Base Housing....Good or bad idea?

Katie - posted on 03/21/2011

I've lived at two different bases and both times have lived on post. You have to remember that no matter where you live, there's going to be good and bad and you just have to decide if the pros out weigh the cons. For me, I will ALWAYS live on post as long as I'm able to be because, it's conveniently close to the commissary, the PX, and my husbands work. Also, when my husband deploys I like knowing that my neighbors around me are all going through the same thing, so it just helps me to make better friends.

Paige - posted on 11/09/2009

you will hear good and bad..but consider these as well:
even if you are making little on BAH rent wise, it doesnt include utilities, commute to work, commissary

if you pull up the watchdog sites for child molesters, you arent going to find a neighborhood full of "red dots" on post....

you have abuilt in support system of wives that understand exacly what you are going through when yout husband is gone...

its not so bad :)

Amanda - posted on 11/08/2009

I live in base housing and its good and bad. I feel a little more secure b/c not anyone can just walk onto the base and its nice to be around other military families. The bad experience I have had is that we are currently fighting a mouse problem. We have been complaining almost ever few weeks since July about it but they seem to think that because we live in a rural area that is apart of life and dont want to help with it. I dont agree with that b/c i have 2 young children and dont want them to get hurt or anything. My husband was finally able to get something done about it by getting his boss to talk to housing. They threatened to have the Chief be brought into the matter if they didnt do something to help us. Thats a good thing about on base housing if you have a problem you can get other people involved to get the results you need.

Jenny - posted on 11/01/2009

I live in base housing and I love it too. I lived in an apartment for the first year and it was really hard financially. So we moved to military housing off base and it was better financially but still didn't feel safe. So we moved on base and it feels sooooo much safer! We have safety patrol driving around, work is soooo much closer for my husband and the neighbors are really nice. At least my neighbors are. I think you'll like it.

Tiffany - posted on 10/29/2009

I've been a home owner for 11 years and very used to being in one spot, but when I married my husband that is in the army, we found a house off post and liked it for the most part. Their are pros and cons to it. It wasn't too far from base, about a 10 min commute. I brought 3 children into the picture from my previous marriage, so they could run around and make all the noise they wanted there! Not sure we could have let them run lose like that on base! LOL That and they have never had strict rules the military seems to bring. We also had 4 pets and the landlord was ok with that. But the downside to that was that our landlord was kinda crazy (litterally) and she'd say she would fix something but we wouldn't hear from her for a few months. The cons were that we barely had any BAH left over to pay for the utilities and we had to come up with the deposit and first months rent along with my normal mortgage payment (bc I kept my house in my hometown) The house we rented was an older home and had a lot of things the landlord should have fixed before we moved in, but didn't. She also tried every way possible to not give us our deposit money back after we moved out. Took us telling her we'd take her to court and a few months to get it back from her, bc we had fixed any and everything before we moved, she was just trying ot find reasons. It was also hard to make friends bc the neighbors wasn't exactly the friendliest of people. The friends I did make were my husbands buddies wives and their children became my childrens friends as well in the end. My kids did do well in the public schools their though, whereas we had been having a lot of issues in the school in my hometown. My husband deployed two months ago and I moved back home, which is saving us a lot of money bc we are getting the BAH still and I just pay my mortgage and utilities with that and not have the extra rent on top of that like I had last year. The other good thing about moving back home is my mother found out she had breast cancer and now doing chemo, so I am here to help her with that. When he gets back from this deployment, we'll be stationed in another state and I want to try on base housing bc I'll still have my mortgage and really don't want the headache of all the extra bills! And I am hoping my kids do well with yet another move. They have ADHD and a lot of other issues/problems and its been difficult on them. If anyone has any idea how Ft. Hood housing is *where we hope to go*, will you please let me know?! I may just have to let a few of my pets go before we go on base if they only allow two, which is what I've noticed most on base housing units allow. I guess you just have to look at your own situation and decide which is best for your family. Thanks and best of luck to you! My best advice is to just do some research beforehand.

Heather - posted on 10/29/2009

we lived in housing for almost 2 years..it has its good points and bad points! yes living in housing you have the 24 hour security thats a phone call away and will be there in literally minutes whereas off base you have to wait for cops which takes a bit sometimes!! also you dont have the water, electric bills which means you can do as much laundry as you want or have the air on as long as you want and not have to worry about anything! but the down side is they take all your BAH and in most housing places you cant paint there are strict rules and whatnot!! just doesnt feel homey!! me and my husband decided to move off base and we moved out in town in june! at first i was sceptic because i didnt know what to expect with the extra bills but we end up pocketing a good portion of our bah which really helps with savings!! i wouldnt move back to housing unless something really wrong were to happen out here! i love being out in town!! good luck though

Shelby - posted on 10/29/2009

Base Housing is what you make of it...The houses now are mainly new which makes it nice, The maintenance is better now that most are PPV. I lived in housing on Lejeune for 8 years, saw a lot of good people come and go, and of course there is the drama which can come with the bad ones. All you can do is Keep your business yours, stay out of the drama, and learn who you can and can't trust. Everyone is giving you the goods on housing, security, families everywhere, parks, the schools I have found are great.
But, again it is what you make of it...I had a great experience living on base, had my moments but all in all, Its one of the entitlements we have a military families and you might as well make use of it.

Kande - posted on 10/29/2009

I love base housing! Especially since we're soon to be first time parents. The sense of community is very reassuring. I agree with everyone who says it probably depends on where you're stationed. Housing at Dyess is wonderfully efficient and fairly modern. Even in West Texas, we wouldn't be able to afford this house on SSgt pay.

Alida - posted on 10/28/2009

I live in base housing myself and I prefer it over living in civilian owned any day! You don't have to worry about bills and everything is right there on base

Julia - posted on 10/28/2009

There is good and bad to both. I prefer living off post but only because since my husband is "only" an E6 we don't qualify for a stand alone house. When I was in Hawaii I lived on base in the historical housing on Wheeler Army Airfield. (stuff that was actually filmed for the movie Pearl Harbor because it was there when it was bombed!) That was just a duplex and I loved the little house that I had, I did have a crazy neighbor who sent my husband dirty pictures of herself while we were deployed (we were duel military at the time and she was a civilian) she luckily moved away before I got home or I would have killed her. But I did meet some good wives there and am still friends with them to this day. So you will make long lasting friendships but like someone said before you also have to watch out for the "crazy family" in the neighborhood.

Amber - posted on 10/27/2009

I live on post and I like the house some of the time. Here we have HUGE spiders so I have to spray the house inside and out like once a week. But its cuz of where they built the houses. I do feel safe but as for not having just anyone walk up to your door it can happen still. I had a guy walk in my house before. I thought it was very funny only cuz all these houses look just alike. He freaked and kept saying Im so sorry this is the wrong house.lol You dont have to pay bills but make sure you do not have too many extra bills because my husband and I had problems with no money at all because they do take out all your BAH and we werent used to it and were hurting for a little while.

I like the fact that I dont feel I have to have a huge dog to feel safe. It didnt used to be too bad off post here but it has gotten really bad the last few years with all the new people coming. There has been a lot of bad things going on. So, I feel better on post even tho it has its bad sides. Make sure you really check the house out before you get it though. We had our house flood and they like to try to blame you for a lot of stuff. So just make sure you write EVERYTHING down that is wrong with the house before you move in.

Trisha - posted on 10/22/2009

I have lived in base housing at I didn't mind it. It also depends on what base you are at. Some will be nicer than others.

Tracey - posted on 10/22/2009

Well, it all depends on where you are. I know that North Carolina is tearing down the old homes and building really nice homes. Here, it's best to live on base. It depends on where you live, and if you will be losing or gaining money by staying on base.

Angelena - posted on 10/22/2009

Even if you rent is cheaper than your BAH, you still have to pay for your utilities. but there are horror stories of living ON BASE (i.e., everyone in your business). Where we live (SoCal) there are a ton of OFF BASE housing options, which is what we do. It's been great to us so far...huge backyard, manicured front yard, parks & walking trails and the military community (family) w/out having to be on base. check out the housing options online: http://www.lincolnmilitary.com. Here you can see on base & off base options. They have community info, features & ammentities offerece and some even have PDFs of floor plans and square footage. As always, drive by the community first to see what local shops, schools, eateries are around. good luck!

Monica - posted on 10/22/2009

Hi! By now you may have already made your decision but thought Id give you my insight too :-). Like everyone says there are pros and cons-but having been born into the military and being married into one, Ive been on numerous bases and here is my opinion:

LIVE OFF BASE.

My parents always had us off-base. At all our bases stateside and overseas, we always lived off base. We always banked off it, plus I got to experience more around me not being on base. And on some bases, housing was nice, and some, it was horrible. Standard story.

My husband and I decided to live on base for the first time when we got to our new assignment, and were actually excited because it was SO nice. Well, it was the worst mistake. All the horror stories we've always heard came true: a bunch of crazy neighbors, loud, the housing was privatized and HORRIBLE, the housing was really cheap though it looked nice, and our bah was maxed out and they're even starting to make people on housing pay rent now. So we said screw it, and moved off as soon as we could. We're making money again since our house payment is way less, and our utilities are cheaper than those who are paying and living on base. And for those who arent paying utilities on base..well its only 100 more. No kidding!

There are conveniences to living on base, such as being close to everything and being near good neighbors and such. But I will never ever live on base again. One year of it was too much for me. :)

Colleen - posted on 10/22/2009

Depends on where you are stationed...

Rachel - posted on 10/22/2009

hi I'd say to live on base, were at fort hood and are on base housing but its not the main base, its quiet and the house is huge we got one bad neighbor and one great so it works out, plus its nice not to have to worry about fixing everything. i'd say do it !!!

Toni - posted on 10/22/2009

Hi Sarah! My name is Toni and I am the mother of a girl married to a Marine. My son in law has been in the Marines for 10 years now and they have always lived in base housing. I have been to every house they have lived in, in 29 Palms, California, in Indian Head, Maryland, and now in Tarawa Terrace, North Carolina, or Camp LeJuene as most know it. Thier houses have always been beautiful, well kept and when anything goes wrong, which is RARE, there is always someone in HOUSING that comes and takes care of any and everything. I am all for base housing. PLUS it frees up all of your money. No more rent, taxes, and all the other stuff that comes along with renting and owning your own home. You are young, live free while you can. YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND are making enough sacrifices just being in the Military, while you have the chance to live for free, TAKE IT! And God Bless you and your husband. You both have my utmost respect.

Amanda - posted on 10/21/2009

base housing is a great idea. i love it. grew up as a military brat and now a military wife. alot less worrie especially if you'll are high ranking and if you'll are..then well atleast you don't ahve to worry about your utilities anymore and it is nice. there are horror stories out there but now that we get contractors form the outside to build and stuff and mange they can afford much nicer homes and have been able to do rennovations.

Francina - posted on 10/01/2009

Several things to consider. Where are you stationed....the quality of apartment that you're in....how soon he could be transferring....how often your normal life outside of the military takes you onto base vs. into town....where your friends live, spend time... more than just one thing really. Sorry there's not just A answer.

Erin - posted on 09/27/2009

My hubby and I live in San Diego and the base housing is perfect. Everything but cable is taken care of. The BAH is gone, but not really anything out of pocket. Maintenance is great and there are community events held all the time. Just make sure it has a/c. We don't and there is a freak heat wave...but other than that we love base housing. It's just easier to deal with.

Gabriela - posted on 09/27/2009

Like all previous posts it really is hit or miss. You have to do as much research as possoble, but even then it comes down to the families you are surrounded with. I have only lived in base housing once for six months in CA. It was one of those off-base housing areas. THe men were fine, diod their job came home and sociallized or whatever. The women were a whole different story! I was employed full time, attending college during evenings, and visiting my mom a few miles away whenever time allowed. My busy lifestyle became the talk of the cul-de-sac until one day the group of meddling yentas decided to confront me on "always leaving my husband home alone"! Going as gar as trying to pull rank no me! I was more than clear in telling them to get a life and feel free to keep my husbnd company if they were so concerned about his wellbeing. (I knew this would never happen!) In the end, one woman whined to her 'highest ranking' spouse after calling me a belidgerent bitch and my husband ended up telling him to have his wife get off my case. This was 8 years ago and NEVER again have we even considered base housing!



I think a fundamental problem with many, not all, individuals in base housing is that they are surrounded by everything military at ALL TIMES and find a need to associate with it somehow, thus identifying with the rank of their spouse. This has never been me. I have always been a mom, wife, social worker, grad student, etc. before identifying as a military wife.

Karen - posted on 09/26/2009

I lived in base housing for 2 1/2 years and loved it. Like everything with the military it has its ups and downs. You just have to weigh what is right for your family. For my family we did better financially b/c everything is paid for with the exception of cable and home phone. I would recommend going and seeing the housing. Some units can be kinda small. It does depend on where you are stationed. Some places have better housing than others. Depending on how social you are you might get drama but if you are smart you can avoid it.

Kellilynn - posted on 09/25/2009

I live in base housing and I absolutely love it. Some places theres on base military housing and off base military housing. I live in the off base military housing but it is still just as good. I've had a lot of good experiences and limited bad experiences. You can never get away from nosy neighbors lol. There are parks for the kids, the grocery store and NEX/PX/AAFES stores are right there too! There are also gas stations its great!
Majority of people living in housing have families! Its a great place to meet new people, some from different cultures, and have great interaction with adults and kids. There are NO child molesters in base housing either! They screen everyone who lives in housing and people who are registered are unable to be in housing.

Lindsey - posted on 09/25/2009

Quoting Holley:

just bc you move on base doesnt mean you will save money....my husband and i live off post so we get bha which is 1500 for our area and our rent is only 750...so we end up making 750...if you live on base you dont get bha...

Exactly !   When you live on base you dont get your BAH. ALL of your BAH goes to housing so if he makes $1200 in BAH and you get a small 2 bed house that is only about 1000sqft or less like we did when we first moved on base, its a total waste of money.

You could find a nice place off base with lower rent, and utilies and you could end up saving what you dont use in BAH.

When J puts on Tech in the spring, he will be making about $1500 in BAH. We can find a nice house to rent for $1000 or less and budget our utilities so that we can save at least $100 of that each month.

The only reason that Ilike living on base is that we still have check points to get on base so its secure and not just anyone can get on base.  I wouldnt think twice about leaving my doors unlocked at night on base.

Erin - posted on 09/23/2009

We've done both and I have to say I like base housing. I've heard my share of horror stories too, but mine honestly wasn't bad. The house wasn't great, but the friends I made are.
We live off base now, hubby had to go recruiting, but that's almost up and I can't wait to get back to another base!

Sandy - posted on 09/23/2009

We've been in the military for 13 years and have always lived on base until my husband got Recruiting duty and got stuck in TX 45 minutes from any base! We really enjoy living on post. We've always made great friends where ever we've lived. It's such a comfortable feeling to know that when my husband is deployed or TDY I'll have neighbors and friends that know exactly what I'm going through. I know there's a lot of gossip and maybe some not so great neighbors around but I think the good outweigh the bad when living on post.

Amanda - posted on 09/23/2009

it's not that bad here on drum...long waiting list.

Brandie - posted on 09/21/2009

I guess it depends. The best idea is go to the base housing office and they can show you whats available and what they can put you in- our first time we looked at base housing all they had were terrible old houses so we lived off base but my husband was getting deployed so we went try again and they offered us a brand new house that just got finished and was available! its great and the community is amazing!

Nicole - posted on 09/20/2009

we have lived off base 2 times now . each time we find owerselfs moving on to base housing.

Tracey - posted on 09/19/2009

I love living on base. This is our first duty station. We're at Ft. Hood, Tx. We're from Missouri, and I don't know anything about the area here. We only had to wait a few weeks for our place. It's really big and nice. I can walk my son to school, then go for a walk myself on the sidewalk, and I feel safe. We have a nice backyard, and our neighbors are quiet. The choice to live on base is just like anyother off post housing choice. You never know what your neighbors are going to be like. We've had good luck, but my husband's friend and wife also live on base and their neighbors are crazy.

Melissia - posted on 09/19/2009

It really does depend on where you are stationed. I prefer to live off base because we do not have to give all of our allowance back to Uncle Sam. I think, all in all, it really is a personal choice and just because you have heard horror stories doesn't mean you shouldn't give it a try!!!

Sheila - posted on 09/19/2009

It all depends on the which unit your stationed in, there are some that are not good and alot that are. I lived in base housing and loved it! Your with other military wives and families that work as a support nettwork. As well alot of times it is alot cheaper to live in base housing that it is to pay rent off base. I'd do it if I were you, just talk to others that you know that are in housing and see what they have to say. Hope this helps. Sheila

Deanna - posted on 09/18/2009

Base housing is the cheaper alternative. I have never lived in it, but I can tell you that I have heard horror stories of black mold not being cleared out and being reapinted over instead. I am so happy we never lived in base housing especially with our little girl!! Some posts are totally redoing the housing and if you drive by you can tell if they are remodeling properly. Check it out before you move onto base.

Billie-Ann - posted on 09/18/2009

I love base housing... we are stationed in Germany and my husband wants to move off base but I refuse. I absolutely love the feeling of knowing that the guards are right there at the gate. I just feel safer. With my husband working all hours, I would be a basket case constantly worrying about being safe. The not having bills is an added plus. I mean they are kinda strict with the rules and stuff but I think the safe feeling is worth it.

Jenny - posted on 09/18/2009

well everyone had there stories :) But we lived out in town when i first moved down with my husband and then we ended up gettin base housing I LOVE IT! You dont have to worry about any bills like electric, garbage, water, sewer all those they just take your housin allowance and thats it. if you dont mind me askin where are you stationed?

Jamie - posted on 09/18/2009

it depends. base housing was upgraded in this area,and it's nice.the community is ,wow! can't quiet describe it. i'm wishing we wouldn't have bought our house,and went for base housing.plus you'll have more ppl around that you can relate to.just be careful of the women that like to gossip and form distructive clicks.

Elizabeth - posted on 09/18/2009

We've done both, house an apartment off post and I like living on post the best. My son has friends near by and so do i. most people will help others out when needed. I woulnt lie and say theres no drama but its easy to stay out of also.

Nicole - posted on 09/18/2009

I lived in base housing at my last base (Vandenberg AFB) and it was wonderful. A majority of the houses were newer (5-6 yrs old) so my house was lovely. We had no issues other than a stopped up sink and a oven that wouldn't light. I really did feel safe when my husband was away. I always felt that if something went wrong or I needed help with anything, I could ask my neighbors. Military housing is like your hometown when you were a kid 30+ years ago. Neighbors watched out for each other.
It does make life a bit easier to have the Commissary and all the other base services you may use are nearby.
Now that we are at a different base and we bought our house, I don't feel so safe. My husband is in Iraq and I'm afraid to take my son for a walk in this area. There's no playgrounds or parks nearby and I hardly know my neighbors (most of them arent' very friendly!).
The base housing at this base is not so nice. They are very old duplexes, and a lot of them are being renovated. However, now that I've lived on both sides, I'd rather be in base housing.
If you have a friend or co worker that lives in base housing, I'd highly recommend going over to their house and ask them about issues they've had. Take a good look around at the condition of the appliances, cabinets, bathrooms, etc. It's the easiest way to tell if moving is worth it.
Good luck, whatever you decide.

Kymmi - posted on 09/17/2009

I think it's more of personal preference, and the base/post that you're staying at. Having off post/base housing is nice because you'll have more options as far as the place you're living in, and you might even be able to keep some of your BAH depending on how much rent is. Base/post housing is nice because most utilities are covered in the rent. Being on base/post also means being closer to his work, the commissary, ect. I've lived both on post and off post (my husband is Army), and I have a slight preference to living on post only because it's closer to his work (less commute time = less gas) and I have more of a chance of meeting new people =)

Just do the research of the places available to you in your area, as well as what the housing looks like at the base/post you're stationed at. Also be sure to research all the "rules" that go with base/post housing where you are (pet policies, guest policies, ect). Then decide from there =) Good luck!

Khristina - posted on 09/17/2009

it depends i like living on base housing nice not worring about bills but now we live off base and save more so thats why we moved

Meshanna - posted on 09/17/2009

I have lived in base housing now for 7 years and it is not bad. They are building all the time right now so you could move into a new house. I grew up with a saying from my mom...you can make anything into a home.

Erika - posted on 09/17/2009

I actually love it, i was reallly uneasy about it at first but its so easy, and is really worth it i think. Plus you are around people who understand you and the life. everyone is usually very welcoming too. im likeing it so far

Kellyanne - posted on 09/17/2009

WEll i can tell you i live on base at fort bliss and hate it. The houses are old and run down and my neighbors are all nuts. But there are advantages to living on post, no utility bills to pay and your BAH covers your rentas well. And tehy even cut our lawn for us.

Chrissy - posted on 09/16/2009

It depends on where you live at, if you're bills are coming out to more than you receive in BAH, and if they are building new housing where you are at. I do not live on base housing, but my sister did when she was married and it was wonderful for her. She also had four children and they were not good with managing their bills. So, if you can sit down and write out a list of your bills that you pay each month and what you won't have to pay for once you go on base, that should help. Because once you move on base, the only thing covered is rent, lights, water, and trash. Some people do not have to pay for all of that out in town. So, everything really depends on you and your situation.

Christy - posted on 09/16/2009

Hello! My husband and I are trying to get into Base housing on Fort Riley. We need a four bedroom and he is a SPC. We've been on the waiting list for months and it's driving us nutts!
Anywho, I love base housing...and can't wait to be in it!

Roanne - posted on 09/16/2009

I've lived in base housing for years. I would recommend it if it's peace of mind you want when your husband is deployed, at training, etc. for long periods of time. What's good about it is that everyone in the community is in the military and they all know the rules and regulations as well. Most of all, you can find good friends who are willing to help you (especially those who have been through multiple deployments) whether it's a simple household chore or mechanical problem with your car to short term babysitting. You also have a chance to be neighbors with someone of a different race or culture and help each other learn. someday, you're turn will come where you will be the one advising other moms who are new to the military and/or community. In your apartment complex now, how many are military and can they relate to your problems and concerns as a military spouse? Those horror stories you've probably heard are from those who don't have open minds. Mostly from people who are not so neighborly where the slightest noise comes from your side of the fence, they're calling housing to complain. I've lived overseas and had to live in base housing and coming back stateside, I can tell you, I prefer the military community. The kids have a different type of discipline.

Heather - posted on 09/16/2009

Just as all the other women have stated there are good and bad things about base housing. I lived on base at Shaw AFB in SC and all of the houses were infested with cochroaches. They wouldn't spray because they would have had to spray the whole neighborhood. You also have to make sure that your lawn is perfect at all times. When I was there if you were written up twice they could kick you out. On the other side though there was a lot of security in knowing that you literally have a whole army of armed guards surrounding you at all times. I was willing to live with these inconveiniences because I knew that we were safe.

Heather - posted on 09/16/2009

Base housing...hmm. If you are looking for family support while your husband is away or on deployment there are a tons of advantages to living on base and being in the loop. Neighbours have a definate impact of the experience too. The experience varies for base to base and person to person. Make a trip to the base you are considing your move too and speak with some of the parents there at a coffee group or some type of social event....there are perks to base life but don't yell with the windows open!

Bridgette - posted on 09/16/2009

If you can get into a new house, they are so nice. If you base has begun the housing project, yet. We are actually considering moving back on post after owning our own home. I love the extra security base housing provides when my husband is gone.



If your hubby leaves alot I would go back on base.