Fort Bragg area guide

This area guide originally appeared on PCSgrades.

Moving to Fort Bragg in North Carolina? This area guide by PCSgrades gets you started on everything you need to know about the area.

Fort Bragg is located close to Fayetteville, North Carolina almost in the middle of the state. Fort Bragg is one of the largest Army installations in the world. Nearby counties include; Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, and Moore. Popular cities within Cumberland County are Fayetteville, Eastover, Spring Lake, Hope Mills, Linden, and Wade. Harnett County includes many small towns such as Lillington, Dunn, Erwin, Coats, and Bunn Level. Hoke County provides the popular town of Raeford and Moore County has the well-known golf town of Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Aberdeen, Whispering Pines, Vass, and Cameron.

Off Base Neighborhoods

Due to the sheer size of Fort Bragg, it’s necessary first to find out which part of post your spouse will be working on, then find the closest geographical area off post in that particular section. Commute time could turn from 20 minutes to 45 minutes depending on the above factors, so thoroughly research. Some popular neighborhoods off post are the Jack Britt area and Southern Pines.

On Base Housing

Corvias Military Living is the leasing agent for on-post living. It’s a good idea to do thorough research of on-post housing before committing to it. Due to the history and age of Fort Bragg, some housing options are in better condition than others. Check out all of your options prior to making a decision and signing a lease. A lease is not easily broken if you move in and are dissatisfied with your living space. Convenience is the biggest reason why families choose to live on-post.

Schools

Military families at Fort Bragg are lucky to have DoDEA schools on base. There are a total of 11 schools on base serving families in base housing with children ages Pre-K through 8th grade. DoDEA schools are known for their high quality education and ability to meet the needs of military families. There are high schools in Cumberland County and Harnett County, and students have the option to complete a choice application for the one they want to attend.

Cost of Living and BAH

Fort Bragg BAH ranges from $954 to $1,551 for enlisted. BAH at Fort Bragg begins at $1,104 for O1 without dependents and goes up to $1,920 for O7 with dependents.

Housing Costs

The median home cost in the Fayetteville area is $135,000 making it a very attractive place to buy. The Southern Pines area is a favorite of military families even with the 40-minute commute but averages $268,000 to buy a home.

Read more: This unique community is a haven for military families

Weather

Fort Bragg weather varies, but North Carolina does have four seasons. A mild climate sums up Fort Bragg pretty well as agriculture is booming in this area throughout three of the four seasons. From late December to early March is considered winter time with lows in the 20’s and highs in the 60’s. Mid-March through early Mid springtime with warm days, cool nights, and a multitude of rain. Late May through early September is summer time with highs sometimes reaching into the 100’s and lows in the 60’s. Mid-September through Mid-December is fall with temperatures varying from lows in the 50’s to highs in the 70’s.

Base Amenities

A large installation like Fort Bragg has many perks. There are two Commissaries, several PX’s, the Iron Mike Conference Center, fourteen fitness centers, Army Community Services that offers classes and resilience training programs, and the U.S. Army Morale, Welfare, & Recreation (MWR) that organizes many fun events across post. If being outdoors is your forte, Fort Bragg will be a perfect place for you. Points of interest across post include McKellers Lodge, Tank Trail, Mott Lake, Smith Lake, Area J, and Flight Line Park.

Area Attractions

Downtown Fayetteville offers an array of restaurants, shopping, coffee shops, dessert cafes, and many family fun activities throughout the year. Southern Pines is the home to golf resorts, shopping, and the famous R. Riveter. Outdoor recreation-Cape Fear Trail, Raven Rock, Zipquest Waterfall and Treetop Adventure, Aloha Safari Zoo, and the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens. Indoor recreation-Paraclete XP Indoor Skydiving, Airborne and Special Operations Museum, Triangle Rock Club, and Defy Fayetteville.