McConnell's crime score was 3 out of a possible 10, lower than the nationwide average score of 6. Married troops (dual-military or not) have more choices - regardless of rank - including privatized, on-base housing; government-owned military installation housing and housing in the local community, according to Military OneSource. From marriage to kids and parenting, we have the resources you need. JBLM and the surrounding community places great importance on family life and community. Stuff is just stuff. The southern station is where families hope to be if they value vibrance, diversity, and culture. Theyre just cool. The number remains high and far above any other country in the world despite closing down hundreds of bases recently in Iraq and Afghanistan. We have to make sure to were present with each other when were home, said Ford. The Cadbury Crme Egg (and all its chocolate deliciousness) is only available for a short, sweet time before Easter. The couple wants to start a family but faces an uncertain future together . Many bases also have available youth programs operated through MWR like dance classes, sports teams and clubs. Advertise But yeah, the area is nice for younger couples or retired ones. Why you wouldn't want to live there: Driving can be a little crazy. We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us. The throngs of tourists during tourist season are a nightmare. To do that you need to be the service member's spouse or child. Best base amenity: Were told the commissary on base is crucial for stocking up on familiar American food from home, mostly frozen or non-perishable. Research and compare the top credit cards for military members here. There are 2,744 people assigned to Columbus, including 1,447 military service members, 598 contractors, and 472 civil servants. You can find her riding her Vespa around San Diego, on Facebook and Instagram at @bekahdifelice, or on her blog BekahDiFelice.com. And the Thunderbirds cant be beaten! If the rates go up where you are living, you'll receive the new, higher amount. Luke AFB is a major training facility for the military branch and has excellent amenities. (Hint: if you see a functioning road stop along the road, just pull over and use the bathroom, even if you only kinda have to go. Prices may vary in different counties. It boasts shopping centers, short commute times to large, surrounding cities, a massive 300-bed hospital, and a friendly and welcoming community atmosphere. Copyright 2023 www.OperationMilitaryKids.org. To come up with a school quality score, we used the website GreatSchools.com, a respected resource for ranking and comparing schools used by real estate agents and real estate websites such as Zillow and Realtor.com. Do says that for airmen stationed in Columbus, it's tough to afford to eat healthily and stay fit. The coastal military base provides that Florida weather with plenty of charm. Explore the third-largest cave system in the world in the Camuy caverns. Everyone has to settle down eventually, right? You get to see the world. Submit an Article (tied) McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. London is only an hour away by train, and Scotland is an easy day trip for those that want to take a Scotch whisky tour and look for the Loch Ness Monster. Sara Fotheringham was deployed to Qatar. Kristin has a Bachelor's Degree in Education: Learning Disabilities, and a Master's Degree in Education: Emotional Impairments/Behavior Disorders. Bush, Ukrainian Soldiers Freeze Sperm to Ensure Legacy, US Invokes Defense Act for Formula Shortage, First Lady Jill Biden Has a Message for Military Teens, Celebrate National Military Appreciation Month, Navy Spouse: Closure of Fuel Depot Took Too Long. Military Welfare and Recreation (MWR) is a major part of base life -- and a part of your benefits. Ranking the premier Air Force bases in the United States is not an easy task as there are several worthy of top honors. Families also benefit from no state income or sales tax in the Anchorage area. Living at or near a base that focuses on family and work-life balance helps make their occupation choice worthwhile. His luck would have it that his first and second assignments were in Florida, close enough that his mom could drop off cookies. Best base amenity: The base is co-located with an international airport, so flights in and out are easy to access. Coffee and pina coladas. Lederhosen not included. Since its so far north, residents can drive to several other countries (Austria, Croatia, Germany, France, and Slovenia) rather than relying on plane or train. If its nightlife that you seek, then youll find plenty of it in the city of "Gangnam Style." Final word: Need more thrill in your life? Everyones timeline is different, and we had to meet in the middle for our goals, they said. He told his leadership that he was going to propose, and his boss ensured I would fly on the B-52 so that I could be stationed at Minot with Dylan, said Capt. Well, you can. Also worth a mention: wintertime weather is pretty drab. Cost of living and housing prices are through the roof around Los Angeles Air Force Base, helping to land it at the bottom of our list of Air Force bases. Some 1,300 families call this place home and speak highly of its strong sense of community. Housing costs near Lackland are some of the most affordable in the county, and those choosing to work on the base and live nearby will find endless options to put roots down in. Oh, I know, some have tried (I see those timeless and classic Longaberger baskets there, ladies) but PCSing every couple of years keeps the clutter at bay. Located in scenic Tacoma, Washington, Lewis-McChord has everything a family might need to feel at home. Final word: In a place where wine is cheaper than water and food is grown fresh locally, the only danger to your self-esteem in living in Aviano is the threat of expanding that trim military waistline. However, I think you may have an easier time at one of the larger bases with about 1,000 or so population. The military base has multiple things going for it as mentioned above. It offers fast, efficient, and inexpensive public transit and wireless access. "You might be leaving, but you're always part of the community. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Unless your favorite color is gray or your favorite emoji is sadness. Most military bases have a variety of full-time or hourly daycare centers. Landing at a tight-knit, family-friendly base can make all the difference in life quality. Nestled just outside of busy and vibrant St. Louis, Scott provides military families with the freedom to live in the peaceful countryside or the bustling cityscape, all while centering their work at the famous base. If you ask any member of the military why he or she joined the service, apart from patriotism of course, the most popular answer is often "to see the world." The programs MWR funds and manages on base are often much more affordable than their off-base counterparts because the government subsidizes their costs. When it comes to available healthcare, the medical center is one of the best in the military. They use this set of Tricare programs. The perfect card for your stepmom-in-law, the random pistachio nut blend that your husband loves, or the ber-organic milk brand that even the commissary isnt aware of. Best reason to be stationed there: Technicolor everything. No other US military base in the world provides a similar opportunity to live in the middle of a major international metropolis, likely in a towering high-rise. After meeting at Malmstrom AFB, Mont., in 1999, the Nemishes navigated moves, career changes, and a growing family. 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. But there are some key perks your civilian friends are simply missing out on. Shopping here means no sales taxes for military families! By law, BAH is meant to cover 95percent of your housing costs, minus renters insurance. Here's what you need to know. It may be fun to have pristine beaches and Disneyland practically in the backyard of your duty station. There are just under 60 active U.S. Air Force bases in the country. On a personal scale of best bases I've been to. Though the concept of moving to Alaska may overwhelm some families it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. And being situated at the foot of the Dolomite alps cant be so bad, right? Joint Base San Antonio Lackland is such a great place to get stationed that it makes the list twice. That number soared to over 1.5 million couples within a decade. Not only are there plenty of water activities, there are also loads of hiking trails that vary in terrain and difficulty -- from climbing waterfalls to navigating thick jungle. Dylan Fotheringham was able to stay and live his dad life to the max, taking care of their son while his wife was away. Many bases will allow single airmen who no longer live in the dorms to live in on-base housing. Of course, its hard to be separated from everyone during the holidays. According to the 2018 Demographics Report published by the Department of Defense, 10.9% of active duty Air Force members (enlisted and officer) are in dual-military marriages, meaning an active duty Airman is married to another active duty or reserve Airman. The median home cost there is a whopping $766,000. The ability to collect crap is exponentially diminished by the Air Forces need to show you the world beginning with Yikes, Nev., and followed by WTH, Okla. You get tired of packing and TMO has weight limits anyway, so you dont collect junk. Best base amenity: There are four (yep, FOUR) crystal-clear, warm-water beaches on base and they never get overcrowded. However, couples will love everything millions of vacationers find a reason to visit Hawaii each year including spectacular scenery and fantastic weather. Many people join the military to travel and see the world which is most desirable for active-duty members that are single. The nonprofit group America's Promise Alliance, which was founded by Colin Powell, has listed Bedford as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People five times. Newsletter An easy way to figure out your service member's pay, regardless of branch of military service, is by using the Military.com pay calculator. 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 military site hosts the Royal Air Force but also supports U.S. personnel including the 48th Fighter Wing. And where theres an Air Force base, theres usually a Walmart nearby as backup. Sweltering summers the average high temperature in July hits an always-muggy 89 degrees and high crime rates in the District of Columbia also dragged Bolling's score down. Or if quieter parks and museums are more your jam, Seoul is bursting with those, too. Here are the finest locations for the outdoors: What else could you want in an outdoor paradise than Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and its incredible backyard to the Great Outdoors? While in the military, he spent time analyzing imagery from a variety of aircraft such as the SR-71. Still, Scott makes the transition easier with its affordable housing options, low crime rate, top-notch hospital, and on-base amenities like a mini-mall and shopping center. The Air Force allows couples to apply for joint-spouse assignments, where a spouse will be given orders to the same base as, or a base near, their significant other, depending on the availability of jobs. You are streamlined and would never think of hoarding. While McConnell has a large commissary, its small medical clinic and disappointing base exchange also hurt the base's ranking. The hospitality doesnt go unnoticed by military personnel making it a great place to feel welcomed. Best reason to be stationed there: Cosmopolitan living. Sign up here for our daily Thrillist email, and get your fix of the best in food/drink/fun. However, were proud of how far weve come to have more policies to support dual-military couples and those with children, said Col. Nemish. We converted the statistics so lower crime rates would result in higher scores for bases. Boots on the Ground Additional Info : Release Date 2016-02-15T00:00:00.000Z Buy on Amazon 2. It's a dream -- and, shockingly, the reality -- for some lucky service members. The Grand Canyon and Carlsbad Caverns National Park are also within reason. One resident told us that base houses are older and smaller than something in the States, but it doesnt matter so much since all houses offer one thing: a front door that leads outside. Couple the weather with all the beach and sporting amenities, it's an outdoor-friendly base with beautiful ocean scenery. EXCEPT at the Exchange. Spicy rice cakes, fish cakes, egg bread, goldfish bread, and fried rice skewers. Nellis AFB features more military schools and squadrons than any other Air Force base in the country. Along with having the great wilderness as your backyard (more on that, below), its a great assignment for military families. The base had great recreation facilities - bowling alley, gym, ball fields, basketball, racketball and tennis Continue Reading Matt Jennings Nightclubs are huge, multi-level behemoths heavy on light shows and electronic music. We then assigned each category a score on a 10-point scale. You can increase your odds of success by helping your family relocate to a place with affordable housing, family-friend amenities, good schools, and low crime rates. For the record, locals wont laugh at your mafia jokes. Capt. MacDill Air Force Base sits just four miles outside of Tampa, and for families looking to live near the sun and surf, it seems ideal. The beaches are a huge draw for tourists and locals alike, known for calm and clean waters and the caf-lined boardwalk. Best base amenity: Its a toss-up between the drive-in movie theater and aquatic center. Base(s): RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall (slated for closure). Money Minute, What's next for experimental AI projects in the C4ISR sphere, Russians seem to be baiting US jets to dogfight in Syria, general says, Biden awards football trophy to Air Force Academy, Commanders suspended at base where alleged Pentagon leaker worked, Military sex assault reports rise, even as Army numbers fall, Davis-Monthan to launch new special operations wing as A-10 retires. Air Force Times evaluated statistics in a dozen categories: school quality, cost of living, housing costs, commissary size, base exchange size, size of on-base health care facilities, crime rates, commute times, pollution levels, climate, unemployment rates and sales taxes. ), Terms of Use All Rights Reserved. The base is one of the oldest bases in the nation, and a portion of the homes on base are historic homes. Final word: Within a few hours' drive are Gibraltar, Cadiz, Seville, Portugal, and Morocco, so accessibility to nearby sites is key. The base is rural yet only about an hour from London as well as other countries in the area like Scotland. In the words of another sailor, "It will drive you nuts." The overseas USAF base is top-notch even if it lacks modernized shopping. And it's totally worth walking the streets for. The average GreatSchools.com ranking of schools within a 10-mile radius was 4 out of a possible 10. Langley AFB is near Hampton, Virginia. While relocating to Las Vegas is maybe a good or bad thing its impossible to resist the urge for young singles of the USAF. All of those companies operate independently of the military but use a percentage of their revenue to fund other military family programs. The remote base is on the little island of Guam in the middle of nowhere on the Pacific. Say if I had a girlfriend could we live in a home on base or is it only for married couples? San Antonio is rapidly growing into the new Austin, so families will never be short on cultural activities involving outdoor recreation, music, and food. Best reason to be stationed there: The snorkeling and diving -- it's considered some of the best in the world. Nicholas Parker and his wife U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Second Class. Families also find the base to be loaded with conveniences such as shopping centers and malls. Eielson Air Force Base housing. Col. Kristen Nemish, Commander of the 91st Operations Group, and her husband, Retired Lt. Col. Mark Nemish, are an example of a couple with many years of experience as a dual-military family. We'd wager school quality, for example, is a greater concern than the sales tax rate. Our jobs are busy, our families are busy, even our very minds are busy. Becoming a military family can be an adjustment for families. Try these simple 'me time for moms' activities to get the recharge you need! One of the many pros to Air Force employment is affordable living costs. The Champaign Gal B-25 Mitchell bomber . Size4.5" x 3.5"Ornaments are just over 5mm thick, Our First Christmas As A Mr and Mrs Ornament 2022. Housing is also surprisingly affordable in parts of San Antonio and soldiers that are single will cherish the live music scene in nearby Austin. Read more about that here. You buy a house. Think rain and wind and only seven to eight hours of daylight. Whether you're an old pro or new to the military moving game, there's stuff to learn about PCSing. 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. 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. When it comes to housing costs, community values, and available amenities, some bases are certainly desirable than others. Being close to Tampa, there is always something for kids to do. And really, lifes better for it. History is a huge draw here as well, and ancient ruins (both Greek and Italian) can be found around the island. "A lot of people have to have roommates just to not live in a bad area, which Columbus, Mississippi, has many of," Do said. Youre glad no one can simply pop in because the babys perpetually covered in blueberry juice, youre wearing some ridiculous IF YOURE NOT AMMO YOURE CRAP T-shirt with a degenerate dragon on it. Base (s): Naval Base Guam, Andersen Air Force Base. Stuttgarts public transit system is reliable and will get you easily around town. There are several military bases that have a lot to offer to military personnel and their families. Shes a mother of four and former mom blogger. It doesn't take much to get bogged down in the hustle and bustle of Being Alive in 2023. Privacy Policy What are the best Air Force bases in the United States? Best reason to be stationed there: Its hard to narrow Germanys many military bases down to just one, but Stuttgart has the benefit of being situated in a major city, and one where they manufacture Mercedes-Benz and Porsche to boot. The legal age to obtain a marriage license without parental consent in Texas is 18 years of age. Many dual-military couples feel that it is easier to let off steam about work when their significant other fully understands what theyre going through.