Moving to a new duty station can be daunting, especially when finding the perfect home for you and your family. With its rich history and unique living opportunities, Fort Bragg, located in North Carolina, has become desirable for military families looking for a vibrant and supportive community.
If you’re considering a move to Fort Bragg, now named Fort Liberty, we are here to guide you through the diverse North Carolina real estate options, costs, and resources available to make your relocation as smooth as possible.
An Overview of Fort Bragg
Named after Confederate General Braxton Bragg, Fort Bragg is one of the largest and busiest military complexes worldwide. The military reservation is part of Cumberland County and Hoke County and borders the towns of Fayetteville, Southern Pines, and Spring Lake.
Fort Bragg’s significance as a military stronghold can’t be overstated – it’s home to the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division and the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. Moreover, the post community is an integral part of the “military universe” and the surrounding areas, making it an exciting place to live.
Presently, Fort Bragg houses over 50,000 active-duty personnel, making it a bustling post. The base extends into four different counties and covers over 500 square miles, offering plenty of options for housing.
Aside from its military population, Fort Bragg also has a strong customer base of civilian employees in careers ranging from labor to engineers, adding to its vibrant diversity.
Housing Options
When moving to Fort Bragg (now Fort Liberty), understanding your housing options is vital. For on-post family housing, the Corvias Military Housing, managing 13 residential communities in Fort Bragg, offers an affordable housing experience with amenities for residents that range from fitness centers to community centers.
Whether you’re considering unaccompanied housing, post housing, or prefer to explore homes for sale outside the base, thoroughly research your choices. Real estate in this area also comes in a diversity of property types.
Neighborhoods around Fort Bragg, such as Linden Oaks and Fort Liberty, offer housing types from affordable apartments to single-family homes. For example, Fort Bragg Apartments offers apartments ranging from one-to-three bedrooms and one-to-two bathrooms, providing a comfortable and affordable experience.
Purchasing a home is a significant investment, and having the right guidance is essential. Contacting a local eXp agent will give you access to the latest listings in the Fort Bragg area and can help guide you through the housing market’s ins and outs.
Cost of Living
Understanding the cost of living in your new locale is key to effective budgeting. Housing costs in Fort Bragg can vary significantly depending on the type of housing you opt for and the neighborhood. The median sale price for houses for sale in Fort Bragg is lower than the national average, making it an affordable base housing solution.
In addition to housing, consider other factors like groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. These expenses are generally lower than the national average, making Fort Bragg (renamed Fort Liberty) an affordable location overall.
Your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) can help offset some of these costs. The BAH is designed to assist active component forces, airborne and special operations forces, and other combat and strategic response forces with housing costs. Military families can use their BAH to rent a home or apartment, purchase a home, or even pay for utilities.
Employment Opportunities
The dynamic job market in Fort Bragg goes beyond the military service, offering an array of opportunities for both military personnel and veterans seeking employment. The post offers jobs in various fields, including healthcare, education, and logistics.
Moreover, Fort Bragg’s significant customer base and the close-knit military community provide opportunities for small businesses, contractors, and service providers.
Fayetteville, the city surrounding Fort Bragg, also offers job opportunities in diverse sectors. Fayetteville State University, for instance, is one of the city’s top employers, with employees in careers ranging from educators to administrative staff.
Education and Healthcare
Regarding education, Fort Bragg (now-Fort Liberty) is served by several quality public schools, including Irwin Intermediate School and Albritton Middle School. Furthermore, Bowley Elementary School and several middle schools offer quality education for school students in the post community.
Healthcare facilities and services in Fort Bragg are top-notch, with the Womack Army Medical Center offering first-class services. The center is equipped to handle everything from routine appointments to emergencies, ensuring residents have access to the care they need when they need it.
Recreation and Amenities
Life in Fort Bragg offers a multitude of recreational activities and amenities. Smith Lake, for instance, is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, offering fishing, boating, and picnicking opportunities.
The base also features multiple fitness centers, perfect for a morning workout, and numerous community centers, offering tons of entertainment for families.
From shopping and dining to vibrant nightlife, Fayetteville offers diverse options to keep residents entertained. The city’s downtown area, in particular, is known for its unique shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Climate and Weather
Fort Bragg’s climate can be described as subtropical, with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, making them perfect for Smith Lake water-based activities. The winters are mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing, although snowfall occasionally occurs.
The fall and spring seasons offer beautiful weather, making them ideal times for outdoor activities and exploring the natural beauty around Fort Bragg.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Regarding transportation, Fort Bragg (renamed Fort Liberty) is well-connected, both within and outside the base. The post offers a free shuttle service for on-post travel, providing easy access to various facilities.
Fayetteville’s Area System of Transit (FAST) offers a reliable public transportation service for off-post travel. Moreover, the proximity to major highways ensures convenient access to surrounding cities.
For longer trips, Fayetteville Regional Airport is a short drive from Fort Bragg, offering flights to major domestic destinations.
Key Takeaways
Relocating to Fort Bragg offers a unique lifestyle steeped in military tradition and a strong sense of community. It provides diverse housing options, from military housing to nearby residential communities, and a cost of living comparable to the national average.
Job opportunities are vast, particularly for military personnel and veterans. The education and healthcare systems are robust, and there’s no shortage of recreational amenities and activities. The climate is pleasant, with four seasons, and the infrastructure is designed for easy commuting.
Contact a local eXp agent to find your ideal home and get alerts on new listings. Enjoy the diverse culture and activities at Fort Bragg.
FAQs: Fort Bragg Housing
Here are some frequently asked questions about housing in Fort Liberty, formerly Fort Bragg:
Where to live if you are stationed at Fort Bragg?
There are numerous options. You could choose Corvias Military Housing on the base or look for houses in nearby communities like Fayetteville or Linden Oaks.
How to get housing on Fort Bragg?
Contact the Housing Services Office at Fort Bragg, which can guide you through obtaining housing, whether on-post or off-post.
Can non-dependents live in military housing?
Usually, military housing is reserved for active-duty military personnel and their dependents. However, there may be exceptions under certain circumstances.
Do you get your own room at Fort Bragg?
In unaccompanied housing units, service members typically have a private sleeping area and share a common area with other service members.
What is the best city to live in by Fort Bragg?
Fayetteville, directly adjacent to Fort Bragg/Fort Liberty, is a popular choice because of its proximity and vibrant community.
What is the BAH rate for Fort Bragg?
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rate at Fort Bragg varies based on rank, dependency status, and location. You can find current rates on the Defense Travel Management Office’s website.
Who can live on Fort Bragg?
Active-duty military personnel, dependents, and some DoD civilians may live at Fort Bragg.
Does Fort Bragg have off-post housing?
There are numerous off-post housing options in nearby communities, including Fayetteville and Linden Oaks.
Can my significant other live with me on base?
Typically, only spouses and dependents can live with military personnel on base. Unmarried partners may have to seek housing off base. However, it’s always best to check with the base’s housing office for specific policies.
