As a Ft. Rucker BOLC/flight school student, where is the ideal place to live?

I was stationed here as an nco from 2010-2013, and after getting married moved on post early 2012. I lived in one of the houses vs. The duplexes, but I had a very good experience living on post. Before that, lived in enterpise. It wasn't bad, but it was cheaper apartments. Moving back here early 2014 for wocs and flight school, I wanted to live on post, but they didn't have the houses available. The duplexes are not bad, however there's less storage space, which I needed. If you're single, or married with only 1 kid, I'd encourage you to live on post whether house or duplex. The convenience, especially once you start flying is hard to beat. I'm living on the north side of enterprise now, and my commute to the airfield I go to for advanced aiframe is about 30 minutes. As a new Lt, it'd be financially beneficial to live on post, but if you're prior service with a few years in, it might be better to live off post. A small difference. For comparison, when I first moved on post I was an E5, and it saved me money to live on post. When I made E6, it could do either way, depending on the cost of gas ro commute, but for the most part with the housing market around here, it would not be difficult to find a place where I could save a little bit of money as BAH covered both rent and utilities, as well as the extra gas pretty well. Mind you, you won't be here but for a year and a half. As a W1 now, BAH is pretty much the same as an E6, but of course the general up in pay was plenty to cover stuff. I would sincerely encourage you to try living on post. With a wife and two kids I always got a check back from housing from using below average on utilities, even in the summer. Lawn care is taken care of, and if you get another student roommate, they only take half your BAH or something like that. I used considerably less gas than living even close to post. So, I'm pretty much rambling at this point, but what I'm generally saying is, I have a lot of crap, if not for that I would have taken the duplex (which really isn't THAT much smaller, just no garage).

I live in Enterprise again. This is my third time living in the area and wouldn't change a thing. If you have kids, schools in base are good as are those in Enterprise. I've known many who lived on base and enjoyed it as well. To me the drive from Dothan isn't worth living there since it is close enough for weekend shopping etc. keeping close makes a big difference when flying daily (and nights) etc.

I reported here in April for BOLC/IERW. I did a lot of research prior to moving here, and found a place off base for $600 a month. It's a town house in the Ft. Rucker Appreciation Park, about 3 miles from the Enterprise Gate. There's so many off post housing options that are great - finding one that fits your budget and location is where the work comes in. I live in a 2 story, 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, washer/dryer, powered 1 car garage, kitchen appliances town house for $600. I have heard of people having the same exact layout (all of the town houses in this area are essentially the same floor plan) for as low as $500 (much older townhouse), and as high as $900. Try and steer clear from realty companies and try and find a private party. My landlord in a IP.

I hope this was helpful. Goodluck in your search!