Bogue Watch is the Beneficiary of Changing Military Housing Trends in 2013
Newport, NC (PRWEB) July 16, 2013 -- According to The Military Times and Military.com there is an estimated 3.8% increase in off-base basic housing allowances provided to military personnel for the upcoming year. So far in 2013, this new development has not only made housing to over 1 million service members living off base more affordable than ever but is also actively influencing the future housing decisions of those with families preparing to enlist into the military or to relocate to another part of the United States.
For many service members, taking advantage of on-base housing has often been perceived as the most economically viable option. The monthly military housing allowance they receive are just enough to pay for their on base homes (an amount substantially less than their actual monthly value), but is usually not enough to cover the cost of renting off-base homes or apartments which includes utilities, renters’ insurance, and other out of pocket expenses. Perceived benefits of military housing also include the sense of unity created when military families live together and the safety and protection provided by the base. However, because spaces are often limited not everyone who wants to live on base can get into a unit which can be a great barrier to many.
Though living off base has often been perceived as the more expensive option, there are still several reasons why service members choose to find a home in a nearby community instead. For one, home-owning is attractive for many who are interested in building equity as part of a long term investment plan. In addition, owning a home is regarded as a way to find a good work-life balance with more freedom to pick out an ideal house, community, and school system for the family. Not to mention, this also remains a necessary option for military personnel who are unable to get into on base housing.
Studies conducted by the National Defense Research Institute indicate that the factor of affordability has by far the largest influence on the members’ ultimate decision on where to live. After all, the importance of making ends meet cannot be overstated for our country’s hardworking soldiers. Researchers at NDRI suggest, though, that the most economically sound strategy is to encourage more members to live off base in civilian housing since survey results show that the non-economic benefits of living on base are considered rather secondary to the economic factor. To offer greater incentive for service members to live off base, NDRI advise that monthly housing allowances should be raised so that families can afford civilian housing that is similar to military living quarters. In recent years, the Department of Defense has acted on the recommendations provided by these studies through consistently raising monthly housing allowance to over 1 million service members living off base in America.
For families looking to relocate to the North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, The Bogue Watch community offers military personnel of nearby Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, a charming alternative to on base housing. With nearby surroundings such as the Croatan National Forest on one side and the Intracoastal Waterway on the other, this is a stunning waterfront residential development. Minutes from the community are award-winning schools, offering exceptional education such as Bogue Sound Elementary “School of Distinction,” Broad Creek Middle School, and Croatan High School.
To learn more about the Bogue Watch Community click here.
Element-360 contributed to this report.
Annie Kilby, Bogue watch, http://www.boguewatch.com/index.aspx, 8774026278, [email protected]
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