JULY 21, 2025 – Depending on how you look at it, relocating with a military family will either be an adventure or total chaos (or maybe a little of both), but either way it’s a 100% reality for service members who are serving in the United States military.
Between juggling PCS moves, enrolling the kids in new schools, and finding a neighborhood with all the usual amenities like a good coffee shop and a decent bistro or pizza joint (and maybe a playground that doesn’t look like it’s a set from a 90s horror film)…life on base can honestly be a bit of a mixed bag.
But that being said, there’s no denying that some military installations rise above the rest, for the simple reasons that they offer strong support networks, excellent amenities, and the kind of quality-of-life perks that you would expect in a typical American town and that therefore make the ride smoother.
Want to learn more? Here’s a detailed look at the best U.S. military bases for families.
Fort Bragg, North Carolina (formerly Fort Liberty)
Don’t let the sheer size of Fort Bragg (formerly called Fort Liberty) intimidate you. Yes, it’s undeniably massive…but that also means it has everything. We’re talking about several CDCs (Child Development Centers) as well as strong EFMP support and a very wide range of youth sports and activities.
The base housing is mostly privatized through Corvias, and while not every street is picture-perfect, many neighborhoods are certainly walkable, and there are also several parks and community centers right nearby. Some of the newer homes are surprisingly spacious and come complete with fenced yards and open layouts that most families will love.
School Situation
Cumberland County Schools serves the Fort Liberty area and it includes several on-post elementary schools. There are standout options like Irwin Academic Center and Gordon Elementary. And if you’re into magnet or charter options, the district offers plenty of them too.
Other Perks Worth Mentioning
- The Smith Lake Recreation Area is a lot of fun. Think kayaking, camping, and actual peace and quiet.
- It offers an exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), which has strong coordination with local healthcare and schools.
Joint Base San Antonio, Texas
Joint Base San Antonio includes Fort Sam Houston, Lackland AFB, and Randolph AFB. That trio means families (like yours) can benefit from multiple resources and options across a city that is surprisingly navigable.
The housing availability varies, but Hunt Military Communities manages many homes across the installations, and you’ll also find neighborhoods that include splash pads, walking and hiking trails, and even dog parks. The area is peppered with excellent local amenities, including the San Antonio Zoo, The DoSeum (a fantastic hands-on children’s museum), and family-friendly River Walk activities. So there’s no shortage of things to do here!
School Situation
Education in San Antonio is honestly a bit of a mixed bag, but the military-friendly districts like Northeast ISD and Northside ISD offer solid academic options and support for military kids who are transitioning in and out. Randolph Field ISD is particularly well-rated and caters directly to military families.
What Makes It Shine
- There are truly exceptional medical facilities at Brooke Army Medical Center, and Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center is one of the largest outpatient clinics in the DoD
- There are M&FRC (Military and Family Readiness Center) programs galore from things like budgeting workshops to spouse career help
Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk is the world’s largest naval base, so you better believe it knows how to handle families! The installation itself is huge, but what truly makes it great for families is the excellent access to Hampton Roads amenities.
Housing is privatized under Lincoln Military Housing, which offers a variety of layouts and neighborhoods that are located near quality schools and stores for shopping. Think townhome-style living with community centers, playgrounds, and BBQ areas.
School Situation
Virginia Beach City Public Schools and Chesapeake Public Schools are top-tier options within commuting distance. Military families here mainly appreciate the Military Student Support Programs, which include transition counselors and deployment support teams.
The Extra Stuff
- The Naval Station Norfolk Fleet & Family Support Center offers classes on parenting, deployment readiness, and stress management
- Local gems like the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center
- There are military discounts practically everywhere, including Busch Gardens Williamsburg and the Children’s Museum of Virginia
Fort Carson, Colorado
Set against the Rocky Mountains, Fort Carson is often described as one of the most picturesque installations in the entire United States. But it’s more than just pretty. It’s also family-friendly to its very core. The on-base housing (run by Balfour Beatty Communities) offers modern layouts and access to parks, splash pads, and some great trails for hiking.
The town of Colorado Springs is also incredibly military-supportive and has tons of family-oriented attractions like the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and Garden of the Gods.
School Situation
Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8 operates several on-post schools, and families can also choose from high-performing districts like Academy School District 20 or Cheyenne Mountain School District 12, which is located off-post.
The Real Perks
- There’s a fantastic youth center that offers everything from leadership clubs to esports tournaments
- There are no shortage of outdoor opportunities, including hiking, skiing, and rafting or kayaking
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
Camp Lejeune sits on the coast of North Carolina, which should already score points with families who are ocean-loving and love beaches. But beyond the awesome beach vibes here, the base itself has really stepped up its game when it comes to family readiness and services.
Base housing (which is managed by Atlantic Marine Corps Communities) offers everything from duplexes to single-family homes. Many of the communities are also gated and come with community centers that have swimming pools, gyms, and even fitness classes.
School Situation
DoDEA runs several schools on base, most of which have small class sizes Off-base, Onslow County Schools has made serious strides in supporting military-connected students with many transition counselors and tutoring programs.
Worth the Salute
- The Tarawa Terrace and Midway Park neighborhoods are favorites among families
- The Lejeune-New River MCCS offers everything from youth soccer to spouse employment programs
- The base is in close proximity to Topsail Beach and Emerald Isle, which means weekend getaways are more like quick escapes!
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington
Located near Tacoma and just a stone’s throw from Mount Rainier, JBLM is one of the most family-focused joint bases in the USA. Between the base housing, the solid public schools, and the incredible recreation opportunities in the gorgeous landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, this is one duty station where families often ask to stay longer!
Housing, operated by Lincoln Military Housing, includes updated homes with open concepts, yards, and access to community perks like trails and neighborhood events.
School Situation
Clover Park School District runs several schools on base, and they’ve partnered with the military to provide things like deployment counseling and tutoring for students.
Family Benefits
- The JBLM MWR offers affordable outdoor adventures and gear rentals
- The Madigan Army Medical Center is a full-service hospital and is not far
- There are strong spouse employment programs, including local hiring fairs and resume workshops
Eglin Air Force Base, Florida
Located on Florida’s Emerald Coast, Eglin is a dream assignment for many. Sure, the beaches are stunning, but there’s also a whole lot more to it than just the wonderful views. For instance, this base has one of the best-rated Air Force support networks for families.
Housing is managed by Corvias and includes multiple options in regards to floor plans and fenced yards, and there are also many playgrounds that are sprinkled across the neighborhoods.
School Situation
Okaloosa County School District offers military-friendly schools with impressive ratings. The Bluewater Elementary and Niceville High School are especially popular among Eglin families.
What Families Brag About
- Eglin youth programs include after-school clubs, STEM labs, and summer camps
- All major beaches within a 10-minute drive (yes, really!)
- There are free family activities through the Airman & Family Readiness Center
Not All Military Bases Are Equal
Not all military bases are created equal when it comes to family life. Some have charm but lack services, while others check every box a military family might have.
But these installations that we have covered here today stand out not just for what they offer, but rather how they offer it. They have heart, and they also have structure and the kind of community that makes military life feel just a little bit more like home.
And when the orders come down, knowing that a place isn’t just livable but also lovable really does all the difference.