The day has finally arrived, and you just received your orders to PCS (Permanent Change of Station) to MacDill AFB, home of United States Central Command, United States Special Operations Command, and the 6th and 927th Air Refueling Wings. You begin to dream of basking in that Florida sunshine, living only 2 hours from a famous mouse, and imagine yourself running in slow motion on the powdery white beaches. Then the record screeches to a stop as you start scouring Zillow, Realtor.com, and researching all the best areas to live.
Finding the right home is filled with a multitude of steps: price, location, distance to MacDill AFB, and proximity to all the amenities Tampa has to offer is a giant balancing act. You soon come to the realization that moving to Tampa has become expensive, and having it all is quite a challenge. You then start to compromise.
A recent poll was sent out to the MacDill community asking the most important factors when deciding on the area to live in. The number one factor was the commute time to base. Other factors include price and school district, which could be argued strongly correlate. So, what is that sweet spot that aligns a reasonable commute, a good school district, and an affordable price?
Importance of Short Commute Times
Time-Efficiency: A shorter commute translates to more time available for military members to spend with their families, engage in self-care, or pursue additional education and training opportunities. It can be the difference between enjoying quality time at home or being drained by hours spent on the road.
Physical and Mental Well-Being: Lengthy commutes can be physically and mentally taxing, contributing to stress and fatigue. Reducing commute times allows military members to maintain their physical and mental well-being, which is crucial for job performance and overall happiness.
Operational Readiness: Being close to their duty station ensures military members can respond promptly in case of emergencies or last-minute assignments. This proximity can be critical for maintaining operational readiness and fulfilling their military duties effectively.
Real Estate Costs in Tampa: While short commute times are undeniably valuable, it's essential to consider how they impact the cost of real estate in the Tampa area. Tampa is known for its diverse real estate market, offering a wide range of housing options to suit different budgets. However, properties close to MacDill or within the city center tend to come at a premium price.
Proximity to Bases: Living near MacDill Air Force Base may come with a higher price tag, but it can significantly reduce commute times. Military housing options may be available on base: Currently, there is a considerable waitlist of months or to a year depending on rank and family size.
Suburban Alternatives: For those looking to balance affordability with commute time, Tampa's suburbs and surrounding areas offer housing options that are more budget-friendly. While the commute may be longer, the cost savings can be substantial. Of course, commute tolerance can have different factors. Commuting in traffic is much more unbearable than a commute with an open road and excellent traffic flow. So what are the suburban areas that rise to the top with better traffic flow?
Tampa is continuously improving its highway systems, and two honorable mentions for military commuters are the Veteran’s and Selmon Expressways. The Veteran’s feeds northwest Tampa communities such as Citrus Park, Westchase, Odessa, and Lutz from MacDill, and the Selmon feeds Riverview, Brandon, Fishhawk, and Valrico to the southeast.
Conclusion
Choosing where to live is a significant decision for military members in Tampa, and commute time should not be underestimated. A shorter commute can enhance their quality of life, well-being, and operational readiness. However, it's essential to weigh these benefits against the cost of real estate and consider available housing allowances or subsidies. Ultimately, the right choice depends on individual circumstances, priorities, and budget constraints. By carefully considering these factors, military members can find a housing solution that best suits their needs and enhances their overall military experience in Tampa.
About the Author
Luke Allen is a retired USAF Lt Col who served 20 years as a navigator and drone pilot. Luke finished his career at MacDill AFB, and now has the privilege of assisting military members stationed at MacDill find homes in the Tampa area. Luke has firsthand experience of arriving in a new city and military base, endeavoring to ensure his family's seamless transition while embarking on a fresh mission. He extends to his clients the very same core values that once guided his dedicated service to his nation.
