Fort Bragg now officially renamed Fort Liberty is one of the largest military installations in the world, in North Carolina. It is a home to tens of thousands of military personnel, civilian employees and their families. Housing is the No. 1 priority for service members moving to the Fort Bragg area. Here is a complete overview of housing at Fort Bragg, to include on and off-post housing, eligibility, amenities, and tips for getting the best Fort Bragg housing arrangements.
On-Post Housing at Fort Bragg
1. Corvias Military Living
On-post housing at Fort Bragg is managed by Corvias Military Living, which administers family housing for active-duty service members. Multiple neighborhoods exist on the installation, providing a variety of home sizes and styles.
2. Who Is Eligible for Housing and How to Apply
Service members must meet the following qualifications to be eligible for on-post housing:
- Be active duty and stationed at Fort Bragg.
- Have dependents (which may be able to accompany into family housing) or qualify for unaccompanied housing.
- Fill out an application via the Housing Services Office (HSO) or the Army Housing Online User Services (AHOUS) website.
- Submit required paperwork: orders and a dependent verification form.
3. Housing Communities
Fort Bragg has several different housing communities, each with their somewhat unique characteristics:
- Ardennes/Bataan: Mainly for junior enlisted with families, two- to four-bedroom homes.
- Hammond Hills: A range of homes with light to moderate space for storage, as well as close access to base needs.
- Casablanca: Family-friendly neighborhood with open parks and playgrounds.
- Ridgecrest: Favored by the senior enlisted and officers.
4. Amenities and Services
On-post housing provides a range of amenities like:
- 24/7 maintenance support.
- Recreational opportunities in community centers, playgrounds, and fitness facilities.
- Security and convenience, as homes are only a stone’s throw away from work locations.
- Schools, medical centers and shopping areas on the installation.
5. Wait Times and Availability
On-post housing may also have a waiting list due to high demand. Wait times depend on rank, family size and the desired housing. Apply as soon as you can to get your choice of housing that’s a good way to get a place you like.”
Housing Off-Post near Fort Bragg
Due to the housing available on post, personal choices and lifestyle considerations, many service members and their families opt to live off-post.
Popular Fort Bragg Neighborhoods
- Fayetteville : The nearest town to Fort Bragg, with some rental and purchase options. There are shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment options.
- Spring Lake: A smaller community just north of Fort Bragg that offers a quieter environment and affordable housing.
- Hope Mills: An affordable family-oriented town with decent schools and parks.
- Raeford: Slightly farther from base, but the properties are larger and it has a more suburban feel.
Rental & Buying a Home Options
- While rental homes and apartments can be found in any price range.
- Additionally, buying a home is a wise investment, especially for a service member who plans to live in an area long-term.
- For military personnel, VA loans provide excellent prospects for acquiring property with minimal down payment.
Cost of Living
Cost of Living near Fort Bragg The cost of living in the Fort Bragg area is relatively low compared to other military installations in the U.S. Depending on the neighborhood, rent and home prices can vary, but Fayetteville is usually the least expensive place to live.
Commute and Transportation
For those who choose to live off-post, commute times need to be factored in. Traffic near Fort Bragg can be heavy during peak times, so picking a home near a convenient gate can save on travel time.
Temporary Housing Options
Temporary lodging options for service members and Families while waiting on permanent housing may include:
- IHG Army Hotels: Near Fort Bragg for short-term stays.
- Hotels in Fayetteville and Spring Lake: Many have military rates.
- Extended Stay Hotels: Best for long temporary stays for kitchen accommodations.
Housing Allowance and Financial Considerations
1. Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
Fort Bragg BAH Rates For An E6 With Six Years Experience When living off-post, service members use BAH to pay the rent or mortgage.
Second Quarter Average Housing Aid Programs
- Army Emergency Relief (AER): Offers financial aid for housing emergencies.
- Housing Assistance Program (HAP): Assists qualifying servicemembers with home-ownership problems.
Schools and Education
If you have children, Fort Bragg has several schooling choices:
- On-Post Schools: Run by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA); for grades K-8.
- Off-Post Schools: Public schools located in Fayetteville, Spring Lake and some surrounding communities
- Private and Charter Schools: For those looking to homeschool.
- College Readiness: Base provides more information on Advanced Placement courses offered 7th–12th grade and what classes are useful for high school.
Healthcare and Medical Facilities
The major healthcare facilities that Fort Bragg offers are as follows:
- Womack Army Medical Center: This full-service hospital provides the following: primary care, specialty services, and emergency care.
- Clinics and dental care centers for military personnel and dependents
- TRICARE coverage for service members and families: Ensure that medical expenses are covered for service members and their families.
Recreation and Lifestyle
Here are some recreational and lifestyle amenities of interest to those living near Fort Bragg:
- Parks and Outdoor Amenities: Fort Bragg offers various parks, trails, and outdoor spaces to enjoy leisure and fitness activities.
- Sports and Fitness Centers: There are multiple gyms, pools and sports complexes.
- Shopping and Dining: Stores, restaurants and entertainment options are both on and off the installation.
- Community Events: The Fort Bragg community hosts events throughout the year, including fairs, concert series, and military appreciation days.
Advice to Immediately Obtain Housing at Fort Bragg
- Start Early: As soon as you have PCS orders, begin looking into housing options.
- Use the Housing Office: Where you do housing.RES life offers an office to help you find the right housing.
- Know What You Want: Before deciding, consider the size of your family, school options, your commute and your lifestyle.
- Check BAH Rates: Understand how much you have for housing based on BAH.
- Connect with Other Military Families: They can provide valuable recommendations and introduce you to other housing options.
Conclusion
Fort Bragg housing has to be planned carefully and with consideration. Whether selecting on-post housing for proximity or off-post for freedom, there are many options to suit various needs and tastes. With the help of resources such as the Housing Services Office, the military assistance and local communities, service members and their families can find a home at Fort Bragg that is a good fit for them.