1) DO be a good neighbor. Military housing often means shared walls and yards, so you’ll need to be mindful of your family’s noise and of your neighbors’ privacy. And be friendly! Simple kindnesses go a long way. Take a moment to introduce yourself when you see new neighbors moving in. But don't assume that you'll be best friends because you're next-door neighbors. Sometimes a little space can be a good thing! But then again, who knows? Maybe you DID just meet your new best friend!

2) DO maintain your lawn and keep your quarters reasonably clean. Whether privatized or not, government housing has certain standards you’ll be required to maintain.

3) DO take responsibility for your children. Most military housing has a “Mayberry” vibe and can feel safer than the community outside the gate, and your kids will probably have more freedom than they might otherwise. But it's important to know base curfews as well as regulations for how old children need to be before they're left alone at home, play at the park, or even walk to school without an adult.

4) DO observe quiet hours. It's good to be mindful of active duty neighbors who are working evening and night shifts and may be sleeping during the day.  

5) DO enjoy all the "small town" perks. Often within walking distance or within military family housing, you'll find community pools, libraries, bowling alleys, movie theaters, splash parks, gyms, and youth centers. These are just a few of the amenities that can make living on base so family-friendly!

6) DO realize that if you want distance from your military job, base housing may not be for you. And even if you do opt to live on base, it's still a good idea to make a point of engaging with the off-base community for a richer experience. Take time to learn more about the area, whether it’s through a community group, church, or other volunteerism.

7) DON’T be alarmed by sounds that will soon become everyday noises. The sounds of Taps, Reveille, the National Anthem on the "Big Voice," gunfire from the shooting range, and military members calling cadence as they run past your home in formation are a few examples. (And DO stop/pull your car over during the Anthem!)

8) DON’T leave the base without your military ID! You’ll find it hard to get back onto a gated installation without it, resident or not. (Trust me on this one.)

9) DON’T speed or break other rules like texting on your cell phone while driving on base. Too many infractions and you could end up losing your base driving privileges.

10) DON’T let your pets freely roam outside your house. Observe leash laws. It’s inconsiderate to your neighbors and dangerous for your pet. And many installations these days have dog parks, which is a safe way to let your dog off leash. 

11) DON’T get involved in neighborhood squabbles or start drama. We had to say it. It’s just not worth it! For a couple of humorous and helpful posts about this, see Are YOU the Bad Neighbor? and Annoying Neighbors? Strategies from a Seasoned Military Spouse. So much of what creates a great neighborhood situation, whether in military housing or not, is simple consideration and respect. And remember, if you have neighbor problems that go beyond annoyance and tread into safety issues, you have recourse through the base housing office and law enforcement. 

12) DON’T forget to check neighborhood reviews on Military Town Advisor to compare off-base and on-base housing if you have a choice about where you'll live.  Often, insight from others can help you decide what’s best for your family’s situation.

13) And finally… DO enjoy the time you have living in military housing! My grown kids miss the community feel and often discuss their memories of years living in base housing. It can be an amazing experience!

What did we miss? If you’ve lived in military housing, what DO or DON’T would you add to this list?