Base housing (on-base) (Fairfield, Beavercreek, Fairborn: lease, houses, buy)

[tigerlilly31415]

Is anyone familiar with the FGO brick housing units on Area A? Just found out we're eligible for either a 3 BR duplex or 4 BR single in the officer housing area on base. We probably won't choose to live there, but want to at least look into it. I know it's older, but I've never seen inside, or known anyone who has lived there. We lived in Prairies of Wright Field (the newer privatized off-base housing) last time we were stationed there. Just curious if the on-base ones are nice, or dumps, or what. Also how private/big the yards are.

I've heard they attend Fairborn schools, which I'm not wild about, but our child will likely only attend kindergarten there, so we could possibly look into private school...any suggestions if we go that route?

[hensleya1]

Originally Posted by tigerlilly31415

Is anyone familiar with the FGO brick housing units on Area A? Just found out we're eligible for either a 3 BR duplex or 4 BR single in the officer housing area on base. We probably won't choose to live there, but want to at least look into it. I know it's older, but I've never seen inside, or known anyone who has lived there. We lived in Prairies of Wright Field (the newer privatized off-base housing) last time we were stationed there. Just curious if the on-base ones are nice, or dumps, or what. Also how private/big the yards are.

I've heard they attend Fairborn schools, which I'm not wild about, but our child will likely only attend kindergarten there, so we could possibly look into private school...any suggestions if we go that route?

From the outside the buildings look pretty nice, with the known caveat that it is, ahem, a government building. The yard size is consistent with any other similar housing - think a third of an acre, maybe half. The residential streets, while not fenced off or anything, are pretty quiet and secluded.

My only experience with those houses come from whenever I hit stray golf balls into an officer's backyard. I can ask around and see if anyone I know does live there though.

[tigerlilly31415]

Thanks! If you find anyone who lives there, would love to hear their impressions (ie. they like it vs. they put up with it for a short assignment).

[SWOH]

Not sure if anyone who has lived there will show up, but I'll add my two cents that I had never even heard of this housing until this post, so thank you for informing me that it exists!

It looks like a great temporary option to me, and an easy place to stay while you get a feel for the area.

[dxdtdemon]

I've been to the Prairies at Wright Field many times before it was privatized, and even once or twice afterwards, but I haven't been in an actual on-base house in many years. My general recollection is that it's not too different from being inside a normal house. I've never heard any complaints about them, for what it's worth.

[meggoo]

Have checked out this facebook page?

https://m.facebook.com/movinghousemi...9220352831998/

[tigerlilly31415]

thank you!

[wrightflyer]

If I remember correctly, it is pretty decent as the base has a large Exchange and other options. Plus the Fairfield Road and Col. Glenn Hwy corridors are just on the other side of Wright State down 844. Probably was even more convenient to shopping when Kaufman Ave in Fairborn was booming (since replaced by the expansion of retail around the circa-1993 Fairfield Mall).

The only draw back I can see is if you need the schools. Fairborn Local Schools are OK at best, but definitely has funding issues when it comes to passing local levies. Facilities (at least the HS) are also older. Since housing here is plentiful, cheap compared to the coastal bases, commutes are easy and schools outside the gate are better than inside, you probably see more military families buy or lease their residence off-base. But if I recall, there can still be a wait-list for base housing (probably depends on when you move and rank, I'd imagine).

EDIT: I should also add that unless you are in Beavercreek, Bellbrook or any area townships (areas not incorporated into a village, city or municipality), you will have to pay the local jurisdictions income tax. Usually it ranges from .5-2.5 % depending on the city you live. If you work on base, that is considered federal property, so the local income tax does not apply for where you work, just where you live (if applicable). That may be another reason people like the base housing, since you don't have any income (or property taxes?) in that situation.

[randomparent]

Although it's been twenty-five years since I've ventured inside any of the brick quarters, I remember them being very nice. But, again, it's been twenty-five years, so take my impressions for what they're worth.

[tigerlilly31415]

Thanks!