Pros and Cons of Base Housing for Military Families: An In-Depth Look

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When considering where to reside, military families must weigh the pros and cons of living on post or base versus living in the surrounding community. Ultimately, the decision must be made based on individual circumstances and preferences. To address the needs of military families, various support programs have been implemented across all branches of service to ensure that children, spouses, and dependents receive adequate support. The benefits of living on military bases, such as those listed below, provide additional incentives for families to choose this option.

Pros of Living on Military Base

1. Community: Closer to the military community, military families, and military spouses.

2. Close to work: Reduced commute and increased opportunities to spend time with your service member.

3. Close to playgrounds: Accessibility to playgrounds for small children.

4. Savings on utilities and rent.

5. Closer to people: Being closer to neighbors.

6. Taxi services.

7. Conveniently located ATM machines.

8. Child and youth programs.

9. Medical, dental and veterinary clinics.

10. Movie theaters.

11. Access to recreational activities: Access to sports fields, gyms, swimming pools, and other recreational facilities.

12. Security: Military bases are secure and offer protection for the residents and their families.

13. Assistance in relocating: The military offers assistance with relocation and finding housing.

14. No need for a car: Many military bases have their own transportation systems, making it easier to get around.

15. Commissary, Exchange, fast food and gas station services.

16. Chaplain offices that offer a variety of personal assistance/counseling in faith and relationship in quite a few denominations.

17. Teenage youth centers with after school homework help and other activities.

18. Art and vehicle repair centers.

19. Club dining, dancing and events.

20. The Red Cross assist in emergencies to contact families.

21. Emergency relief loans for those in financial distress, and college education centers as well as up to 75% tuition assistance for dependents and/or scholarships.

22. Families that have the opportunity to live on base also enjoy rent free dorms/barracks, apartments, townhouses or houses (depending on rank and marital status), free electricity and water utilities. General exterior upkeep is usually done by all occupants on a fair rotating schedule. The maintenance usually covers grass cutting, weed removal, laundry room upkeep and stairwell order and cleanliness. These incredible benefits are covered by military regulations whether a person is stationed within the United States or overseas.

23. Single service members are authorized to live in barracks/dorms.

24. Married service members of enlisted rank often are compensated in their pay to cover their rent or mortgage.

25. Officers and higher ranking members normally are authorized to live on post at a decent distance from dorms/barracks to avoid fraternization on personal time.

Cons of Living on Military Base

1. Limited job opportunities: Limited job opportunities for military spouses and dependents.

2. Limited shopping options: Limited shopping options and higher prices in commissaries.

3. Red tape: Military regulations can be complex and time-consuming to navigate.

4. Loud: More noise due to a higher concentration of people nearby.

5. Can't get away from work: Service members may not be able to get the distance they want from work.

6. Limited choice of housing: Housing may be divided by rank and similar in appearance.

7. Kids everywhere: Having too many kids nearby can be frustrating.

8. Lack of privacy: Sharing a wall with neighbors and limited space.

9. Financial responsibility for damages and following regulations.

10. Lack of control over housing conditions: Maintenance and upkeep of housing may not be up to individual standards, and there may be limited options for customization.