12 Of The Best U.S. Bases For Military Families

Each of our fifty U.S. states has at least one military base and most of our servicemen and women end up stationed at more than a few bases throughout their military careers. Our military families deserve to have a good place to call home. These military bases offer the best lifestyle for families stationed in the U.S. with plenty of local entertainment and beautiful surroundings.

Naval Base Coronado in California

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Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images

Nestled in Coronado, California, Naval Base Coronado offers unbeatable ocean views and glorious weather. A short distance from Downtown San Diego, it is situated on the stunning San Diego Bay.

With eight facilities each with distinct neighborhoods to explore, you can take a leisurely cruise around the island or simply soak up the atmosphere and admire your surroundings. Whatever you choose to do here - one thing is for sure; you won't be disappointed!

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Eglin Air Force Base in Florida

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Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images
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Eglin Air Force Base in Florida offers plenty of amenities for airmen and their families. On the base, there are many activities to participate in, as well as Army attachments that may be stationed here from time to time.

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Plus, the beautiful Floridian scenery provides even more opportunities! From zoos to white sand beaches, you'll find a range of exciting day trips close by that will create unforgettable memories.

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Fort Knox in Kentucky

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Mary Knox Merrill/The Christian Science Monitor via Getty Images
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Fort Knox, a U.S. Army Base in Radcliff, Kentucky, has an impressive population of over 11,000 people and provides housing for them all. Located close to Elizabethtown and Vine Grove, the average cost of a house is $136,000 - making it a safe investment for those who are stationed there.

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If you find yourself assigned at Fort Knox then this could be the perfect place to plant some roots!

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Fort Hood in Texas

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Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images
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Found 70 miles north of Austin, Fort Hood Texas is a pretty large Army installation. Here, basic training goes down, as well as many other forms of conditioning. There's also a ton to do here.

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The housing varies and there are plenty of opportunities to participate in resident programming and child-friendly events. Another cool thing is that Texas' real estate market has a reputation for offering larger homes for less money. Not only will you be in a friendly community, but you also will have more money in your pocket.

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Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California

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Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images
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Here we have another California based station and it's U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. It's right next to Oceanside and San Clemente, two popular locations along the coast of California.

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We can't stress enough that the location of this base is everything. It isn't too long of a drive to Los Angeles if you're feeling Hollywood, but it's even closer to Carlsbad, the village by the sea. Whatever you're in the mood for, you can make it happen if you're based here.

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Marine Corps Base in Hawaii

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If Hawaii is an option, then this one makes the list no matter what. Unless you're afraid of being on an island or feeling trapped, why wouldn't you want to get stationed at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii?

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Located in Kailua, Hawaii, this Marines base has plenty of cozy oceanfront housing and tropical weather. There is no shortage of activities for families who get to live at this great station.

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Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington

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If you're a fan of the west coast, but prefer some colder weather, then Joint Base Lewis-McChord would be the best situation. Located in Tacoma, Washington, this base has all the breathtaking views one could ever ask for in their life.

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This Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps station features quick commutes and lively communities that make it a sought-after destination. The great medical care and childcare programs are only a few of the stellar features.

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Fort Carson Army Base in Colorado

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RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post via Getty Images
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The Fort Carson Army base, located five miles from Colorado Springs, has what many families look for in living situations. A couple of its pros are the beautiful mountains that surround the area and the move-in ready housing. Also, the population is 80% families with kids under 18.

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There are activities for all ages and a tight-knit community feel. To help create a hometown vibe, there are many community events. You're lucky if you get placed here.

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Naval Station Mayport in Florida

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Naval Station Mayport is a great choice for Navy personnel and their families looking to settle down. Located in Jacksonville, Florida, this station is one of three large Navy bases with over 32,000 families calling it home.

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It offers newly-renovated and newly-constructed homes complete with all the necessary appliances in four separate neighborhoods. Sailors and their families are sure to be pleased with the amenities available at Naval Station Mayport.

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Fort Sam Houston in Texas

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Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, is also the "Home of Army Medicine." This base is one of the best for families, thanks to the various on-site schools, housing options, and activities.

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If you're a new military family, you can have your choice at quadplexes, duplexes, and detached houses in eight neighborhoods. Some families prefer to stay off base, which is okay here because the location of Fort Sam makes for an easy commute from the suburbs.

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Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska

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Located in Anchorage, Alaska is the Army and Air Force joint base Elmendorf-Richardson. If you can handle harsh winters, then this place is perfect for the family. There's so much snow and outdoor adventure awaiting you!

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This base houses 20,000 families and is only 20 minutes from downtown Anchorage. Those in the military often find that living on the base turns out to be cheaper, and thankfully, there are 19 different areas to choose between here.

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Fort Story in Virginia Beach

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Andy Katz/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images
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There aren't many bases that feature sand, sun, and a family-oriented community, but Fort Story in Virginia Beach is one of them. The base is for those in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

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This station is a popular destination for military housing and for training Expeditionary Forces. The housing situation at Fort Story is superb. There are more than 250 two-story townhomes that come complete with oceanfront views. It's kind of tough to beat something like that.