Perhaps one of the most common questions that are often asked among newer Military Spouses is: Should we live in Military Housing or Off Base Housing? This blog will help explore the general pros and cons with either option as well as offer you some help to decide which will be better for you and your spouse.

Military Housing

It is important to note that Military Housing is often called “Base Housing” as well. Military Housing can in fact be physically off base. If you choose to live in Military Housing, your entire BAH is used to cover utilities and rent. Most often you are left to pay for your cable (should you choose to subscribe to it) and internet. Your general utilities such as electric, hot water, etc. are covered. Most often you will still “receive” your BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) and the entire amount will then used to pay your rent via allotment.

There are a few pros with Military Housing.

• Military Housing offers consistency; you don’t have to worry about paying your rent and your utilities since they’re taken care of you in one fell swoop out of your Service Member’s pay.
• For those who have children Military Housing is attractive because you don’t have to be concerned with paying high utilities.
• Convenience is sometimes also a big plus. Depending on the kind of Military Housing you live in, you could be in very close proximity playgrounds, the base, base shopping, etc.

That being said, there are also a few cons.

• For some it may be “too much Military” your Service Member may feel as though he or she works with people all day only to find them living next door (or something similar) as well.
• Depending on various factors, the wait list for Base Housing can also be quite large, availability may be limited.
• Some Military Housing may also require some general maintenance (for instance, when we lived in SC we were required to keep the lawn mowed and raked).
• The selection process can also be unattractive for some. It is often placed by rank and number of dependants. Sometimes lower ranking couples with no children may get different housing.

Off Base Housing

Non-Military Housing is often referred to as “Off-Base Housing”. In this case, you are given your BAH, and then it is your responsibility take care of your rent and whatever utilities you have to pay.

As with Military Housing there are a few pros to living in Non-Military Housing:

• You can choose where you want to live.
• You might be able to have extra cash from BAH if you have some left over after you pay rent and bills.
• Convenient amenities are also attractive for some. Some apartment complexes have a pool/clubhouse/gym on their apartment grounds.

That being said, there are also a few cons:

• It is your responsibility to pay your rent and your utilities on time.
• It may be less convenient than living on base. You may have to drive further to get to base, shopping, etc.
• Generally, rent can increase every year with your lease renewal.

Deciding Which Is Better For You

Now that you are armed with a few pros and cons of living in Military and Non-Military Housing, you can start assessing which option would be a better fit for you and your family. The following outlines a few steps you can follow to help you:

1. Discuss with your spouse what you value most when looking for a place to live. Do you value speedy maintenance? Do you value close proximity to entertainment? Are you looking for a better school district? It is important to discuss and evaluate which are more important to you before beginning to research for a place to live. That way, your concerns are addressed ahead of time and do not end up being an after thought when you have to find a new place to live. Compile your most important values into a list.
2. Research BAH in The Area:
   Check out BAH Levels and Increases - http://www.defenselink.mil/militarypay/pay/bah/
3. Research Average Rent in The Area:
   Check out a few places you would considering living
   http://www.apartments.com
   http://www.craigslist.com
   http://www.rent.com
   http://ahrn.com
4. Compare and contrast results:
   Note, use the list you created in step one to help narrow down the list.
   Which is cheaper?
   Which is more convenient?
   Which amenities do you want to have?
   etc.
5. Talk to people who have lived/are living in the area. Generally speaking, the more recent, the better. Keep in mind your friends’ experiences may not reflect how you experience where you live. But it never hurts to have a close friend’s personal opinion.
6. Visit to determine which option would suit your family better. Step six isn’t always on the table, but if the opportunity is there, it’s a good idea to try to check it out before you make your final decisions.

Well there you have it! The information contained within this blog is both from my own personal experiences as well as experiences from several other Military Wives that I’ve spoken with. Feel free to use the previous as a general guide when trying to determine whether to live on or off your Installation. Research is essential when determining which would be better cost wise. Please also make sure you read over your lease before signing and make sure there is a Military Clause.

Got more tips? Log in now and leave a comment for you fellow Military Wife Sisters today!

Last update : 04/28/2009 12:46 PM

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