Off-base or on-base? After 2 years, I revisit the issue.

This post if for the people who read my blog that are coming to Yokosuka in the future. In the past two (almost) years I have been here, my husband and I have been asked numerous time to help people move from off-base housing to on-base housing. Quite frankly, if people had made a more informed decision before they chose their housing they wouldn't have to dig into their pockets to make yet another move. It's not really their fault as I think people arrive in Japan and make a housing decision without knowing (or understanding) the facts.

I think too many people feel that they can't get the full Japanese experience if they live on-base and that's simply not true. Living on-base is easier for people who have children, but off-base may be more ideal for a couple without kids.

In Yokosuka, there are two options for housing. Off-base means the house is "in town", not located on the American base. On-base means the house is on the base, many people prefer to live on Yokosuka, the main base.

Please consider the following before committing to a house:

Fact:

1. It can be hard to find a Japanese home that will accommodate a large dog. Most Japanese homes do not have yards and landlords do not like to rent to people with large dogs. That being said, I do know people that have two large dogs and were able to find a place to live outside the American base. The townhouses on-base (or in a satellite housing area) have large-ish yards. If you have a small dog, finding housing off-base should not be a problem.

2. The commute is NOT the same as in the US. One of the largest traps people fall into is thinking, "Oh, my house is only 15 miles from base, easy drive." In the US it's an easy drive because we have interstates and ways to bypass the stoplights and local roads. Not so in Japan. The roads are narrow and get clogged with traffic during peak times. There is a toll road that helps bypass the residential areas, but it cost money and that money adds up. I think the main reason people choose to move to the main base is the commute is too much for them to deal with daily.

3. Your kids will have activities on the base, all day. Every day. If the commute is long and frustrating, think about driving it every day, multiple times. Your kids' friends and activities will probably all be on the main base. If you're the adventurous type who doesn't mind the driving, it shouldn't be a problem. However, if you lived on the base, your kid could probably walk to any activity without your help.

4. Base is close to the hospital. This is especially important for people with infants. Japan does have emergency services, but due to narrow roads and traffic it may take longer for an ambulance to reach your home. Also, you'll be transported to a Japanese hospital where you won't know the language or anything about their medical system. I think this, combined with the commute is a reason a lot of people with children choose to move onto the main base after living out in town.

5. A second move will be done on your dime. The military will only pay for you to move once. Should you decided to move again, you have to pay for the move or recruit friends to help you pack your things.

There's my advice. I have had a wonderful experience living out in town, but I am about five minutes away from the main base gate (less than a mile). Also, I don't have children, so I don't need to be tied to the base so directly as parents might. I know people who live on base who have amazing Japan adventures and definitely soak up the culture, so living on-base does not mean you will not get to experience Japan. The experience is what you make of it. If you prefer a mix of the two (away from the main base, but still near American facilities) there is two satellite housing areas: Ikego and Negishi.

I think the best thing to do is talk to people already living here about their experience. Know your needs. If your kid likes to be involved in all the clubs or you like to be especially social, then on-base may be right for you. If you prefer the quiet of the suburbs, like driving in Japan, and don't need to be on base ever single day, then out in town may be right for you.