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Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas, is a part of the Air Education and Training Command. The location is a nonflying base, and instead, its primary mission is to focus on cryptologic and intelligence training for all areas of the U.S. Armed Forces. Additionally, it is where military firefighters with the 312th Training Squadron receive their training. In addition to these tasks, the base is also home to the 17th Training Wing.

The History of Goodfellow Air Force Base

The initial development of the Goodfellow Air Force Base came just before the attack on Pearl Harbor. It's named after First Lieutenant John J. Goodfellow, Jr., who was a local resident noted for providing visual reconnaissance behind enemy lines in France during the war. When the War Department first commissioned it, it was called the San Angelo Air Corps Basic Flying School, which officially opened in 1940. Over the next four years, more than 10,000 pilots were trained at the location, and many of them would go on to fight in countless battles afterward in the war.

After the war, the base became more focused on training and education in advanced cryptological skills to support the needs of the U.S. Security Service. By 1975, the base's runways were permanently closed as it moved its missions away from any flight training or operations. Throughout the years to follow, numerous organizations would call the base home and use its services. The base saw significant renovations and upgrades in the late 1990s, which brought on more advanced training methods and more on-site amenities for residents.

Neighborhoods for Families Near Goodfellow Air Force Base

The base is located in San Angelo, a community of nearly 100,000 people. Large and vibrant with modern amenities and numerous outdoor amenities, this is a city you can easily find a place to call home if you want to be very close to the base. The city has a strong economy supported by the base, along with healthcare and education. For those looking for the ideal neighborhoods and communities near the Goodfellow Air Force Base, there are a few specific options to take into consideration.

The Bluffs One of the best family-friendly neighborhoods in San Angelo is The Bluffs. It is located in the western portion of the city and about 10 to 20 minutes from the base itself. The area is beautiful, with outstanding tree-lined, side-walk-lined streets, community events, and good schools. The community is also noted for its newer construction homes, many of which have larger footprints and bigger backyards.

The median home sale price in the Bluffs was $259,000 at the end of 2023, with the average home offering 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Home values ranged from $135,000 to $450,000 in this region. There are some rental homes in the area, most of which are single-family homes or condos. Rental costs range from $1,000 to $3,400 per month.

Grape Creek The community of Grape Creek is a beautiful city just off of U.S. Highway 87. There are some old historic buildings here and beautiful outdoor areas. Yet, the town is also relatively modern, with a variety of amenities to offer. About 3,100 people call this area home. Students who live in the area typically attend Grape Creek Independent School District, though there are some private schools in the areas nearby as well. With a variety of shops and restaurants, along with various parks and playgrounds, the city offers a wide range of benefits to families who enjoy the outdoors and an active lifestyle.

It also has a low cost of living. The median sale price of a home here was just over $91,000 at the end of 2023. Rental options are available in this community as well, with homes averaging around $450 to $975 per month. You will find large homes, new constructions, as well as smaller condo developments, townhomes, and apartments to choose from.

Santa Rita Santa Rita is a neighborhood within the San Angelo city limits that boasts a short 10-minute drive to the base. It is one of the older portions of the town, and with that comes charming amenities, including some outstanding architecture. The area is noted for its larger homes, though many are older. These properties also have larger backyards and sidewalk-lined streets. Many of the houses are not custom-built, meaning that each one is quite unique (even though they are not necessarily new construction).

You will find some great golf courses, open parks, and excellent smaller restaurants and cafes here. It's also common for homes to boast more modern amenities and features – you are sure to find, for example, homes with private driveways, pools, and more modern amenities. As for values, the median sale price in the region was $215,000 at the end of 2023, with homes ranging from $76,000 up to $379,000. Rental properties range in value, too, from $560 to $1,200 per month. You will find more single-family homes for rent than multi-family homes here, but options exist for most needs.

The Goodfellow Air Force Base is an essential fixture in this area of the state. No matter if you hope to live within the San Angelo city limits or in one of the areas that surround it, there are a number of fantastic family-friendly neighborhoods that are worth careful consideration for those moving to the area.

Living near Goodfellow Air Force Base offers military personnel and their families a distinctive experience filled with opportunities and considerations. Individuals can enrich their overall lifestyle and sense of community by understanding the intricacies of both on-base and off-base living options.

Exploring On-Base and Off-Base Housing Options

Residing on base at Goodfellow Air Force Base provides the advantage of proximity to work, fostering a tight-knit camaraderie within the military community. Goodfellow Air Force Base is renowned for its exceptional training programs in intelligence, fire protection, and cryptologic linguistics, making it a hub for specialized learning and skill development. However, on-base living may entail certain restrictions and limited housing choices. Alternatively, off-base living offers greater independence and diverse housing options, potentially requiring a commute and additional expenses.

Discovering Community Amenities and Activities

The neighborhoods surrounding Goodfellow Air Force Base boast many amenities and activities tailored to military families. San Angelo, the city where Goodfellow Air Force Base is located, is known as the "Concho City" due to the Concho River running through it, providing opportunities for water-based recreation and relaxation. Explore local resources and organizations to uncover family-friendly activities and unique cultural experiences.

Building Connections within the Military Community

Active participation in community events, support groups, and military-sponsored programs is vital for fostering new connections and friendships. Goodfellow Air Force Base hosts various events and activities throughout the year, such as air shows and military appreciation days, offering exciting opportunities for families to engage with the broader community. Additionally, the base is home to the 17th Training Wing, specializing in intelligence training, creating a unique networking and professional development environment. Engage with spouse clubs, volunteer organizations, and base-sponsored activities to forge bonds with fellow military families and personnel. Goodfellow Air Force Base also hosts the Goodfellow Air Force Ball, an annual formal event celebrating military members' and their families' service and achievements. This is another great time to connect with others within the community.

Navigating Transportation and Commuting Options

Goodfellow Air Force Base provides transportation services for residents, including shuttles and buses within the area. San Angelo offers a relaxed pace of life, with manageable traffic and easy access to amenities, making commuting straightforward. While owning a vehicle may be necessary for those living off-base, consider carpooling with neighbors or utilizing rideshare services to reduce commuting costs and environmental impact.

By familiarizing yourself with these unique aspects and available resources, you can optimize your living experience near Goodfellow Air Force Base and seamlessly integrate into the military community.