Close to the amenities on base, BX, post office and Commissionary.
Closets
Ceiling fans
US and UK outlets
US appliances
Free AFN TV
Do not have to pay rent or utilities
Shorter commute to work (if you live on the base you work at) so you save money on gas. Some people can walk to work.
No security deposit.
Might have the opportunity to upgrade house if family grows without the costs associated with it.
People tend to feel secure because they live behind the big fences- although crime amongst each other is prevalent.
You live in little America
They have house decorating contests
Lack of parking
Noise from aircraft
Small yards
Not being able to experience living in the UK because you are surrounded by Americans.
You live in little America
Subjected to base lockdowns
The negativity that is often experienced in base housing
Cannot leave work behind
The standard of maintenance of the yard and outside of the house are high
You have to sign your family on base when they visit and be with them at all times.
Pros of Living Off Base
Cons of Living Off Base
Can save money if you are frugal with your utilities.
Some houses have bigger yards.
The ability to leave work behind.
You decide the house and size you would like.
You get a more real experience living amongst the locals.
More likely to shop off base which means you get to experience the country more.
Not subjected to base lockdowns.
Houses might be smaller but they are nice.
English schools are great
More privacy, the British like to keep to themselves, but this can be refreshing when you don't like people to be in your business.
The grocery stores have cheaper and better food (no antibiotics or hormones in the meat and do not allow a lot of chemicals in food that is allowed in the US) so we don't have to buy organic because it is already that way. You just pay extra for free range.
Houses can be unique.
If you live in the right place, you can walk into your village or town to shop.
Some towns have train stations which make it easy to go to London.
Commute can be long- it is not the same as commuting in the U.S.
If you prefer to shop on base at places like the Commissionary and BX then it might not be convenient.
Not all houses have garages.
Most houses have washing machines in the kitchen.
Smaller UK appliances (you can get some US ones but you will have to find a place to store them).
Most houses do not have closets.
UK houses are generally smaller but you can find bigger ones for your money away from base but not in commuter towns.
If you have a pet, you may have to pay to pay larger deposit.
Having to come up with a large deposit.
Having to buy 220 volt appliances and use a transformer for your US ones.
If you have a house with a low EPC rating, you can end up spending more than your utility allowance.
People seem to feel less secure living off base despite the fact that the UK and the local area has a very low crime rate.
You have to drive to get gas because the gas off base is very expensive.
If your children go to school on base the commute might be long- so live closer to the base and save them from this.