3 Questions to Ask When Moving to a New Area
We commit to more than a piece of property when we find a new home; we also commit to the neighborhood. That’s why it’s vital that we spend as much time researching the area as we do a home when we househunt, which isn’t always easy when you get orders to a brand new duty station.
As you prepare to relocate, think about what it is you want and need out of your next home.
Take time to reflect and ask yourself three questions when moving to a new area:
1. Do you want to be close to the installation?
If it’s important to be close to the military installation for work, medical, the commissary, and social groups, then you might consider living on post.
Living on the installation is a great option for several reasons: it’s affordable and convenient for errands, community, and work.
However, living on a base may not be for you if you prefer space from your military community, want to live for less than BAH, or are interested in the local culture.
If you fall into this category but still want the convenience of a short commute, you should consider living off the installation. You’ll have a comfortable proximity to post but maintain a level of independence from your military community and work.
2. How much are you willing to spend?
Service members are allotted a Basic Housing Allowance (BAH), but you’ll need to decide how much of it you’re willing to spend on rent or a mortgage. You’ll find your housing options are limited when you choose to live under budget, as your budget will narrow your househunt to a few specific neighborhoods. For example, if your new duty station is located near a major city and you want to save money, you’ll need to look further away for a house that meets your needs.
If money isn’t a factor and you’re comfortable living beyond your BAH, you can virtually househunt wherever you’d like.
3. Does the neighborhood’s culture match your lifestyle?
Whatever your budget may be, you need to decide which features you can and can’t live without—not just characteristics like a garden tub, garage, storage, and finishes in the home but also nearby amenities.
Think about your hobbies and what you enjoy doing. For example, are you close to the gym where you do yoga every day? Is the home located in a good school district? If you golf, are there golf courses nearby? Same with fishing, hunting, or shopping—how you spend your time should affect where you househunt.
My husband and I moved to a town about 40 miles from his work where we found a town full of people who enjoy the same things we do. If we’d chosen to live right off base, we’d be immersed in a culture foreign to us and find few things nearby that we enjoy doing, like drinking wine and hiking. We searched for an area that best suits the lifestyle we’ve grown accustomed to.
When you get orders to PCS, take your time and find the right neighborhood for your family. Use resources like MILLIE and Military Town Advisor to start your research. Once you select the area that’s best for you, then start the househunt for your perfect rental or home to buy–which MilitaryByOwner is here to help you find!
By Danielle Keech for MlitaryByOwner