What it’s really like Living On Base

Military Family

Everyone always wonders what it’s like living on base… and quite honestly there’s a lot you wouldn’t know unless you’re actually doing it. This post is for those who want to learn the secrets of base housing!

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Is Living on Base Better or Worse?

Just like with most things, it really depends on your family’s situation. Contrary to popular belief, not all military families are the same! Some need things that base housing does not offer and some can enjoy the perks of living on base!

Dependent on your family’s situation, living on base can be very convenient. Most bases have their own grocery stores, gas stations, department stores (MCXs – they have everything from technology products to designer purses), fast food places, mechanic shops, schools, etc. Basically, if you never wanted to leave base you wouldn’t have to!

Along with that, there are rules for living on base too. All the houses are rentals, so please note that you will have to follow the normal rental home rules.

So What is it Like Living On Base??

From my experience, I loved it! It’s an environment that is hard to explain unless you actually get to live it. There will be things you will see and hear that you wouldn’t in a normal neighborhood (Large Military Vehicles driving on the roads, Gun range noises, Etc.), but you get used to it. Living on base as stated before also comes with a lot of perks too.

The best way I can describe what living on base is really like, is to compare it to being an athlete in college. To be honest, as a former D1 athlete, living on base brings back some of the best nostalgia I can think of.

Think of it this way, as an athlete there were specific areas or streets that all the athletes lived on or rented houses on, or at least in my experience. Living on base is the same thing. It’s like living in a neighborhood where everyone just gets it. It’s not weird to have your spouse go on a long “work trip” (aka deployment, or field op). People don’t care to know every little detail about your spouse’s job. And people sure don’t say some off-the-cuff things that make your head spin, like “Has your spouse been shot at?” (Yeah, someone really did ask that once.)

Not Everyone is Friendly…

I’m not going to sugarcoat it. Not everyone will be pleasant or nice, but that’s the same anywhere you live. You will be able to meet a lot of great people while living on base too! Just like with anything, starting a new job, moving to a new state, or going to college for the first time, you will find your people. Remember… NOT EVERYONE HAS TO LIKE YOU… AND THAT’S OKAY!

What Kind of Amenities Do you Get When You Live on Base?

It’s important to remember that every base is a little different and certain amenities are weather permitted too. From my experience, amenities that are open to the families living on base can include but are not limited to the following:

Neighborhood Swimming Pools
Small Fitness Gyms in each Neighborhood
Soccer Fields
Kid’s Schools within walking distance of your neighborhood
Baseball/Softball Diamonds
Neighborhood Convenient Stores
Dogs Parks in Every Neighborhood
Doggie Bag Stations (Where poop bags and trash cans are provided every so many feet for convenience)
Several Playgrounds for each neighborhood
Basketball Courts
Lawn Care and Maintenance are taken care of by the housing company
Outdoor Grilling Areas
Pavilions

Military Base Housing

Frequently Asked Questions about Living On Base…

Often people are curious about what a military base is like. Here are some frequently asked questions that I’ve come across as a military spouse.

1. Is there a hospital or medical center on base?

Yes, military bases have their own hospitals. Most of the time any doctor appointments that you have will be at the military hospital if you choose to use a military provider as well.

2. How does mail work when living on base?

There is a location within each neighborhood that has all of the mailboxes. You will have a mail key to unlock the box for your home. If you have a package that does not fit in your personal box, they will give you a key inside your mailbox to unlock a larger door with your package inside. If you ordered something much larger like say a piece of furniture, then that would usually be dropped at your door.

Note mail seemed to be slower on base so do not panic if someone says they mailed you something and it takes longer than you would expect!

3. Is there a curfew to get on and off base?

Base curfews change, and are not always used. When I did experience a “base curfew” it was during the pandemic and you had to be back on base by 10:00 pm. (If you were later than that don’t panic you could still make it to your house it was just frowned upon!)

4. Can you bring visitors on base?

YES! You can bring visitors on to base but they have to be with someone that possesses a military ID. All visitors must have their personal IDs as well as they will be needed to go through the gate.

5. Are there speed limits on base? Can you get pulled over?

This one is a funny question! But, yes there are speed limits on base and you can get pulled over for speeding ON BASE! This is a HUGE no-no! REMEMBER WHAT YOU DO AFFECTS YOUR SERVICE MEMBER ON BASE!

Final Thoughts…

Living on base is like being in your own little world. It’s different from living on a normal street, in a normal town. But honestly, once you no longer live on base, you realize how easy you had it before you moved! What is your experience living on base? Do you have any tips for other military families? Comment below, I would love to know your thoughts! Until next time!

If you thought this post was helpful, check out some of my others…

5 Things to Know About On Base Housing

5 Tips on Navigating Military Life

11 Tips on Packing for a Military Move