Finding a place to live.

[AyashiKaibutsu]

So I'm going to be working at ft. Meade in Maryland. I'm leaving February 1st and I'm not sure where I'm going to be living. I'm single so I'm pretty sure I can't have on base housing. I've never actually had to look for a place to live before. Any time I moved previously was because I already had a place I was going to live at.

I was trying to look up apartments online, but all the ones I look into the reviews for them either sound like someone from an ad or complain about severe bugs/mold problems that never get resolved. Anyone have tips for looking for a place to live? I should have about 7 days to find a place once I move into the area so it's not like I need to establish where before I get there, but having not done this before I'm rather nervous. Also, somewhat annoyed that every apartment I've talked with has prices 100+ higher than their listed should I be calling them on that or are they just going to tell me things changed?

Update: Apparently, I should have tried harder to find a place before I got here. Ran into a lot of waiting lists for places I wanted to be, and I wasn't willing to live in a motel for a month. Luckily, I did manage to find a place in a nice town ~15 minutes from base so it ended pretty well.

For those wondering, E4s and lower in the army have to be in dorms. That doesn't apply to air force though if the dorms are full enough they'll let e3s out. It especially didn't apply to me since I'm married.

 

[dougp]

Are you being stationed there or are you taking a civilian contract? Because if you're being stationed as an enlisted, you should be in the barracks. As an officer, you should receive an off-base housing allowance.

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

Are you being stationed there or are you taking a civilian contract? Because if you're being stationed as an enlisted, you should be in the barracks. As an officer, you should receive an off-base housing allowance.

It's not my first base; I won't be stuck in a barracks. I'm enlisted in the Air Force. I'm technically married at the moment, but will have a divorce in the next couple of months.

 

[dougp]

It's not my first base; I won't be stuck in a barracks. I'm enlisted in the Air Force. I'm technically married at the moment, but will have a divorce in the next couple of months.

I thought it didn't matter which base you were on (number/amount) vs. rank and space available when it comes to enlisted to qualify for the off-base housing allowance? Find a group of other enlisted and live off base - pocket more of the cash instead of putting it all into rent?

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

I thought it didn't matter which base you were on (number/amount) vs. rank and space available when it comes to enlisted to qualify for the off-base housing allowance? Find a group of other enlisted and live off base - pocket more of the cash instead of putting it all into rent?

Yea, I suppose I'm kind of in the dark. On this base, you can get out of the dorms after three years time in service and sometimes before that if occupancy gets too high. The sponsor at my next base said I'd have to look for an apartment. He didn't really seem to know anything in regards to good places; he said he'd ask around. I'm more looking for general advice on finding a place rather than specific advice on the area.

 

[jupiter57]

Meh, just be a typical ATOT Baller, take out a small down payment from your savings & buy a $250K house at 0.3% interest.
Make your payments using your magic ATOT credit card, the cash back rewards will be more than your payments!
Heck, might even get enough extra back to buy a used M3!

Sorry, just had to do that.
Seriously, I think the USAF is required to furnish you a barracks or dorm regardless (If you're single), but if none is available, provide a stipend for off-base housing. (Mind you, I've been out of the Military for almost 40 years, though!)

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

Meh, just be a typical ATOT Baller, take out a small down payment from your savings & buy a $250K house at 0.3% interest.
Make your payments using your magic ATOT credit card, the cash back rewards will be more than your payments!
Heck, might even get enough extra back to buy a used M3!

Sorry, just had to do that.
Seriously, I think the USAF is required to furnish you a barracks or dorm regardless (If you're single), but if none is available, provide a stipend for off-base housing. (Mind you, I've been out of the Military for almost 40 years, though!)

Yea, I will be getting a stipend (BAH (basic allowance for housing)). It's 1230 for the base I'll be at. Paying for it is not the mystery to me : p Finding a place to live is.

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

Update: (even though the thread wasn't really helpful don't like leaving them unresolved) Apparently, I should have tried harder to find a place before I got here. Ran into a lot of waiting lists for places I wanted to be, and I wasn't willing to live in a motel for a month. Luckily, I did manage to find a place in a nice town ~15 minutes (the areas immediately adjacent are pretty seedy) from base so it ended pretty well.

For those wondering, E4s and lower in the army have to be in dorms. That doesn't apply to air force though if the dorms are full enough they'll let e3s out. It especially didn't apply to me since I'm married.