We'd wager school quality, for example, is a greater concern than the sales tax rate. 6. Some military families go so far as to live in New Hampshire and commute to work. Traveling can be a pain due to traffic; the on-base facilities are spread out and can be cumbersome to travel around. Located in Miami-Dade County, get an introduction to the melting pot that is nearby Miamis culture. The average GreatSchools.com ranking of schools within a 10-mile radius was 4 out of a possible 10. Twentynine Palms, California, sounds like a nice place to take a cheap family vacation. With Duke and UNC (among other universities) nearby, you can get smarter while also becoming manically invested in March Madness. However, the area of Bedford, Massachusetts, is extremely expensive. After much consideration, these are the five bases that should count as a deployment if they manage to survive the next round of base closures. Luke Air Force Base has an excellent location west of Glendale and the greater Phoenix metro area. There are just under 60 active U.S. Air Force bases in the country. Average winter temps hover in the low teens in a place where cows outnumber people three to one.Most common escape: Only ninety minutes away is the Worlds Largest Buffalo monument, in case your version of escape is looking at a larger version of your natural surroundings.Surprise silver lining:For a while Minot was at the center of the North Dakota oil boom, jolting the local economy into overdrive, providing loads of jobs for military dependents, and causing rent prices to soar. The 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D) is known for its commitment to mission success and its ability to execute complex and high-stakes . Since there's no chow hall, he tries to find healthy foods off base. | Military personnel get a discount, too. Jason Do has been stationed at Columbus for five years and called it "one of the worst bases" in the Air Force. Some residents have taken to calling the area Smell Segundo. The main issue, however, is really the money. If youre traveling near the Delta Junction area, keep your eye out for rare sightings of wild buffalo. Altus, Oklahoma Cannon, New Mexico Dyess, Texas (to replace with Grand Forks) Eielson, Alaska Ellsworth, South Dakota (convinced-removed) Ft.Polk, Louisiana Holloman, New Mexico Malmstrom, Montana Minot, North Dakota (edit-How did I forget??) Located on the Canadian border, winters here are long and brutal as the snow piles up and temps dip down to thirty below. Its also open seven days a week, so youre able to relax on this piece of paradise on your days off. Schriever AFB is among several USAF bases in the Colorado Springs metropolitan. 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. 5. Youll have occasional lockdowns and curfews imposed, but most people seem to enjoy their time spent here. Joint Base San Antonio is in the suburb of Lackland, Texas. Regardless of how tough our soldiers are, no one should feel completely discounted at their military base. Oh, and you can walk on the ferry for free to go to Seattle! Well send you our daily roundup of all our favorite stories from across the site, from travel to food to shopping to entertainment. So we weighted each category. Get the latest in military news, entertainment and gear in your inbox daily. Here are some of the best bases you will find overseas. (tied) Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. McGuire Air Force Base, on the other hand, is very close to NYC, Philadelphia, and New Jersey for nightlife. According to a new survey, about 1 in 25 adults say they recently fell asleep while driving. Perhaps you parked in the By However, I enjoy the prospect of increasing my odds of being stationed somewhere deemed suitable. Meanwhile, others like single personnel have quick access to St. Louis and a variety of entertainment options. 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. 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. The purpose of any great military base is to serve the country yet the location should also boost morale by offering amenities and other perks. If want to live off base, keep in mind the cost of living is high for junior enlisted families in particular, but youll likely find yourself in gorgeous historic neighborhoods. MacDill AFB is another prime location for the single crowd. Of all the branches of the military, the Air Force always had really nice bases including Minot. Base Operations at Scott AFB, Ill. Photo by Karen Petitt Air Force Image. If youre getting ready to pick your dream list for your very first duty station, you may be a little unsure of what locations to choose for your top choices. Located in the southern part of Colorado Springs, this mountainous area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. 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. The base is on the smaller side, so youll get a chance to know your fellow service members and their families well. The unique wildlife that calls Alaska home. For those that like to hunt and fish, there are plenty of outdoor activities. Additionally, Joint Base San Antonio Lackland offers its own mall on the base and several other amenities. Base: Fort BlissUnlucky call sign: Fort Piss, Hell PasoWhy it's not great: The base with the most misleading name, Fort Bliss is located in the border town of El Paso, Texas. Kadena, Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Isaiah Miller). Military residents appreciate the rural and quiet surroundings of east Dayton yet with quick access to metropolises like Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, Columbus, and Indianapolis. Single life has its advantages and disadvantages. The Panama Canal also falls under the protection of this base. Nellis Air Force Base is right outside North Las Vegas need we say more? Melanye Martinez. Learn more about Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans here. Altus started out as a scrapyard for World War II aircraft. While families may find Hawaii expensive and difficult to spend time with extended family, most military couples love getting stationed on one of the islands. When you arent heading out to the coastline, youll find theres plenty to see and do on base, including bowling, swimming, working out, movie-going, and dining. The veteran poverty rate is 15.1%, the eighth highest in the nation, and VA expenditures are among the 10 lowest cities. Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms. And New Orleans is a five-hour drive, so at least you can get a beignet for your troubles.Surprise silver lining: In recent years, Fort Polks base amenities have undergone an impressive facelift. Families also benefit from no state income or sales tax in the Anchorage area. The United States currently operates 59 active Air Force bases. Its a great base to live on whether youre single, married, or have kids, as theres a lot to do in your downtime. Keep in mind its very competitive to get stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson but savor the opportunity if it presents itself. There are tons of national parks, plus all the skiing and rock climbing you can . Copyright 2023 www.OperationMilitaryKids.org. Typically, nothing is open in the city from noon to three. It's a very depressed social and economic area. The UK Royal air force is also referred to as the Royal Air Force and it boasts of over 890 aircraft and a large number of workers, making it Europe's largest air force. As cold as Minot, but without the nukes; perhaps this place could use a little radiation. Related Article US Military Bases in Germany. This content reflects the personal opinions of the author. "It's better for my family.". Delta Air Lines. Its cheaper to live in the place you never wanted to! Therefore, if you really like city life then youll find many of the USAF bases on the list problematic for their rural settings. When you view any duty station as your new home, youll be able to better embrace the local culture and unique base aspects. Best Military Bases OCONUS: Okinawa, Japan. There are, of course, many things we cannot control for when joining the military, but some bases are just worse than others. The one that turned Matt Damon into a bad guy? 20 Reasons to Join the Military (and 7 reasons not to), Your email address will not be published. Sometimes you end up drawing the short straw when it comes to military assignment locations. To enjoy all that the area has to offer, dress accordingly on and off base to explore the best parts of this beautiful region. If you can't fit in smaller sized clothing, you will be forced to order online. Were sorry, Fayetteville -- you didnt deserve that. 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. The U.S.'s northern fortress of military strategic solitude, Minot Air Force Base, has long been a prime destination for career-ending mishaps. In the surrounding areas, you can see everything from pre-Civil War forts to the southernmost point of the continental U.S. Sign up here for our daily Thrillist email, and get your fix of the best in food/drink/fun. Columbus is a career-ending base, where many have retired [or] separated due to just being stuck at the base.". The program will embed 16 mental health providers with units across the base. They have a DOD school that serves 9th-12th grade and recently built a new BX. Maybe your quirky office prank on the executive officer went horribly wrong. United Airlines. The press is silent, and people don't know they're being poisoned. If youre bored around base, catch a flick at the theater, take a walk along a trail, or check out Afterburners, a rec facility with 36 TVs, pool tables, and an outdoor tiki bar. Fixed-wing and rotary-wing (helicopters) aircraft types are factored in from all branches of service (Air Force, Army Aviation, Navy, Marine). Below, we rounded up the best military bases categorized by interests. Shop here and skip paying sales tax on everything from electronics to groceries. There is nothing like spending leisure time in the outdoors. Best Military Bases for Outdoor Enthusiasts 1. WA Eglin AFB, FL. Base: Fort PolkUnlucky call sign: Fort PukeWhy it's not great: The Army has some pretty terrible duty locations, but they were more unanimous than any other branch of the service on which post qualified as THE WORST. (tied) McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. In alphabetical order-. Task & Purpose polled more than 1,000 of its readers on the worst military installations in terms of living. 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. Additionally, the USAF maintains hundreds of military bases around the globe in more than 70 countries. 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. Here are the top 10 US military base towns overseas. Updated Nov 24, 2021 10:41 AM EST, Editors note: This article was originally published in March 2016. Here are the top Air Force bases in the nation: Located in St. Clair County, Illinois, Scott Air Force Base tops the list of the best Air Force Bases in the U.S. overall. The rest are civilian government employees and contractors. Best area perk? Combining Fort Sam Houston the Lackland and Randolph Air Force Bases, Joint Base San Antonio is home to some of the best and brightest service members in the country, including the 5th Army, 25th Air Force and 37th Training Wing. Creating a list of the best Air Force bases in the nation is not an easy task. reviewers. In reality, it is where Marines go to learn to hate the Corps. MacDill Air Force Base. Just up the road from base youll find the beautiful Harborside Fountain Park with its waterside plaza where you can watch ferries depart to and from Seattle. Junior sailors, geographical bachelors, and families can all find base housing here, too. Why it's not great: The base with the most misleading name, Fort Bliss is located in the border town of El Paso, Texas. Whether youre on or off base, youll find activities to fulfill your need to explore the great outdoors in this mountainous terrain. Serving the United States Air Force could land you in one of these premium locations depending on what you are seeking during service. If that is not enough, consider that Elmendorf-Richardson has its own ski area. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kirby Turbak. At one point it was home for German POWs during World War II. In our survey, it ended up with one of the highest school rankings 8 out of 10 the lowest crime ratesreceiving 9 points out of 10, far greater than the nationwide average of 6 and lowest unemployment rates 3.9 percent compared with 6.1 percent nationally. BestPlaces.net's crime statistics had low numbers for low crime rates and high numbers for high crime rates. The median home value here is around $150,000 and has historical roots. (tied) Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C. Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, formerly Bolling Air Force Base, ends up in our bottom five primarily due to the Washington area's abysmal traffic year after year, ranked the worst in the country and high cost of housing. Grand Forks AFB continuously ranks among the top 10 USAF bases in the United States. On-base housing is rumored to be nice and the post boasts a brand new commissary, PX, and a really good hospital. And if your spouse hopes to find a job in the local community, that's going to be tough Columbus' unemployment rate is a staggering 12.9 percent, more than double the nationwide rate. Women in the military: Moving beyond firsts, Veterans Affairs drops mask requirement for all agency medical offices, Officials OK some hand and neck tattoos for airmen, Guardians, Perennial pilot shortage puts Air Force in precarious position, Healthy eating on a budget for busy military spouses, Tax scams How to report them Money Minute, Capitol Hill weighs action on two controversial topics: medical marijuana and abortion, Lockheed wins hypersonics contract | Defense Dollars, Go inside a secret nuclear fallout bunker sealed for decades, Another Air Force fleet grounded over fears plane tails may fall off, Pentagon orders engine vibration fix for entire F-35 fleet worldwide, Minot firings due to failed nuclear safety inspection, Air Force advisers study use of satellites for tracking moving targets. 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). Nevertheless, it is great during the winter. ", 3. Off base, you can take to the mountains or surrounding regions for snowshoeing, hunting, camping, and fishing. A few months back we asked current and former military personnel where in the US they most enjoyed being stationed, and why. A new report of the 100 U.S. cities with the highest rates of sexually transmitted disease lists seven military towns in the top 20, all Air Force and Army installations.. A study published . Besides the unique cultural tensions of living in a border town, service members reported that Fort Bliss was hot, isolated, and subject to sandstorms. Yes, some bases may be better for certain demographics, so prior to having to pick your dream list, do a bit of research. One review stated that the school system is out of date (but I am unsure as to what that means). Operation Military Kids was founded to be a resource for teens and young adults who are interested in joining the military, but don't know where to begin. The military base serves as the host for the 6th Air Refueling Wing. We used formulas to convert the raw data from each category into a 10-point scale. Do said Columbus' exchange is horrible, and he usually goes to Wal-Mart instead. But the area's high cost of living and housing prices partly because it is about a 25-mile drive from Boston landed Hanscom in the bottom five. 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? Though the weather isnt terrific its still a fantastic place to get stationed if you have to go outside the United States. If you drive to the middle of nowhere, then keep driving a little farther, youll hit Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma, considered by many airmen to be one of the least desired military bases in the nations vast expanse. 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. This time, though, we wanted to know where they absolutely HATED being sent. ), and Kings Canyon is the same distance east. Housing on post often has long waitlists and living off base means more crime. Finally the farther distance between 2 bases is about 219 miles which is well under most air force planes range capacity. Off base, youll find nearby volcanoes to hike, waterfalls to swim in, and beach shores to surf along. I would like to indicate that I will not be listing bases that are considered "deployments." Some are devoid of entertainment, run by unfit staff, have horrible food, or offer horrible amenities. The majority of the reviews do indicate their dislike for this assignment. Whether you love Antebellum architecture or visiting historic sites, you arent far from old-style charm when youre stationed at Beaufort. While living on post is extremely safe the base is home to the Defense Intelligence Agency living off post is a different story. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. The average commute in the Washington area is roughly half an hour, and hits nearly 40 minutes in the area right around Bolling well longer than the average 25-minute commute nationwide. And it's hot, too. Plus, the Kitsap Peninsula isnt far from multiple day trip options, including Seattle, local mountain ranges, water trails, and even Canada. From misplaced nuclear weapons to security forces . United States Southern Command. Travis is in Solano County, California. While the state is usually not the top choice for many military families youll find a welcoming community with plenty of support. But Westervelt said if someone really wants an off-base home, her office can usually find something for them within 20 or 30 minutes of Hanscom. Nature enthusiasts want to spend their time hiking while they tour jungle land with numerous waterfalls. Russian Air Force - 3,863. "For such a small base, we do have quite a lot of amenities," Oakes said. We then assigned each category a score on a 10-point scale. Brad Howard According to some respondents, its an overly religious area with a high number of evangelical Christian churches. One review compared it to Hawaii but without the crowds. The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. The Cheyenne Mountain Shooting Complex (CMSC) is a 400-acre site near the base thats open daily for practice, including trap and skeet shooting. If you love blues music and jazz history, delight in the fact that theres no shortage of that all around Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans. Here are some of the worst overseas bases. Enjoy one of our high quality American, State . Okinawa, Japan is a favorite. You can find her riding her Vespa around San Diego, on Facebook and Instagram at @bekahdifelice, or on her blog bekahdifelice.com. Consequently, narrowing down a list of hundreds of overseas USAF bases is not a simple matter. The military complex has a ton of history and its evolution has transformed into one of the largest bases in the world. 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. Of course, not all categories are equally important to service members. The on-base amenities for Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi are disappointing. McGuire Air Force Base is part of joint base operations with the United States Air Force. They say there are two kinds of military towns: those that come ready-made and those you "make the most of." The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. If you love it, perhaps youll be lucky enough to get extended there. Youll never regret a day at Lackland if you are single and looking to mingle. The area, along with many parts of Colorado, is rapidly growing and forecasts to eventually replace Denver in terms of population.