As you settle in and unpack boxes after a military move, you might catch a case of cabin fever and want to start exploring your new hometown. It's only natural to want to ditch the boxes and try the best ice cream or coffee shop for a change of scenery.
We’ve asked MilitaryByOwner readers for their advice on how to explore a new duty station. They offered many tips directly from their experience, so you know you can depend on their expertise to help you discover the best of your community.
Photo from iStock.com/Ridofranz
1) Internet Intel
During a PCS, the internet becomes your best friend, helping you find the best neighborhoods, the shortest commute route, and whether or not your favorite grocery store serves the location. Most military movers are familiar with Facebook groups for discovering details, but there are more creative ways to find what you're looking for.
Google Maps and Reviews
This go-to is always a detailed source of information. Monitor traffic routes, use the street view to check out a location, create a list of saved places you want to go later, research the best time to visit a business, and read their reviews.
Military OneSource
Military OneSource is an often overlooked resource. It's an official Department of Defense website with detailed information on everything you need to know about military life, from Tricare to pay charts, travel resources, and everything in between. You’ll probably find the installation description pages helpful if you want to know about amenities like ITT offerings, library hours, and lists of relevant phone numbers.
“Best Of” Lists
A quick way to find crowd-verified restaurants, dog parks, and more is to search “List of Best Pizza Places in Lawton, OK.” Of course, you’ll enter your specific details, but the results will highlight multiple options if you're looking for NY-style pizza. Chances are you’ll also come across local publications' articles, blogs, and advertisements about attractions that will pique your interest.
2) Explore MilitaryByOwner Resources
You might know MilitaryByOwner as the first place to look for a new home, but we also have an extensive collection of base-specific blog posts (just search your base name or use the dropdown at the top for each service branch), base information pages (click the map on our home page to get started), resource guides, a library of in-depth articles, and even Pinterest boards that will help you explore your new duty station.
Take a look at these popular examples:
- 14 Things to Know Before Moving to Fort Liberty
- 12 Holiday Events in the San Antonio Area
- Military Family Guide to Moving to San Diego
- Military Family Guide to Moving to Joint Base Lewis-McChord
- Fort Drum Relocation Information
- Peterson SFB Relocation Information
Photo from iStock.com/hut547
3) On the Ground
There’s no better way to explore your neighborhood than to see it from the sidewalks or street.
Walking
There’s probably a member of your household who really doesn’t care if all of the boxes are unpacked; they want their routine back. Chances are, your kids, or more likely your dog, want to resume their daily walks around the neighborhood. Your pooch has a lot to learn about his new territory, and so do you. Your neighbors are curious about you, so the dog or kids are the perfect icebreakers. They’ll be eager to share the latest pickleball saga and the best Mexican restaurant in the area.
Biking
MilitaryByOwner reader Jonathan kicks up neighborhood exploration a notch and explores on his bicycle.
“When I arrive at a new duty station, I would usually go riding my bicycle to discover things about the area. Cycling allows you the time to take in what you are seeing, stop and look at things of interest, and greet people along the way while at the same time covering more ground than just walking the area.”
Photo from iStock.com/Halfpoint
4) Utilize Local Resources
Most information is online, but don’t overlook the excitement of hunting and collecting information on paper.
- Head to your city’s or base’s visitor center and ask the kids to choose exciting adventures from colorful brochures.
- Collect local publications from street stands to learn about activities such as festivals, music and theater performances, and sporting events.
- Visit the local library branches for more fliers, program schedules, and announcements.
- City and county recreational centers always have information on hand to share with the public.
Photo by Heather Whitfield
5) In-Person Meet-Ups
When we asked readers how they got to know their new home, most mentioned the power of connecting with people face to face.
Organized Activities
Many readers said they took advantage of a newcomer’s orientation on base, researched the MWR, and connected with Ombudsman resources. Others attended organized events held by military supporters like Blue Star Families, who schedule monthly or weekly spouse connection meetings at local Starbucks. Some spouses are also fans of local military spouse groups on base.
Sponsors
Although official sponsor relationships are sometimes hit or miss, it’s worth reaching out to your assigned person or another local member of the gaining command to see if they have sage advice to share.
Josie had a positive experience with her sponsor: “This included personal reviews from other military members in my next Command currently in the location. They also freely shared their personal experiences, recommendations, and pros/cons of living in the area.”
Photo from Shutterstock
6) Focus on Your Personal Preferences
Think about how your family spends its time. Do you have a competitive swimmer who needs access to a pool? Is hiking a weekend ritual that the family looks forward to? Or do most of your discretionary funds go to fabulous dining? The things that bring you joy should factor into getting to know your new hometown. Once you uncover those locations, your surroundings will quickly become a welcoming community.
Even though relocation is always challenging, sometimes change is fun. A new duty station offers the chance to explore hidden gems, local must-see sites, and a variety of new adventures. Now, you have plenty of tried and true ways to make the most of your new hometown.
You can never be too prepared for your next PCS! Take a look at our PCS and relocation guides below.
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