Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. "I also know that a lot of enlisted members have a second job to support their families.". Joint Base San Antonio Lackland is such a great place to get stationed that it makes the list twice. Military personnel get a discount, too. Not like you typically have a choice, but this list might help anyway. The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. And an Arlington, Virginia, house hits a punishing median cost of $583,400 well over triple the $170,100 median home cost nationwide. The median home cost there is a whopping $766,000. One soldier put it this way, If God had to give the Earth an enema, he would attach the hose to Fort Polk. Yeesh. The one that turned Matt Damon into a bad guy? E-2: $2,070 per . Eglin Air Force Base. Craig currently resides in the Outer Banks of North Carolina and runs his own business. Okinawa, Japan is a favorite. United States Southern Command. Regardless of how tough our soldiers are, no one should feel completely discounted at their military base. The scenery is not only gorgeous but the weather is decent (by Alaska standards) and wildlife is abundant. I would like to indicate that I will not be listing bases that are considered "deployments." 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. Best Military Bases OCONUS: Okinawa, Japan. "It's more of a celebration," Pizarro said. Team Little Rock Airmen help landscape the dormitory parking lot for Dorm Transform at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas July 17, 2020. This is the second year Altus Air Force Base and Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, contracting offices have teamed up to participate in a deployment exercise.U.S. Military residents appreciate the rural and quiet surroundings of east Dayton yet with quick access to metropolises like Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, Columbus, and Indianapolis. Marine Crops photo by Cpl. Depends on your AFSC honestly, generally speaking, Andersen AFB, Hickam AFB, Yokota AB, anywhere in England, and Germany is the best (Ramstein is the most American place in Germany) Avoid Ghedi, incerlick, and Eielson. McConnell's crime score was 3 out of a possible 10, lower than the nationwide average score of 6. Dyess AFB is located in West-Central Texas on the outskirts of the city of Abilene. 5. American Airlines. U.S. Air Force contracting Airmen search for potential improvised explosive devices June 3, 2015. It may be fun to have pristine beaches and Disneyland practically in the backyard of your duty station. 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. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. One review compared it to Hawaii but without the crowds. The perk? And if you like to unwind from desert combat training by driving into more desert to shoot more guns and drive more off-road vehicles, then Fort Irwin is your paradise.Surprise silver lining: The Barstow Tanger Outlets offer soldiers the chance to buy their Air Jordans on discount so they can wear them to Shock Wave, the on-base night club that shows UFC fights without cover and serves food that is not half bad, hit or miss, and meh, according to Yelp! Oh and for the record, Lake Bandini isnt an actual lake. They simply said, "Do not come here!" To compile our ranking of 68 Air Force bases, we collected and analyzed hundreds of pieces of information. This versatility has earned Delta Force a reputation as one of the top 10 elite special operations units in the US Military, and it is considered a highly classified Tier 1 unit. Yosemite National Park is just a couple hours north (and its great hikes! Outdoor activities are also abundant given all the natural features in the area. Air Force BMT Prep Guide eBook available NOW: https://www.airmanvision.com/store/air-force-bmt-prep-guide What are the top 5 stateside Air Force bases in you. Many people join the military to travel and see the world which is most desirable for active-duty members that are single. Whats your dream duty station and why? "It's hard to find anything that'll fit, and there isn't much selection" at the exchange, Do said. Disappointing schools, higher-than-average crime rates, and high taxes combined to place McConnell Air Force Base, located near Wichita, Kansas, near the bottom of our list. GreatSchools evaluates schools on a 10-point scale based on a combination of their standardized test scores, whether students are improving from year to year, and college readiness, defined as how well students take and score on SAT and ACT tests, and their graduation rates. 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. Keep in mind that you may not get anything on your list (my wife and I didn't). According to a new survey, about 1 in 25 adults say they recently fell asleep while driving. Fort Polk/Fort Irwin. Base: Fort Irwin National Training CenterUnlucky call sign: A string of expletives that we cannot repeatWhy it's not great: Fort Irwin is the vast desert training area for the Army, a severe and remote landscape that could easily double as the Mad Max set. Word has it that the family-friendly community here is so good that you dont just cry when you get there, you cry when you leave, too. Below, we rounded up the best military bases categorized by interests. While McConnell has a large commissary, its small medical clinic and disappointing base exchange also hurt the base's ranking. "It's better for my family.". But now it's just a scrapyard for your hopes and dreams of being stationed in California. You are able to get gardeners and maids for a fairly cheap price to come clean and do yardwork once a week (about $50 for both). The hot air balloon festival in Albuquerque is also within reach, but it will take you at least eleven attempts to spell Albuquerque correctly before your GPS will be any help.Surprise silver lining: From what we can tell, Fort Bliss has the best on-base amenities of any military installation ANYWHERE. RAF Lakenheath. The site has roots dating back to the Revolutionary War, and now hosts more than 700 Marines, sailors, and civilians. Top 10 Worst Bases. A home in nearby Fairfax County, Virginia, has a median cost of $455,300. Junior sailors, geographical bachelors, and families can all find base housing here, too. Hurlburt Field. The base often runs out of supplies at the PX and has been considered not family-friendly. Considering the number of advanced aircraft with large personal strength and the future fleet of IAF, it is one of the most powerful and best air forces in the world. This time, though, we wanted to know where they absolutely HATED being sent. 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. Fort Carson, Colorado. Some even deliver to your door. The weather is tropical and can become very humid in the summer. Fayetteville is one of the few bases on our list thats located in an actual town, or as a Marine spouse in neighboring Camp Lejeune put it, at least they have a mall and a Discount Tire. Still, soldiers insist that the place reminds them of every combat zone the US has visited in the past four decades.Most common escape: Charleston, Wilmington, Charlotte, Raleigh, and Myrtle Beach are all within a couples of hours drive. *The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement. Best area perk? Additionally, the USAF maintains hundreds of military bases around the globe in more than 70 countries. This list is subjective, of course there are too many duty stations to post here so do your research before submitting your wishlist. Southwest Airlines. After taking into consideration weather, morale, base amenities, stuff to do, and accessibility to major cities, it seems that some of our militarys most heroic acts of service might not be fighting battles abroad, but bravely conquering these 10 towns at home. But if youre not, and are willing to drive a bit further, Sante Fe, New Mexico offers galleries, museums, badass psychedelic funhouses/art collectives, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains -- popular for hiking, biking, and skiing.Surprise silver lining: Isnt it always true that in the face of misery, communities pull together? A ROKAF T-50 at the Singapore Air Show. Overall, it seems that everyone enjoyed their time at Kadena, despite some of the drawbacks. Nevertheless, it is great during the winter. It is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge and should not be substituted for impartial fact or advice in legal, political, or personal matters. And sales taxes there are 7.15 percent, higher than the usual 6 percent. Theres skiing at Dry Hill, tubing at Maple Ridge Snow Park, and plenty to explore in the Adirondack Mountains. Pikes Peak, among the many 14ers in the state of Colorado, is right in your backyard. Here's what they say for 2022. Minot is a missile base located in a desolate region of the least-populated, most-rural, least-visited state in America, so its pretty similar, dontchaknow. Holloman AFB is deserving even if Luke AFB and MacDill AFB also need to get considered on this list. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Families love living here for many reasons, including affordable housing. Unlucky call sign: "Fort Piss," "Hell Paso". For a complete directory of U.S. and overseas military installations, visit the Department of Defense Military OneSource network. 1. The average GreatSchools.com ranking of schools within a 10-mile radius was 4 out of a possible 10. If you consider every relocation an adventure, it will be easier to think of every duty station as the best military base. McGuire Air Force Base, on the other hand, is very close to NYC, Philadelphia, and New Jersey for nightlife. Both families and singles can easily find plenty of on-base housing, including single-family, duplex, and townhome floor plans (up to 5 bedrooms). Population: 448,759 Veteran Population: 94,938 Median Home Price: $222,100 Unemployment Rate: 4.8% Crime Rate: Safer than 10% of U.S. cities Military Bases Near Colorado Springs: Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base; Colorado Springs is one of the best places for military retirement! 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Dirty Myrtle has cleaned up its act in the past few years).Surprise silver lining: Besides offering easy access to both major cities and ocean views, Fayetteville might be the best place to further your education. ASVAB Scores For Air Force Jobs: All 130+ For 2022, How To Choose The Right Military Branch For You, Best Air Force Bases in the U.S. Overall, #1 Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, #1 Joint Base San Antonio Lackland, Texas, #1 Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, #3 Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, #1 Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Best Army Bases for Families, Couples and Singles, Top 15 Military Schools For Boys And Girls, Air Force Jobs List:A List Of All 135 AFSCs In The Air Force (2022), Army Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) Repairer (MOS 94P), List Of 9 Army Patches And Their Meanings, Army Sharpshooter Badge: 6 Things To Know, Army Service Ribbon (ASR): 5 Things To Know, Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM): 8 Things To Know. Nellis Air Force Base is right outside North Las Vegas need we say more? 5. A well-guarded military base can imply that such areasincluding the nearby military townsare safe and secure. 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. While living on post is extremely safe the base is home to the Defense Intelligence Agency living off post is a different story. Schriever AFB is among several USAF bases in the Colorado Springs metropolitan. RAF Lakenheath is located in Suffolk County in East Anglia. So yeah, Lemoore might not be much to look at, but you are just down the road from some spectacular #nofilter #views.Surprise silver lining: Another perk of living in the agriculture-heavy Central Valley of California is access to fresh, local eggs and produce through farm co-ops. Nature enthusiasts want to spend their time hiking while they tour jungle land with numerous waterfalls. Answer (1 of 26): I've been hearing from plenty of Air Force retirees that Minot is THE worst. South Korean Air Force - 898. Base: Naval Air Station LemooreUnlucky call sign: Armpit of the Navy -- supposedly because of the smell and air qualityWhy it's not great: Never heard of Lemoore? Any time you want to participate in any outdoor activity, you can pretty much guarantee the weather will be ideal to spend time outside. Part of the reason Lackland ranks so high is because of its superior medical facilities which are important to a lot of military families. And Do said the Basic Allowance for Housing in the Columbus area he gets $807 a month is far too low for airmen to live on. Learn more about Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort here. The Best And Worst Airlines in America in 2021. The quiet countryside serves as a quick escape from the hectic nature of the military base. Oh, and theres also that small thing about the contaminated drinking water.Most common escape: Although theres basically nothing to do in Jacksonville except get a fresh tattoo or payday loan, Wilmington is just an hour away, Myrtle Beach is a little over two, and Nicholas Sparks lives nearby where he pens novels for your romantic escapism, I mean, for your reading pleasure. Base Operations at Scott AFB, Ill. Photo by Karen Petitt Air Force Image. Driving along the roads, dont be surprised if you see herds of moose or elk wandering along the side of the road. 10 Worst Cities. The Americans there are rude and begging to leave. The military base has multiple things going for it as mentioned above. Savings may be hard to come by, as local shopping and driving are both very expensive. The Air Force also offers multiple programs for tuition assistance to airmen. 4. Compared to the other bases on this list, Hanscom is in an area with good schools and low crime. The program will embed 16 mental health providers with units across the base. A home in Bedford will run you a median cost of $546,500. And just like those Germans learned, once you are in, there is no point in trying to escape. Hanscom Air Force Base near Bedford, Massachusetts, has a lot going for it. A nearby town or city with fun things to do. In the surrounding areas, you can see everything from pre-Civil War forts to the southernmost point of the continental U.S. Also, according to residents, the smell from a nearby water treatment plant makes the area very undesirable, especially during the hot and humid summers. What I am seeing from the majority of reviews indicates that Ramstein is very unsanitary. 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. At a mere 44 miles long, it can be easy to get island fever here if you arent actively seeking adventure while stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. "That's more money I can spend on my daughter now, on after-school events," Vargas said. There are no schools on base. San Antonio is one of the most underrated cities in the United States with mild year-round temperatures, entertainment options, and a thriving nightlife. Housing on post often has long waitlists and living off base means more crime. Joint Base San Antonio. Bases:Fort Bragg, Pope AirfieldUnlucky call sign:Fort Drag,No hope Pope"Why it's not great: Fort Bragg is like the Kardashians -- everybody in the Army knows about it, talks about it, and either loves it or hates it passionately. Best reason to be stationed there: The . As the Home of the Rugged Professional, this base is perfect for adventurous service members who dont mind the cold. Egyptian Air Force - 1,062. In reality, it is where Marines go to learn to hate the Corps. (tied) Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts. Staff Sgt. Luke Air Force Base has an excellent location west of Glendale and the greater Phoenix metro area. While in the military, he spent time analyzing imagery from a variety of aircraft such as the SR-71. One review did happen to indicate that there is government housing, but there is usually a one to two-year wait. So it is best to be prepared. Base: Cannon Air Force BaseUnlucky call sign: AfcannonstanWhy it's not great: Blame the fact that Clovis is more West Texas than New Mexico, that there are limited on-base amenities, or that its completely surrounded by cattle farms and dairies; but airmen know Clovis as a remote base town memorable for the wafting smell of cow manure and the downright biblical wave of pestilence known as fly season.Most common escape: Lubbock and Amarillo, Texas, are the two closest cities, but we cant bring ourselves to see how this is a good thing -- unless you enjoy taking down 72oz of free steak in an hour. Look at what matters most to you, and then research if those amenities and interests are present in the duty station location. If you have time to research, do the following: The above list is by no means an exhaustive list of the potential options for duty stations. The primary duties of this station include supporting the Alaska National Guard with its key mission of monitoring security and operation of the Missile Defense Site. In other words, Fayetteville is the awkward neighborhood kid surrounded by cooler, more beautiful neighbors in every direction (yes, even Myrtle Beach. Because everything is bigger in Texas, the post has the largest on-base bowling alley, fitness center, and Post Exchange (PX) in the whole Army. 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. Located in the southern part of Colorado Springs, this mountainous area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. This accrues at 2.5 days per month. The year-round sunny weather. Should you make a base of preference, that will be your assigned duty station for the next two years. 6. Yet these are the top Air Force bases overseas relying on the same factors as the top-rated in the U.S.: Anderson AFB also serves as naval headquarters yet is largely considered the premier place to live and serve overseas in the USAF. Low housing costs and phenomenal support from the local community makes Luke AFB an ideal place for military families. Bedford is a great place to raise children, said Lisa Pizarro, the school liaison officer at Hanscom. You wont know how you like a place until you go it might be the best location the military could have ever picked for you. If you cant fit in smaller sized clothing, you will be forced to order online. The unique wildlife that calls Alaska home. The fact that it feels like a prison has earned it the nickname AlcaTravis. There are reportedly dicey areas off post, but most families who live on base have few complaints. 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. These are the highest ranking Air Force bases for couples: Do you really need an excuse to live in Hawaii? Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. If you have children, they will have to drive roughly an hour to the nearest international school. Therefore, if you really like city life then youll find many of the USAF bases on the list problematic for their rural settings. They also said that traveling was easy. Perhaps you parked in the By Here are some of the best bases you will find overseas. It's so small that there is no chow hall. 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They have a DOD school that serves 9th-12th grade and recently built a new BX. Related Article Pros and Cons of joining the Air Force. Best Air Force Bases Overseas. Despite the astronomical costs of living in L.A., BAH rates are surprisingly low. Youll never regret a day at Lackland if you are single and looking to mingle. 6. We think there is so much chatter about Fayetteville because it houses the biggest population in the Army -- and the naysayers are loud simply because there are so many of them. The remote base is on the little island of Guam in the middle of nowhere on the Pacific. The base is small and it only takes about 45 minutes to travel from the north side of the island to the south. The unassuming military base in small-town Illinois is a hidden gem based on those who have served at the location. If you can't fit in smaller sized clothing, you will be forced to order online. Naval Base Kitsap . Located in the middle of nowhere the Mojave Desert, 29 Palms is where tanks outnumber sedans and sunburns happen through car windows. It is a great place if your spouse does not want to work. Base (s): Naval Base Guam, Andersen Air Force Base. Now c. Housing is affordable with high-quality schools and excellent features on the base. And these were their picks for the Best Military Towns in America -- some truly beautiful parts of the country. Want to keep your sharp shooter status? Welcome to Fort Drum. Nearby Northern Virginia's schools are popularly known as among the best in the country, and some live up to that reputation. On the clearest of days, the Bremerton base has a beautiful view of the snow-capped Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges. Related: What Is Accrued . There are 2,744 people assigned to Columbus, including 1,447 military service members, 598 contractors, and 472 civil servants. The military facility is in the Fort Walton and Destin area with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. From mountain climbing to whitewater rafting, youll find some of the best outdoor adventures here. McGuire Air Force Base is part of joint base operations with the United States Air Force. United Airlines. Being that its the only active-duty base in the Northeast, housing on post is limited, forcing service members and their families to live elsewhere. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Craig spent many years on active duty service in the Air Force stationed in such places as Okinawa, Japan and SAC Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. Though military life is extremely hard on families there are thousands that make it work every year. Typically, nothing is open in the city from noon to three. Location: Bremerton, Bangor, and Keyport, Washington. According to Sperling's Best Places, average July temperatures in Wichita hit a scorching 93 degrees. The Cheyenne Mountain Shooting Complex (CMSC) is a 400-acre site near the base thats open daily for practice, including trap and skeet shooting. And despite the lure of perfect weather here, if you decide to move on base, the housing waiting list is only about a month for 3-bedrooms or less! It's a very depressed social and economic area. Learn more about Naval Air Station Key West here. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Serving the United States Air Force could land you in one of these premium locations depending on what you are seeking during service. This list is subjective, of course there are too many duty stations to post here so do your research before submitting your wishlist. When you view any duty station as your new home, youll be able to better embrace the local culture and unique base aspects. If youve always wanted to have the island experience without feeling trapped on the actual island, living in the Keys is the closest you can get to that opportunity. Task & Purpose polled more than 1,000 of its readers on the worst military installations in terms of living. Wright-Patterson AFB just makes the cut among many other competing military bases for top honors. (Army) Ok, now we're talking it's an outdoorsman's paradise. There is a lot to do on the island and the people are very friendly. This is a large base that does not have a lot of Westernized shopping. There are tons of national parks, plus all the skiing and rock climbing you can . Though Air Force bases are considered to be some of the best installations among all the services, the branch still has a number that fall below par. For the most part, you will have to live off base and may feel that Italian houses are not up to par with Western style housing. Related Article How To Join The US Air Force. I turned town an assignment to Eielson for Andersen.. got rewarded with an assignment to Minot afterwards.. On base, youll find everything from medical care to housing to take care of your daily needs, and off base youll discover a world rich in music, French culture, and history that cant be found elsewhere.