McConnell's crime score was 3 out of a possible 10, lower than the nationwide average score of 6. If you really hate it well, at least you wont be there forever, right? 10. Cost of living and housing prices are through the roof around Los Angeles Air Force Base, helping to land it at the bottom of our list of Air Force bases. And since that Canadian border is only 30 minutes away, youre never in short supply of maple syrup.Surprise silver lining: The way to survive Fort Drum is to bundle up, get outside, and start adding ice to the front of all your favorite activities: ice fishing, ice climbing, ice walking, ice dining. 8. Share with us in the comments below! 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 . Virginia 2. The amenities at the military base are excellent and Colorado Springs is an excellent community to call home since so many residents are either active duty or retired military personnel. 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. It has all the usual complaints of a remote base town with one notable difference: it is regularly ranked among the nations worst for air pollution.Most common escape: We could talk about the nearby cities of Visalia or Fresno, but who cares about that when the most beautiful place on earth is literally in your backyard? What lifestyle amenities do you appreciate in your life now? Soldiers say the operational tempo is punishing, the single ladies are few, and the nearest town is 45 minutes away -- and that town is Barstow, CA, a place that frequently holds the title of meth capital of the world.Most common escape: Like many of the desert base towns on our list, Fort Irwin is located in the middle of nowhere but in the middle of everything. Big Bear, San Diego, Vegas, and LA are all within reach. (which would have added up to about an extra 300) Osan- Korea's pretty great even if the work sucks. Living in the north's extreme elements isn't for every family, but for those who value the beauty of rugged terrain, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson is perfect. Oh, and you can walk on the ferry for free to go to Seattle! 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. Colorado Springs is also home to the scenic Air Force Academy and right along the southern edge of the Rocky Mountains. With nearly 13,000 active duty members across the areas bases, youll meet people from all over the country if you get stationed here. So, if you are into warm weather, sunshine, and free time, there is nothing here for you. Best Military Bases for Outdoor Enthusiasts 1. As one of the most requested locations in the Army, youre in for a treat if you get stationed at Fort Carson. Belarus (Overall ranking: 41) A Belarussian Sukhoi Su-25 jet lands on the. Wichita, KA. The base I'd say is nicer than the other two on this list, lots of people get pumped through Osan. Fort Polk resides in Louisiana where the hot summers and mosquito problems can make the area unpleasant. Any time you want to participate in any outdoor activity, you can pretty much guarantee the weather will be ideal to spend time outside. You can find her riding her Vespa around San Diego, on Facebook and Instagram at @bekahdifelice, or on her blog bekahdifelice.com. Required fields are marked *. Fayetteville, North Carolina, home to Fort Bragg, listed as No. Learn more about Naval Air Station Pensacola here. California 9. The United States currently operates 59 active Air Force bases. Home of multiple installations for various service branches (Ft. Eustis, Yorktown Naval Weapons Station, Langley AFB, Norfolk, Little Creek, Dam Neck, Fort Story), the Hampton roads is one of the favorite locations for service members. BestPlaces.net's crime statistics had low numbers for low crime rates and high numbers for high crime rates. On-base housing is rumored to be nice and the post boasts a brand new commissary, PX, and a really good hospital. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. Being that its Los Angeles, and very close to LAX airport, its a fairly pricey area especially if you choose to live off post. Best area perk? Nellis Air Force Base is right outside North Las Vegas need we say more? Shopping here means no sales taxes for military families! Housing on base can be good, but inhabitants say it depends on a service members rank, and the D.C. school system has a less-than-stellar reputation. It may be fun to have pristine beaches and Disneyland practically in the backyard of your duty station. Pikes Peak, among the many 14ers in the state of Colorado, is right in your backyard. Location: Bremerton, Bangor, and Keyport, Washington Dirty Myrtle has cleaned up its act in the past few years).Surprise silver lining: Besides offering easy access to both major cities and ocean views, Fayetteville might be the best place to further your education. The site has roots dating back to the Revolutionary War, and now hosts more than 700 Marines, sailors, and civilians. 5/10/2021 Air Force 1st Lt. Katelyn . 8. You have to remember that military bases are like small cities which requires the traditional essential services to keep the place operational. Hanscom Air Force Base near Bedford, Massachusetts, has a lot going for it. The base is one of the oldest bases in the nation, and a portion of the homes on base are historic homes. Location: Bremerton, Bangor, and Keyport, Washington. If Age is Just a Number, Can the Military Remember Were Still Here. For a complete directory of U.S. and overseas military installations, visit the Department of Defense Military OneSource network. Base: Camp LejeuneUnlucky call sign: J-actionvilleWhy it's not great: The deal breaker here isnt the backwoods location or the fact that legitimate social functions are called pig pickins. No, the complaint we heard most often from Marines is that waaaaay too many Marines live here. 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. The absolute worst is/was Eareckson Air Station, AKA The Rock, located on Shemya Island, a tiny island (under 12 square miles) at the ass end of the Aleutian chain. To help airmen mitigate the cost of living which Westervelt acknowledged can sometimes make it tough to make ends meet Hanscom offers an on-base fitness center, Olympic-size swimming pool, bowling alley, movie theater, community center, several playgrounds, and a bank, as well as a commissary and medical clinic. 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. There are a lot of training accidents in the Hellenic Air Force. An island, Okinawa is just about 70 miles long and an average of seven miles wide. McGuire Air Force Base is part of joint base operations with the United States Air Force. Kadena Air Base is another location in Asia to get lost in along with Guam. Beaufort was also named as the Souths Best Small Town by Southern Living Magazine. It also maintains dedicated strategic-level bombers, CAS . The cost of living here hovers slightly below the national average, and the schools are well ranked. 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. Living at or near a base that focuses on family and work-life balance helps make their occupation choice worthwhile. The primary duties of this station include supporting the Alaska National Guard with its key mission of monitoring security and operation of the Missile Defense Site. The Panama Canal also falls under the protection of this base. Holloman AFB is deserving even if Luke AFB and MacDill AFB also need to get considered on this list. Its a great base for singles because of its proximity to downtown San Antonio and Austin which are paradises for this type of crowd. The basic allowance for housing to an Airman with dependents hovers around $2,000 a month. At SOUTHCOM, you can expect to meet a lot of different people as its a joint base. If the base had stayed open I would have stayed and retired right there . - After the fall of USSR, Russia became China's principal arm suppliers. 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. While many Air Force families have no choice where they land, those who get stationed at these top-ranked bases consider themselves fortunate. 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. Best area perk? If you love the great outdoors and dont mind a little rain, Naval Base Kitsap is one of the prettiest places to be stationed. Terms of Use The 445th Airlift Wing flies C-17 Globemaster III's out of Wright Patterson. Scouring the earth, here are the duty stations that have been deemed the best and worst. It is minutes from downtown Tampa near the bay leading out to the Gulf of Mexico. The UK Royal air force is also referred to as the Royal Air Force and it boasts of over 890 aircraft and a large number of workers, making it Europe's largest air force. New Mexico is underrated when it comes to its outdoors. Washington Navy Yard, Bolling Air Force Base, and Fort Lesley J. McNair (Army) are but a few. | Only downside mentioned has been the higher cost of living and the housing market. Naval Base Kitsap . While in the military, he spent time analyzing imagery from a variety of aircraft such as the SR-71. The military site hosts the Royal Air Force but also supports U.S. personnel including the 48th Fighter Wing. 1. Do said Columbus' exchange is horrible, and he usually goes to Wal-Mart instead. 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. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. The overseas location is also instrumental to military operations on the Western Pacific. Most families report that the base is a black hole that you never leave. 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. McGuire Air Force Base, on the other hand, is very close to NYC, Philadelphia, and New Jersey for nightlife. Fort Hood Visitor Center. And sales taxes there are 7.15 percent, higher than the usual 6 percent. Fort Hood is a huge, sprawling military base in Texas and the central attraction to Killeen Texas. San Antonio is one of the most underrated cities in the United States with mild year-round temperatures, entertainment options, and a thriving nightlife. 7. If that is not enough, consider that Elmendorf-Richardson has its own ski area. The base is rural yet only about an hour from London as well as other countries in the area like Scotland. When you arent heading out to the coastline, youll find theres plenty to see and do on base, including bowling, swimming, working out, movie-going, and dining. Therefore, its plausible that you will get to spend time at Nellis and ideally when you are young and single. Theres skiing at Dry Hill, tubing at Maple Ridge Snow Park, and plenty to explore in the Adirondack Mountains. Though the weather isnt terrific its still a fantastic place to get stationed if you have to go outside the United States. This list is subjective, of course there are too many duty stations to post here so do your research before submitting your wishlist. Fort Bragg | Flickr/Dvidshub, badass psychedelic funhouses/art collectives, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Base: Cannon Air Force BaseUnlucky call sign: AfcannonstanWhy it's not great: Blame the fact that Clovis is more West Texas than New Mexico, that there are limited on-base amenities, or that its completely surrounded by cattle farms and dairies; but airmen know Clovis as a remote base town memorable for the wafting smell of cow manure and the downright biblical wave of pestilence known as fly season.Most common escape: Lubbock and Amarillo, Texas, are the two closest cities, but we cant bring ourselves to see how this is a good thing -- unless you enjoy taking down 72oz of free steak in an hour. (Army) Ok, now we're talking it's an outdoorsman's paradise. However, the area of Bedford, Massachusetts, is extremely expensive. Additionally, Joint Base San Antonio Lackland offers its own mall on the base and several other amenities. We'd wager school quality, for example, is a greater concern than the sales tax rate. Luke Air Force Base has an excellent location west of Glendale and the greater Phoenix metro area. Grand Forks AFB continuously ranks among the top 10 USAF bases in the United States. best Clark Air Base 1980-1985 and 1989-1991 sad to see it close. It is one of the finest Air Force bases in the country similar to Scott Air Force Base and Joint Base San Antonio Lackland because of low housing, superb medical facilities, and a large commissary. When it comes to housing costs, community values, and available amenities, some bases are certainly desirable than others. A home in nearby Fairfax County, Virginia, has a median cost of $455,300. So we weighted each category. When the kids are not in school, families can pack up the car and be in Raleigh, Durham, Wilmington, or Myrtle Beach within just a few hours. Also worth mentioning: Freedom Crossing, the first-ever, on-base, open-air shopping center offers tons of restaurants and shops. The base is on the smaller side, so youll get a chance to know your fellow service members and their families well. Housing near Lakenheath is among the best with plenty of new and trendy options. Both families and singles can easily find plenty of on-base housing, including single-family, duplex, and townhome floor plans (up to 5 bedrooms). If you find yourself stationed on the beautiful island of Oahu, consider yourself among the lucky few who get this coveted duty station. 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. Some 1,300 families call this place home and speak highly of its strong sense of community. The nonprofit group America's Promise Alliance, which was founded by Colin Powell, has listed Bedford as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People five times. 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. The hot air balloon festival in Albuquerque is also within reach, but it will take you at least eleven attempts to spell Albuquerque correctly before your GPS will be any help.Surprise silver lining: From what we can tell, Fort Bliss has the best on-base amenities of any military installation ANYWHERE. 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)**. Scores for the most important categories schools, cost of living, housing and commissaries were tripled. Best area perk? The historic Army base is one of the largest in the world with 50,000 active-duty soldiers calling it home. If thats not enough to get you excited about this duty station, just remember youre living in one of the top-rated cities along Floridas coastline. Ask anyone who has PCSd a couple of times, and they will give you their favorite and least favorite duty stations where theyve been stationed. We think there is so much chatter about Fayetteville because it houses the biggest population in the Army -- and the naysayers are loud simply because there are so many of them. Traffic is notorious for being some of the worst in the entire country. Mississippi 8. The United Kingdom Air Force is ranked 6 in the 10 best air forces in the world and is the world's oldest air force. Check out our list of the best Air Force bases to live on for couples, singles, and families. Do warm days and sunny skies year-round sound appealing? 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. Some 20,000 military families call this rustic and scenic environment home. When Grandparents Babysit: Pros, Cons & What to Talk About. Finally, we added up the scores and stacked the bases. Whether youre on or off base, youll find activities to fulfill your need to explore the great outdoors in this mountainous terrain. With forty nearby museums to choose from, families will never tire of learning and exploring. 29 stumps. 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