By Bridget Sielicki
Choosing the best housing for you or your family can be a challenge, especially when you’re in the military. Although military housing is usually available on base, many service members choose to look elsewhere for a place to call home. Although living on base does offer convenience, off-base living also has perks of its own. These advantages may tip the scales in favor of non-military housing.
Sense of freedom
Many people like to feel that there’s a separation between work and home life, and finding that balance can be difficult if you’re living on base. When you live in the same place that you work, you’ll likely see your coworkers often, even when you’re running errands at the commissary or enjoying family time at the pool. Plus, privacy can be hard to come by when members of your company are living right next door. Although some people prefer the sense of community that living on base can offer, others find it claustrophobic and more difficult to form connections outside of military life.
Some military posts have housing policies and restrictions, such as noise ordinances and lawn maintenance enforcements, and living off base means you enjoy the freedom to mow the grass when you see fit.
Housing flexibility
If you’re looking for a house on base, then you generally don’t get a choice of accommodations. Housing is assigned, and you have little say in your neighborhood preferences. In some cases, you might get stuck in a house that hasn’t been renovated in years or isn’t convenient for your family. Living off base gives you the flexibility to shop around.
It also gives you the chance to rent furniture that fits your new space, which can be a convenient solution when you’re not sure when your next transition will happen.
A personal touch
No matter where you call home, putting your personal stamp on a space helps make it feel like your own, and furniture goes a long way toward personalizing a home. CORT Furniture Rental allows you to fully furnish your apartment or house, with options to suit a variety of tastes and styles. This allows your off-base home to feel comfortable and customized, without the hassle and expense of buying and storing furniture.
Although housing situations can vary greatly from duty station to duty station, searching off base gives you a good chance of finding housing that fits your lifestyle. Whether you choose to rent an apartment or purchase a home, you have the freedom and flexibility to make it a comfortable place you’re proud to call your own.
