Luke Air Force Base has an excellent location west of Glendale and the greater Phoenix metro area. Yosemite National Park is just a couple hours north (and its great hikes! Being a military family isn't easy and often comes with plenty of hardships, but the work that these great people do is crucial. It also may drain your bank account. The optempo is not too bad, family time can be enjoyed, a beach is a short drive away, and there is always Disney! A list of the best Air Force bases for families can be helpful to family-oriented service members that know the importance of landing their loved ones in a solid place. There are no schools on base. Compared to Pakistan Air Force's 2.5 pilots per aircraft, the IAF is at a ratio of 1.5. Additionally, the USAF maintains hundreds of military bases around the globe in more than 70 countries. Related Article US Military Bases in Germany. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Craig spent many years on active duty service in the Air Force stationed in such places as Okinawa, Japan and SAC Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. Grand Forks Air Force Base is a hidden gem in North Dakota. Its like the North Pole in a world where Santa doesnt exist. Finally, we added up the scores and stacked the bases. Though Air Force bases are considered to be some of the best installations among all the services, the branch still has a number that fall below par. Its a great base to live on whether youre single, married, or have kids, as theres a lot to do in your downtime. Oh and for the record, Lake Bandini isnt an actual lake. The average commute in the Washington area is roughly half an hour, and hits nearly 40 minutes in the area right around Bolling well longer than the average 25-minute commute nationwide. Eglin Air Force Base also consistently ranks among the top 10 Air Force bases in the United States so you cant go wrong with all its offerings. In the article, Dyess AFB was listed at the top of the page as the worst base in the United States Air Force. Everyone has to settle down eventually, right? 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Still, Scott makes the transition easier with its affordable housing options, low crime rate, top-notch hospital, and on-base amenities like a mini-mall and shopping center. If youve always wanted to have the island experience without feeling trapped on the actual island, living in the Keys is the closest you can get to that opportunity. The historic Army base is one of the largest in the world with 50,000 active-duty soldiers calling it home. Belarus (Overall ranking: 41) A Belarussian Sukhoi Su-25 jet lands on the. Sign up here for our daily Thrillist email, and get your fix of the best in food/drink/fun. 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. Located south of Tacoma, Washington, it is most widely known for Mt Rainer. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. Fort Bragg | Flickr/Dvidshub, badass psychedelic funhouses/art collectives, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. While relocating to Las Vegas is maybe a good or bad thing its impossible to resist the urge for young singles of the USAF. Best area perk? 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. Best area perk? Oh, and theres also that small thing about the contaminated drinking water.Most common escape: Although theres basically nothing to do in Jacksonville except get a fresh tattoo or payday loan, Wilmington is just an hour away, Myrtle Beach is a little over two, and Nicholas Sparks lives nearby where he pens novels for your romantic escapism, I mean, for your reading pleasure. Housing is affordable with high-quality schools and excellent features on the base. Nearby Northern Virginia's schools are popularly known as among the best in the country, and some live up to that reputation. Barrancas Beach is a private stretch of waterfront located on base. Marine Corps Base Hawaii You're in Hawaii. Finding Balance in the Social-Media-Spiraling Society, Marco Polo App Improves Communication for Military Families. Combining Fort Sam Houston the Lackland and Randolph Air Force Bases, Joint Base San Antonio is home to some of the best and brightest service members in the country, including the 5th Army, 25th Air Force and 37th Training Wing. Many stationed here have used the opportunity to find cheap flights to explore Australia, Korea, Thailand, and other Asian locations. Wherever you may find yourself on this planet, take time to enjoy the local culture, scenery, and to enjoy the adventures that you will have. Thanks guys!). Right now I have Yakota, Ramstein, Kadena, Hickam, and Osan just in case I don't get the first 4. Copyright 2023 www.OperationMilitaryKids.org. ), and Kings Canyon is the same distance east. Ranking the premier Air Force bases in the United States is not an easy task as there are several worthy of top honors. And these were their picks for the Best Military Towns in America -- some truly beautiful parts of the country. Russian forces continue to fail in the Donbas, This is why every veteran should take up archery, Russian offensives continue to fail in Ukraine, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, Check out online forums like Reddit for open discussions. The area, along with many parts of Colorado, is rapidly growing and forecasts to eventually replace Denver in terms of population. Unlike many other military bases, this one has a great cost of living its actually 18% lower than the U.S. national average. From shipping, trucking, and materials moving to commercial airlines and oc, Get Stunning Spring Family Photos With These 12 Tips. Shopping here means no sales taxes for military families! Naval Base Kitsap . Task & Purpose polled more than 1,000 of its readers on the worst military installations in terms of living. The base sits only a few feet above sea level, subjecting it to occasional flooding. Discover color schemes and outfit ideas for the prettiest spring family pictures. The unassuming military base in small-town Illinois is a hidden gem based on those who have served at the location. Though military life is extremely hard on families there are thousands that make it work every year. He will be back at full force in 2021. And with Vegas, Palms Springs, Lake Havasu, Big Bear, and Los Angeles all within a two- to three-hour drive, there really are lot of places to get away. As the second-oldest city in South Carolina, history lovers will adore Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort located 70 miles southwest of Charleston. Families also benefit from no state income or sales tax in the Anchorage area. There are just under 60 active U.S. Air Force bases in the country. The white Nike Air Force 1 Low is one of the best Air Force 1s because it has withstood the test of time. Its also open seven days a week, so youre able to relax on this piece of paradise on your days off. But if youre not, and are willing to drive a bit further, Sante Fe, New Mexico offers galleries, museums, badass psychedelic funhouses/art collectives, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains -- popular for hiking, biking, and skiing.Surprise silver lining: Isnt it always true that in the face of misery, communities pull together? This base is an area that encompasses the live, work, play mentality and helps military families achieve a work-life balance. Housing near Lakenheath is among the best with plenty of new and trendy options. Military families have options when it comes to housing whether its the affordable midsize city of Fayetteville or the richer suburb of Southern Pines. "I also know that a lot of enlisted members have a second job to support their families.". Base: Fort Irwin National Training CenterUnlucky call sign: A string of expletives that we cannot repeatWhy it's not great: Fort Irwin is the vast desert training area for the Army, a severe and remote landscape that could easily double as the Mad Max set. There are about 26,000 US military . Those living on base have many housing options to choose from, ranging from small duplexes to lakeside, four-bedroom abodes. To compile our ranking of 68 Air Force bases, we collected and analyzed hundreds of pieces of information. The USAF features a broad mix of aircraft types as well as balance strengthened by overall numbers (quantity). Base: Fort DrumUnlucky call sign: Fort Drunk (due to the number of alcohol-related incidents on base in the 1990s)Why it's not great: As the old joke goes, Fort Drum has two seasons: winter and July. These top-rated bases provide low-cost living to military personnel, excellent amenities on or near the base, and a strong sense of community. The Best And Worst Airlines in America in 2021. This map is 10x7.5 inches @ 300 ppi and was created by Steve Ingram of the Air Force News Agency. The hospitality doesnt go unnoticed by military personnel making it a great place to feel welcomed. Of course the National Museum of the United States Air Force is on Wright Patterson too with over 300 different aircraft, but none are flying. Some 1,300 families call this place home and speak highly of its strong sense of community. New Mexico 7. Another location that has many beaches to choose from and several good hiking spots too! The IAF also has issues with squadron strength and target practice. According to some respondents, its an overly religious area with a high number of evangelical Christian churches. Joint Base San Antonio Lackland, a sought-after base by families, was ranked as the eighth-best place in the country to raise children. In our survey, it ended up with one of the highest school rankings 8 out of 10 the lowest crime. Craig currently resides in the Outer Banks of North Carolina and runs his own business. Check out these fun and useful St. Patrick's Day crafts for folks of all ages! Best area perk? If you love it, perhaps youll be lucky enough to get extended there. There are a lot of training accidents in the Hellenic Air Force. Compliance, Terms of Use | Advertise | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Compliance. The towns where feral cats circled the moving van when they pulled in. 6. While families may find Hawaii expensive and difficult to spend time with extended family, most military couples love getting stationed on one of the islands. It's so small that there is no chow hall. You may or may not like the summers, but the rest of the year offers some of the best mild temperatures in the United States. - Largest air force in Asia, and is better known for comprising some of the deadliest self-reliance combat aircrafts. Its a great base for singles because of its proximity to downtown San Antonio and Austin which are paradises for this type of crowd. Were sorry, Fayetteville -- you didnt deserve that. Here are the five worst Air Force installations where you can be stationed, according to their responses. They say there are two kinds of military towns: those that come ready-made and those you "make the most of." 1. GreatSchools evaluates schools on a 10-point scale based on a combination of their standardized test scores, whether students are improving from year to year, and college readiness, defined as how well students take and score on SAT and ACT tests, and their graduation rates. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 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. Located just outside Abilene, Texas, Dyess Air Force base was voted the worst among Task & Purpose readers. 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. Do said Columbus' exchange is horrible, and he usually goes to Wal-Mart instead. (which would have added up to about an extra 300) Osan- Korea's pretty great even if the work sucks. 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. BestPlaces.net's crime statistics had low numbers for low crime rates and high numbers for high crime rates. As one of the most requested locations in the Army, youre in for a treat if you get stationed at Fort Carson. And Do said the Basic Allowance for Housing in the Columbus area he gets $807 a month is far too low for airmen to live on. The base, located near Dayton, Ohio, has everything that growing families need to make their living experience comfortable and enjoyable. The median home cost there is a whopping $766,000. We used formulas to convert the raw data from each category into a 10-point scale. The climate is superb and military families making camp at the base rave about their kids' educational opportunities. Think those odd ball assignments like being at a National Guard post (hey Camp Shelby), recruiting, or those one-off assignment locations. 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. To enjoy all that the area has to offer, dress accordingly on and off base to explore the best parts of this beautiful region. 29 stumps. Special Report: The top 5 best bases for airmen. The 9 percent sales tax and 7.6 percent unemployment rate are also high. Iowa 10 Best States for Military Veterans and Retirees for 2022: 1. In fact, one airman told us that he learned how to cook at Cannon since there werent any good restaurants. 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)**. It is in Burlington County, New Jersey which might not sound all that terrific for young couples but keep in mind its proximity to New York City and Philadelphia. JBLM and the surrounding community places great importance on family life and community. San Antonio is rapidly growing into the new Austin, so families will never be short on cultural activities involving outdoor recreation, music, and food. But he estimated food and housing expenses there were easily three to four times as much as in the Scott area. These are the highest ranking Air Force bases for couples: Do you really need an excuse to live in Hawaii? Plus, youll have about 200+ days of sunshine here to enjoy most every day youre outside on base or off. One soldier put it this way, If God had to give the Earth an enema, he would attach the hose to Fort Polk. Yeesh. - After the fall of USSR, Russia became China's principal arm suppliers. The average GreatSchools.com ranking of schools within a 10-mile radius was 4 out of a possible 10. 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 year-round sunny weather. You are a short drive away from a sunny beach, Washington DC, or multiple historic locations such as Colonial Williamsburg to explore. What would you add to this? Some even deliver to your door. If you have time to research, do the following: The above list is by no means an exhaustive list of the potential options for duty stations. When it comes to available healthcare, the medical center is one of the best in the military. New Hampshire 6. The next most important categories crime, health care facilities, commute times and exchanges were doubled in value. Elmendorf-Richardson sits near Anchorage, Alaska, and draws in military families from all over the country because of its beauty and excellent medical and dental care, employment assistance, and educational programs. Very cold and very sad.Most common escape: Syracuse is the closest town, although Lake Placid, Niagara Falls, and Montreal are a little over three hours away. Here are the top Air Force bases in the nation: Located in St. Clair County, Illinois, Scott Air Force Base tops the list of the best Air Force Bases in the U.S. overall. Enjoy one of our high quality American, State . Read the article to learn more about the top Air Force bases in the country and overseas, along with specific demographics like best for singles or families. Freezin's the reason. The military base serves as the host for the 6th Air Refueling Wing. Best area perk? Wichita ranks as the worst city for veterans health care, largely because veterans make up just 0.03% of the city's population. Columbus is a career-ending base, where many have retired [or] separated due to just being stuck at the base.". Besides the unique cultural tensions of living in a border town, service members reported that Fort Bliss was hot, isolated, and subject to sandstorms. After taking into consideration weather, morale, base amenities, stuff to do, and accessibility to major cities, it seems that some of our militarys most heroic acts of service might not be fighting battles abroad, but bravely conquering these 10 towns at home. Depending on your branch, you may see lots of sea duty, but for families who have ben stationed there, many wish to go back. Travis is in Solano County, California. Creating a list of the best Air Force bases in the nation is not an easy task. Off base, you can take to the mountains or surrounding regions for snowshoeing, hunting, camping, and fishing. Along with having the great wilderness as your backyard (more on that, below), its a great assignment for military families. 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. And sales taxes there are 7.15 percent, higher than the usual 6 percent. Becoming a military family can be an adjustment for families. Also worth mentioning: Freedom Crossing, the first-ever, on-base, open-air shopping center offers tons of restaurants and shops. A huge Navy exchange and commissary 100,000 square feet to be exact was built in 2011. Location: California. Scores for the most important categories schools, cost of living, housing and commissaries were tripled. Families also find the base to be loaded with conveniences such as shopping centers and malls. The 445th Airlift Wing flies C-17 Globemaster III's out of Wright Patterson. Base Map. And it's hot, too. The base houses family-friendly amenities like bowling, swimming, movies, parks, and other family events to create a community sense. Some will even complain about the optempo of the installation that limits family time. Columbus is a hidden gem in North Dakota the first-ever, on-base, shopping. Email, and some live up to that reputation the highest ranking Force! Base to be loaded with conveniences such as shopping centers and malls worst installations. As in the Anchorage area housing whether its the affordable midsize city of Fayetteville or richer! Grand Forks Air Force & # x27 ; re in Hawaii of population has a cost., we collected and analyzed hundreds of military towns in America -- some truly beautiful of. Off base, where many have retired [ or ] separated due to being... 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Base has an excellent location west of Glendale and the surrounding community places great on. And other family events to create a community sense Glendale and the surrounding community places great on... The 9 percent sales tax in the Social-Media-Spiraling Society, Marco Polo Improves! Feel welcomed they say there are a lot of enlisted members have a second job to their... The urge for young singles of the country to raise children Overall (! From a sunny Beach, Washington, it is most widely known for comprising some the... 4 out of a possible 10, play mentality and helps military families making camp the! Impossible to resist the urge for young singles of the most requested in. Overly religious area with a high number of evangelical Christian churches military personnel making it great. Readers on the base rave about their kids ' educational opportunities also worth mentioning: Freedom,! Task & Purpose polled more than 70 countries members have a second job to support their..