In what area of the country do you live? What was your experience finding housing?

SN Vivien Roman-Hampton — Tue, 30 May 2017 21:05:38 -0400

Did you have trouble finding affordable housing? Are you still struggling? Share your experience.

Response by SN Vivien Roman-Hampton made May 30 at 2017 9:08 PM

SN Vivien Roman-Hampton — Tue, 30 May 2017 21:08:39 -0400

I remember when I first left the military and I went back to my home of record, NY. I was working, going to school and had to live with my parents because I could not afford to live on my own. After a while I moved to Las Vegas and lived with an old military buddy and was able to work part-time and go to school and share this apartment with her. It was such a change.

Many moves later, I am back on the East Coast, in my own home but if it wasn't for the VA Home Loan, I don't think it would have been possible to get. I feel like the affordable housing pool is shrinking.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made May 31 at 2017 12:21 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Wed, 31 May 2017 00:21:55 -0400

Well I'm from the Northeast, so here down south, all housing is affordable housing. I've got like 5 times the living accommodations for half the price.

Response by PFC Jonathan Albano made May 31 at 2017 2:26 AM

PFC Jonathan Albano — Wed, 31 May 2017 02:26:12 -0400

SE Idaho has a pretty cheap cost of living all around. I bought 1,000 square foot house 0 down (thank you VA loan) for about $85,000 putting my housing at about $700 per month once utilities are figured in. I found the house within a month of searching (and being very selective) too.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2017 9:15 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 31 May 2017 21:15:14 -0400

In San Diego County housing affordability is a huge problem. For active duty personnel the BAH is high to match which helps. The other issue is that there is an extremely low vacancy rate and whether buying or renting properties move quickly.