There are so many decisions to make when you PCS. One of the biggest is deciding whether to live on-post or off-post at your next duty station. And the truth is, there isn’t one right answer for every military family.
What works for you can depend on your budget, commute, family size, pets, schools, how much space you want, and even the duty station itself. You might love living on post at one installation and decide off post makes much more sense at the next.
If you’re weighing your options, here are 30 reasons you might prefer living off-post at your next duty station.
And, before you decide, make sure you also read 30 Reasons Why You Should Live On Post so you can compare both sides.
Space and Privacy When Living On Post
All military, all the time
If you live on post, your life could end up being all military, all the time. Your spouse will be very close to work, and you might not get a break from the military like you would if you lived off post.
Small yards or none at all
Some on-post housing has tiny yards. Some have none at all. This is not ideal for small kids or dogs who want to run. If you want land, on-post is not going to be for you.
Have to share a wall
If you hate sharing a wall, your on-post choices could be very limited. A lot of on-post housing shares a wall.
If you don’t have kids, could be stuck in a small space
If you don’t have children, you might not be able to get more than a two bedroom apartment. This can be frustrating especially if your spouse is higher ranking. If you go off post, you can take your BAH and find something that works much better for your lifestyle.
Loud neighbors
If it isn’t the dogs, it could be the neighbors themselves. From parties on a Friday night to screaming matches, if you want quiet, look elsewhere.
Privacy issues
If you are a private family, being off post is going to be a better option for you. You can separate military life from home life a little more and create some space between you and the military post.
No country living for you
If you want to live out in the country, you probably are not going to find that on post. It’s pretty much city living.
On Post or Off Post? Start With These Questions
There isn’t one right housing choice for every military family. Before deciding where to live at your next duty station, think about:
- How much space does your family need?
- How important is a short commute for your service member?
- What can you afford with your BAH?
- Do you have pets that could be affected by housing restrictions?
- Which schools would your children attend?
- Do you want to be surrounded by military life or have more separation?
- How important are yard space, privacy, parking, and neighborhood amenities?
Military Housing Availability, Costs, and Maintenance
You may have to deal with a housing waitlist
On-post housing isn’t always available when you arrive. Depending on your installation, family size, rank, and the type of home you need, you may have to wait. If you’re going to rent off-post while waiting anyway, you might decide you’d rather settle into one home and stay there.
You might prefer having more control over how you use your BAH
In some places, you give all your BAH and don’t feel like you are getting the best use out of it. Depending on your duty station and housing options, you may decide you’d rather use your BAH toward a home off post that better fits your family’s priorities.
You may not have as much control over maintenance
In military housing, you generally have to work through the housing management company’s maintenance process. Experiences vary by installation and housing provider, so it’s worth asking current residents what response times and maintenance have been like.
Lack of parking
Not having enough parking can be a pain. You want enough spaces for your friends and both of your vehicles, but that might not be possible.
Housing condition concerns can affect your decision
There have been quite a few cases about military housing issues, from putting people in run-down homes to dealing with mold and getting sick.
Want a bigger house
A lot of military housing is on the smaller side. If you want more space, you are going to have to go off post.
Rules and Restrictions That Come With On-Post Housing
Garden restrictions
If you love to garden, there will be restrictions on your post about what you can do. If you want more freedom, off post is the way to go.
Rules about home businesses
Have a home business? Make sure you follow the rules and regulations of having one on post.
Pet restrictions
You might have four dogs, but on-post housing will not allow that. Each military installation has their own rules. Make sure you double check what you will be dealing with.
Visitors
If you have people come and visit, they will need to be approved to go in. If they are coming without you, they will need to get a visitor’s pass. A lot of hassle.
Getting in trouble for little things
Living on post means following their rules. Rules about this, rules about that. And if you don’t follow them, you could get in trouble.
How Living On Post Can Affect Your Daily Routine
Farther away from off-post places
If you work off post, living on post can be a pain. You might want to find a place close to where you like to go.
Annoying dogs
Every neighborhood has annoying dogs, but with on post living, you are much closer together. This means you are going to hear more from these dogs than you would otherwise.
Theft still happens on post
More people means more things can get stolen. From bikes to strollers, nothing is really safe. It’s a shame you can’t even trust your on-post neighbors. But it can be an issue.
Illusion of safety
We all feel safer on post, but should we? Does feeling this way mean that we leave ourselves open to more issues? Always lock your doors, no matter where you live. And always be aware.
Schools and Family Life Can Influence Your Housing Decision
Living off post may give you different school options
Some people love military schools; others do not. If you are on post, your kids will most likely need to go to those schools, so do some research about the local areas to find out what is best.
You may prefer a different part of town
Let’s face it, the area right outside of a military installation isn’t always the best. From bars to bail bonds, not your idea of a nice family atmosphere. Living off post lets you compare neighborhoods based on commute, schools, shopping, activities, walkability, lot size, or whatever matters most to your family.
Not as involved in the local community
When you live off post, you can get involved in your local community. From the schools to getting out and about in your neighborhood. While you can find good community on post as well, you have to decide where you want to be.
Neighborhood density might not work for your family
Some on-post neighborhoods have homes, playgrounds, sidewalks, and shared spaces packed fairly closely together. Some families love that community feel; others prefer more space between themselves and their neighbors.
Coming home late at night
If you come home late at night, you could run into issues. For one thing, the gate right by your house could be closed. You will have to drive around the rest of the post to get home.
Don’t have to leave post
When you live on post, you really don’t have to leave post, but that isn’t always a good thing. Get out there and explore. Even if you do call your military installation home.
The drama
The more people around, the bigger the chance for drama. And military housing can bring a lot of it. Stay away from the drama, and you will probably be okay, but that can be hard when you are surrounded by it.
No space
When you are on post, you can feel a bit claustrophobic at times. There will always be people around, which can be difficult to get used to.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living On Post vs. Off Post
Is it better to live on post or off post?
It depends on your family, duty station, budget, commute, housing availability, schools, pets, and the type of community you want. Some military families love the convenience and community of living on post, while others prefer the space, privacy, and housing choices available off post.
Do you keep your BAH if you live off post?
Eligible service members generally receive Basic Allowance for Housing when government housing is not provided. Your actual rent or mortgage may be higher or lower than your BAH, depending on the home you choose.
Is there usually a waiting list for on-post housing?
There can be. Housing availability varies by installation, family size, rank, bedroom eligibility, and the type of housing needed. Contact the housing office at your gaining installation as early as possible for current availability.
Can you have pets in on-post housing?
Usually, but each installation and housing community can have its own rules. Restrictions may include the number of pets, certain breeds, weight limits, or types of animals allowed. Check the specific pet policy before accepting housing.
Should You Live On Post or Off Post?
Choose the housing option that works for your own military family!
There isn’t one right answer when deciding whether to live on-post or off-post. What worked at your last duty station might not work at the next one, either. Compare the housing, commute, schools, community, costs, and lifestyle at each new installation and choose what makes the most sense for your family right now.
And remember, you can always make a different choice at the next duty station.