Base Housing: Right for You?

Deciding where to live after a move can be a difficult decision. Whether you’re staying for a nine-month assignment or multiple years, the type of home and community you choose can have long-lasting effects on you. Living on a military base is an option, and it has its advantages as well as drawbacks. The question is: is living on-base worth it?

Pro: Being around similar people

Military housing can offer you a community that recognizes and acknowledges your struggles. Being a military teen can feel lonely, but within this community, you’ll find others who can relate. It’s not so difficult being the new kid if the people around you also know the feeling.

Con: Limited exposure to diverse lifestyles

While all families are unique, military housing can limit the variety of lifestyles you interact with. An advantage of off-base living is the opportunity to build friendships with people from diverse backgrounds. This broadens your own life experience and prepares you for a world beyond the military kid lifestyle. Although all families and experiences are different, living on-base means that most of your neighbors and peers will share a life situation familiar to yours, especially if you attend an on-base school. 

Pro: Access to utilities

Every base has different facilities and resources for its residents to enjoy. Usually, this includes playgrounds, commissaries, BXs or PXs, and more. Living close to them is a huge plus—you might be able to walk to the gym or library right after school. In this regard, base housing can feel like living in a small town or a walkable community.

Con: Base limits

Bases may have varying rules when it comes to non-military visitors, and these rules can change frequently. This can make having guests difficult. You might need a special pass for family to visit on Thanksgiving, or you may even have to pick up your friends instead of having them drive to you. Your military ID will become your new best friend—it may be required to make purchases at the Exchange or Commissary. Forgetting your ID could ruin your shopping trip. The rules of base living are significantly different from civilian life, and some people may prefer a lifestyle with fewer restrictions.

Pros: Safety

Military housing can provide a sense of security. With the careers of those around you being so integral to their lives, even off duty, the likelihood of incidents like burglary is lower. It’s also comforting to know that visitors must be vetted before coming near your home and that guards are posted at base entrances. Additionally, security cameras in public areas and established rules can offer further peace of mind.

Cons: House limits

The type of housing available to you depends on the active-duty service member’s role and marital status. Once you have a house, the limits continue. Any changes to the home’s appearance must be approved before you can proceed. However, these limitations may not be a major concern, as assignments are temporary, and families will likely move to another station within a few years.

Living on a military base offers both advantages and drawbacks. Ultimately, there is no single answer that fits everyone—each family is unique, and on-base living impacts people in different ways. The important thing to remember is no matter where you live, you are always part of the military teen community.