We moved from a town home off base to a single family home on base two years ago and it was the perfect move and the perfect timing for our family. It was just my husband and I at the time and we were thrilled about the new bigger house. We were excited that our garage would be attached to the house and the yard was larger for our dog to run. But there were some challenges we never expected and I’m gonna give you a rundown of all of it.
5. There is always something going on on-base.
From cheesy events at the library to concerts in the park, there are always events on base. During one summer, they had an event with all day music, vendors, and a night time concert by Three Doors Down. We aren’t huge fans but it was fun because it was in our backyard. The turnout was huge and it was a good time. During the fall, they had a Harvest Festival which was also super fun. There is always something to attend on-base.
4. There are so many playgrounds and parks for kids.
I’m not sure what the standard is for base development but there are at least 10 playgrounds spread out in the housing areas on base. If you get bored watching your kids on your street’s playgrounds you can walk to the next playground in the general vicinity. This point sounds lame as I write it, but it’s a huge selling point in my opinion. Haha. Not only are there playgrounds, but scenic parks and even a splash pad. Base parks are so well-maintained.
3. The free amenities can’t be beat.
Okay this one is a little satirical because I definitely didn’t wear out the free amenities but I had my phases. The library, for example, was a fun phase for me when we first moved on base. I checked out more movies than books, but it’s fine. I also had a brief swimming phase when I was 30 wks pregnant. The pool on our base isn’t superb because it’s indoor and this Florida girl likes the sun. But overall it was fine.
The real highlight of my swimming phase was when my pregnant bff and I would hop next door to the bowling alley and hit up the concession stand for french fries and Cokes. We were living the dream.
The gym was another free amenity I frequented twice. I’m just kidding...it was probably five times total. I, lowkey, got ringworm from the weight room and never went back. You win some, you lose some.
2. Security is top notch.
I always tell people I live in a gated community. It’s half true. When we first moved in, we actually got in to a bad habit of not locking our doors because we felt that safe. We nipped that habit in the bud quick, but it was quite a change coming from our old neighborhood. I used to barricade my bedroom when my husband had night shifts. Oh the good old days. Living on base feels a little like living in an old wholesome tv show where kids play in the streets all day and no one is worried they’re going to get kidnapped.
1. The relationships you’ll make on base are like none other.
I won’t sugarcoat it, it took a while for me to find a place on my street and connect with my neighbors. We didn’t have children when we moved on base and some neighbors misconstrued our lack of kids for snobbery. We didn’t hang out outside with everyone and their kids because we weren’t there yet in our life.
And frankly, after a full day of teaching middle schoolers, I certainly didn’t want to hang out with more kids who didn’t belong to me.
But after a while, I gained some
boldness, invited myself over to a neighbor’s pizza night and I quickly got plugged in with some pretty cool people. I found out I was expecting our first baby and soon learned another neighbor was just two weeks ahead of me in her pregnancy. It was such a fun journey together and I don’t know if the connection would have happened off-base.
The thing that brings military families together is the common ground that we all share. Sometimes it’s husbands with scary jobs, and sometimes it’s husbands who have weird hours flying satellites in space. But ultimately, we all know we have someone to hang out with when the going gets tough or we just need some french fries and Coke from the bowling alley.
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