When Will I Know If I'll Have On-Base Housing?

Unfortunately, you may not know if on-base housing is available until you arrive at your new destination. Because orders often change, many installations prefer to have you on site before adding your name to the housing list. If housing is not immediately available, the housing office will give you a rough estimate of how long you have to wait before housing becomes available. The wait could range anywhere from a few months to years.

A number of installations have contract housing available, but you must work through a housing manager. You can be placed on the waiting list for contract housing from your new installation’s Web site.

If on-base housing is available, is it the right choice for you? It can be if:

• Paying for civilian housing would put your family in a financial crunch



• You have little or no money set aside in savings



• You prefer the schools on the military installation



• You prefer to live in a military-housing setting

Staying in military housing—at least for a while—could give your family time to save for future moves and longer-term goals, such as paying for a child’s college education. So, if you are just starting your military career, have little “extra” money, and military housing is available, seriously consider taking advantage of this benefit.