Introduction

Finding the perfect army base for your family can be a challenging task, especially with so many options available. Each base offers unique amenities and a distinct community feel, making it crucial to explore and understand what each one has to offer. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate through the top 20 army bases, highlighting their best features and why they could be the ideal choice for your family’s new home.

Top Army Bases for Families

1. Fort Bragg, North Carolina

Fort Bragg is one of the largest and most renowned army bases in the United States. This base offers an exceptional quality of life for families, with a wide range of amenities and an active community. The surrounding area boasts excellent schools, making it an ideal choice for families with children. With its proximity to the beautiful Cape Fear River and the coastal attractions of North Carolina, Fort Bragg provides a well-rounded and enjoyable lifestyle.

2. Fort Hood, Texas

Fort Hood is another massive army base, known for its diverse and vibrant community. Here, families can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including golf courses, lakes, and hiking trails. The base also offers exceptional educational opportunities, with highly rated schools and a strong focus on family support programs. Fort Hood’s central location in Texas provides easy access to major cities and a range of cultural experiences.

3. Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) is a premier army base located in the scenic Pacific Northwest. This base stands out for its stunning natural surroundings, with easy access to outdoor adventures and breathtaking views. Families can explore nearby mountains, lakes, and national parks, offering a unique and active lifestyle. JBLM also boasts a strong sense of community, with various support groups and family-oriented events.

4. Fort Campbell, Kentucky and Tennessee

Fort Campbell is a popular choice for families, situated in a prime location between Kentucky and Tennessee. This base offers a diverse range of amenities, including excellent schools, medical facilities, and recreational options. The surrounding area provides a blend of urban and rural experiences, with easy access to Nashville’s vibrant culture and the natural beauty of Kentucky’s countryside.

5. Fort Carson, Colorado

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Carson offers a truly exceptional living experience. Families can enjoy the base’s numerous outdoor activities, from hiking and camping to skiing and snowboarding. The base also boasts a strong military community, with a focus on family support and a range of social events. Fort Carson’s proximity to Colorado Springs provides access to urban amenities while maintaining a close-knit military environment.

6. Fort Drum, New York

Fort Drum, located in upstate New York, offers a unique and welcoming community for families. This base is known for its strong sense of camaraderie and support, with a range of family-oriented programs and activities. The surrounding Adirondack Mountains provide a stunning backdrop, offering ample opportunities for outdoor adventures. Fort Drum also boasts excellent schools and a vibrant military culture.

7. Fort Riley, Kansas

Fort Riley, situated in the heartland of America, is a historic army base with a rich military tradition. This base offers a tight-knit community feel, with a focus on family support and a range of recreational activities. Families can enjoy the base’s golf courses, sports fields, and nearby lakes, providing a well-rounded and enjoyable lifestyle. Fort Riley’s central location in Kansas makes it easily accessible and well-connected.

8. Fort Bliss, Texas

Fort Bliss, located in the beautiful desert landscape of West Texas, is a unique and vibrant army base. This base offers a diverse range of amenities, including excellent medical facilities, recreational centers, and a strong focus on family support. The surrounding area provides a blend of urban and natural experiences, with easy access to El Paso’s cultural offerings and the stunning Franklin Mountains.

9. Fort Stewart, Georgia

Fort Stewart is the largest army base east of the Mississippi River, offering a vast and diverse community. This base provides an exceptional quality of life, with excellent schools, medical facilities, and a range of recreational options. Families can enjoy the base’s golf courses, swimming pools, and nearby coastal attractions, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a blend of military life and coastal living.

10. Fort Benning, Georgia

Fort Benning, known as the “Home of the Infantry,” is a historic and prestigious army base. This base offers a well-rounded living experience, with a strong military culture and a focus on family support. Families can explore the base’s extensive outdoor recreation areas, including hiking trails and shooting ranges. Fort Benning’s proximity to Columbus, Georgia, provides access to urban amenities and a vibrant military community.

11. Schofield Barracks, Hawaii

Schofield Barracks, located on the beautiful island of Oahu, offers a truly unique and exotic living experience. This army base is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with easy access to beaches, mountains, and tropical forests. Families can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, from surfing and snorkeling to hiking and camping. Schofield Barracks also boasts a strong military community, with a focus on family support and cultural immersion.

12. Fort Knox, Kentucky

Fort Knox, a historic army base known for its role in gold storage, offers a blend of tradition and modern amenities. This base provides a tight-knit community feel, with a range of recreational activities and excellent schools. Families can explore the base’s historic sites, golf courses, and nearby lakes, offering a well-rounded and educational living experience. Fort Knox’s central location in Kentucky makes it easily accessible and well-connected.

13. Fort Gordon, Georgia

Fort Gordon, located in the charming city of Augusta, Georgia, is a vibrant and growing army base. This base offers a range of amenities, including excellent medical facilities, recreational centers, and a strong focus on family support. Families can enjoy the base’s golf courses, swimming pools, and nearby historical sites, providing a blend of military life and Southern charm.

14. Fort Polk, Louisiana

Fort Polk, situated in the heart of Louisiana, is a unique and welcoming army base. This base offers a strong sense of community, with a range of family-oriented programs and activities. Families can explore the base’s outdoor recreation areas, including hiking trails and shooting ranges. Fort Polk’s proximity to the vibrant city of Alexandria provides access to urban amenities and a rich cultural experience.

15. Fort Irwin, California

Fort Irwin, located in the Mojave Desert, offers a one-of-a-kind living experience. This base provides a blend of military tradition and modern amenities, with a focus on family support. Families can enjoy the base’s recreational facilities, including golf courses and swimming pools, as well as nearby desert adventures. Fort Irwin’s proximity to Los Angeles and Las Vegas provides easy access to urban attractions and cultural experiences.

16. Fort Bragg, Washington

Fort Bragg, Washington, is a historic and picturesque army base located on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula. This base offers a strong sense of community, with a range of family-oriented programs and a focus on environmental sustainability. Families can explore the base’s outdoor recreation areas, including hiking trails and beaches, providing a unique and nature-centric living experience.

17. Fort Sill, Oklahoma

Fort Sill, a historic army base known for its artillery training, offers a blend of tradition and modern amenities. This base provides a tight-knit community feel, with a range of recreational activities and excellent schools. Families can explore the base’s historic sites, museums, and nearby lakes, offering a well-rounded and educational living experience. Fort Sill’s central location in Oklahoma makes it easily accessible and well-connected.

18. Fort Huachuca, Arizona

Fort Huachuca, located in the scenic mountains of southeastern Arizona, is a unique and historic army base. This base offers a strong sense of community, with a range of family-oriented programs and a focus on cultural diversity. Families can enjoy the base’s recreational facilities, including golf courses and shooting ranges, as well as nearby desert adventures. Fort Huachuca’s proximity to Tucson provides access to urban amenities and a vibrant military community.

19. Fort Rucker, Alabama

Fort Rucker, known as the “Home of Army Aviation,” is a prestigious and historic army base. This base offers a well-rounded living experience, with a strong military culture and a focus on family support. Families can explore the base’s extensive aviation facilities, including flight simulators and training areas. Fort Rucker’s proximity to the charming city of Dothan provides access to urban amenities and a close-knit military community.

20. Fort Meade, Maryland

Fort Meade, located in the heart of Maryland, is a vibrant and growing army base. This base offers a range of amenities, including excellent medical facilities, recreational centers, and a strong focus on family support. Families can enjoy the base’s golf courses, swimming pools, and nearby historical sites, providing a blend of military life and East Coast charm. Fort Meade’s proximity to Baltimore and Washington, D.C., provides easy access to urban attractions and cultural experiences.

Conclusion

Choosing the right army base for your family is a significant decision, and this guide has provided an overview of the top 20 bases across the United States. Each base offers a unique blend of amenities, community feel, and natural surroundings, ensuring a high quality of life for military families. Whether you prioritize access to outdoor adventures, excellent schools, or a strong sense of community, there is an army base that can cater to your family’s needs and desires.