For military families, apartment living often has more advantages than buying a home because of the flexibility, reduced financial risk, and ease of relocation it offers. Renting at communities like Liberty Creek Village ensures a stress-free living experience tailored to the needs of military personnel.
Choosing between renting and owning a home is a big decision for any family. But for military families, frequent relocations are common and the choice between renting and buying can have lasting financial impacts.
Apartment living can offer distinct advantages for those in the military and their families. Communities such as Liberty Creek Village, a luxury apartment complex near Tinker Air Force Base, are the perfect solution for the unpredictable nature of military life. They can provide the flexibility and support that military families need while making financial sense for those who must move frequently.
Understanding the Unique Needs of Military Families
Military families face a unique set of challenges when it comes to housing. Frequent relocations, financial considerations, and the demands of military life create specific needs that differ from those of civilian families.
Frequent Moves
Military families often move every two to four years. PCS (Permanent Change of Station) orders require families to uproot their lives, often with little notice, which makes long-term homeownership difficult. This frequent mobility makes renting an apartment a more practical option with the flexibility to move without needing to sell a home.
Financial Considerations
Owning a home comes with significant financial obligations, including mortgage payments, maintenance, and property taxes. For military families, these ongoing costs can be challenging to manage alongside the unpredictability of military life. Renting an apartment provides a stable and predictable monthly expense, without the unexpected maintenance bills that pop up with owning a home. Families can budget their Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) more efficiently so they can live comfortably without stretching their finances.
PCS and Homeownership
During a PCS move, military families who own homes must still manage mortgage payments, even if they cannot immediately sell their property. This scenario can lead to financial stress as they rent or buy a home in their new location, while still paying for their previous residence. They may be forced to consider less desirable options, such as a short sale or renting out the home.
Renting an apartment, on the other hand, offers peace of mind. Once the lease is up, there are no lingering financial obligations, so families can focus on their next assignment without stress or worry.
3 Benefits of Renting an Apartment vs Buying a Home
Renting an apartment can have many advantages over purchasing a home, especially for military families. Renting is best for those who don’t plan to settle in an area permanently and want to avoid the unpredictable upkeep and expense of a house.
1. Flexibility and Mobility
One of the biggest advantages of renting an apartment is the flexibility it offers, especially for military families who face frequent relocations. When orders come in for a PCS, the ability to end a lease with minimal hassle is invaluable. Unlike homeowners, renters won’t have the stress of selling a property or managing it from afar. Apartments often offer short-term lease options, making it easier to align housing with the unpredictable nature of military life. When a PCS order comes in, families can relocate smoothly without the financial and logistical worries tied to home ownership.
2. Financial Advantages
Renting an apartment often has financial advantages that are particularly attractive to military families. Apartments rarely require large down payments, property taxes, or costly maintenance, which can free up funds for other priorities. Additionally, the BAH is often sufficient to cover rent and utilities, helping families to live within their means. In places like Oklahoma City, where the cost of living is reasonable, BAH can stretch further, enabling families to afford quality housing without financial strain.
3. Maintenance and Upkeep
Another key benefit of apartment living is the reduced responsibility for maintenance and upkeep. Military families, who may have little time to handle repairs and home improvements, can benefit from having these tasks managed by the apartment’s maintenance team. This saves time and money and reduces stress, allowing families to enjoy a well-maintained living space without the hassle of coordinating repairs. Communities like Liberty Creek Village take this a step further by offering modern amenities. Fitness centers, pools, and outdoor courts for sports are among the amenities that add to the residents’ quality of life in a comfortable, worry-free environment.
Is Buying a Home Really Better than Renting?
Homeownership is often seen as a hallmark of financial stability and a good long-term investment. For many, buying a home allows for building equity, personalizing living spaces, and enjoying the potential appreciation of property value over time. The VA home loan, with its favorable terms and no down payment requirement, makes homeownership attractive and achievable for military families. However, the unique demands of military life, particularly the frequent moves associated with PCS orders, can complicate this otherwise sound investment strategy.
While owning a home can be rewarding, the reality is that for military families, it often introduces more risks and responsibilities. A PCS move could leave families trying to sell a home quickly in a slow market, potentially leading to a financial loss or the need to rent out the property to avoid foreclosure. The ongoing responsibility of mortgage payments, insurance, property taxes, and upkeep can also be stressful, especially for families who have been stationed far away.
In comparison, renting provides a more adaptable and stress-free housing solution. Military families can focus their time on their service and family life without the added worries that come with owning a home.
How Liberty Creek Village Caters to Military Families
Liberty Creek Village understands the unique challenges faced by military families and we have designed our community to meet your specific needs. From flexible leasing options to a strong sense of community, Liberty Creek Village offers an ideal living environment for those stationed at Tinker Air Force Base.
Military-Friendly Policies
Liberty Creek Village goes above and beyond to accommodate the demands of military life. Understanding the unpredictability of PCS orders, we offer flexible lease terms of 12 or 18 months to better align with deployment schedules or sudden relocations, and with fully online applications and approvals, military families can get their housing plans in place as soon as they receive orders for a seamless and stress-free experience. Moreover, we’ll waive the administrative and application fees for active duty and veteran service members and give you a $300 one-time discount on the first full month of rent (which fits well within standard BAH rates).
Proximity to Tinker Air Force Base
Located just minutes from Tinker Air Force Base, Liberty Creek Village offers the convenience of a short commute, which allows for more quality time at home. The community’s proximity to the base fosters a strong connection to the military community, making it easier for families to stay engaged with base activities and services. Nearby shopping, dining, and recreational options further enhance the living experience, making Liberty Creek Village a practical and appealing choice.
Amenities
At Liberty Creek Village, we make everything about your military life just a little easier, from morning PT sessions at our state-of-the-art fitness facility to on-site property managers for all your maintenance needs, day or night. Our ready-made community features copious green spaces and walking trails as well as resort-style pools, resident-only clubhouses, and monthly planned social activities. All of our apartments also come with Samsung front-loading washer and dryer combos and covered parking via attached garages with private entrances.
Choose Liberty Creek Village for Your Next PCS
For military families stationed, the decision between renting and buying can be a fraught one that can determine their satisfaction both during and after an assignment. It can also be a big factor in their financial future going forward. While homeownership offers certain benefits, the frequent relocations and financial complexities of military life often make renting a more practical and stress-free option. Renting an apartment, particularly at Liberty Creek Village, provides the flexibility, financial security, and supportive community that military families need to thrive.
Liberty Creek Village is a preferred housing partner of Tinker Air Force Base, offering military-friendly policies, modern luxury amenities, and a convenient location close to the base. During the uncertainties of PCS moves and the demands of military service, Liberty Creek Village helps streamline the application process and simplify your decision, making us the perfect place to call home.
Start the application process today using our convenient online application and make your next move with confidence.
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