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On base or off base, which is better?

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Is it better to live on base, or live off base? what are the benefits of both? What size housig will we get if we lived on base ( It will be my husband, son, 2 cats and myself)?

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Report (0) (0) | earlier
If he is going to be an E-1 or E-2, it would probably be wiser to live on base. His housing allowance will probably not cover all the rent and utilities. So, the rest will come out of pocket. If you do live on base you will get at least a 2 bedroom apartment. It depends on how many kids you have, the more kids, the more bedrooms. Most of the bases I have lived on allow for a maximum of 2 pets.

The benefit of living off post is that you get away from the military life. The benefits of living on post is that everything is paid for except phone and cable, he is closer to work (saves on gas and commute), your closer to the military hospital, and your close to the commissary and px (military shopping).
Report (0) (0) | earlier
It depends. Most places it's better off base. You have not seen anything until you've lived with military police in charge.... writing tickets for going 7mph in a 5mph housing area or giving your kid a hard time for the way he rides his bike. Additionally, the housing "police" will be around all the time writing you tickets for long grass, unswept walkways having exterior lights on at night or some other such nonsense.

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Report (0) (0) | earlier
Depends on where you are... Let's say you are stationed at Ft. Irwin in the Mojave desert, off base is in Barstow, about 52 miles away from base... that's a lot of traveling everyday, gas, wear and tear on the car, etc... therefore, it would be better to live on base.

Every base has different housing, and every base is near a different city...

Even in Europe, base can be several miles (20+) from any town or city
Report (0) (0) | earlier
It depends on the area. Where will you be stationed. Do you both work? Not sure which of you are in the military based on the question...so of course I know one of you is working
Report (0) (0) | earlier
Off base!

That way, you're further away from military people.
Report (0) (0) | earlier
Miss D,

It depends.

If your husband (or you) is E4 or below, you may not get enough money to have a nice home off base. You could end up in a low rent area and suffer.

Being on base will give you a nicer home and more security. Also, your utilities (except phone and cable) will be paid for.

Usually the good break comes with E5 pay. The BAH and COLA is enough to afford a decent place.

The real key is if you can afford to buy a place. This way you are building up equity, which is a real break when retirement is looming. If you spend a career living in base housing or rentals, what will you live in after retirement?

The one thing to consider are your cats. Some base housing allow only one pet. Check into that where you're going.

"Ranger"
Report (0) (0) | earlier
Off base! For sure. You will have way more privacy, and a life outside of the military!
Report (0) (0) | earlier
You would have more money on base personally I think it would be better on base because he is only a e1 or e2 and but he would be getting BAH depends on where you're stationed and it makes a big difference if both of you guys are working military housing is very strict so you have to consider your child do you like to decorate during the holidays bc you cant on base also consider the cost of living in the area that he will be stationed in
Report (0) (0) | earlier