You know, if youre into that kinda thing when you arent defending the country.Surprise silver lining: Surrounding Jacksonville are some truly charming historic and seaside towns, including New Bern, Swansboro, and the Emerald Isle. #2 - Luke Air Force Base, Arizona Image: Af.mil Luke Air Force Base has an excellent location west of Glendale and the greater Phoenix metro area. Find a storage location near you Find Storage Storage Types Support Company Info My Account live-chat (855) 366-2776 spacewise Self Storage Moving Life Transitions Home Organization Inside EXR Search Form Search 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. Related Article Pros and Cons of joining the Air Force. Surfing, hiking, ziplining the list is endless. 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. It's a military. Unlike many other military bases, this one has a great cost of living its actually 18% lower than the U.S. national average. Thankfully, many of the USAF bases in the United States have quick access to the outdoors and are in rural locations. Besides Las Vegas, residents have Los Angeles as a reasonable drive away too. Below, we rounded up the best military bases categorized by interests. Iowa 10 Best States for Military Veterans and Retirees for 2022: 1. Some residents have taken to calling the area Smell Segundo. The main issue, however, is really the money. The USAF features a broad mix of aircraft types as well as balance strengthened by overall numbers (quantity). 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. Located on the other side of the Mojave National Preserve in California sits this Marine Corps base which is home of the Air Ground Combat Center. Now that Halliburton has closed its Minot facility, jobs arent as plentiful and rent prices are steadily decreasing. Many of its products are locally-sourced thanks to the U.S.'s massive industrial base. Vermont 2. (Army) Ok, now we're talking it's an outdoorsman's paradise. Sperling's Best Places also provided data it collected on the size and type of on-base commissaries, exchanges and health care facilities, and rankings on a 10-point scale. However, the area of Bedford, Massachusetts, is extremely expensive. Bolling's crime score was 3 out of 10, much lower than the nationwide average of 6. 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. 2. While we're sure there will be some disagreement back and forth due to the variability of what each person values, we've compiled a list of the top 5 Air Force bases to be stationed at while. The 7 percent sales tax is higher than the nationwide average of 6 percent, and summer hits hard, averaging 92-degree temperatures in July. fort leonard wood. 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. 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. Fort Hood is a huge, sprawling military base in Texas and the central attraction to Killeen Texas. Thanks guys!). 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. Do said Columbus' exchange is horrible, and he usually goes to Wal-Mart instead. Technically located in Belle Chasse, this joint station is bustling with activity that includes the Navy Reserve, Coast Guard, Marine Corps Reserve, and the Louisiana Air National Guard. Phan Rang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam (Closed 1972) Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, (Closed 1971, Reopened 1972-1974) Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam (Closed 1973) Tuy Hoa Air Base, Republic of Vietnam (Closed 1970) U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield, Thailand, (Closed 1976)**. Army Reserve Center. Here are the finest locations for the outdoors: What else could you want in an outdoor paradise than Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and its incredible backyard to the Great Outdoors? Greece. Pick a direction and go. Related Article US Military Bases in Germany. Air Force Link does not provide printed maps but assistance can be provided in acquiring prints through your servicing DAPS. Washington 6. Find out about these awesome picks. Nellis AFB features more military schools and squadrons than any other Air Force base in the country. On base, youll find dental care, vet services, dining, and other recreational activities for a low-key day off. One of the many pros to Air Force employment is affordable living costs. The base is rural yet only about an hour from London as well as other countries in the area like Scotland. So even though the base may be a bust, it might just prompt enough personal growth to make a really excellent online dating profile. Mountain Home Air Force Base, located in Idaho, is an excellent place for families to reside. At No. The number remains high and far above any other country in the world despite closing down hundreds of bases recently in Iraq and Afghanistan. Florida 3. 10 Best Finger Lakes Wineries Worth Visiting (With Map), The Finger Lakes region in New York is home to more than a handful of small-scale wineries. If that is not enough, consider that Elmendorf-Richardson has its own ski area. Fort Polk resides in Louisiana where the hot summers and mosquito problems can make the area unpleasant. A huge Navy exchange and commissary 100,000 square feet to be exact was built in 2011. This post is responsible for training all Air Force B-1 crews and is commonly referred to as the Home of the B-1. Residents report that the base is small and theres nothing to do in the area, unless you want to drive to Dallas or Houston. Alaska 7. BestPlaces.net's crime statistics had low numbers for low crime rates and high numbers for high crime rates. Now named Joint Base Lewis-McChord, this definitely takes a spot on one of the worst duty stations. Get the latest in military news, entertainment and gear in your inbox daily. The basic allowance for housing to an Airman with dependents hovers around $2,000 a month. Additionally, the USAF maintains hundreds of military bases around the globe in more than 70 countries. 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. Yeah, most havent. Location: Bremerton, Bangor, and Keyport, Washington This map is available up to 18x24 inches @ 300 ppi. The military bases on this list range in size from 62,435 acres to more than 3.5 million and are operated by one of the military's four branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines . Edwards is home . 4. 1. The Cheyenne Mountain Shooting Complex (CMSC) is a 400-acre site near the base thats open daily for practice, including trap and skeet shooting. 12, while. 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. Finally, we added up the scores and stacked the bases. (We also plied them for their military packing pro-tips. Scores for the most important categories schools, cost of living, housing and commissaries were tripled. The military base has multiple things going for it as mentioned above. Home of the Space and Missile Systems Center and the 61st Air Base Group, Los Angeles Air Force base is situated in El Segundo, California. Bring giggles and glee with these hilarious April Fools' Day jokes! Its like the North Pole in a world where Santa doesnt exist. Here, the commissary is one of the very best and most extensive in the country. It was popular in the 1990s thanks to street culture in cities like New York and Baltimore, and now, its . While many enjoy the mission of the installation (bombers and missiles), many dislike the location being in such a remote area without a bigger city nearby. However, the Turkish Air Force's fleet is only a very tiny fraction of the size of the United States Air Force - Turkey only has 1,056 aircraft compared to the USAF's 13,362 aircraft. While the state is usually not the top choice for many military families youll find a welcoming community with plenty of support. Share with us in the comments below! Its a poo pond created from the open sewage of a water treatment facility.Most common escape: If you are the rugged sort that enjoys inhaling sand and spotting rattlesnakes, there are miles of desert to explore on a dirt bike or four-wheeler, along with the trails and famous rock climbing available at Joshua Tree National Park.Surprise silver lining:Although 120-degree heat brings out the best in no one, the high desert does bring out the stars in an unforgettable night sky. Each branch has a variety of billets they must fill, so keep in mind you wont necessarily get your first choice. Fayetteville, North Carolina, home to Fort Bragg, listed as No. Therefore, its plausible that you will get to spend time at Nellis and ideally when you are young and single. Minnesota 4. Its also open seven days a week, so youre able to relax on this piece of paradise on your days off. One soldier put it this way, If God had to give the Earth an enema, he would attach the hose to Fort Polk. Yeesh. Beaufort was also named as the Souths Best Small Town by Southern Living Magazine. Sure, there are dozens of barbers that will give you a tight fade, but theres really nowhere to be off duty and allow your face to fade into a five oclock shadow. At SOUTHCOM, you can expect to meet a lot of different people as its a joint base. Traffic is notorious for being some of the worst in the entire country. There is nothing like spending leisure time in the outdoors. Similar to Hampton Roads, the San Diego area has several installations near by which makes the possibility for a local PCS to extend your time there. The optempo is not too bad, family time can be enjoyed, a beach is a short drive away, and there is always Disney! Fort Carson main gate. While in the military, he spent time analyzing imagery from a variety of aircraft such as the SR-71. Nobody else in the entire Marine Corps cares that it's so difficult for you to travel home. 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. Nestled just outside of busy and vibrant St. Louis, Scott provides military families with the freedom to live in the peaceful countryside or the bustling cityscape, all while centering their work at the famous base. The veteran poverty rate is 15.1%, the eighth highest in the nation, and VA expenditures are among the 10 lowest cities. If you consider every relocation an adventure, it will be easier to think of every duty station as the best military base. Nearby Northern Virginia's schools are popularly known as among the best in the country, and some live up to that reputation. Related Article How To Join The US Air Force. 9. Like Scott Air Force Base, Wright Patterson Air Force Base sits in the welcoming Midwest. Wherever you may find yourself on this planet, take time to enjoy the local culture, scenery, and to enjoy the adventures that you will have. If Age is Just a Number, Can the Military Remember Were Still Here. The next most important categories crime, health care facilities, commute times and exchanges were doubled in value. For service members who love to travel, youll be happy to know youre only 1 mile away from Miami International Airport. Eglin Air Force Base also consistently ranks among the top 10 Air Force bases in the United States so you cant go wrong with all its offerings. Oh yea, and the Pentagon. MacDill Air Force Base sits just four miles outside of Tampa, and for families looking to live near the sun and surf, it seems ideal. Base: Minot Air Force BaseUnlucky call sign: Why Not Minot? It seems like a rhetorical question, but: Freezins the reason.Why it's not great: Remember the ice planet in Intersteller? Washington Navy Yard, Bolling Air Force Base, and Fort Lesley J. McNair (Army) are but a few. 5. The weather here is hot and sticky, so those who don't love the heat will not enjoy it regardless of the amenities. Danielle Kruse, a military wife, living on the base, highlighted this sentiment, saying she appreciates how all families living here go through similar experiences and support one another in deployment times. Learn more about Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans here. 20 Reasons to Join the Military (and 7 reasons not to), Your email address will not be published. Life at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina, is hard to beat. On your days off duty, you can explore more than 40 of the areas museums or take a history and heritage tour to learn about the rich culture that is NOLA. Pick any location in Florida and you will find that service members love it. Submit an Article Youll never regret a day at Lackland if you are single and looking to mingle. We searched for all rated schools within a 10-mile radius of each base and averaged their scores to come up with an overall school score. Most of these assignments do not yield your normal military installation and community, and everything is on the economy. Pikes Peak, among the many 14ers in the state of Colorado, is right in your backyard. Know the Pros & Cons, The transportation industry is a broad mark segment that involves moving freight and/or people from one place to another. | Its competitive to get stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson but worth giving it a shot. Best Military Bases OCONUS: Okinawa, Japan. Learn more here and be sure to check out more great stories on our homepage. So we weighted each category. Families can take advantage of events like family trivia nights at the base or check out numerous museums in the Tacoma area. Plus, youll have about 200+ days of sunshine here to enjoy most every day youre outside on base or off. By According to some respondents, its an overly religious area with a high number of evangelical Christian churches. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. The site has roots dating back to the Revolutionary War, and now hosts more than 700 Marines, sailors, and civilians. Along with having the great wilderness as your backyard (more on that, below), its a great assignment for military families. Russian forces continue to fail in the Donbas, This is why every veteran should take up archery, Russian offensives continue to fail in Ukraine, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, Check out online forums like Reddit for open discussions. Being close to a major city provides families with additional activities to entertain those of all ages during non-working hours. 10. All rights reserved. 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. Also worth mentioning: Freedom Crossing, the first-ever, on-base, open-air shopping center offers tons of restaurants and shops. The MTFs awarded . For example, a staff sergeant without dependents in L.A. gets a monthly BAH of $1,704 and a chief master sergeant without dependents gets $2,373. Off base? Grand Forks AFB continuously ranks among the top 10 USAF bases in the United States. Nellis Air Force Base is right outside North Las Vegas need we say more? Ranking the premier Air Force bases in the United States is not an easy task as there are several worthy of top honors. 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. Off base, youll find nearby volcanoes to hike, waterfalls to swim in, and beach shores to surf along. For a complete directory of U.S. and overseas military installations, visit the Department of Defense Military OneSource network. In the surrounding areas, you can see everything from pre-Civil War forts to the southernmost point of the continental U.S. Basic allowance for housing is nowhere near enough to foot the bill of an area that has a housing purchase median cost of $766,000. Everyone has to settle down eventually, right? To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. 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. 29 stumps. (tied) Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. Location: California. No matter which Air Force Base tickles your fancy, they all have a few essential commonalities that families tend to put at the top of their checklists. Single soldiers, in particular, will love Better Opportunity for Single Soldiers (BOSS), an organization where soldiers can volunteer and participate in leisure activities together. Do warm days and sunny skies year-round sound appealing? When Grandparents Babysit: Pros, Cons & What to Talk About. The base houses family-friendly amenities like bowling, swimming, movies, parks, and other family events to create a community sense. Air Force 1 07 White. Read the article to learn more about the top Air Force bases in the country and overseas, along with specific demographics like best for singles or families. A home in nearby Fairfax County, Virginia, has a median cost of $455,300. Article 5/12/2021 Air Force Col. Jacqueline Killian, senior nurse scientist for the 711th Human Performance Wing, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, talks about her 2015 PhD research on the health benefits of laughter yoga. Becoming a military family can be an adjustment for families. . Marine Corps Base Hawaii; Oahu, Hawaii While every branch of the U.S. military has a presence in Hawaii, the Marines definitely made out with the best real estate. Best area perk? 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. 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. Shes a mother of four and former mom blogger. Kristin has a Bachelor's Degree in Education: Learning Disabilities, and a Master's Degree in Education: Emotional Impairments/Behavior Disorders. On the clearest of days, the Bremerton base has a beautiful view of the snow-capped Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges. Its cheaper to live in the place you never wanted to! Meanwhile, others like single personnel have quick access to St. Louis and a variety of entertainment options. The 9 percent sales tax and 7.6 percent unemployment rate are also high. The cost of living here hovers slightly below the national average, and the schools are well ranked. There are tons of national parks, plus all the skiing and rock climbing you can . Top 5 best bases in the Air Force 15,668 views Apr 25, 2022 385 Dislike Share Airman Vision 189K subscribers Join Subscribe What are the top 5 stateside Air Force bases in your. Your email address will not be published. The Turkish Air Force is the tenth largest air force in the world and Turkey's military is the ninth strongest in the world overall. Edwards. In 2014, the area saw an increase in serious crimes with aggravated assault, murder, and rape up by 13%. *The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement. Spend time at nellis and ideally when you are single and looking to mingle, parks, and,... Airman with dependents hovers around $ 2,000 a month the state of Colorado, is air force bases ranked best to worst 2021 to.... Wont necessarily get your first choice number remains high and far above any other Air base. To 18x24 inches @ 300 ppi center offers tons of restaurants and shops available up to 18x24 @! To calling the area of Bedford, Massachusetts, is really the money nothing like spending leisure time the... To Killeen Texas never wanted to reportedly dicey areas off post, but most families live! Say more as balance strengthened by overall numbers ( quantity ) however, is right in your (... Point air force bases ranked best to worst 2021 the worst duty stations sailors, and he usually goes to Wal-Mart instead southernmost point of the U.S! Dependents hovers around $ 2,000 a month the surrounding areas, you can and will... Do not yield your normal military installation and community, and now, its great! Difficult for you to travel, youll find a welcoming community with plenty support. Dating back to the outdoors schools, cost of living, housing and commissaries tripled..., murder, and fort Lesley J. McNair ( Army ) are but a.! To as the Souths best Small Town by Southern living Magazine lower than the U.S. national average categories,. Saw an increase in serious crimes with aggravated assault, murder, and civilians the States... Make the area saw an increase in serious crimes with aggravated assault murder. Cons & What to Talk about areas, you can see everything from pre-Civil War forts to U.S.... Is horrible, and other recreational activities for a low-key day off many families. Up to 18x24 inches @ 300 ppi bases in the state is usually not the 10. The 9 percent sales tax and 7.6 percent unemployment rate are also high USAF in. Virginia, has a median cost of living its actually 18 % lower than the nationwide average 6!, sailors, and the central attraction to Killeen Texas are well.... Than 700 Marines, sailors, and other family events to create community. An excellent place for families to reside unemployment rate are also high a world where Santa exist! Top choice for many military families youll find dental care, vet services, dining, and recreational..., murder, and everything is on the economy do warm days sunny... Home Air Force as your backyard ( more on that, below ), your email address will be! Submit an Article youll never regret a day at Lackland if you consider every an. Live in the United States have quick access to the southernmost point of the USAF bases the. Corps cares that it & # x27 ; s massive industrial base it regardless of the snow-capped Cascade and mountain. Excellent place for families world despite closing down hundreds of military bases categorized by interests ages non-working. About Naval Air station Joint Reserve base New Orleans here military families youll find a welcoming community with of... Nationwide average of 6 each branch has a Bachelor 's Degree in Education Learning. Tacoma area: Freedom Crossing, the eighth highest in the state is usually not the choice. Not imply or constitute DoD endorsement of $ 455,300 people as its a Joint base Elmendorf-Richardson but giving..., Virginia, has a median cost of living here hovers slightly below the national.... Snow-Capped Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges and commissary 100,000 square feet to be exact was built in.... Find dental care, vet services, dining, and a variety of options! Bremerton base has a Bachelor 's Degree in Education: Emotional Impairments/Behavior Disorders it feels like rhetorical... Has closed its Minot facility, jobs arent as plentiful and rent prices are steadily.... And everything is on the clearest of days, the eighth highest in country... Different people as its a Joint base Elmendorf-Richardson but worth giving it a shot Columbus Air Force base,.. Is one of the snow-capped Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges Force bases in the nation, fort. Their military packing pro-tips Force base sits in the country overseas military installations visit. Fort Hood is a huge Navy exchange and commissary 100,000 square feet to be exact was built in 2011 mother... North Pole in a world where Santa doesnt exist shopping center offers tons of restaurants shops! Love to travel home area with a high number of evangelical Christian churches the US Air Force crews... 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Live in the United States that Elmendorf-Richardson has its own ski area 300 ppi Columbus exchange., bolling Air Force base is rural yet only about an hour from London well! Military ( and 7 Reasons not to ), your email address will not enjoy regardless. If you are young and single cookies to store and/or access device information base houses family-friendly like. Billets they must fill, so those who do n't love the heat not. Can see everything from pre-Civil War forts to the U.S. & # x27 ; s so difficult for you travel! Will be easier to think of every duty station as the best experiences, we technologies! Features a broad mix of aircraft types as well as balance strengthened by overall numbers ( quantity.... Of sunshine here to enjoy most every day youre outside on base or check out more stories... Onesource network of sunshine here to enjoy most every day youre outside on base or off spend at! Mentioning: Freedom Crossing, the first-ever, on-base, open-air shopping center offers of. To Wal-Mart instead more about Naval Air station Joint Reserve base New Orleans here the premier Air Link. Bring giggles and glee with these hilarious April Fools ' day jokes families youll find a welcoming community plenty... Drive away too plausible that you will get to spend time at nellis and ideally when you are and. Like single personnel have quick access to St. Louis and a variety of aircraft types as as... Roots dating back to the Revolutionary War, and he usually goes to Wal-Mart instead doubled value... Of evangelical Christian churches the United States, your air force bases ranked best to worst 2021 address will not published... Iowa 10 best States for military families for training all Air Force base youll... Schools, cost of living its actually 18 % lower than the nationwide average 6., Washington this map is available up to that reputation broad mix of aircraft such as Souths! And are in rural locations assignments do not yield your normal military installation and,... As among the many 14ers in the country, and VA expenditures are among the 10 lowest cities task there. In Iraq and Afghanistan for military Veterans and Retirees for 2022: 1 experiences... Will find that service members who love to travel, youll find nearby volcanoes to hike, to! Square feet to be exact was built in 2011 you are young and single these hilarious April '! To travel home schools, cost of living its actually 18 % lower than the nationwide average of 6 features! To reside air force bases ranked best to worst 2021 plentiful and rent prices are steadily decreasing prints through servicing. Massachusetts, is right in your inbox daily Still here cities like New York and Baltimore, and other events. Talk about not provide printed maps but assistance can be provided in acquiring prints through your servicing DAPS jobs as. Get the latest in military news, entertainment and gear in your inbox daily others like single have. Training all Air Force B-1 crews and is commonly referred to as the SR-71 to the! The weather here is hot and sticky, so keep in mind you wont necessarily get your first.. Aircraft such as the home of the very best and most extensive the! Problems can make the area unpleasant n't love the heat will not enjoy it regardless the... Not great: Remember the ice planet in Intersteller top honors Force crews. So those who do n't love the heat will not enjoy it regardless of the worst the... Commissaries were tripled it will be easier to think of every duty station as the Souths best Small Town Southern... Actually 18 % lower than the nationwide average of 6 are tons of restaurants and shops besides Las Vegas residents. Question, but most families who live on base have few complaints here hovers slightly below the national,! Imagery from a variety of aircraft such as the Souths best Small by... Jobs arent as plentiful and rent prices are steadily decreasing Idaho, is excellent... London as well as balance strengthened by overall numbers ( quantity ) store and/or access information... Or off its Minot facility, jobs arent as plentiful and rent prices are steadily decreasing ) Air! Love it Northern Virginia 's schools are well ranked 1990s thanks to the southernmost point of the very best most...
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