nearby cities like Roy, South Ogden and Washington Terrace.

New Build vs. Resale Near Hill AFB

A new build at Riverside Estates gives you builder incentives, modern systems and warranties. A resale may offer faster move-in and mature landscaping.

Many PCS buyers weigh a new build versus a resale home. Both can work, depending on your timeline.

• New build pros: Builder incentives like the 5.99% rate or free finished basement, new systems, builder warranty and lower early maintenance.
• New build cons: Construction timelines, possible lot premiums and bare yards at first.
• Resale pros: Faster closing, established yards and room to negotiate on price.
• Resale cons: Older systems, fewer incentives and more repair risk.

Because Riverside Estates is an upcoming subdivision, timing is key. If your report date is soon, ask about quick move-in homes, or browse live MLS listings near Hill AFB to compare resale options side by side.

Resale Value and Rental Potential

Close commutes to Hill AFB, golf course lots, finished basements and ADU floor plans all help a Riverside Estates home hold appeal for future buyers and renters.

Military families should always buy with the next move in mind. You may sell in three years, or you may keep the home as a rental.

Riverside Estates has several features that tend to help resale and rental demand:

• A 9-minute drive to the North Gate, which future military renters will love
• Golf course lots with open views
• Finished basements that add bedrooms and living space
• ADU potential for multi-generational living or extra income

No one can promise future prices. But homes close to base with flexible floor plans have historically been easier to rent and sell in this part of Northern Utah.

If you plan to rent the home later, think about durable finishes, a simple yard and a layout with good separation between bedrooms. These small choices make a home easier to manage from another duty station.

PCS Buyer Timeline: From Orders to Move-In

Start talking with a local agent and lender as soon as you have orders. New builds can take months, so pick a lot early or target a quick move-in home.

Here is a simple timeline I use with families moving to Hill AFB:

1. Orders in hand: Call me and get pre-approved for your VA or other loan.
2. Virtual tour: Watch the neighborhood video and do live video walkthroughs of model or spec homes.
3. Pick a builder and lot: Compare Alpine Homes and Fieldstone Homes plans, lots and incentives.
4. Sign and select: Lock in your incentive and finish design selections.
5. Construction updates: I can send photos and check-ins while you are still at your current base.
6. Final walkthrough and closing: Inspect, close and get your keys.

Our Hill AFB PCS relocation guide covers temporary housing, TLE and moving logistics in more detail.

If your closing date and your report date do not line up perfectly, do not panic. Many families use temporary lodging for a few weeks, and some builders can share a projected completion date once construction is underway. The earlier we start, the more options you have.

I also help out-of-state buyers sign documents remotely when possible, so you do not have to fly back and forth during construction.

Things to Inspect on a New Construction Home

Even brand-new homes should get independent inspections, ideally a pre-drywall inspection and a final inspection before closing.

New does not mean perfect. I recommend at least two independent inspections on any new build:

• Pre-drywall inspection: Checks framing, plumbing, electrical and insulation before walls close up.
• Final inspection: Checks finishes, grading, drainage, appliances and HVAC before closing.

For walkout basements, pay close attention to drainage and grading near the back doors. For golf course lots, check for any netting needs and fence rules. Then use your builder warranty walkthrough near the one-year mark to catch settling issues.

Keep a running list of small items as you move in, like sticky doors, nail pops or caulking gaps. Builders typically handle these during warranty visits, and an organized list makes the process faster. If you PCS out before the warranty ends, give your property manager or tenant a copy so nothing slips through.

Who Riverside Estates Fits Best

Riverside Estates fits Hill AFB and Northrop Grumman families who want a short commute, a new home, builder incentives and room to grow.

This community is a great match if you:

• Work at Hill AFB or Northrop Grumman and want a commute under 10 minutes
• Want a new home with builder incentives instead of a fixer-upper
• Need extra space from a finished or walkout basement
• Like the idea of an ADU for family or rental income
• Enjoy golf or want easy access to Snowbasin skiing

It may not be the best fit if you need to close in two weeks with no flexibility. In that case, we can look at resale homes in Riverdale and the rest of Weber County while still keeping your commute short.

Donald I. Gomez

Broker · The DIG Team at Elevation RE · Weber & Davis County

Donald helps buyers, sellers, and PCSing military families move across Northern Utah — from Ogden to the Wasatch. A longtime Hill AFB-area local, he tours new builds and resale homes every week on his YouTube channel.

Full bio → YouTube Call (801) 603-5213