Living arangements

[Exxo13]

Hi everyone,

I am looking into joining the CAF and I am just trying to figure out more information. I don't know if this helps but I am located in Sudbury Ontario. My question is that I would like to apply for AVN (Aviation Systems Technician.) Once I go through basic training in Quebec and I complete my schooling, is it up to me to find a place to live? Can I live on base? Who can you bring to live on base with you?

Please forgive me if I am not using the right terms as I am still new to this.

Thank you in advance.

-Justin

 

[Tibbson]

1)  If you are single, and there are single quarters (barracks) available on the base you are posted to you can live on base and eat in the mess.  Otherwise, you can get an apartment and live on the economy.

2)  If you are married and there are married quarters available on base you can rent one of those but honestly, for the cost, you are better off either renting or buying on your own. 

 

[ShadyBrah]

2)  If you are married and there are married quarters available on base you can rent one of those but honestly, for the cost, you are better off either renting or buying on your own.

Why would that be? Last I checked the cost of renting on base was much cheaper than the economy.. Are there hidden fees not shown on here or do you mean in terms of cost for size? (Petawawa as example)

http://www.cfha.forces.gc.ca/hl-el/petawawagi-petawawaig-eng.aspx

I too was hoping to keep my family on base for my first posting, but it seems I missed something!

 

[Tibbson]

Just my personal opinion.  I can't speak for Pet but the three bedroom I last lived in consisted of two bedrooms upstairs (that was all, just two bedrooms), a bathroom downstairs, a dining room that had been turned into the third bedroom, a living room and a kitchen so small we couldn't put a table for 4 in it.  We had a small utility room big enough for an apartment size wisher and dryer.  No basement, no garage.  We spent 8 years eating in the living room but my kids were very young so we made do.  The walls had no insulation, the windows were drafty so my heating bill was huge. 

At that time for up to $200 more a month I could have had a mortgage and built up some equity.  If you look at the prices you quote (always assume you will be paying the highest rate for the class of quarters you are considering), the size of the homes and the style of the homes then compare equivalent quarters off base you may find it's better value.  I personally don't see any benefits to living on base considering you need to leave to do shopping and in many cases your kids get bused off base to school. 

Just my opinion.

 

[ShadyBrah]

Ah I see. I have heard some of the housing is very run down,  so I don't expect anything spectacular for the cheaper units. Either way I only plan on it for my first posting.

Thanks for the insight.

 

[Ayrsayle]

On the flip side - I'm currently living in one of the houses you describe (right down to the exact description) but it is just my wife and I.  For 950 in Edmonton, I'd be lucky to get a 2 bedroom apartment for the same price.

Always pays to do some research and look into the local rates before making any choices, but this was the best option for my wife and I based on our circumstances.