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Military members can usually choose between base housing or living off base. Many have heard or even experienced that base housing offers a tighter military community, a quick commute to work, and a safer environment to raise children.
Sometimes the military member’s job requires them to reside in military housing, and the decision is out of their hands. But for most, it’s a decision. Today, on-base housing is privatized and managed by six companies. But it hasn’t always been that way.
The History of Privatized Housing
People who’ve served in the military for a long time or who grew up on military bases understand that base housing wasn't initially privatized. In 1996, Congress created the Military Housing Privatization Initiative (MHPI) under the National Defense Authorization Act.
Traditional government housing was a collection of neglected homes in desperate need of repair (DoD reports showed that two-thirds of homes needed repair or replacement at the time of the MHPI). The goal following the 1996 MHPI was to use private funding and efficiency to improve conditions much faster than traditional military construction.
The six major base housing property management companies:
These companies agreed to operate and maintain military housing in exchange for the full BAH of service members living there while basing their business models on an expected occupancy rate.
What Privatized Housing Looks Like Today
Today, almost all CONUS military family housing is privately operated under these partnerships, with the government retaining land ownership and oversight. While the program modernized much of the housing stock, serious issues have surfaced.
For example, the experience of families at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii:
“In late November 2021, hundreds of families, living on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) and the Army's Aliamanu Military Reservation and Red Hill Housing, reported petroleum odors coming from residential tap water supplied by the U.S. Navy water system; there were also reports of health issues arising from the contaminated drinking water. Approximately 93,000 U.S. Navy water system users are impacted, many of whom remain in temporary housing due to the drinking water crisis. The source of the petroleum was the nearby Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, which contaminated the Red Hill Well, the Navy's primary source for its water system.” -U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Beyond this stand-out event, other military members across all locations have reported black mold, water intrusion, and poor maintenance responses. This general trend has sparked congressional hearings and greater scrutiny. But is it taking a turn for the better?
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Privatized Military Family Housing Companies
1. Balfour Beatty Communities
“We are exceptionally proud of the important work we do for military families, from providing new housing and significant renovations and refurbishments to existing housing, as well as more responsive property management and maintenance support.”
Providing over 43,000 homes across 55 different military installations across the U.S., Balfour Beatty is the largest provider of military housing. The company aims to pave the way for future generations by using creative recycling and reuse programs, building to the LEED and National Green Building Standard, and committing to alternative energy solutions, including an industry-leading rooftop solar program.
Balfour Beatty prides itself on its award-winning LifeWorks program and on bringing the community together through planned events. From fitness clubs and seasonal crafts to cooking classes and community gardens, it strives to get neighbors outside and socialize with each other.
Balfour Beatty Housing Locations
Alabama
- Retreat at Schillinger
- Riverchase Landing
Arizona
California
- Beale AFB
- Travis AFB
- Vandenberg SFB
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
- Landings at Lake Gray
- NAS Jacksonville
- NAS Key West
- NAS Pensacola
- NS Mayport
- NSA Panama City
- Preserve at Zephyr Ridge
- Spring Valley Club
- Tyndall AFB
- Waterchase Apartments
- Whiting Field
Georgia
- Fort Gordon
- Fort Stewart
- Hunter AAF
- Lakeview Terrace
- Mainstreet at Conyers
- Marne Point Apartments
- Mission Creek
- NSB Kings Bay
- Olive Terrace
Idaho
Indiana
- Aspire at Discovery Center Park (Lafayette)
Iowa
- Aspire at West Campus (Iowa City)
Maine
Maryland
- Fort Detrick
- Glen Haven (Wheaton)
Michigan
- Ramblewood Apartments (Wyoming)
- Woodlake Apartments (Wyoming)
Mississippi
- NAS Meridian
- NCBC Gulfport
- Ridgeplace Apartments
Missouri
- Fort Leonard Wood
- Whiteman AFB
Montana
New Jersey
- Lakehurst JBMDL
- NWS Earle
- Picatinny Arsenal
New Mexico
- Cannon AFB
- White Sands Missile Range
New York
- Fort Hamilton
- Mitchel Field
- Old Brick (West Point)
- NSA Saratoga Springs
- West Point
North Carolina
North Dakota
- Cavalier AFS
- Grand Forks AFB
- Minot AFB
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
- Avenue at Harbison (Columbus)
- Fort Jackson
- JBWS Charleston
Tennessee
- Preserve at Bartlett
- Preserve at Southwind (Memphis)
Texas
- Dyess AFB
- Fort Bliss
- Lackland AFB
- NAS JRB Fort Worth
- Northside (Richardson)
- Rio Bravo (El Paso)
- Sheppard AFB
Virginia
- Fort Eustis
- Fort Story (Virginia Beach)
Washington
Wyoming
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2. Liberty Military Housing
“Liberty Military Housing is here to serve those who serve our country. Our team members bring a deep dedication and personal connection to our mission, our residents, and one another, resulting in an outstanding quality of life for the service members and their families who live in our communities. We work hard while always doing our best to embody the fundamental values that guide our decisions and actions.”
Liberty Military Housing was established in 1965. It builds and manages everything, including residential, commercial, retail, office, and other properties.
In 2001, Lincoln signed a partnership with the U.S. government. In 2021, Lincoln sold the company to its employees and is now known as Liberty Military Housing. Today, the company manages over 36,000 homes on 30 military installations across the country.
Liberty Military Housing Locations
Arizona
California
- Bridgeport (MWTC)
- Camp Pendleton (MCB)
- China Lake (NAWS)
- El Centro (NAF)
- Lemoore (NAS)
- Miramar (MCAS)
- San Diego (Naval Complex)
- Seal Beach (NWS)
- Twentynine Palms (MCAGCC)
- Ventura (NBVC)
Washington, DC
- Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB)
Georgia
Maryland
- Annapolis (NSA)
- Indian Head (NSWC)
- Patuxent River (NAS)
- Thurmont
Missouri
North Carolina
Nevada
Pennsylvania
Texas
Virginia
- Dahlgren (NSF)
- Little Creek (NAB/JEB)
- Naval Station Norfolk
- Northwest Annex (NSA)
- Oceana (NAS)
- Portsmouth (NMC)
- Quantico (MCB)
- Yorktown (NWS)
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3. Hunt Military Communities
“We aim to provide more than just housing. We are entrusted to create quality communities that meet the needs of our residents and we take that responsibility very seriously. We are deeply committed to honoring and serving these heroes and their families. When you live at a Hunt Military Community, you'll always feel at home.”
Hunt Military Communities (HMC), the largest U.S. operator of privatized military housing, manages nearly 32,000 homes across dozens of installations. The company reinvests heavily in its neighborhoods, with projects like an $18.5 million renovation at Kirtland AFB, $2.7 million in HVAC upgrades at Hanscom AFB, and energy-efficiency initiatives funded by over $2.2 million in utility savings. Sustainability remains a focus, with solar power, battery storage, and EV charging pilots underway.
Beyond housing, HMC supports service members and families through the Hunt Military Communities Foundation. Efforts include scholarships, back-to-school backpack drives, the Hunt Little Heroes program, celebrating military children, and partnerships with groups including Hire Heroes USA, Tunnel to Towers, and the Travis Manion Foundation. Volunteerism also plays a role within the company, with employees getting out of the office for the day to participate in community events like “Helping Hands Day.”
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Hunt Military Housing Locations
Alabama
- Maxwell AFB
- Redstone Family Housing
Arkansas
California
Colorado
- Buckley SFB
- United States Air Force Academy
Delaware
Georgia
Hawaii
- Fort Shafter
- Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
- MCB Hawaii
- Schofield Barracks
Florida
Illinois
- Great Lakes Family Housing
- Scott AFB
Indiana
Louisiana
Massachusetts
Mississippi
Nevada
New Mexico
New York
- Stewart Air National Guard Base
North Carolina
- Camp Lejeune
- MCAS Cherry Point
- MCAS New River
Oklahoma
South Carolina
- Joint Base Charleston
- MCAS Beaufort
- Naval Hospital Beaufort
- MCRD Parris Island
- Shaw AFB
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
- Dyess AFB
- Fort Sam Houston
- Goodfellow AFB
- Kingsville NAS
- Laughlin AFB
- Randolph AFB
- The Village at Cottonwood Springs
Virginia
- Fort Lee
- Homeport Hampton Roads
- Langley AFB
Washington
- NAS Everett
- NAS Whidbey
- Naval Base Kitsap
- The Landings
4. Corvias Military Living
“It is our calling to serve military families by providing quality, residential communities. We are dedicated to delivering top-notch housing, combined with affordability, comfort and convenience to support thriving families and friendships. Our unparalleled commitment to enhancing the experiences of military life is a source of pride.”
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Corvias was founded in 1968 and named Picerne Military Housing as a fully integrated development, construction, and property management company working to create a quality living environment for military families.
In 2006, the company started the Corvias Foundation. In awe of the military families they serve and the sacrifices they make, the Foundation paves the way for Corvias to expand higher-education opportunities. The company provides support for military kids, recognizes the unemployment rate among military spouses, and offers scholarships as a way to assist financially.
Corvias Military Housing Locations
Alabama
Kansas
Louisiana
Maryland
- Aberdeen Proving Ground
- Fort Meade
- Reece Crossings (Fort Meade)
North Carolina
- Fort Bragg
- Randolph Point (Fort Bragg)
Oklahoma
5. Mayroad
Mayroad was founded in 2021 when investment firm Harrison Street took over management of the Air Force’s Continental Group under the Military Housing Privatization Initiative (MHPI). It already has more than 4,000 homes across six bases, though the company is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina.
The name “Mayroad” symbolizes renewal and forward progress, values reflected in its focus on integrity, transparency, and strong partnerships with the Department of Defense. Though young, Mayroad has already earned recognition for resident satisfaction and innovation. In 2024, it broke ground on the Air Force’s first privatized on-base apartment complex at Edwards AFB, 142 apartments with modern amenities, set to open in 2026.
Mayroad Military Housing Locations
Alaska
California
Florida
Kansas
North Carolina
6. Patrician Management
“We are committed to providing quality homes, a sense of community, and lifestyle to our military families. If you are searching for an outstanding location with fantastic amenities our apartments are for YOU!”
Patrician Management, based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is an experienced real estate and property management company with decades in multi-family housing. It manages a variety of residential communities, including apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes across the southeastern U.S. However, as of now, it manages just one privatized military housing community, NAS Belle Chasse.
In New Orleans, Louisiana, Patrician provides well-maintained, affordable homes for military families. Communities feature amenities like playgrounds, sports courts, dog parks, and convenient online services, designed to support a comfortable, family-friendly environment.
Patrician Military Housing Locations
Louisana
- Marine Forces Reserve New Orleans
- NAS Belle Chasse
- Naval Station New Orleans
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The Future of Privatized Military Housing
After recent events and continuing conditions, military families are asking, Where do we go from here? What happens if the Military Privatization Housing Initiative and Tenant Bill of Rights, created to ensure a higher quality of living conditions for military families, fall short?
Looking forward, Congress is considering whether to extend privatization to unaccompanied housing, like barracks, to improve quality and affordability. At the same time, the services are working more closely with housing partners to ensure higher standards, with initiatives focused on modernization, resident feedback, and stronger accountability measures.
In March 2024, the Department of Defense submitted its annual budget proposal to Congress, allocating roughly $5.41 billion to support ongoing Military Housing Privatization Initiative (MHPI) projects. This funding included $194 million specifically for family housing construction across three MHPI developments. These investments will focus on modernizing homes, addressing long-standing maintenance issues, and improving living conditions, ensuring military families have safe, comfortable, and well-maintained housing while stationed on base.
The next question on everyone’s mind is, will it stick? While the promise of action toward the concerns of military families is comforting and reassuring, some doubt that it’s sustainable. After all, the deterioration and neglect of military housing has already happened.
Is On-Base Housing Right for You?
While many are familiar with the perks associated with living on and off base, the decision varies from family to family. And the answer comes down to each person’s priorities.
If buying a home is on the table, many service members can likely find a nicer house for their money off base. Those who want to live under BAH or desire separation from work, living off base is probably the right fit.
However, some military members are required to live on base due to location, their type of job, or designated housing for certain positions. But even those who have a choice may still feel more comfortable living within the military community.
Learn more about living in military housing:
If you live on base, here are two things that you can do to help:
- Properly maintain your home. Perform the regular maintenance tasks you’re required to do and place routine work orders.
- Complete the housing survey. Each year, you should receive a survey that allows them to voice concerns or offer praise for areas your housing community does right.
While privatized military housing companies need to maintain safe, habitable homes, residents need to continue to raise concerns when warranted. With consistency and diligence, there's hope for quality military housing.
By Danielle Keech
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