NORTH CAROLINA - Fort Bragg

[Carly]

NORTH CAROLINA - Fort Bragg

www.bragg.army.mil

[chelseyb1010]

Very large post. 2 PX's, 2 commissaries, mini-mall, & numerous shoppettes. Several fast food places. New housing is currently being built & old housing is either being torn down or renovated. Home of the Airborne & Special Forces. The hospital & the clinics are good & quick. My husband & I were in & out of the ER with staples within 2 hours.
The area all around Bragg is full of military or former military. Many places give discounts. Fayetteville is not big enough for the population; traffic can get horrible. Not really a ton to do. The mall isn't very big. Raleigh is only an hour & a half away. The mountains, Virginia, & DC are all within vacation distance. Beaches are close enough for a day trip.

[A Soldier's Wife]

I live in an old home on post & its not too bad, it depends on the area IMO, our home has new appliances, fittings, carpet, painted etc... the street is quiet i haven't had any complains so far. There are very few homes on post that aren't renovated & if they aren't it's because they are scheduled to be torn down.

The Homes are privatized & ran by Picerne
Each neighborhood has a neighborhood center, the center has a community swimming pool, Gym, play room, game/tv room, indoor basket ball court.

Neighborhoods on Ft Bragg

Ardennes/Bataan
Biazza Ridge
Casablanca/Anzio Acres
Corregidor Courts/Bougainville
Hammond Hills
Nijmegen
Normandy/Bastogne Gables
Ste Mere Eglise
Linden Oaks
Pope Neighborhood

[A Soldier's Wife]

Off Limit Establishments - CHANGE EFFECTIVE 17 MARCH 2006.

1. Reference AR 190-24/MCO 1620.2B/AFR 125-11/COMDIST.1C, Subject: Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Boards and Off Installation Military Enforcement Services, 30 JUN 93. The following areas are off limits:

a. Carolina Live, 6323 Raeford Rd., Fayetteville, TEMPORARY OFF LIMITS SANCTIONS.
b. Showgirls Private Exotic Dancers, 5303 Bragg Blvd, Fayetteville.
c. Pavillion, 2527 Gillespie Street, Fayetteville.
d. Rage of Fayetteville AKA Smokey's Pipe Shop, 2805 Raeford Road, Fayetteville.
e. Asian Odyssey, 5173 Bragg Boulevard, Fayetteville.
f. Roses Lounge AKA Boogies Room, 5113 Bragg Boulevard, Fayetteville.
g. Acapulco Lake, S. River Rd., Lillington, NC -- Off Limits to recreational swimming/camping, SCUBA diving only with current and certified dive instructor.
h. Executive Auto Repair, 1805 Shaw Road, Fayetteville.
i. Executive Club, 5560 Murchison Road, Fayetteville.
j. Hot Spots Club AKA Paradise Club, 5701 Murchison Road, Fayetteville.
k. Grove View Terrace, Grove Street, Fayetteville.
l. Campbell Terrace, Old Wilmington Road, Fayetteville.
m. Murchison Townhouses, Rosemary Street, Fayetteville.
n. R's Gems and Rocks and Smoke Shop, 4429 Bragg Boulevard, Fayetteville.
o. Fort Video and News Adult Entertainment Center, 4431 Bragg Boulevard, Fayetteville.
p. Modern News and Video Center, 1115-B Swain Street, Fayetteville.
q. Brooks Property: the swimming area located approximately 150 yards east of Highway 210 on McArthur Bridge Road, Spring Lake.
r. All unlicensed tattoo parlors.
s. Drug Paraphernalia. All places having such items for sale.

2. Military personnel observed in off limits establishments are in violation of a lawful order and are subject to apprehension and prosecution for violation of the UCMJ.

[Kristy]

I didn't live on post, but off. I lived in an Apartment Complex called Brittney Place Apartments. I don't recommend it.

On post is huge. I eventually learned my way around post. Took me awhile though. The hospital and the clinics are awesome. Never had an complaint.

Fayettville is the nearby city. Tons of places to shop. A nice size mall. Tons and tons of places to eat. My hometown is 45 mins south of Fayetteville/Ft. Bragg.

[riannk]

We lived there for two years off post. If you want to live off, I would stay away from those neighborhoods closest to post. If you go down All-American (major road there), you can get very nice houses down by Cape Fear Valley Medical Center and Village Drive (the schools are also better there and it's only ~ 15 min drive). Hope Mills is a nice town as well, and Raeford, if you want to live a little further out. I liked it there. Fayetteville has a lot of things to do, you just have to know where to go and where not to go. Stay away from Bragg Blvd (typical Army post street- tattoo parlors, stip clubs, etc).

[catieluvsu]

I'm from North Carolina and grew up near Greensboro, then went to school in Raleigh. When I got married and first moved to Fayetteville, I thought it was HORRIBLE. But, the only parts of Fayetteville we knew were Bragg Blvd and Yadkin Rd. All thats on those are strip clubs, bars, tattoo shops, pawn shops, and those payday loan places. Once you really find out the stuff to do there, its great. The mall isn't bad, there's lots of restaurants, several movie theaters, bowling alleys. There's also a pretty awesome water park that opened up a few years ago, his unit had a picnic there one time, it was a lot of fun. Its not in Fayetteville, but it takes no more than 20 mins to get there. There's also one of those indoor skydiving places, I think in Raeford.

My problems with Fayetteville is that the traffic is horrible. Also, a lot of people are really rude. Working at the mall sucks, going to the hospital or health clinic sucks, trying to do all you have to do to out process sucks, almost everyone is pretty rude. So it is definitely nice to escape to Raleigh, or Wilmington/Carolina Beach every now and then.

[CMFamily]

We live in Raleigh, NC. However, my spouse has lived both on and off post. Fayetteville is a typical military town, tatoos parlors, men's clubs, chain restaurants and such. However, the downtown has started to see revitalization and there are some nice homes in Hay Meadow and near the Country Club. They expect to receive about 40,000 more Joe's in the area which will push the population to about 350,000 so as the others have said this is a big post and a big city. I don't want to live there b/c Raleigh has so much more to offer "me" and my husband doesn't care for the area either. He'll take the drive down over having to live there.

[dcd.love]

I, currently, live off post in some apartments..
I like the area. I come from a much bigger town .. but its what you make of it.

The mall has alot of stores. There's a Children's Museum [Fascinate-U] that I take my son too, and he loves it. There's a botanical garden nearby. The downtown area is fairly nice .. they're remodeling it and making it a whole lot nicer.
The area where I live is fairly quiet .. and we enjoy it.

There are alot of resturaunts, too. Alot of craft stores!

Overall, the area isn't too bad and we enjoy it for the time being.
I wouldn't make it a permenant residence, but its nice. Its what you make of it .. :]

[Belinda915]

I'm from VA, so I definately don't mind being kinda close to home. We have been here 3 years now and I really don't mind it. I think it's because Fayetteville is a lot like where I lived in VA... one major road (Skibo) has the mall, most car dealerships and most of the major stores... it's only minutes from 95... just over an hour to the beach. One thing different though is all of the random trailerparks. Driving down the road it looks real nice, kinda old and run down, and then real nice again and that's all in less than a mile!!

We lived on post briefly... in the old housing and I'm SO GLAD we didn't stay long. The new housing is very nice though. We have 3 dogs now so we'll never be able to live on post again. We own a house so I'm not let down about that. All in all I really don't mind it here!

[Del Carmen]

Ft Bragg is a really big post and there atr a few things to do on and off post.
on post:
Aside from the PX and shoppettes to include a 24hr one
Riding staples
Ice rink
Dog park
Two bowling allies
and many running trails

Off Post
The airborne museum
the mall
a lot of stores
many bars...If you're into that
Skibo Rd gets crazy sometimes
Walmart on Skibo Rd...Crowded and always trouble there From my experience.
Fantasy lake...it's really more for kids but it can be fun for adults.
Alot of restaurants.

People...some are very friendly while others and most are rude and inconsiderate.
You can go see soldiers jump
But it can be lots of fun!

[A Soldier's Wife]

Firstly you need to be married to live on post. If you are only engaged he will be required to live in the barracks if he is Jr Ranking, he will have to ask for permission to live off post, they don't always allow it, DH was an E5 when I moved here & he couldn't leave the barracks until we were married.

At present the wait list for housing is 3-4 months minimum, Depending on rank & Dependants will determine which housing area you qualify for, eg. for a Jr Rank enlisted with 1 Dependant (spouse) you will qualify for a 2 bedroom home.

Picerne website Here you will find wait lists, what you would qualify for etc.

I hope this information helps a little

[A Soldier's Wife]

Budget
Value Place
Suburban Extended Stay

Economy
Extended Stay America

Mid Priced
Extended Stay Deluxe Hotels
Gateway Inn

Upscale
Residence Inn

[beachbabebritt]

I got to visit fort bragg on the way home... And I have to say I LIKE IT!! It is much bigger than benning!

My dad and stepmom live off the base their and serve food in the dfac's and sometimes out in the ranges. So it was cool to see where they served and the many stores on post.. and the ranges..

[vette3211]

I'm currently living onbase and I really like it... It's cool place to live and the mall is like so awesome and I don't have to worry about anyone breaking into my house ......Ft BRAGG RULES.....

[AndrewsWifey]

Hello.
I'm still kinda new to Bragg, me and the hubby have been here for about 2 months. We live in Governement housing but its off post. Anywho, I'm new and would love to meet some new friends so feel free to drop me a line... =)

[MeganLeigh]

My fiance and I moved to the area about a month ago. We're renting a house in Hope Mills since it should be only a 20 minute drive from base. Unfortunately with the horrendous traffic around here, it's been taking him about 40 minutes to get to work every day.
Also, it's been really difficult for me to find a job. Even with the economy the way it is, I thought it might be a bit easier considering so many people are moving in and out of Fayetteville all the time. Not the case.

Other than that, we like it so far.... the house is nice, our neighbors and everyone I've met have been really nice.
There's definitely plenty of shopping and restaurants everywhere.
We're outdoorsy, but haven't been able to find many hiking/biking trails less than an hour away. I did find a climbing gym in town though, and can't wait to check it out!!
Now all I need to do is meet people!!!
Feel free to message me. I'm also new to the forum.

[skinnyknees123]

Hello all!

We currently live On Post at Ft Bragg and have since we moved here in 2006. We love living on post! We live in Cherbourg in a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath duplex and our house is really nice...the floorplan is great, its nice and open and gets lots of light, and there is plenty of storage. We have friends that live in all different types of housing on post and have yet to visit a house we didn't like.
My favorite thing about living on post is that hubby gets to come home during the day a lot more than the guys who don't live on post...we often feed those guys breakfast and lunch and let them shower in our extra bathroom after PT, lol. They don't have time to run off post and then come back on due to the lines at the gate. Since we live less than a mile from where he works, he just rolls out of bed 15 minutes before PT, gets dressed and goes...then he's home afterwards to eat breakfast and help me with the kids while he gets ready to go back, and most days he gets to come home for lunch too.
other advantages:
-don't pay electric, water, gas bills
-24/7 maintenance...and they come really quickly to fix stuff...even in the middle of the night
-live close to the commissaries and PX so that i am more inclined to shop there (i can save 1/2 on groceries by shopping at the commissary instead of walmart)
-on post schools! both of my kids are now in the elementary school two blocks away and we are blown away by the education they are getting! my family is full of teachers, my cousin actually teaches the grade my daughter is currently in and has told me that the curriculum my daughter is following is much better than the one she has to teach. I must admit that it brought tears to my eyes when my four year old came home after his second week of school and recited the pledge (daddy was deployed). The teachers and staff at their school are very sensitive to the needs of a military kids and their families and always...the kids are always doing projects about their deployed parents...i can't say enough good things about the schools!
-somebody else does the mowing and lawn maintenance (lol)
-neighborhood centers! the pools! we spend every day at the pool in the summer...the hours are awesome, they are rarely too crowded, and the lifeguards are friendly, helpful, and love the kids! the pools are "gradual entry" so they are sloped like a beach or wave pool at a water park and have water jets and one of those mushroom water umbrella things...at any other sort of pool, a day at the pool would be exhausting as you would have to be in the water and hold your kids constantly if they couldn't touch, but b/c of the design, even babies can explore by themselves (with mom in close reach). i'm counting the days until they open back up already!
-my neighborhood is really quiet...no rowdy crazy people at night. none of my friends have had any problems with that in their neighborhoods either.
-i feel very safe and secure...i'll admit that i rarely lock my doors whether i am home or not home and i have NEVER had anything stolen or vandalized.

disadvantages
-if you sleep with your windows open and live near the barracks, you will be woken up by "blood on the rafters" or cadences in the early hours of the morning (but...this could be an advantage as you could then look out the window and see hundreds of men running down the street in skimpy shorts! lol)
-artillery "days" - at least, that is what we call it. you'll get used to the days that are filled with constant booms that shake your house and the sounds of gunfire...it can be a little freaky at first, but soon your kids will sleep right through it...
-crazy neighbors...yup, they exist! fortunately, most of them don't stay very long... examples of "crazy" neighbors would be - neighbor who leaves yappy dogs outside in yard almost 24/7 (just call housing, they'll take care of it) - neighbors who let kids run wild, even little kids -neighbors who like to have loud domestic arguments with windows open for all the neighborhood to hear -neighbors with loud annoying cars but all of these things exist anywhere i suppose
-depending on your neighborhood, your mailbox may be down the street instead of at your actual house, which isn't a big deal, but in the winter it kind of sucks

anyhoo

we are really quite happy here, in the ft. bragg/fayetteville area in general. it takes a while to get used to and to learn your way around AND
most of all
as the ratio of MEN to women is 4 guys for every one chick, you do have to get used to being "on display" everywhere you go...and hit on, all the time, whether you are in pajamas and have a runny nose or have your hair done and are wearing a dress and heels AND your wedding ring...NOTHING stops some of them, but, you get used to it

if anyone wants to see my personal pictures of some of the houses, neighborhood centers, etc, just pm me and i can send them to you.

HTH

~cari~

[Calimommalu]

Budget
Value Place
Suburban Extended Stay

Economy
Extended Stay America

Mid Priced
Extended Stay Deluxe Hotels
Gateway Inn

Upscale
Residence Inn

So if you have to stay in one of these rooms for a month waiting for housing....do you really have to pay $3000.00 or is there someplace we need to go through to get a better rate....I dont know what to do : (

[Els513]

So if you have to stay in one of these rooms for a month waiting for housing....do you really have to pay $3000.00 or is there someplace we need to go through to get a better rate....I dont know what to do : (

You can stay on base for fairly cheap, and the army will reimburse you for everything. Just call the airborne inn which is here on Bragg, and they will take care of it for you. It's not exactly the nicest place, but it does the job. Here is the site for it: http://apps.mhf.dod.mil/pls/psgprod/...orary,NEW,10,Y

And it says no pets allowed, but they do have pet rooms, just be sure to request one if needed.

Also, let the housing office in your new neighborhood know when you are here. We got to move in a few weeks early because our place was ready sooner.

We just moved here last fall, so let me know if you have other questions!

[nuggetsgreenbean]

I've lived in Fayetteville for 8 years first when my dad got stationed here and now with my hubby. We live off post in the North Ramsey area. It's, in my opinion, a better part of Fayetteville. Its a 10 min drive, if that, to post but away from the riff raff of the main parts of fayetteville. There really isnt alot to do in Fayetteville its true but a lot of people over look some of the small attractions. There are wonderful things to do downtown. At the Prince Charles hotel there is a comedy show in the ballroom on 8th floor. The Gilbert Theatre and the Cape Fear Theatre put on plays all the time and they are cheap and very entertaining. there are tons of cute stores downtown but you have to go during the day becuase they close around 5pm. There are things to do in Fayetteville you just got to dig deep to find them. I have to say that Fayetteville is growing and is alot better than it was even 8 years ago.

[Gin]

hey everyone<3

so my fiancee is stationed in ft bragg and i have visitied him twice, its really nice, and i have met quite a few soldiers, but i wanna meet some army wives. i will be moving down in june and im really excited but kind of nervous not to know many people lol. but ne ways. get in touch i would love to meet new people =)

--Gin

[dani_belle]

I'm currently living onbase and I really like it... It's cool place to live and the mall is like so awesome and I don't have to worry about anyone breaking into my house ......Ft BRAGG RULES.....

no offense, but your up in your sleep woman.
I know at least 3 people who had their houses broken into ON-POST. one woman had hers broken into 3 times. The crime rate is just as high on post as it is in the areas off-post surrounding it. ---the army just doesnt like to advertise their dirty laundry.

[donna-andjulia]

Does the on post housing have alarm systems in place? We are looking at probably renting off post because the housing wait is too long (our number hasn't moved much at all). Almost everywhere off post has alarm systems in place, so that is one less thing to have installed. I read the traffic is horrible in Fayetteville. We were looking at Raeford, and going through one of the gates near it. Is the traffic as bad on that part of town? We were also looking at Jack Britt area, but now I am concerned about the amount of time it will take my husband to get to work in the morning. I guess my real question is where are the roads with the least traffic that lead to the lower crime areas?

[logansmommy]

This is my first post as an Army wife (met hubby here), and I am originally from Columbia, SC, so I am not too far from home, but here is my take on Fort Bragg:

Pros:
* To me, the weather is good. I am a fan of warmer weather over colder weather.
* North Carolina as a state has a lot to offer, mountains to the west, beaches to the east and a lot in between
* Big post with a large support network
* Community is military friendly and supportive (discounts etc)
* The mall is pretty good and there is a wide variety of restaurants
* Nice parks in the Fayetteville area
* Crown Center offers events (concerts etc)
* There are quite a few Walmarts (I am a big Walmart fan lol)



Cons:
* High crime rate, lots of strip clubs and hookers, and some areas that I would not visit at night (ex. Fort Bragg Blvd)
* Bad traffic during certain times
* There could be more to do
* I have not been impressed with the colleges in the area (either as a instructor/administrator or student)


We don't live in on post, so I can't offer any information about housing etc. We live in Hope Mills and really like it. It's a nice little town to the south of Fayetteville. However, it does take my hubby 25-30 mins to get to work every day. I have also heard that if you are going to live off post, don't live in the Spring Lakes area.

[logansmommy]

This is my first post as an Army wife (met hubby here), and I am originally from Columbia, SC, so I am not too far from home, but here is my take on Fort Bragg:

Pros:
* To me, the weather is good. I am a fan of warmer weather over colder weather.
* North Carolina as a state has a lot to offer, mountains to the west, beaches to the east and a lot in between
* Big post with a large support network
* Community is military friendly and supportive (discounts etc)
* The mall is pretty good and there is a wide variety of restaurants
* Nice parks in the Fayetteville area
* Crown Center offers events (concerts etc)
* There are quite a few Walmarts (I am a big Walmart fan lol)



Cons:
* High crime rate, lots of strip clubs and hookers, and some areas that I would not visit at night (ex. Fort Bragg Blvd)
* Bad traffic during certain times
* There could be more to do
* I have not been impressed with the colleges in the area (either as a instructor/administrator or student)


We don't live in on post, so I can't offer any information about housing etc. We live in Hope Mills and really like it. It's a nice little town to the south of Fayetteville. However, it does take my hubby 25-30 mins to get to work every day. I have also heard that if you are going to live off post, don't live in the Spring Lakes area.

[Ambermichelle0918]

There is actually more to do on post and around post than what people think. There is an ice skating rink on Reilly Rd. on post. Between Longstreet Rd & Butner Rd.) There is also Sports USA which hosts many events. Also, in Fayetteville there is the mall, a few places for adults like Cadillac Ranch, Jesters Pub, The Rock Shop, The Doghous, which host shows for numerous bands at low costs. There are numerous movie theaters, including a $2 theater. Theres tons of places for shopping. Smith Lake, where you can go camping, fishing, swimming(My husband also has found spots out there to go muddin and offroading, lol) Also, there is the Crown Colliseum, which host numerous concerts and events. There is also Fantasy Lake in Hope Mills, $14 per person, but children under 7 years are free, sounds pricy, but it is SUPER FUN!

[ashlester]

I just wanted to stop by and say hi. I am currently in germany about to move to fort bragg. My husband and I are from NC but my dad was marines so I am from the beach area.

[gilliganslady]

Hi All. I currently live in Fayetteville, this is our first duty station. Have to say, am really not impressed with this place. I'm from WA state, and I've lived in both a big city and not so big city, and I wish there was so much more to DO around here!!! We've been here since June and I feel like I have seen all there is to see/do. The people around town are always nice though and the weather isn't bad.

[forevermoore]

Looking to make some new friends and hang! Help me out ladies... hit me up!! xoxoxo

[Brownie]

I am moving to the area in November. This will be my first PCS to Fort Bragg with DH. I am looking for the best areas to live off post or on-post. More looking for off Post.

I am also looking to meet some new friends!
Please help me out!