Hello,
A close friend recommended this site to me hopefully I can find the answers I need. My husband is Active Duty Army he needs to give three locations where he would like to go. Our dilemma is deciding which base is the best for our family of four(son-9, daughter-4). Any and all information will be very helpful. Thank you in advance have a wonderful day.
I"m sorry I did not give any information on what we are looking for. We would love nice weather conditions year round if possible, a very good school system, low crime rates, plenty of attractions such as museums, parks, restaurants, malls, etc. This is all I can think of at the moment. Again, thank you for the advice.
Germany
Italy
Tokyo (as opposed to okinawa, or I'd just say Japan, but I'm biased against okinawa)
My SIL is military and they love San Diego, and it meets all your requirements. It is hard to get that one though, as it is a popular request.
well this is probably not the best opinion lol. But my son in law was at fort polk. my daughter loved it and the army base life. my son in highschool had a rifle team coach who called fort polk the arm pit of the army world lol
so not sure if that helps lol
Ramstein, Germany
No complaints here about the weather, it will get cold in the winter and it will snow, but the kids loved the snow!
Lots of museums and culture, there is a great childrens museum there, and of course the travel is great! France is just a train ride away (20 minutes maybe). Lots of neaby theme parks, beautifully designed outdoor parks, lots of green scenery in the spring/summer.
There is a new BX at Ramstein (mall like)that was being built the whole time I lived there and never got to visit it opened a month after we left. In the summer there was never a dull moment! lots to see and do! Excellent school systems and low crime in the villages, not so sure about on base though. What else? Oh yeah restaurants, lots of them although your palate will have to adjust!
We are in DC area now and I hate the traffic!
CONUS OR OCONUS?
Living on base or off base?
OCONUS:
Germany
* Ramstein Air Base
* Spangdahlem Air base
Hawaii
* Ford Island
* Barber's Point
* Pearl Harbor
* Kaneohe Point
U.S.
The Pentagon - it's a Joint command so that might help him. Lord knows there is a TON to do here in DC
San Diego - Camp Pendleton
This will get you closest to the BEST Zoo in the world - San Diego Zoo, W. Animal Park, Sea World and BEAUTIFUL year round weather.
Can he do a Joint Command? If so there are a ton more choices!!!
We are in Fort Stewart, GA. This has been our first permanent duty station, so we don't have anything to compare it to. Overall, it is a decent place to live if you are used to living in the south. We are southern californians and it was a little bit of a shock.
I would take into consideration the area you live in now. How fond of the weather are you? If you like it, and prefer to be close to friends and family, i would suggest you look at places that are close by. If you are wanting a change, then i would look into areas that are in very different areas. I have heard from a neighbor that Hawaii is nice, and from my hisband's friend that Ft. Bliss is not that great.
If you have any specific questions, or just need some support, you can pm me at any time by clicking on my name and sending message.
If you can live off-base, you might like the Colorado Springs area - tho not sure of what Ft Carson (aka Ft Cartoon) might be like now!!
We're retired Marine Corps and have been on some Army bases but don't have personal experience. We're familiar with Fort Bragg. The base is fine but the city isn't as great. NC temps are great and all though. We were stationed in NC for several years near the ocean. I would avoid CA bases, only because of the cost of living being higher there, generally speaking. We've always heard good things about bases in TX so I'd chose that area first.
K. B
mom to 5 including triplets
Tough question!! We've honestly made the best of every duty station.
Fort Polk-our first! I taught there and I don't think the schools are that great. We lived on post and had no children. Not much to do in Leesville (closest big city is Alexandria, and there isn't much there either!), but we made GREAT friends! Also, flights are limited out of Alexandria.
Heidelberg, Germany-AWESOME! We LOVED it here! We had no children and traveled a lot!! LOTS of great friends made here:)
Ft. Sill--been there a few times. Bigger city (has Sam's Club, Atlanta Bread Company, Chili's, small mall, etc.). Better choices for schools. We lived off post and had a baby. We also owned our home here--very affordable. Flights out of Lawton only go to DFW. OKC is 90 miles.
Ft. Leavenworth-Current duty station. We've been here 5 years and LOVE it! We had 2 more children while living here. Lots to do in KC. Small post! We love our sons' school (he goes off post). Schools on post are the best in nation! We live off post and own our home. Great flights!
We are originally from FL, so the west coast is out for us. I've heard great things about Lewis, but that is just too far.
We will move next summer. We are hoping for West Point or Tampa, but will probably get VA/DC.
