If you are considering moving to Fort Drum or are simply curious about what it offers, you’re in the right place. This informational guide will give you everything you need to know about the area, the variety of amenities, and the lifestyle. To begin your adventure, you can explore housing options on eXp Realty.
Overview of Fort Drum
Fort Drum, located in northern New York, is home to the 10th Mountain Division, a light infantry division of the United States Army designed for rapid deployment. Its strategic location near the Canadian border allows convenient access to U.S. and Canadian cities.
The base plays a significant role in the local community, providing employment opportunities and contributing to the area’s economic development.
Fort Drum Climate and Environment
Fort Drum experiences a variety of climates throughout the year, with cold, snowy winters and mild, pleasant summers. The region is known for its significant snowfall due to its proximity to Lake Ontario. Despite the chilly winters, the area offers a unique beauty, with landscapes featuring rolling hills and lush greenery.
Outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and snowboarding are popular, with attractions like Lake Placid providing a picturesque backdrop for adventure.
Fort Drum Housing and Cost of Living
If you are planning to relocate to Fort Drum, you might be wondering about the housing options and the cost of living in the area. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can choose from different types of accommodations and neighborhoods near Fort Drum.
Neighborhoods Near Fort Drum
When it comes to housing near Fort Drum, you can find a variety of options to suit your lifestyle and budget. From the Fort Drum Mountain Community Homes, a gated community designed exclusively for military families, to suite-styled apartments for unaccompanied soldiers in the nearby city of Watertown, there’s something for everyone.
Housing options range from 2 – 5 bedrooms, with modern amenities such as air conditioning, washer & dryer, 24-hour maintenance, community gardens, and ample storage.
Housing near Fort Drum is relatively affordable compared to many U.S. cities. Whether you live on base or in a nearby neighborhood, you’ll find the monthly rental rates and property prices reasonable. In addition to rent or mortgage payments, other expenses include utilities, property taxes, lawn care, and snow removal expenses.
Education and Healthcare in Fort Drum
Fort Drum is within the Carthage Central School District, which offers quality education for grades K-12. Carthage Middle School and Carthage High School are among the notable public schools in the area. For families preferring private education, several private schools are also available.
In terms of healthcare, Samaritan Medical Center in nearby Watertown provides comprehensive healthcare services. On-post, the Guthrie Army Health Clinic offers primary and specialty care for active-duty military members and their families.
Employment Opportunities in Fort Drum
Besides the military base, other major employers include the healthcare and education sectors. For military spouses and veterans seeking employment, numerous opportunities exist within the base and in the surrounding community. Local organizations also offer job assistance services to help military families transition into civilian employment.
Recreation and Entertainment
Fort Drum and the surrounding area offer many recreational activities and entertainment options. The base features fitness centers, skate parks, and splash parks for residents. For nature lovers, the nearby Adirondack Park offers endless hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities.
Cultural and entertainment venues, such as local theaters and museums, offer many activities to enjoy in your spare time.
Pros and Cons of Living in Fort Drum
Living in Fort Drum can be a rewarding experience for military families and individuals. Fort Drum offers its residents a strong sense of community, support, and camaraderie. It also provides access to various services and facilities, such as health care, education, and recreation.
However, living in Fort Drum also comes with some challenges. The winters can be long and harsh, with heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. The amenities and entertainment options may be limited compared to larger cities.
Therefore, living in Fort Drum requires some adaptation and resilience. Ultimately, the pros and cons of living in Fort Drum depend on your personal preferences and circumstances.
Key Takeaways
In this blog, we have explored the pros and cons of living in Fort Drum, a military base in northern New York. We have seen that Fort Drum offers a supportive and tight-knit community, as well as various services and facilities for its residents.
However, we have also acknowledged that living in Fort Drum can pose some challenges, such as coping with harsh winters and limited amenities. Therefore, gathering all the necessary information is important before deciding to move to Fort Drum. We also encourage you to further research and visit the area to get a firsthand impression of what it is like to live there.
If you’re ready to explore Fort Drum housing, sign up for alerts when new properties are available and contact a local eXp agent to make the process as smooth as possible.
FAQs: Fort Drum Housing
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Fort Drum housing:
How much is Bah in Fort Drum?
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) at Fort Drum varies based on rank, dependent status, and years of service.
Does Fort Drum have on-post housing?
Yes, Fort Drum offers on-post housing options through Fort Drum Mountain Community Homes.
Where is the best place to live near Fort Drum?
The best place to live near Fort Drum depends on personal preferences. Watertown is a popular choice due to its proximity and amenities. Other localities include:
- Black River
- Calcium
- Great Bend
- Carthage
Can civilians live on Fort Drum?
While on-post housing is primarily for military personnel, some circumstances allow for civilian residents.
Is Fort Drum a good duty station?
Many military personnel and their families enjoy Fort Drum for its strong sense of community and outdoor activities.
What is Fort Drum famous for?
Fort Drum is known as the home of the 10th Mountain Division, a light infantry division specially designed for rapid deployment.
Is Fort Drum a big base?
Yes, Fort Drum is a large base, covering about 107,265 acres.
How far is Fort Drum from the airport?
The nearest major airport to Fort Drum is Watertown International Airport, approximately 20 miles away from the base.
What is the closest town to Fort Drum?
The closest town to Fort Drum is Watertown, located about 10 miles south of the base.
