The Best Military Bases for Families

A Permanent Change of Station, or PCS, is a life-changing event, but the transition is easier if you're sent to a military base that's family friendly. Many things, such as access to good schools, activities for children and safety, come into play when identifying the best military bases for families. Having some of these facts can help you narrow down the choices you'll list on your "dream sheet," ̵1; a list of three or so places that are your top choices for assignment.

  1. Air Forces Bases

    • San Antonio, Texas is home to Lackland Air Force Base and Randolph Air Force Base, both of which offer family housing units, according to the Military Hub website. Nearby Brooks Air Force Base also boasts 170 family housing units. The city of San Antonio offers amusement parks, such as Six Flags, and historical sites like the Alamo. San Antonio schools are also equipped to educate the children of military personnel, MilitaryBases.com website notes. Ellsworth Air Force Base, in Rapid City, S.D., is situated in an area with a low crime rate and with access to many family activities such as theaters, playhouses, shopping, dining and museums. Families can also visit nearby national parks.

    Army Bases

    • Fort Carson, near Colorado Springs, Colo., is a family-friendly military base. The base brags family housing units and many on-base activities including a bowling alley, movie theater, golf course and outdoor parks. Fort Carson also offers several child care and youth programs, according to the Just Military Loans website. Fort Bragg, in Fayetteville, N.C., is another top army base for families, according to the Military Hub. It's one of the largest military complexes in the world, and offers on-base schools, hospitals, churches and shopping destinations. Fort Brag has swimming pools, parks, bowling alleys and golf courses, and also organizes family-friendly activities on a regular basis.

    Marine Bases

    • Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and adjacent Marine Corps Air Station New River helicopter base, located in Jacksonville, N.C., offers 4,348 housing units. The city of Jacksonville boasts family-friendly activities, including an aquarium, museums and beach access. The city also has a strong military presence. Dr. Danielle Babb, a real estate expert writing for Military.com, recommends Camp Pendleton in San Diego County, Calif. In addition to family housing, shopping and access to nearby schools, families are also near beaches and can get military discounts at nearby attractions such as Legoland and Disneyland.

    Navy Bases

    • The Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Fla., is a 3,400-acre navy base. In Jacksonville, which is only 13 miles from base, families have access to historical sites, beaches and activities such as deep-sea fishing. The base also boasts the Balfour Beatty Community, which includes a family-housing center and a setup of four neighborhoods with 533 houses. There is also a branch of Balfour Beatty Community at nearby Naval Station Mayport, which offers three neighborhoods and 1,165 houses.

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