My hubby and I have chosen to live off base because rent for local apartments is fairly reasonable. We lived at Staten Crossing Apartments. They're pretty well kept for the most part and have a pool mini gym and laundry on site. They do have a gate which closes after 7pm but it seemed to be broken more than working. The neighbors are fairly considerate and alot seem to be military as well. Rent was on the higher side of local apartments ($750+ for 2bd/2bth) but for the location and it's cleanliness it was worth it. Top floor apartments cost alot in utilities during the summer months I don't think they're well insulated. They do allow pets but no puppies under 1 yr old also you can't have an x-large dog. Typically 75lbs is max weight (about a lab's size). Staten offers a fairly large porch area and outdoor storage closet for each apt. The bathtubs are huge garden tubs walk in closets and a walk in pantry/laundry room. The owners of Staten Crossing also own Tall Tree Apts with the same pet policy. The apts at Tall Tree are older but are cheaper and about a mile further from base than Staten Crossing. Either way it takes about 10 minutes to get to base from Staten Crossing and 13 minutes from Tall Tree Apartments.

The second apartment complex we moved to was Spanish Mission. It's a great price-range option for lower ranking airmen and their families. A 2bd/2bth goes for around $630-$650 and they do offer military discount military clause and amenities such as a pool tennis court basketball court and playground. The size and layout of the apartment was great even though the complex is about 40 years old. The tennants are a mix of military and college although you do find a few families sprawled in between. The grounds are well kept but the fact they're older means you have deal with more bugs. I've had the apartment sprayed twice and am still finding a roach creep in here and there. We love the price we like the location (next to Tall Tree Apts) we love the fact you can have a puppy we do not like bugs.

Northwind Apts- We personally haven't lived at Northwind Apts but we've visited friends over there. They are very pretty. They are on the higher scale of expensive (about $800 for a 1bd/1bth). The ceilings are tall with crown molding the living room dining area and kitchen is an open floorplan. There are walk-in closets (one in bdrm one in LR). You have a small patio or deck and the community is gated at all hours (you have to have a code door opener or get buzzed in). They have a pool dog area and playground. The community is filled with alot of military and professionals and their families. As far as moving out they are sticklers in making sure everything is immaculate. They are right down the road from Staten Crossing Apts and about 10 min to base 5 min to Walmart and 15 min to the mall.

We've never lived in although we did tour Three Oaks Apts. It's located on the same road at Northwind and Staten Crossing apts. It's an older apt community a great location but the floorplans are very tight. The living room we toured couldn't fit our sofa and loveseat in the same room. Our kingsize bed (we measured) would take up majority of the master bedroom leaving us with minimal space for dressers and nightstands. The closets are reach in and small very limited space. The bathrooms also feel tight. The price is very reasonable there for rent just don't plan on having alot of things. They do allow puppies but the pet fee is expensive like most of the apartment complexes in the area.

The links is about 15-20 minutes to base depending on the time of day and traffic flow - we never toured there but they wanted more money than we were willing to spend. The location isn't fun either crossing a median to get in and out of which can be a big pain in the butt during commuter times.

Five Points Residences we never toured but saw the pics online and have seen the outside of the complex. They are expensive. Expeeennnnnsive. Granite countertops high ceilings crown molding the works - the apts are brandnew and are out of a lower ranking airman's range. I'd love to live in them but we simply can't afford it. The location is about 15-20 mins from base. They're surrounded by a few run down stores and fast food restaurants but is a 24hr gated community.

Murray Apts - I've only heard they're crappy. Filled by low income/college students. Rent is really cheap but the apartments reflect it. Not well maintained.

House Rentals - There are a few neighborhoods on the Valdosta-side of base that are worth living in. Branch Point Highland Estates etc. The rent for these places ranges from $825 to $1300. The houses are fairly new filled by mostly military families. The closer to base you go the older the houses usually get. There's a water treatment plant by Freedom Dog Park and it smells awful at night especially during the warmer months. There's a neighborhood with cute cheaper newer houses but it smells so bad we couldn't live there.

I hope some of this helps you make an educated decision!

 

 

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Teddi says:
September 9, 2010 at 2:48 pm

There is new base housing and old base housing. The older base housing has had a lot of issues. A lot of people I know had issues with water damage and mold. Some of them do not have carpeting and instead have lunch room tile floor! Ugh! As for the new housing, I hear it?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s beautiful. I haven?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢t actually been inside, but it is supposed to be much nicer!

There are several off base options. There are several apartment complexes available within reasonable distance of base and within most BAH rates. Here are a few:
Staten Crossing
Northwind Apartments
The Links
Three Oaks
Tall Tree Apartments
Owning and renting houses is also a reasonable option in the area. I have had friends from all ranks (SrA and up) who have owned their own homes. There are all different sizes of house from 1200 sq feet to over 2000 square feet. It all depends on your budget and needs. In addition to Valdosta, many families live in Hahira, Lakeland, or Ray City. Each area has its perks depending on your needs. Some areas have more property if you are looking for a larger lot and some are in more established neighborhoods with smaller yards.
My husband and I lived in quarterman crossing subdivision in Hahira and were 10 minutes from base and 20 minutes from either Wal-Mart. We had easy access to the highway which gave us great access to all parts of town.

Some of the realtors in the area you may choose to contact if you are looking to rent include
Prudential ACS (We used DoraLee Bradford to sell our house and it sold in 3 months)
Herndon Realty
Exit Reatly
Era Joyner



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Samantha says:
July 20, 2010 at 11:47 pm

Not a huge fan. Super small base with a spread out town. And VERY hot!


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