But the area's high cost of living and housing prices partly because it is about a 25-mile drive from Boston landed Hanscom in the bottom five. Air Force Military Weddings. Final word: Need more thrill in your life? Why you wouldn't want to live there: The whole annual hurricane threat can be a little off-putting. We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us. Furthermore, the base offers unique amenities like boat rentals, golf, and skiing for families looking to get outdoors and spend time in this corner of the world. Every ornament includes a red satin ribbon and a velvet pouch. You fill it with crap. Stuttgart also offers big-city shopping, entertainment, and is home to the second-largest mineral source in Europe, which means swimming in hot springs. Mostly the desolate parts of it where the Air Force can park its airplanes, but still, you get to travel and enjoy new cultures even within our own country. Best reason to be stationed there: The wine. Kristin has a Bachelor's Degree in Education: Learning Disabilities, and a Master's Degree in Education: Emotional Impairments/Behavior Disorders. Wright-Patterson AFB just makes the cut among many other competing military bases for top honors. Even when stationed together, dual-military couples sometimes face obstacles when it comes to performing work duties and being a parent. If its nightlife that you seek, then youll find plenty of it in the city of "Gangnam Style." "It's better for my family.". Sara Fotheringham was deployed to Qatar. 2 Answers Lonnie Moore Former MSgt (Ret) at U.S. Air Force (1986-2010) Author has 51 answers and 7.6K answer views 11 mo Any place is as good as you make it. Military families working and living in San Antonio find that they have very little to complain about, other than the heat! There are at least a dozen other locations where airmen receive more not just places like New York City and Honolulu, but also West Point, New York; Oakland, California; Fort Monmouth, New Jersey; and New Haven, Connecticut. Landing at a tight-knit, family-friendly base can make all the difference in life quality. Technology has made being apart easier for families, and while deployed, the Fotheringhams took full advantage of it by video calling and watching movies together with Bluetooth headphones. While the costs of living in Alaska can be relatively high, Air Force families find it reasonable, much in part to the commissary and shopping found on the base. For more information, please see our The Okinawan culture is extremely polite, respectful, and considerate, which means public areas are extremely clean and well maintained. Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is given to every active-duty service member as part of their bi-weekly pay. 50 Powerful Quotes to Remind Us to Live With Intention. It boasts shopping centers, short commute times to large, surrounding cities, a massive 300-bed hospital, and a friendly and welcoming community atmosphere. Despite the astronomical costs of living in L.A., BAH rates are surprisingly low. MacDill AFB is another prime location for the single crowd. Listen to a Military Child Appreciation Day message specifically for military teens from First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. While the state is usually not the top choice for many military families youll find a welcoming community with plenty of support. Be intentional quotes are a great way to remind ourselves to be present and purposeful in life. All of those companies operate independently of the military but use a percentage of their revenue to fund other military family programs. Many bases will allow single airmen who no longer live in the dorms to live in on-base housing. The best Army bases for couples offer a solid mixture of affordable housing, nightlife, as well as on-post amenities. The key here? As the only active-duty military base in New England, spokesman Justin Oakes said, Hanscom hosts many civilians and service members from other branches of the military, which also leads to a high occupancy rate on base. The United States currently operates 59 active Air Force bases. Application of age is 16 with parental consent. However, I think you may have an easier time at one of the larger bases with about 1,000 or so population. Final word: Some say that Crete is so culturally rich and distinctive its almost a country all its own. Of course, its hard to be separated from everyone during the holidays. The base is one of the oldest bases in the nation, and a portion of the homes on base are historic homes. Service members also have the choice of journeying north to Alburqurqe and many destinations in Colorado for extended leave vacations. All rights reserved. Known as "non-monetary compensation," military shopping benefits help military families save money on the things they want or need. Though military life is extremely hard on families there are thousands that make it work every year. Best reason to be stationed there: British nostalgia. But that food is much more expensive than junk food, he said, meaning he sometimes has to make a choice between eating healthily and making ends meet. Nightclubs are huge, multi-level behemoths heavy on light shows and electronic music. Preparing for deployment can seem like an uphill battle. Hickam Air Force Base is the highest rated Air Force base in Hawaii yet not for everyone which is why it doesnt rank tremendously high overall. The legal age to obtain a marriage license without parental consent in Texas is 18 years of age. While the military will always throw a monkey wrench in any best-laid plans, your career doesn't have to be one of them. Youll eat your fill of tasty fish & chips here and wash it down with many a pint of beer. Don't know exactly how to get your military spouse and family benefits or want to know more about what they are? While McConnell has a large commissary, its small medical clinic and disappointing base exchange also hurt the base's ranking. Most bases are also home to a department store called an exchange, as well as gas stations, liquor stores and fast food. Ford, who only have a dog and two cats, there is a community of people who work together to take care of each others pets while they are away from home. Sperling's Best Places also provided data it collected on the size and type of on-base commissaries, exchanges and health care facilities, and rankings on a 10-point scale. However, were proud of how far weve come to have more policies to support dual-military couples and those with children, said Col. Nemish. Luke Air Force Base has an excellent location west of Glendale and the greater Phoenix metro area. The secludedness makes you feel like you have an island to yourself with phenomenal beaches and splendid weather. For Captains Dylan and Sara Fotheringham of the 91st Operations Group and 91 Missile Wing, talking to leadership actually ensured that they were able to stay together. If the rates go up where you are living, you'll receive the new, higher amount. Military Welfare and Recreation (MWR) is a major part of base life -- and a part of your benefits. But you will develop a sense of humor and flexibility about life that others dont have. Check out this commissary 101 for more information on commissary shopping. UN envoy says Sudans warring sides agree to negotiate, Russia missile attack on Ukraine injures 34, damages homes, Turkey claims its forces killed ISIS chief in Syria, Committee votes on major defense policy bill expected in May, Military families share workout with first lady Jill Biden, Your next tech and incoming AI | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 4.28.2023, Home Improvement Loans What are my options? You may have to pretend youre pregnant to garner sympathy from the tour bus of seniors stopped in front of you, just to use their on-board toilet.) Being married while in a different branch may seem impossible, but the youthful and vibrant couple, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. It regularly ranks in the Top 5 Air Force bases in the country. There are tons of perks to being near NOLA, but it isn't for every family. The popular Itaewon district is super close to base and offers loads of bars, restaurants, and shops. Spicy rice cakes, fish cakes, egg bread, goldfish bread, and fried rice skewers. "It's more of a celebration," Pizarro said. Your family has always lived on the same tree-lined, lemonade-stand-in-the-summer cul-de-sac and you love them for it, but lets be blunt sometimes family is better enjoyed half a continent or more away! Military families stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) are lucky to call this place home. You get to see the world. Additionally, the USAF maintains hundreds of military bases around the globe in more than 70 countries. At the end of the day, the Air Force sees us as individual Airmen. The climate is superb and military families making camp at the base rave about their kids' educational opportunities. Deployment, change of post, and normal job requirements often leave military couples apart for long periods of time. Here are the top Air Force bases in the nation: Located in St. Clair County, Illinois, Scott Air Force Base tops the list of the best Air Force Bases in the U.S. overall. Free tax services. And an Arlington, Virginia, house hits a punishing median cost of $583,400 well over triple the $170,100 median home cost nationwide. "You might be leaving, but you're always part of the community. Alyssa Ford of the 742nd Missile Squadron take plenty of time to plan out their future as much as possible. Some 1,300 families call this place home and speak highly of its strong sense of community. It is in Burlington County, New Jersey which might not sound all that terrific for young couples but keep in mind its proximity to New York City and Philadelphia. Best base amenity: Its a toss-up between the drive-in movie theater and aquatic center. JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) -- Summertime is a busy season for permanent changes of station and military couples may be apprehensive about the possibility of being separated from their spouses during their next assignments.They have little to be concerned about, however, as the Air Force Personnel Center has an accommodation rate of more than 96 percent for mil-to-mil married . The 9 percent sales tax and 7.6 percent unemployment rate are also high. Some 20,000 military families call this rustic and scenic environment home. Military life has a lot of nuts and bolts. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. After his retirement, Mr. Nemish took on a new career as a stay at home father, Key Spouse, and Minot AFB School Board member. We converted the statistics so lower crime rates would result in higher scores for bases. The average commute in the Washington area is roughly half an hour, and hits nearly 40 minutes in the area right around Bolling well longer than the average 25-minute commute nationwide. Staff Sgt. Base(s): RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall (slated for closure). From marriage to kids and parenting, we have the resources you need. Orlando is also within a long days drive from MacDill Air Force Base. The base is considered a community within a community by many of its adoring members. Marco Polo App Improves Communication for Military Families. Life at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina, is hard to beat. Craig currently resides in the Outer Banks of North Carolina and runs his own business. Other benefits include: Access to commissaries and exchanges. The real highlight, though, is in beachfront property located on some of the islands primo real estate. The base houses family-friendly amenities like bowling, swimming, movies, parks, and other family events to create a community sense. There are 2,744 people assigned to Columbus, including 1,447 military service members, 598 contractors, and 472 civil servants. Waiting lists at these centers can be long, so the military also allows families to use subsidized in-home daycares that have been officially approved. When the kids are not in school, families can pack up the car and be in Raleigh, Durham, Wilmington, or Myrtle Beach within just a few hours. Sign up here for our daily Thrillist email, and get your fix of the best in food/drink/fun. The unassuming military base in small-town Illinois is a hidden gem based on those who have served at the location. Best base amenity: For those intimidated to plan their own travel, the Information, Tickets and Tours (ITT) Group on base sets up excursions for people on base. Bekah DiFelice is a writer, military spouse, and recovering addict to the word "literally." Swim in clear aqua waters off some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Privacy Policy. Consequently, narrowing down a list of hundreds of overseas USAF bases is not a simple matter. You are streamlined and would never think of hoarding. Of course, not all categories are equally important to service members. Bummer deal for those that have accompanied to far worse base towns. But Westervelt said if someone really wants an off-base home, her office can usually find something for them within 20 or 30 minutes of Hanscom. Also, Old San Juan is pretty much the most beautiful historic neighborhood in the US. To help airmen mitigate the cost of living which Westervelt acknowledged can sometimes make it tough to make ends meet Hanscom offers an on-base fitness center, Olympic-size swimming pool, bowling alley, movie theater, community center, several playgrounds, and a bank, as well as a commissary and medical clinic. Why you wouldn't want to live there: The language barrier can be challenging and the German social culture can come off as cold and direct. Youll never regret a day at Lackland if you are single and looking to mingle. If you are a non-activated guard or reserve family, you can still use Tricare under the programs designed specifically for you. The hospitality doesnt go unnoticed by military personnel making it a great place to feel welcomed. Grand Forks Air Force Base is a hidden gem in North Dakota. To receive any military benefits, military family members must be registered in the military's personnel system, the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS), and receive a military ID card. There are American fast food restaurants operated by the Exchange service as well as movie theaters. Aviano managed to edge out other Italian base towns for the #1 spot based on its prime location. Best base amenity: The USO offers guided tours and trips to local attractions and neighboring countries, as well as on-base classes that range from wine education to cooking to pottery. The weather in Northern Italy is also much more temperate, especially in the summertime when Southern Italy gets ultra sweaty. Nearby Northern Virginia's schools are popularly known as among the best in the country, and some live up to that reputation. And the schools are middling, with average ranking of 5 within 10 miles. You have to be proactive., Capt. By law, BAH is meant to cover 95percent of your housing costs, minus renters insurance. Nature enthusiasts want to spend their time hiking while they tour jungle land with numerous waterfalls. Since there's no chow hall, he tries to find healthy foods off base. Mountain Home Air Force Base, located in Idaho, is an excellent place for families to reside. This can vary depending on where you're stationed. Commissaries can often help military families save money on grocery items, since stores are required by law to sell items at cost. And where theres an Air Force base, theres usually a Walmart nearby as backup. They now have one son and three dogs, and are working through the ups and downs of dual-military life every day. Unfortunately, the chapel is currently under construction with an estimated completion date of 2027. Living at or near a base that focuses on family and work-life balance helps make their occupation choice worthwhile. When you head to the beach, though, be prepared to see some extra skin. Im still a little confused about the housing. Oh, and lets not forget the food. 20 Reasons to Join the Military (and 7 reasons not to), Your email address will not be published. Here are the best Navy bases in the United States based on criteria like location, housing, amenities, and community support: Boots on the Ground Additional Info : Release Date 2016-02-15T00:00:00.000Z Buy on Amazon 2. Also worth a mention: wintertime weather is pretty drab. "A lot of people have to have roommates just to not live in a bad area, which Columbus, Mississippi, has many of," Do said. Angel Vargas, a group practice manager for the 375th Medical Group at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, who was previously stationed at L.A., said that he loved the near-constant 70-degree weather there, as well as all the social things to do.