If you’re headed for your next military permanent change of station, you must decide if you want to live on or off base. There are many factors to consider when deciding to live on or off base. The same choice isn’t right for everyone. Everyone’s personal needs are different, and you must decide which option is best for you and your family. Keep these things in mind when making your decision.
Housing Allowance
Living on base means giving the private housing contractor your entire Basic Allowance for Housing each month. The amount usually covers utilities and lawn maintenance, but it might also feel like you’re paying a lot of money for not a lot of house. BAH on base also does not cover things like renter’s insurance and home nextlink internet. For these, you must pay out of pocket.
By living off-base, you have the chance to save some of your allowances by choosing a house or apartment that’s the monthly cost is lower than your BAH. This gives you the chance to use some of the money towards other expenses such as utilities. It’s also nice to know where your money goes and have control over how much goes towards rent and other costs.
If you’re looking for an off-base house or apartment near San Antonio, check out Military Apartments San Antonio to explore some of your options.
Running a Business from Home
Small business insurance won’t help you any when base officials refuse to give you permission to run your home business out of your on-base housing unit. Military officials require home business owners to submit an application to run their business on base. If the business conflicts in any way with the MWR, your application will be denied. The best way for a military spouse to run a home business is to live off-base.
Yard and Lawn Use
Military bases have strict rules about what can and cannot be in your yard and how often you must mow your grass. Off-base rentals may have similar rules, but they are less common and aren’t as strict as on a military base. For example, above ground pools are rarely permitted on-base. By living off-base, you have control of what you can and cannot do in your own yard.
Living off-base might be your best option if you want to do any landscaping or decorating to your yard. The military’s strict rules may prevent you from using your own yard they you would like to.
If it is time for you to decide whether you want to live on or off base, there are a few things you should consider first. Think about your BAH and how you want it to be used. If you live on-base, your entire allowance will go to the private housing contractor and there won’t be any left for additionally monthly expenses. Also, if you live on-base the chances are you won’t be given permission to run a business from your on-base home. Military bases also have strict rules about what you are and are not allowed to have in your own yard. Think about these factors when choosing where you want to live next.
