The first thing you do when you get new orders is decide whether you are going to live on base or off base at your next duty station. It’s important to get familiar with what your new military base has to offer and the surrounding areas. Is the base located in a small town and military housing is the right option for your family? Or is the base located in a larger military town where a lot of military families live off base and that’s a better fit for your family? Ask the following questions to help you choose between living on base or off base at your next duty station.
1. Can you afford to live on base vs off base?
Determine your Basic Housing Allowance (BAH) and research the local housing market surrounding your new base. Some areas have a high BAH while others have a low BAH all depending on the local housing markets. This is a big deciding factor because if your BAH isn’t high enough to rent a house off base, then living on base will be your best option. Also, read military housing reviews to see what other military families have to say about base housing. When determining a budget, you must consider BAH, cost of utilities, HOA fees, commuting expenses, and any other expenses that may add up when you decide to live off base vs on base.
2. Do you have time to wait for available housing?
Military housing can have long wait lists that are unpredictable. Some base housing states a 9 month waiting list then 3 weeks later you get a call saying there is a house available, while other bases say a 9 month waiting list and it really is 9 months before a house opens up. This unpredictability can cause stress and frustration for many military families. Some bases are located in towns where rentals and homes for sale fly off the market and you have to move fast. The best advice is to sign up for housing when you receive your orders and see how long the wait is. Then a month before your PCS, if you still haven’t heard from the housing office, start looking for rentals in the area. You may have to make a quick decision to sign a lease and forego housing due to the uncertainties.
2. Are schools a factor?
When deciding to live on or off base, schools may be a big deciding factor. Base housing feeds into a local school district and it’s important to find information about this school. Unfortunately, many bases are located in areas of the city where schools may not be the best. Whether you choose to live on or off base, it’s important to research schools and find out which school fits your child’s needs best.
3. Is the extra commute time worth it?
Many off base neighborhoods are located away from base. It’s important to research surrounding neighborhoods and find a neighborhood that fits your family’s lifestyle. Sometimes a neighborhood with amenities, family friendly atmosphere and a safe feel can outweigh the extra commute time. Also, talk to locals to figure out accurate commute times. For example, in some cities a 7 mile commute can take 30-40 minutes while other cities it’s only a few minutes. Discuss whether the pros of living off base in a local neighborhood outweigh the con of extra commute time.
4. Do you have a pet?
If you have a certain breed of dog or multiple pets, this might be a huge deciding factor in whether you are allowed to live on base or you have to live off base. Most base housing have restrictions on the type of animal or the number of pets you are allowed to have. Call base housing and ask about their pet restrictions.
Deciding to live on base vs. off base can be a big decision for military families. No matter where you decide to live, make sure it fits your family’s needs and lifestyle. As discussed in Part 1 of this series, talk to your family and ask them what they want to do. Remember, a military move affects the entire family and it will be an easier transition if everyone feels they have a part in the decision making process.
Still deciding whether to live on or off base? Read On and Off Base Neighborhood Reviews at MilitaryTownAdvisor.com
Next, read Part 3 in our PCS Series - Top PCS Tips from Military Families
