As a 23 year old A1C, which is a better duty station, Edwards, or Eglin?

Just remember where ever you go, the place is what you make it.

Serious? Eglin all day! Okaloosa Island is a 21 year old's dream.

I was never at Eglin, but I was at Edwards from 2005-2010. Its interesting that you picked the two biggest bases in the AF. From a weather standpoint they are polar opposites. Edwards is in the desert. It's hot and windy in summer and cold and windy in winter.

You will need a car at Edwards. The base is huge and very spread out. There is a 17 mile drive from the west wall to the main gate. There is not decent public transportation on base and its a hike from the dorms to the BX. Its in the desert and dry. Edwards is about 75% civilian which brings its own issues. For example, a few years ago they shut down the DFAC because the civilians thought it was a waste of money. Totally screwed the military folks (both AF and USMC) on base. Luckily, after a few years, sensible minds prevailed and they reopened it.

Its located about 30 minutes from the nearest large city (Lancaster) with several smaller towns closer to base. Los Angeles is about a 1 hour drive away, depending on which part of LA you are going to.

If you have a family, all the base housing in brand new. The dorms are old, but they are in the process of rebuilding them.

Its good that you are researching this, but it comes down to what you want out of your off time.