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Fort Jackson

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Fort Jackson

Off-Base Neighborhoods

While Fort Jackson housing has many amenities, there is also the option of living off post. Nearby Forest Acres, Blythewood, Elgin are the top neighborhood choices. Each area has a variety of housing. Whether you are looking for a single-family home, a duplex/condo, love the historic district it can all be found in SC!

On Base Housing

Installation housing on Fort Jackson is divided into three major neighborhoods managed by Balfour Beatty, in both single family and duplex layouts. Pierce Terrace for enlisted active duty personnel, has 2 to 4 bedroom floor plans. Mabry Manor and Howie Village for officers has floor plans ranging from 3 to 4 bedrooms.

Schools

There are two elementary schools on post run by DDESS for students Pre-K through 6th grade. 7th and 8th grade students living on post will attend Dent Middle School. On-post high school students will attend Richland Northeast. The majority of military families living off-post are in areas served by Richland District 1 or 2.

There is also Open Enrollment each spring when you can apply to send your child to a school outside of the neighborhood zones.

Cost of Living and BAH

Fort Jackson BAH matches the low cost of living in South Carolina. You will have options to rent or buy in the local area using your BAH. Fort Jackson BAH varies depending on rank and whether or not you have dependents. To determine your BAH at Fort Jackson, use our BAH calculator.

BAH Calculator

Housing Costs

Your Fort Jackson BAH should go pretty far at this southern duty station. According to Trulia.com, the median sales price for homes in Columbia is $154,900 based on 1,227 home sales in the last four months. The median rent per month for apartments is $1,195. Rental prices are at a premium so many prefer to purchase a home.

Weather

Fort Jackson weather and South Carolina in general really means there are only two seasons: summer and a very mild autumn. Meaning it doesn’t typically get too cold, and very rarely snows. The heat can be intense, largely due to the humidity in the air. There is never a lack of sun or rain, of course coming from places like the Pacific Northwest, you gain a certain appreciation for it.

Hurricane season in the Atlantic begins in June and goes through November. Preparedness is key and it is important to have plans in place in the event of an emergency. Fort Jackson’s Red Cross has plenty of information at your disposal and is always ready and willing to assist. You do get the occasional torrential storms, which can lead to flooding of the Congaree River, the Saluda River, and the Broad River.

Base Amenities

Fort Jackson has some great amenities to include the Exchange, Fort Jackson Commissary, several pools, a small water park and theater among other things.

Area Attractions

There are lots of local events like the ever-popular State Fair, Food Tours and Farmers Markets that highlight and celebrate the diversity of the south. Some local annual favorites are St. Pats in Five Points in March, the Columbia International Festival in April, and the Jubilee: Festival of Black History & Culture.

The overall warm temperatures of the area make it easy to enjoy the beauty of the nearby beaches. Parks like the Harbison State Forest, Sesquicentennial State Park, and Saluda Shoals Park are also favorites.

Food and Drink

Southern favorites include fried green tomatoes, grits, shrimp and grits, strawberries in the spring, fresh peaches in the summer, and just about anything made with fresh seafood!

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