LifestyleBest Family Neighborhoods Near Fort Moore
Located near Columbus, Georgia, Fort Moore supports about 120,000 active duty military members. It’s home to reserve component soldiers and civilians as well. It’s home to the US Army Maneuver Center of Excellence, the US Army Armor School, the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Corporation, and the US Army Infantry School. The 75th Ranger Regiment and 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade are also components on this large military base.
A History of Fort Moore
Fort Moore was first established in 1918. At that time, it was named Camp Benning, named after Confederate General Henry L. Benning, who lived in the area. That year, the School of Infantry moved to the region, leaving Fort Sill in Oklahoma. This school is noted for being at Valley Forge, where Major General von Steuben created the tactics for the Continental Army. In 1920, Congress declared Camp Benning a permanent military post and began investing in it.
When World War II occurred, Fort Benning, the over 197,000-acre property, had room for more than 94,800 enlisted people and 3,970 officers. Another instance that energized the fort was the Korean Conflict in the 1950s. It was then and in the time following that Fort Benning could make its biggest contribution to the Armed Forces with the training for the Army Ranger. This school of selected officers and enlisted allowed them to work effectively as small unit leaders in more realistic tactical environments. These individuals would receive training that put them under mental and physical stress that would be possible to experience in combat.
Today, Fort Moore remains a valuable component of the US Armed Forces. It was renamed from Fort Benning to Fort Moore in March of 2023 as part of the renaming of all US Army installations named after former Confederate generals. It was named after Lieutenant General Hal Moore and his wife were buried on post.
The Best Neighborhoods for Families Near Fort Moore
Its location near Columbus, Georgia, makes finding outstanding family neighborhoods near Fort Moore possible. This region is noted for its beautiful, walkable communities, family-friendly parks and playgrounds, and diverse housing options. The following are some of the best neighborhoods near Fort Moore worth taking a closer look at if you plan to relocate near the military base.
Maple Ridge Located just outside of Columbus, Maple Ridge has a lot of fantastic amenities to offer. This is a golf-course community that’s well established with a variety of housing options to choose from, including single-family homes, larger estates, and condos. While it’s noted for its beautiful golf course views, Maple Ridge offers a few other perks. That includes tennis courts, swimming pools, several walking trails, a lake, and pickleball courts onsite.
Residents are less than 30 minutes from Fort Moore but are entirely removed from inner-city living here. It’s a location with a lot to offer, including excellent access to I-185. You can expect a larger home here to be priced around $459,000 with rents around $1200 for a 2-bedroom home.
Bib City Located in the western-central portion of the state, Biby City is a historic area noted for its beautiful buildings. Once an important manufacturing town noted for its textile mill, it is a suburban, highly desirable, small community today. Less than 600 people call this community home.
The community, which is about 25 minutes from Fort Moore, is noted for a few things, including its charming single-family, multi-family, and condo homes. The area is also noted for its good schools and ample open spaces. Expect a 2-bedroom home in this area to cost around $125,000 and up for a home here. Rental costs tend to be around $600 per month.
Dinglewood Another charming, family-friendly neighborhood to call home is Dinglewood, a small location just outside Midtown Columbus. It’s well known for being the home of the Aflac Tower. Many of the homes here date to the 1900s, some of which are noted for their Italian style. You can check it out – it’s only about 25 minutes from Fort Moore.
While charm and history are surely present here, Dinglewood has much more to offer those looking for a modern place to call home. Good local schools, parks, and a walkable community are some of those benefits. You will find a range of home options, from historic mansions that quickly approach $1 million in value to far more affordable homes, including 3-bedroom single-family homes priced around $225,000 and up. Rental prices are close to $1200 for larger homes.
Cusseta A bit of a larger community, Cusseta is home to about 9,000 people. The community has a fabulous downtown area perfect for relaxing with friends and a good meal at one of the restaurants here. Located about 20 minutes from Fort Moore, it’s super easy to commute from the base here. There are numerous neighborhoods here with a variety of home styles to select from, including single-family homes, apartments, and condos.
The median home sale price for a 3-bedroom home in Cusseta was around $260,000 in November of 2023, with rental costs around $1100 for single-family homes. Many of these are within walkable neighborhoods with bigger backyards, too.
Moving to a new area, especially with military housing, can be exciting and daunting. Whether you're a service member or a family member, understanding the nuances of military housing can significantly impact your experience.
On-Base Living vs. Off-Base Living:
Living on base provides the convenience of being close to work, amenities, and a built-in community. However, it may come with restrictions and limited housing options. Off-base living offers more independence and a variety of housing choices, but it may require a commute and additional expenses.
Finding Family-Friendly Activities On Base:
Military installations like Fort Moore typically offer many family-friendly recreational facilities and activities through the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) office. There's something for everyone, from gyms and pools to libraries and community centers. Check with the MWR office for events, sports leagues, and family-friendly activities on base.
Connecting with the Military Community:
Building connections within the military community is essential for service members and their families. Getting involved in base activities, clubs, and support groups is a great way to meet new people. Attend social events, join spouse clubs or volunteer organizations, and participate in base-sponsored programs to connect with others and build lasting friendships.
Transportation Options:
Navigating around a military installation or getting to and from off-base housing can vary depending on the location. Many bases offer residents transportation services such as shuttles, buses, or carpooling options. Additionally, biking or walking can be convenient for smaller bases. Owning a vehicle may be necessary for off-base living near Fort Moore, but carpooling with neighbors or utilizing rideshare services can help reduce commuting costs.
By familiarizing yourself with these common questions and resources, you can navigate the ins and outs of military housing near Fort Moore in Columbus, Georgia, and make the most of your experience in your new community.
