What Are Army Housing Services?
Army housing services refer to the different housing resources and support available to soldiers and their families when they are stationed at an Army installation. These services can help military households understand available housing choices, relocation requirements, temporary lodging, community options, and financial considerations.
Depending on the duty station, families may be able to choose between government-managed housing and homes in nearby civilian communities. The right choice can depend on family size, commute preferences, school considerations, availability, budget, and the length of the assignment.
Planning Your Housing Options
For military families comparing different possibilities, Army Housing Services can also be a useful starting point for exploring military housing, PCS relocation, BAH, renting, buying, and other housing-related considerations.
Housing resources are especially useful when families arrive at a new duty station and need to make decisions quickly. Understanding the available choices before arriving can make the transition much easier.
On-Post Army Housing
On-post housing is located within or near a military installation and is designed specifically for military families. Depending on the installation, homes may be managed by the government, a housing partner, or another authorized housing organization.
Living on post can provide convenient access to facilities such as commissaries, exchanges, schools, medical services, recreational areas, and installation activities.
Benefits of On-Post Housing
- Shorter access to many installation facilities
- Military-focused community environment
- Convenient access to installation services
- Housing options designed for military families
- Less daily commuting for some families
Availability can vary significantly between installations, so families should research housing availability and eligibility before making a final decision.
Off-Post Housing Options
Some military families prefer to live outside the installation. Off-post housing can include apartments, townhomes, single-family homes, and other privately owned properties located in nearby communities.
When evaluating off-post housing, families should consider commute times, local schools, neighborhood conditions, rental or mortgage costs, utilities, insurance, taxes, maintenance, and the possibility of future relocation.
Understanding Basic Allowance for Housing
Basic Allowance for Housing, commonly called BAH, is an important part of the housing picture for eligible service members who live outside government housing. The amount can vary according to factors such as duty location, rank, dependency status, and applicable military rules.
Housing Costs to Consider
- Monthly rent or mortgage payment
- Utilities and internet
- Renter's or homeowner's insurance
- Transportation and commuting costs
- Maintenance and household expenses
- Local taxes and fees where applicable
BAH should not be viewed in isolation. A home with lower rent may still cost more overall if it creates a long commute or higher transportation expenses.
Army Housing During a PCS Move
A Permanent Change of Station can involve several housing decisions within a short period. Families may need to leave an existing home, arrange temporary lodging, search for a new property, and coordinate the move around school schedules and reporting dates.
Learn about neighborhoods, installation access, housing availability, schools, and commuting options.
Decide whether on-post housing, renting, or buying is most suitable for your circumstances.
Allow for the possibility of a gap between arriving at the new location and moving into permanent housing.
Complete the required housing arrangements and prepare for the family's transition into the new home.
Choose Housing Around Your Family's Needs
The best housing decision is not always the property closest to the gate. Consider commute time, family needs, monthly costs, schools, community services, and your expected length of stay.
Temporary Lodging and Transition Periods
Military families may sometimes need temporary lodging while waiting for permanent housing. This can happen after arriving at a new duty station, while waiting for a home to become available, or during other stages of a relocation.
Temporary lodging should be included in the overall PCS plan. Families should keep important documents, basic household items, medications, children's necessities, and work-related items easily accessible during the transition.
Choosing a Neighborhood Near an Army Installation
Neighborhood selection is an important part of the housing decision. Two homes with similar prices can offer very different lifestyles depending on their location.
Important Factors
- Distance from the installation
- Typical commute time
- Access to schools and childcare
- Nearby shopping and medical services
- Community environment
- Property condition
- Monthly housing costs
- Future resale or rental considerations
Renting a Home Near an Army Base
Renting can be a practical choice for military families who value flexibility. It can also reduce some of the responsibilities associated with home ownership.
Before signing a lease, review the rental agreement carefully. Pay attention to security deposits, lease duration, maintenance responsibilities, utility costs, pet policies, and provisions related to military relocation.
Questions to Ask Before Renting
Buying a Home Near an Army Installation
Home ownership can make sense for some military families, especially when they expect to remain in the area for several years. However, buying requires a broader financial evaluation than simply comparing a mortgage payment with rent.
Families should consider closing costs, maintenance, property taxes, insurance, potential market changes, commuting expenses, and the possibility of receiving future PCS orders.
Think Beyond the Purchase Price
A reasonably priced home may not be the most affordable choice if it requires a long daily commute or significant maintenance. Looking at the complete monthly and long-term cost can lead to a more informed decision.
Housing Support for Families With Children
Families with children often have additional considerations when choosing military housing. Schools, childcare, recreational opportunities, commute times, and access to medical services can all influence the decision.
Parents should consider how a potential move will affect school schedules and daily routines. A slightly different location may sometimes provide a better balance between installation access and family life.
Housing Counseling and Relocation Resources
Military families can benefit from using housing and relocation resources before making major decisions. These resources can help families understand available housing choices, local communities, financial considerations, and the practical steps involved in a move.
Starting the research early is particularly helpful during PCS moves because popular neighborhoods and suitable rental properties can become unavailable quickly.
Tips for Finding the Right Army Housing
There is no single housing solution that works for every military family. A good decision should reflect the family's current situation as well as future plans.
Making Army Housing Decisions With Confidence
Army housing decisions can affect a family's finances, daily routine, commute, school arrangements, and overall experience at a new duty station. Taking time to compare available choices can make the process much easier.
Whether a family chooses on-post housing, an off-post rental, or a home purchase, the most useful approach is to evaluate the complete picture. Housing cost, location, convenience, family needs, and future plans should all be considered together.