The family of military personnel often have two housing options available. They can either reside in the government housing at the base or rent a new property somewhere else, i.e., off base.

The US government provides BAH – Basic Allowance for Housing – for both these accommodations. It aids in the payment of property rent and utilities. 

However, if the family decides to dwell in military housing, certain things might require your attention. It includes but is not limited to finances, security, water supply, health, and community. 

So, let’s learn about the same in detail!

Secure Neighborhood 

The best part of residing in military housing is that your family will be surrounded by military facilities and guards. It will provide you with better security than any off-base housing community can provide. Moreover, the cases of violence, theft, carjacking, and others are also low. It will give you a sense of satisfaction and lower the concerns related to the safety of kids and elders in the house.

Apart from the residential areas, the schools, parks, playgrounds, gyms, and other facilities provide the utmost safety.

Saving Money

As mentioned above, you will get a basic allowance for housing. This allowance is automatically deducted from the paycheck according to the accommodation provided to you. So, you need not worry about monthly payments to the renter.

Moreover, housing maintenance is free and conducted by the government. It could be as minor as a broken light or as significant as a water pipe breakage. You don’t have to pay a penny for these repairs and maintenance.

For the additional expenses such as water, sewer, trash pickup, and others, you don’t have to pay. However, if your electricity bill exceeds the average range, you must pay for the extra units. All in all, it will help you save money.

Water Supply

Though there are multiple perks of residing at military bases, the poor water supply often compels families to rethink their decision. A recent report by the Department of Defense revealed that the tap water supply at military bases is contaminated- causing a threat to public health. 

Apparently, this shocking disclosure is not something new for families dwelling on military bases. Not more than a few decades back, militants, veterans, families, and workers at Camp Lejeune military bases reported being sick due to poor quality of drinking water.

The water included severe toxins leading to health conditions such as hepatic steatosis, congenital disabilities, cancers, renal toxicity, and more. As a result, the victim’s families and individuals have to resort to water contamination legal representation to make a claim. With the lawyers’ assistance, the victims could avail of rightful financial compensation and other benefits.

So, it would be best to check the water supply of your housing and ensure you have access to safe drinking water. If not, you must file the report with the appropriate authorities.

Community Support

There is no denying that military housing communities are among the best. As the community is filled with like-minded people, they understand the struggles and stand beside each other. No matter the scenario, you are just a knock away from the best support in need of the hour.

From celebrating festivities to organizing events, the community makes life more fun and enjoyable. The constant support ignites the feeling of belongingness, lowering the chances of conflicts and promoting wellness.

Not to mention, if you have kids, growing up in a community that is always ready to support them will encourage them to become the best version of themselves. It will teach them qualities such as helping others and leadership and boost their communication skills.

Commute Time

It is quite obvious that the commute time for the uniform official of your family will be considerably less as compared to those who come from the neighborhood. There will be no hassle of security checks when entering the base location, which will lower the scenarios of delays.

As an added benefit, it will allow the family members to spend more time together and strengthen the family bond. For instance, if the workplace is just a few minutes away, the family members can have lunch and dinner together.

Moreover, in case of any emergency, you’d know it immediately and prepare the house accordingly.

To Sum It All Up

Dwelling in military housing is nothing like regular accommodations. There are numerous rules and guidelines that family members must abide by. However, the perks are significant, encouraging families to make this decision. Even so, it is important that you inspect the house and community to protect your family from possible cons.

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