On-Post vs Off-Post Housing at Fort Knox

Should you live on-post at Fort Knox or find a home in the surrounding community? This is one of the first and most consequential decisions you will face during your PCS, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice depends on your rank, family size, tour length, financial goals, and personal preferences. This guide lays out the honest pros and cons of both options so you can make the decision that fits your situation.

At a Glance

On-Post: Knox Hills Privatized Housing

Knox Hills is the privatized housing community on Fort Knox, managed by Lendlease (operating as Centinel). It includes 20 neighborhoods across the installation, offering two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes for military families. When you live in Knox Hills, your entire BAH is allotted directly to the housing office — you do not receive a separate housing check.

Pros of Living On-Post

• Zero commute. You live on the installation. PT formation is a short drive or walk. Recalls and early mornings are manageable. For dual-military couples both stationed at Knox, on-post eliminates commute time entirely.
• Community and security. Knox Hills neighborhoods are gated within the installation. Your neighbors are fellow military families who understand the lifestyle. Kids play together, spouses connect naturally, and there is a built-in support network — especially valuable for families on their first PCS.
• Maintenance included. Knox Hills handles all maintenance — HVAC, plumbing, appliances, lawn care for common areas, and snow removal. You submit a work order and they fix it. No landlord negotiations, no out-of-pocket repair costs.
• Utilities included. Your BAH allotment covers utilities (electric, water, gas) within the standard usage cap. In most months, you will not pay a separate utility bill.
• Proximity to on-post amenities. Commissary, PX, MWR facilities, child care (CDC), Ireland Army Health Clinic, and DoDEA schools are all nearby.
• Simplicity. No lease to sign, no deposits, no utility setup. You check in, get assigned a home, and you are done. For families arriving with limited time or energy, this simplicity is valuable.

Cons of Living On-Post

• Waitlists. Depending on the unit size and season, waitlists can run 30-90 days. During peak PCS season (May-August), three- and four-bedroom homes are in high demand. You may need temporary housing while you wait.
• You give up your entire BAH. Every dollar of your housing allowance goes to Knox Hills. There is no opportunity to pocket the difference or build equity. At an E-5 rate of $1,647/month, that is $59,292 over three years with nothing to show for it at the end.
• Limited choice. You do not choose your home — you are assigned a unit based on availability, rank, and family size. The homes are functional but may not match your preferences in terms of neighborhood feel, layout, or condition.
• Inspection and rules. Living on-post comes with more oversight — yard standards, noise policies, guest policies, and periodic inspections. Some families find this constraining.
• Home condition varies. Knox Hills homes range from recently renovated to decades old. The unit you are assigned may be in excellent shape or may have maintenance issues that take time to resolve through work orders.

Off-Post: Buying or Renting in the Community

Living off-post means finding a home in one of the surrounding communities — Elizabethtown (15 min), Radcliff (5 min), Vine Grove (10 min), or Brandenburg (20 min). You receive your full BAH and use it to pay rent or a mortgage. Any BAH left over is yours to keep.

Pros of Living Off-Post

• Build equity. This is the biggest financial advantage. With a VA loan at zero down, your BAH goes toward your own mortgage instead of a housing company. In Elizabethtown, home values have appreciated 4-6% annually, meaning a $250,000 home could be worth $280,000-$290,000 by the end of a three-year tour. That is real wealth you take with you.
• More space and choice. Off-post, you choose your home — the neighborhood, the lot size, the layout, the school district. Elizabethtown alone has 14 distinct neighborhoods to explore, from starter homes under $200,000 to executive properties over $400,000.
• Pocket BAH savings. In many cases, especially at mid-to-senior enlisted and officer ranks, your BAH exceeds the actual cost of a mortgage or rent in the area. That difference stays in your pocket.
• Freedom. No housing office inspections, no on-post rules about yard maintenance standards, no guest policies. Your home is your own.
• School district options. Off-post, you can choose between Hardin County Schools and Elizabethtown Independent Schools based on where you live. Both systems are Purple Star designated and have strong programs for military families.
• Investment potential. If you PCS before you are ready to sell, you can rent the property to the next wave of military families. The Fort Knox area has strong and consistent rental demand.

Cons of Living Off-Post

• Commute. Even a 15-minute commute adds up — especially for 0500 PT formations in January. Radcliff minimizes this, but it is still more than walking across post.
• Maintenance responsibility. If you own, you handle repairs — or pay for them. A new HVAC system or roof is on you, not a work order.
• Utility costs. Unlike on-post housing, you pay your own utilities off-post. Budget $150-$300/month for electricity, water, gas, and trash depending on home size and season.
• Upfront costs when buying. While VA loans require zero down, you may still need funds for a home inspection ($300-$500) and some closing costs (though sellers often cover these in the E-town market).
• Selling pressure at PCS. If you buy and then receive short-notice orders, you will need to sell or find a tenant quickly. The Fort Knox market is forgiving here — homes sell in 15-30 days typically — but it adds stress.

Decision Framework: Which Is Right for You?

Use these questions to guide your decision. There are no wrong answers — only what works best for your family right now.

Based on Tour Length

• Under 2 years: On-post or renting off-post is usually the simpler choice. Buying for a short tour can work, but you are betting on appreciation and may not break even on closing costs.
• 2-3 years: Either option works. If you want simplicity, go on-post. If you want to build equity and have the energy to manage a home purchase, buying off-post with a VA loan is viable.
• 3+ years: Buying off-post strongly favors you financially. Three years of BAH going toward your own mortgage, combined with steady home appreciation in Hardin County, builds meaningful wealth.

Based on Rank

• Junior enlisted (E-1 to E-4): On-post is often the easiest option. BAH at these ranks is lower, and the financial margin is tighter. On-post simplifies the equation.
• Mid-grade enlisted (E-5 to E-7): Off-post buying becomes very attractive. An E-5 with dependents at $1,647/month can comfortably afford a home in Radcliff, Vine Grove, or entry-level E-town neighborhoods. An E-7 at $2,241/month has even more room.
• Officers (O-1 to O-5+): Off-post is the norm. BAH at officer ranks provides significant purchasing power in the E-town market. An O-3 at $2,421/month and an O-5 at $2,943/month can afford spacious family homes in E-town's best neighborhoods.

Based on Family Size

• Single or couple without children: On-post is simple and convenient. Off-post renting is also easy.
• Family with children: Consider school districts carefully. Off-post gives you school choice. On-post uses DoDEA schools, which are solid but limited in size.
• Large family (3+ children): Four-bedroom Knox Hills homes have the longest waitlists. Off-post gives you access to larger homes with more bedrooms and yard space.