Almost every military member must decide whether they will live on or off base. Many young, single service members don’t worry about this choice and decide to live on base until they’re married or promoted. However, most military personnel will need to choose between the two options. You’ll need to consider the benefits and drawbacks of on and off-base living to make the best choice for yourself and your family.

Things to Consider When Choosing Where to Live

Military personnel have a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). The specific amount depends on different factors, including:

●Rank

●Location

●Marital status

●Number of children

If you’re stationed overseas and live off-base, you’re given an Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA). BAH and OHA are unique benefits offered to service members, which are often used to live off base. If you live on base, your BAH or OHA go directly to the company. You’ll want to consider how far your BAH or OHA can get you when choosing between on-base and off-base housing.

Pros and Cons of Living On Base

Choosing to live on base can eliminate a lot of stress, especially if you’re constantly PCSing. You won’t have to worry about house or apartment hunting since the military will provide you with the necessary housing for you and your family. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of on-base housing to decide if it’s right for you.

Pros

There are many benefits to service members who decide to live on base, with some of the most notable including:

●Savings: In many cases, it will be cheaper to live on base than off. You may find on-base housing that stays within the constraints of your BAH while accommodating all the needs of your family. If you live in an area where civilian living expenses are elevated, living on base can generate more savings you can put toward other investments for your future.

●Community: When you live on base, you’re automatically connected with other service members, spouses, and kids who understand the intricacies of the military lifestyle. The community can help you establish yourself in the community and offer support when needed.

●Stability: Choosing to live on base means you’ll have access to housing that’s right for you and your family. You don’t have to go through the hassle of shopping around, dealing with real estate agents, making offers, or securing a mortgage. You also won’t need to worry about renting and a landlord not renewing your lease.

●Convenience: Living on base means you’ll be close to different amenities and services offered to service members and their families, such as the commissary, health care facilities, the gym, and on-base school systems.

Cons

While there are many distinct benefits to on-base housing, there are also some drawbacks to consider before making your final decision, which include:

●Limited options: You won’t have the ability to shop around like you would if you were living off base. Your on-base housing is assigned based on family size and rank, so you may not get housing that meets your standards.

●Limited control: Most military bases have rules or regulations about how the exterior of the homes look, so you won’t be able to make all the changes you want. You’ll also be limited in the interior alterations you can make, so you might not be able to achieve your dream home while living on base.

●Quality challenges: Many bases are having challenges with the quality of on-base housing. While the military is working on improving the quality of their housing, you might have to deal with a home that doesn’t meet your standards until these improvements are executed.

●Less privacy: Generally, on-base housing creates a tight-knit community. Some members of your command may live in the same neighborhood. You’re less likely to have privacy living on base versus living off base.

Pros and Cons of Living Off-Base

Many service members choose to live off-base rather than using on-base housing. Living off base has many incentives for service members and their families, but there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. Before you decide which type of housing is best, consider the following advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

Choosing to live off base has many benefits for military personnel and their families, such as:

●More options: You can choose from the market to find a home that meets your standards, including the location, size, neighborhood, and quality.

●Wider community: While you’re generally afforded more privacy when you live off base, you can also connect with the non-military community. You’ll allow yourself and your children to mix with people from different backgrounds, especially since your kids will attend public schools off-base.

●Cost savings: In some cases, living off base can generate more savings than living on base. If you find housing that falls under the total of your BAH, you can pocket the rest of the money. Funnel your extra money into investments or home improvements.

●Control: You’ll have more control over your home repairs and maintenance versus relying on the military housing company. You can also build equity and have opportunities to invest that you wouldn’t while living on base.

Cons

While there are many distinct advantages to living off base, there are also some drawbacks to consider when choosing the right home for your family:

●Limited housing: Depending on your duty station, you may not find enough good-quality housing to accommodate your family. In general, military bases have enough housing for you, your spouse, and your children.

●More expensive options: You may be stationed in a more expensive area, which means housing costs can exceed your BAH. Without a second income, it can be too expensive to live off base, and any costs that exceed your BAH will need to be covered out of pocket.

●Limited security: Your housing is protected when you live on base. If you choose to live off base, you might have to deal with landlords who choose not to renew your leave, forcing you to look for new accommodations.

●More expenses: Living on base means you’ll have to cover more costs, including utilities, maintenance, and repairs.

●Stressful moves: If you’re PCSing frequently, living off base can be more stressful and less convenient. If you buy a home, you’ll need to sell, which can be challenging in some markets. Renters will need to break their lease and cancel all their utilities.

Make Your Move Easier With Military Luggage Company

There is no right choice when deciding whether to live on or off base. The right answer will depend on your preferences, your family size, your finances, your need for military service, and many other factors. Weigh all the pros and cons and talk to your family to decide which choice is best for you.

Regardless of whether you’re living on or off base, you’ll need luggage to carry your belongings. Military Luggage Company has all the bags you could need for a move to a new duty station, including duffle bags, backpacks, kit bags, and more. You can also use these bags for all your military operations, whether you’re deploying, heading to the field, or on a mission. Browse our selection or contact us today with your questions!