Base Location: GA
How long have you been here? (give years please, ex. 2003-present) 2008-2010
What is housing like? On-post? (waiting list, conditions, etc.) Off-post? Any areas to stay away from? Average price to rent or buy? We live in new housing which is OK! it is typical Army housing, but it is privatized. Most bases are these days. Most of the neighborhoods have either been rebuilt or are being renovated, so housing is nice. If you choose to live off base, I recommend either Smith Station, AL; FT. Mitchell, AL; or at least out to exit 7 and beyond off the interstate.
Rate the PX & Commissary. I will rate the commissary about an 8…they have a great meat and produce section…but could stand to be a little bigger for the size of the base.
And as for the PX, I would say maybe a 7 1/2… it’s ok, but I am not a big AAFES fan as far as shopping goes… but the PX is new and carries many things. There is also 2 Starbucks here on post, 2 day Spa’s, a Mexican restaurant and we even have a Bruster’s ice cream. I also heard, but cannot confirm, that they are building a Huddle House on main post here.
Activities on base? There are many activities here, but some big things are during the nicer months, MWR has Movies under the stars, they host an Oktoberfest, a Salute to the South, and a pretty great 4th of July. They also have the typical CYS Sports activities and there is Uchee Creek where you can camp, rent cabins, trailers, boats to take out on the river (but watch out for the gators)
Active Spouses Club? Not sure about this one. I know they have a CSC, and I believe they have an ESC…I just haven’t heard much about them.
Things to do in area? There is lots to do here. There are some great State Parks that are close by, Columbus has pretty good shopping and dining, if you have children of course there’s Chuck-E- Cheese, plus there is Monkey Joe’s, Jumpin Jax, & Zoo City. Here on post there is even a new family center that from my understanding is like a Chuck-E-Cheese. And don’t forget, you are only about an hour & 1/2 from Atlanta and MAJOR SHOPPING!!!! (and sightseeing), and about 2 hours from some beaches in Florida and about 4 1/2 to Savannah, GA.
School System? Schools here on post are DODEA
Any colleges in area? Right here in Columbus, there is Columbus State and Columbus Tech. There are many other schools available through the military too.
Favorite aspect of this base/surrounding city? I love the fact that everything is right at your finger tips. You don’t have to go far to get what you need/want.
Local websites? (base, chamber, newspaper, schools, etc.) www.benning.army.mil ; https://www.dodea.edu/Americas/southeast/FortBenning/index.cfm/ ; http://www.benningmwr.com/
I loved my experience on Fort Benning, the only down fall is the over crowding. The PX and Commisarry is always packed, but other than that I enjoyed living here. The neighborhoods were nice and safe, the people were great. The services were always polite and there is alot to do outside the post. Atlanta is an hour and a half away but the surrounding city of Columbus is full of great fun. I will miss this post.
Great review! I like that you tell it like it is and keep it short and sweet. I’m really looking forward to PCSing. I’m VERY happy Ft Benning has the DODEA schools- the public schools at Bliss are awful!
I am wondering… is there a Walmart near???? I am coming from Germany and I have missed my Walmart so much so i wanted to make sure there is one around lol!
Wow, this what i was looking forward. Thank you for sharing your time and opinion about this post. We just received word that we will be moving here sometimes next year. I am a stay at home mother of two young kids, and a full time student. I am glad to hear there are a lot of family things to do and things to keep kids busy. It sounds like it will be an easy transition from fort Carson to here.