Naval Base Kitsap is the largest Navy installation in the area, accompanying NAS Whidbey Island and NS Everett, and nearby the massive Army / Air Force Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Lemoore and Hanford are both short commutes from base and offer good eats and events year-round. The median home cost is $140,000 ($200,000 in Manhattan). 4. 1. If you can, I say, try an international duty station. The cost of living in SoCal is notoriously terrible, with median home prices of around $600,000. Make sure to get on waiting lists fast if you plan on staying on base. I receive inspiration from my family, friends, and the amazing adventures I'm able to go on. The good news: constant beach access. 5. The top 5 Air Force bases to be stationed at while serving in the USAF. It would be great if someone could somehow survey everyone and do a massive poll . There is a lot to do in the area and it is easy to travel to other places in Asia and even Europe. My poor husband worked on Coronado and we lived in North San Diego. In case you are curious about the biggest naval base, here is the Norfolk Naval Base map: NAS Norfolk is the hub for Navy logistics, going from European and Central Command operations, all the way to the Caribbean. 1. Naval Station Norfolk. A few months back we asked current and former military personnel where in the US they most enjoyed being stationed, and why. – Heather, Life of a Traveling Navy Wife. The official name, Naval Base San Diego, is the fourth official title and the correct way to reference the base. 5-Norfolk, VA- Naval Station Norfolk, NAS Oceana and others. Base(s): Naval Base Guam, Andersen Air Force Base. Itâs nearby Naval Base Coronado, NAS North Island, Naval Base Point Loma, and multiple Marine and Coast Guard stations. So if you are looking for someplace that has good schools for your children Hampton Roads is definitely #1 on that list. The Pearl Harbor Naval Base has 160 commands and provides berthing and shore support to ships and submarines, as well as maintenance and training. Mayport has a protected harbor with a 34-ship capacity, and an airfield with an 8,000-foot runway. Great Lakes. I’ve seen people make turns across oncoming traffic from the opposite turn lane. It borders the cute, historic town of St. Maryâs, on the southeast corner of coastal Georgia. On the plus side, Hawaii boasts gorgeous beaches, hiking areas and a melting pot of cultures. There are plenty of fun activities within a reasonable driving distance. The hardest part of moving to Norfolk is finding the right neighborhood for your family. The beaches are wonderful and Busch Gardens is just a short drive. Despite the price tag of big city living, thereâs a reason so many people love it. The sun, the surf, food, and … I can also say that the education system is much better in Virginia than California, Florida, or Hawaii. Naval Air Station Lemoore was built âfrom the ground upâ as a Master Jet Base in 1961. I’m so jealous that you’ve been to all of those places. Beautiful Washington State. norfolk is by far- the worst place i have been. I grew up near Chicago, I understand traffic happens, but this is mind boggling traffic. (tied) Joint Base … (i'm not looking for party central lol) i'm looking for great deployments that i get to see … Perfect weather, plenty of activities, wide and varied job market. Once thought to be the cornerstone of naval power, the advent of Naval Aviation and the rise of the aircraft carrier in WWII was the beginning of … Itâs a five-hour trip to Jacksonville, and six hours to Orlando. 1. I have really enjoyed my time in Norfolk, VA. I promise to never abuse your inbox or sell your info. Several of the nation’s top 10 places to buy are located near bases in these states. Lol. Made up of 13 piers over 1,000 acres of land, this navy facility boasts of more than 24,000 military personnel. THE TRUSTED RESOURCE FOR MILITARY FAMILIES. If you can’t fit in smaller sized clothing, you will be forced to order online. Panama City and Tallahassee are two to three hours driving. And that is not a compliment. I love Norfolk. Building 1 at Naval Station Great Lakes, IllinoisPhoto via Creative Commons. happy days ,,,, videos every week My stuff below Instagram - JTsuits Snapchat - JTsuits Twitter @Jtminers For some fun and g… Being stationed … Too depressing for a Miami girl (where I’m from – my parents met while my dad was stationed on what used to be Homestead AFB- where I was also born). I’ve got four states left to visit and San Diego will probably remain my favorite place in the US (other than Hawaii, but I wouldn’t want to live there). Expect rain and humidity year-round, with the best seasons being the warm-yet-mild fall and springtime. Best Army Bases for Families. Itâs very military-friendly, and youâll be sure to feel part of a community right away. Aspiring pilots should know Naval Air Station Corpus Christi. Best Air Force Bases Overseas. Pack away those bulky coats and boots, you won’t need them…like ever. The schools are great and they also have the best gyms ive ever seen at a base. Hiking, fishing, hunting, camping. There may be never be a definitive list because everyone’s preferences/experiences are different. I will say that the cost of living is significantly higher here. base housing program but good luck getting anything delivered on base and military-isolated. 4-Jacksonville, FL- Naval Air Station Jacksonville, and Naval Station Mayport. We were stationed at Wright Patt for 7 years and it shouldnt be on this list. The Pacific Northwest is another Navy hub. Sometimes you end up drawing the short straw when it comes to military assignment locations. Here are the five worst places to be stationed in the Navy. Naval Air Station Sigonella. Sure, there’s a few bugs and alligators involved. Big cities like LA, San Diego and San Francisco range from three to five hours away. I would love to go Spain one day! A little lacking in off-base activities but it may be perfect for those looking for a slower pace. Are these places based on anything other than personal preference and/or experience? Thereâs a reason that Texas has one of the fastest-growing populations in the States — the people are friendly, cost of living is low and itâs exceptionally military-friendly. Heading back stateside, NB San Diego is a consistent favorite thanks to year round mild weather and fun city culture. Virginia’s for you. The 5 Worst Navy Bases To Be Stationed. It will make your time here so much more enjoyable! Our favorite duty station was Saratoga Springs/Ballston Spa. Rota, Spain Naval Base San Diego is a modern Navy complex and homeport to nearly a third of the Navy's fleet in the Pacific theater. Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) resides here, along with Training Air Wing SIX. It can get pretty hot and sticky in July, but coastal breezes will provide some relief. 3. 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Their vision: âTransforming Challenges into Achievementsâ. #1 – Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia. Naval Air Training Command resides at the base, which has been training Navy pilots since 1941. The tunnels and bridges back up all the time because people don’t follow traffic signs or panic about them, causing accidents. 1. 2. Los Angeles is only two hours away, and offers a huge art scene for creative types. Unlike Army posts, naval stations generally need to be near the water, and thereâs an abundance of them in paradise-like locations. Finally, topping our list is Naval Base San Diego, the MOST sought-after duty station in the Navy. The Best Army Bases I know some that just love Norfolk because of the lower cost of living. While every branch of the U.S. military has a presence in Hawaii, the Marines definitely made out with the best real estate. Its location is near the site of the original 1607 Jamestown settlement. Over the course of a year, temperatures typically flux between 63 F and 89 F, with lots of sunshine and ocean breezes. Since this list came out, I’m getting feedback that Charleston should be on the list… maybe one day , My husband joined the Navy “late” in life, so we met in San Diego and he will finish up in San Diego. The only downfall of Pensacola living is how far it is from everything else. Notes: I graded the items that were personally important to me: a decent job market, a variety of activities, a combo of city/suburb living, large naval presence that is integrated into the civilian world as opposed to a navy base that pretty much runs the town. It is easy ... #2 – Fort Sam Houston, Texas. :) so any input is good. This navy base in Texas, near (you guessed it) Corpus Christi, this NAS boasts a beautiful and culture-rich area. It’s SoCal, you give and you get. ). However, summers are hot with an average temperature of 86 F and 100% humidity in July. It was a huge help in WWII as the largest naval aviation training facility in the world; itâs also the place where President George H.W. Base amenities include a marina, bowling alley, movie theatre, and golf course. Luckily, in Corpus Christi you are right on the water. There are no positives to live in Hampton Roads. If you love the great outdoors and don’t mind a ... 2. Naples, Italy. An aerial view of Norfolk Naval Station, the largest naval base in the world.Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class ... 2. Locals refer to this station as â32nd Streetâ. Location: Bremerton, Bangor, and Keyport, Washington. CHECK! Itâs the home base for the Navyâs fleet throughout the West Puget Sound, and holds the title of third-largest Navy base in the U.S.; featuring four nuclear shipyards and one of only two nuclear weapons facilities, as well as the Navyâs largest fuel depot. Naval Station Mayport is one of three major Navy installations near Jacksonville, including NAS Jacksonville (a good choice as well). What are the best Navy bases to be stationed at? 5-Norfolk, VA- Naval Station Norfolk, NAS Oceana and others. One two lane bridge in, One two-lane bridge out. NAS Corpus Christi weather is warm. I have heard wonderful things about the school system in Virginia though. Capt. Sailors can venture into Chicago for a taste of the city, or travel to Wisconsin or Michigan for more area attractions (including a great lake!). Do your research before buying a home. Due to the high populace of people, base housing may be hard to get into. The city itself has a lively art and restaurant scene, and dozens of venues that host acts from around the world. You DO NOT want to go here, Please subscribe to my second channel. I know locals who will tell you it’s bad. Norfolk and Portsmouth schools and neighborhoods tend to have some bad reputations. And while I have not lived in Jacksonville, I have been there several times. It's a small base, so you have close community. It’s known as the Quarterdeck of the Navy, and also bears the unfortunate nickname, the “Great Mistake”. With warm summers and mild winters, Florida is called the Sunshine State for a reason. Joint Base Charleston in Goose Creek, SC had a really nice (and mostly new!) Each base I’ve visited has had its own positive and negative traits. I write about the daily challenges of being a working mom and a military spouse. About an hour north of Chicago is Naval Station Great Lakes, the largest Navy training station. Enjoy your time here! I’ve lived in a few of those and I’m surprised you said Norfolk was lacking in off base activities. Strike Fighter Wing Pacific calls it home, and Lemoore is also the west coast site for the F/A-18 Hornet Strike Fighter, with 175 Hornets and Super Hornets operating here. San Diego, CA 3. Best Military Bases OCONUS: Naples, Italy Naples, Italy, famous for its beauty, is home to the US Sixth Fleet and the US Naval Forces Europe . The area is so big. The median home value is $152,000. Itâs also only 40 miles from Jacksonville. While beautiful, some people liken it to living in the middle of nowhere, and it can sometimes feel that way. I agree that commute is a major part of your overall happiness at a duty station. I will say that most Army bases are far better than the Navy bases I’ve been stationed at and visited. I want to know the good cities/BASES from the bad one's. So far the best is Spain and absolute worst is Corpus! Norfolk. By Julie Provost. Military Branch: Navy. Located thousands of miles from Hawaii and the Philippines, Guam is the definition of remote. 3. Off base housing can get expensive; the median home value on Oahu is upwards of $700,000, with small apartments close to $2,000 a month. They receive only seven inches of snow per year, and 213 sunny days. Semi-Delicate Balance is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Atsugi, Japan was the best base I've ever been stationed at. Military Guidelines & Country Regulations. Congress has to do more to improve military housing. And these were their picks for the “Best Military … Take advantage of the beaches and enjoying island life. So the government wants to send you to a place to LIVE where others VACATION… on their dime. These people complain about the commute. There are five housing communities on post, and Junction City, Ogden and Manhattan are all short commutes from post. ... We’ve done the best bases for the Army, the Navy, and the Marine Corps, so Air Force, it’s your turn. It is so ugly, roads are horrible, traffic is horrendous, houses are way overpriced actually, and there is NOT a support system despite the fact there is a large military presence. There was lots of crime and no real good business. Naval Air Station Pensacola . Jacksonville has a large concentration of people — around one million — nearly a quarter of which are military. I recommend reading neighborhood reviews from other military families and use a military friendly realtor. Fair argument. A lot has happened in my life in a few short years. One of my friends grew up in Norfolk and when we moved back she tried to talk us out of looking at houses in Portsmouth. Based on Air Force Times research, these are the five least-popular bases — from fifth worst to worst — to be stationed in the Air Force: 5. You’ll have great stories and life experiences to tell your grandkids one day. I’ve also been to Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal, Pensacola, Florida, and Norfolk, VA. Norfolk was the worst duty station. If you’re looking to get stationed as far away as possible, Guam might be the base for you. Top 5 naval bases Naval Station Rota . San Diego is my favorite place by far. These 5 Military Bases Are So Bad, They Should Count As A Deployment. Naval … That's just rude. Sorry about your time in Corpus. NAS Lemoore, with its parallel 13,500-feet runways and aircraft hangars, underpasses and operations centers, stands out against the Central California farmland. But you’re into touristy-activities, there’s golf, theme parks, and all sorts of beaches somewhat close. I spent a year in the Seattle area and I really do not like living there. #3 – Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. I know this is old, but I completely disagree about Norfolk.Granted we just came from San Diego and it is hard to beat that place, but this is the WORST place I have ever lived. You get all four seasons, so for those who don’t prefer a specific climate. 7. My name is JD. Itâs known as the first Naval Air Station, commissioned by the Navy in 1914. âThe Cradle of Naval Aviationâ has trained tens of thousands of naval aviators; these include John H. Glenn, who was the first American to orbit the earth in 1962, and Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon in 1969. Image: Flickr.com. Today, sailors stationed at Kittery can visit Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, bed and breakfasts, the Kittery Historical and Naval Museum, outlets and theaters. I hope that we get back to San Diego or Hawaii. No cool scenes or neighborhoods, and no good restaurants. Check out the best 10 beaches of the area. USS New Jersey bombards communist positions near Tuyho, late March 1969 (US Navy photo) 1. Itâs home to the Navyâs 4th fleet. I love writing about things that are important to me. Weather is mild with lots of precipitation. Another downside is not all the schools are great. Housing market is cheap. totally agree. Sign up to receive my latest and greatest articles! A couple of things to remember: tourism thrives in San Diego, so it is a very crowded city. With its North Central Kansas location, you can expect to get a tasteof quiet Midwest living. Naval Base Kitsap was created in 2004 with the merging of former NS Bremerton and the Submarine Base Bangor. I'm looking at over seas mostly but i don't know much about the cities in the US either. Youâll never run out of places to see and things to do. My husband worked at Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe, and some of his coworkers lived clear across the island, and that was a 90 minute commute sometimes, therefore they “hated” Hawaii. It does have some great activities although they can be a bit of a drive. You often need a customs form to ship overseas. Kings Bay summers are long and oppressively hot. Located about five miles south of Colorado Springs, Fort Carson is one of the best military bases for families who want fresh mountain air, on-base housing, and great schools nearby. Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. Best Navy Bases for Families. It seems there are a lot of folks who choose to live in VA beach, even though they work in Norfolk. As stated before, Florida summers are long and hot, and the winters are short and windy. We are doing our second tour in Norfolk. Wherever you go, thereâs a big Navy presence. For more information, please see the Disclosure page. Virginia Beach is known for its activities; with a three-mile boardwalk, ocean views and a storied history, you wonât get bored. Thanks for your thoughts! Mayport features lots of outdoor recreation, including boating, camping, fishing and watersports. No matter where you go, make the most of it and check out this bucket list of things to do at a new duty station. I am originally from Charleston, SC, so you would think I would be happier to be closer to home, but I’d rather be living in Charleston. For US are about 26,000 US military personnel made out with the best Navy bases be. 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Call Fort Benning home have a lot of Westernized shopping for the sailors and families want! The boundaries of Georgia, Naval base Guam, Andersen Air Force bases to be stationed?! ’ t mind a... 2 Disclosure page several of the original 1607 Jamestown settlement is... Stands out against the Central California farmland for sure, so you have close community Navy and... Sure to feel part of a community right away want…beaches, restaurants, shopping, family!, very family friendly activities i spent a year in the middle of nowhere, and thereâs an abundance them. Up of 13 piers over 1,000 acres of land, this NAS boasts a beautiful and area... The plus side, Hawaii boasts gorgeous beaches, hiking, city life Kings... Out my dream sheet go on away those bulky coats and boots, you won t. Although they can be a definitive list because everyone ’ s golf theme! Renowned Blue Angels 134 aircraft, making it the biggest concentration of people, base housing includes playgrounds pools. 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