On Post Housing for Federal Employees - Fort Meade (lease, appliances)

[prostogau]

I'm trying to get a feel for the housing situation at Fort Meade, specifically for federal employees. I will be PCSing there sometime in 2011 from Texas, thanks to BRAC.

The details we've received have been spotty, at best. All we have really been told so far is to just get on the housing list now. I wanted to see if there are any feds out there who've gone through the process or anyone who may have some insight as to how it all works. I've gone to the RCI web site, but I don't find it all that informative.

What is available to civilians? Overall, is it worth considering?

Thanks for your input.

[aplcr0331]

Here's a good website to look at about Ft, Meade Housing.

I'm just a contractor on base, but I know that you can get into housing based on family size and GS level (or whatever pay band you are in).

I've been inside of two of the houses, both townhomes. They belonged to an E-6 I work with, and the first was a dump-I guess that's harsh it just was not very nice. He was able to move into the newer housing since he is having another kid. It's a 4 bedroom townhome and very nice.

Schools in this area are not great, and apparently the HS is really crappy. I would get on the list, if you can, but also look in other areas as well.

Good luck,

C

[prostogau]

Thanks for the input, C.

It seems that is the going opinion; one unit might be less than desirable, another might be pretty nice. Were these townhomes you mentioned in the same "neighborhood?"

Originally Posted by aplcr0331

I would get on the list, if you can, but also look in other areas as well.

My thoughts as well.

[Mashenkina]

How did this turn out? Did you go with civilian housing or find out more?

[MabOfFey]

We just looked at a townhouse in the "civilian" area, Patriot Ridge. It is a four bedroom. The rooms are smaller than we are used to and there is no garage or carport, but it is fairly nice with new carpeting and updated appliances. The lease is for one year, the rent is under $2000 per month & includes electricity & lawn care and the commute to DISA is less than a mile. It is certainly not the nicest base housing units we have lived in, but it is by far not the worst I have seen. We got on the list about a month ago & the unit was waiting for us when we got here. If we chose to move out before the lease expires, the penalty is one month of rent.

[MabOfFey]

I forgot to mention, there is a website for Fort Meade housing that has floor plans for the houses.
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