Where can we find off post housing near Ft Drum?

Question

We are on our first PCS in about 4 weeks. We have 4 kids & 2 dogs. We are looking to live off post. We live in FL now, so I have no idea where to start. I would like to have a few places lined up to check out as soon as we get there, but where do I look?

Answer 1

Go to the Drum website and follow the directions in the "newcomers" section.  They have a section called "housing" and an office there to assist you.

Answer 2

your two closest countys are JEFFERSON and then Lewis county.  Jefferson is right smack in the area of FT drum.  Off post housing, is tight, We been lookin for an apartment for months now.  (but we need 4 rooms)    Watertown is the main town, bout 10 min from North Gate.  Other "villages" near, are Philadelphia, Black River, Great Bend.  If you were thinking subsidized housing, the wait list is at least a year.   Try craigs list.  they are usually updated with new ones.  If your rental history is clean, you best bet, and fastest way to get one is going through one of the real estate agencies.  they have massive rental lists.

If you get tired of lookin for non military housing, the farther away from post you are the faster you will get in.  When we left when my hubby deployed there was tons of military units out in philly and Lowville.  both are at least a good 12-20 min drive, but nice and super quiet towns.

And yes it gets d**n cold there!  The lake effect is insane!  You got kids, make sure you have a serious back up plan for childcare, there will be alot of "lake effect" days where they wont be goin to school!

Answer 3

people live as far out at Syracuse and commute.  there is not a whole lot right around Drum as far as housing.  

That being said: winters there are brutal and if you have never lived in Lake Effect Snow country..you are in for a rude shock.  so take that into consideration when looking.  Blizzards there are fierce and roads suck in the winter.  

Answer 4

I would recommend you check out the below link

www.militaryonesource.com

this will answer a multitude of questions you will have (how much housing allowance you will get) what the rates for rentals homes are etc.. I also has links to the installation.  I do believe Ft Drum is located next to Watertown NY.   Oh yes.. dress warm.. it does get cold there.

Hope this helps.