Base housing or Living out in town?

2014-06-23T10:04:46-04:00

So recently I have been getting a lot of questions about where to live when you PCS. I personally prefer to live out in town, but base housing isn't bad either. Would you recommend to an incoming member to live out in town?

Right now I know at Camp Lejeune you can get more for your BAH out in town. Especially since you can negotiate rent prices seeing as there are a lot more rentals than there are renters.

What do you look for when moving in regards to where you want to live?

Does school for the kids come into play? One of the reasons we moved to where we did because we had a choice of schools....granted my son is only 4 but he will go to kindergarten next year.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 2:20 AM

2014-06-24T02:20:33-04:00

Sir, I prefer to live off post for a multitude of reasons. In order to get some perspective, I have lived on post three different occasions. While all three are different, they all were not as great as living off post. First, I can come and go as I please without having to worry about "offending" any neighbors, per se. Second, if I so choose to, I can reside in a place that I have bought therefore am putting equity into it. Not just that but when I PCS I can rent it out and make some passive income. Third, and probably the most critical, is I can have my firearms in the house and not worry about some "inspection". In addition, I can conceal carry to and from my house without having to worry about bringing it on post.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 12:00 PM

2014-06-24T12:00:00-04:00

Base housing definitely two reasons. 1st security more secure and definitely more reliable during storms to be the last to fail at power or any utilities. 2nd last place a zombie wants to be is on a military installation..

Response by Capt Jeff Quinn made Jun 24 at 2014 4:33 PM

2014-06-24T16:33:57-04:00

Lt. Blais,
When I left Quantico to my first duty station aboard CLNC back in '97, my wife and I (no kids at the time) had the privilege of renting out one side of a small duplex in Midway Park subdivision, Jacksonville, NC (behind Midway Park enlisted base housing) from my platoon commander at TBS. It was ideal for the first year to live off base and collect the BAH, etc., but the trade-offs were paying electricity, water and trash out of pocket, missing out on the close knit military community of other officers and their families in base housing and dealing with traffic to get on and off base every day. To address the situation specific to Jacksonville for schools, I can tell you my wife taught high school courses at White Oak and Jacksonville schools were a pretty good school system back in the late-90's. When I finally was able to get into base housing, we were assigned a 3 bedroom, 1 bath home with carport and attached shed that was in a great location close to other company grade officers who had a lot in common (i.e. young couples, young families, etc. across multiple commands) from a wide cross-section of the base. On base all of your utilities were paid (except telephone and cable) and there was a block party or get-together's with other families at minimum every weekend, etc. During the hurricane season, our family and others would get together at our house or theirs (the electricity would usually be shut off) and barbeque/watch the storm come in. Good memories. Driving to work was easy and we had easy access to the O-club, over 10 miles of running trails around the swamp, easy gym access to multiple sites on base, Wooden Nickel and Onslow beach aboard the base on the weekends. I heard a lot of good things about the base schools from both officers and enlisted. For my wife and I (and my son who was born at the Naval Hospital about 6 months before I completed active duty), on-base was definitely better than off base. IMHO if had kids your age back then, I would probably try and move on base so my wife and kids could be around other military families and experience that sense of community. I have to say I miss that the most of my experiences in the Corps. S/F- Jeff

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Jun 24 at 2014 4:58 PM

2014-06-24T16:58:35-04:00

LT Blais, I have lived both on and off base after I was married and prefer off base for a few reasons. Here is a breakdown of where and some observations:

1) Availability - Base housing availability varied between a few weeks at Great Lakes, Il, to a few years or NEVER at both Hawaii (with no guarantees as to which base) and Norfolk, Va.

2) Housing size was based on paygrade in Great Lakes due to being an instructor. Since no 3 bedroom units were available, I was assigned to a 4 bedroom unit in just over one month.

3) Equity. None in Hawaii. we rented and lived in a 2 bedroom Apartment on the 32nd floor of a beautiful Condo, Swimming pool, tennis courts, etc. Great Lakes - Base Housing No Equity of course. Norfolk, VA - we lived in a 4 bedroom Cape Cod in a beautiful older Neighborhood in Oceanview. 12 years of equity so we had a really nice down payment on our home when we retired. Thanks for the Assist Navy!

4) Neighborhood. Hawaii - mix of Military and Civilian (both Hawaiian and Mainland with a few Japanese and other Pacific Islanders). Almost no military presence once work was over and at home as far as residents were concerned. Very little interplay between residents. Great Lakes - All Navy - All E-7 or above. Some tried to be ultra military at all times & even pull rank. Insisted Covers be worn to/from cars & observation pf Colors mandatory in housing. Norfolk - Typical middle class neighborhood, good ethnic mix, one other Navy Family. Best set of neighbors ever.

Overall give me off base and a few miles away if possible. Equity is the main reason and freedom from rules and regs comes a close second.

Prior to marriage it was mostly in the BEQ except for Naples, Italy. Lived on the base for a few months, but when NATO pulled out of our Site the BEQ was closed and I moved out and lived on the economy as a single E-6. My Apartment was a 2 bedroom 100yds from the Med, furnished and I loved the town and the neighborhood. Year round about 300 Military members and families and 600 to 1200 Italians lived in Licola al Mare. In the Summer the population swelled to around 30,000 or more. Wonderful place for a single Sailor to live.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 5:30 PM

2014-06-24T17:30:42-04:00

Sir,

You are all over it. Get your bucks worth. I am doing that here in Hawaii.
V/r
MSG Haro

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 24 at 2014 6:50 PM

2014-06-24T18:50:47-04:00

I think it all depends a lot on your financial and family situation. Some may feel more secure being on base, others may want the relief of being off post. It sounds like you have taken your needs into consideration and are doing what's best for your family - kudos to you LT! I was single and care free so I BOQed it way back when as I didn't feel the need to go looking for a place and all that it entailed.

Now grab your crayons and go salute somebody!

As always, just kidding. You seem like you've got a good head on your shoulders 2LT Blais so just keep on the straight and narrow and one day you will be just like me - RETIRED!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 7:32 PM

2014-06-24T19:32:19-04:00

I lived on base housing for 6 years, it had it's pros vs cons. Finally I decide to move off base, and cheaper too. I could at least save some of my BAH for other things such as utilities, cable, phone. I still use a budget, I plan ahead for contingencies and I don't miss housing at all, but it comes down what works for you and your family. I'm lucky to have neighbors who are Veterans, current military, and I got two police officers living on the same block, tbh, there's a large number of military living in my area not just Air Force.

As for my weapons, I don't have to go through all that headache either.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Jun 24 at 2014 7:43 PM

2014-06-24T19:43:05-04:00

I preferred to live in base housing as there were fewer problems associated with it than with living on the local economy. One other plus to on base housing is that you are living in an area that is populated by other service members which pretty much ensures that you will be afforded secure and private living. At Fort Drum we had base housing outside the base grounds in several of the local communities which was something that I found unique and fun. I tried to avoid barracks life as the weekends were party time and the music could become annoying as several different types of music would be competing for dominance leaving others looking to escape and get some sleep. At least that is my opinion.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 8:39 PM

2014-06-24T20:39:52-04:00

I prefer to live out in town so I know what is happening in the local community and my neighbors who are not in the military. My husband and I also prefer to purchase a new house and investing our BAH versus living on post or renting.

Response by PO3 Jordan W. made Jun 25 at 2014 8:53 AM

2014-06-25T08:53:00-04:00

I so far would have to say base housing. I love not having to fight the gate traffic and have a very short drive to work in the morning. Also if I get called in for duty, the wait time is less.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2014 7:31 PM

2014-07-13T19:31:15-04:00

I lived on post when I was lower enlisted at Camp Lejeune and as an NCO at 2 other post. I can say without a shadow of a doubt never will i ever do that again unless forced to do so my local policy. Post housing is terrible especially now that civilians run it and military spouse who think they where there husbands or wives rank. When I get off work I want to be free to be lazy and forget to cut the grass without a letter going to my commander or my kids getting into disagreement with the neighbor kids and there parent thinking they can pull rank on me.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2014 9:28 AM

2014-12-23T09:28:58-05:00

Out in town. Work is stressful enough without having some "leader" drive by and assess that your grass is 1/8" too tall, or that a tree is slightly too bushy, or that you have one too many cars parked in front of your house, leading to an LOR, LOC, or Article 15.

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Dec 23 at 2014 9:37 AM

2014-12-23T09:37:57-05:00

With 3 girls all in school and on an E-4 pay grade it is more cost effective to live on post. At least for me anyways.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2014 11:08 AM

2014-12-23T11:08:53-05:00

Only cause it is what I have done.