The Best Military Bases for Families
Many considerations enter the conversation about where to choose for your next military assignment. The person in the military needs to consider her position in the services, but for the family, it is often all about the base. This is where the family will spend most of its time and take advantage of the activities of both the base and the area.
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Army
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Fort Bragg is one of the largest military complexes in the world. On base, families will find schools, housing, malls, museums, pools, an inline skating rink, riding stables, hunting fields and bowling alleys. The surrounding town of Fayetteville features a strong military community for support, especially when the military member is deployed overseas. Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Washington has the advantage of no state income tax, as well as access to the local Air Force Base. There are many recreational activities in the mountains surrounding the area and more than 3,600 family housing units on the base itself.
Navy
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Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Florida lies right on the St. John's River, and is the third-largest fleet in the United States. Many families enjoy this assignment because of the good weather and access to the water, as well as the low median price for housing if they choose to live off base. The base itself has a movie theater, shopping center, and 533 on-base houses. Mayport offers new parent support, as well as family employment opportunities.
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Marines
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Camp Lejeune is the largest home of Marine forces in the world. The base is located in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Stationed here, families have full access to the North Carolina Aquarium, Onslow County Museum, and Hammocks Beach State Park. The base includes bowling, movie theaters and on-site schools for kids. Camp Pendleton in California gives families access to all of Southern California. Close to San Diego but not far from Los Angeles, you can take advantage of military discounts to Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm and Six Flags. The base houses a movie theater and a limited amount of on-site family housing.
Air Force
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Lackland Air For Base and Randolph Air Force Base, both in San Antonio, allow your family to be near many other military families. Here, families enjoy great weather, access to Sea World, Six Flags and the Alamo. There are on-site housing options, but the median housing price for the surrounding area is also reasonable. Tacoma, Washington features McChord Air Force Base, which gives military families a break on state income tax and nearly 1,000 housing units for families.
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