4 | HelloFayetteville, North Carolina • Winter Issue
A Gem in North Carolina
Fayetteville, North Carolina, is a vibrant city brimming with culture, history, and modern amenities that blend seamlessly to create an enriching living experience. Bursting with energy, Fayetteville offers an invigorating mix of
community spirit and urban convenience.
At its heart, Fayetteville takes pride in its strong cultural identity, underscored by its historic districts and diverse artistic expressions. Residents and visitors alike can explore the fascinating exhibits of the Airborne & Special Operations Museum or immerse themselves in local art at venues like Cape Fear Studios. This city is not just about history but celebrates life through its
Uncover the Charm of Fayetteville
Hello Fayetteville, North Carolina • Winter Issue |5
lively arts scene and annual festivals that bring the community together.
Nature lovers can delight in Fayetteville's numerous parks, trails, and the serene Cape Fear River, perfect for outdoor adventures without leaving city limits. Whether it’s kayaking on a sunlit day or unwinding with a picnic by the waterside, the city's natural beauty offers a refreshing escape.
Let's not forget the warm Southern hospitality
that permeates the air, making new residents feel instantly at home. Fayettville's welcoming neighborhoods, diverse culinary landscape, and bustling downtown provide a perfect living environment for families, young professionals, and retirees alike.
In Fayetteville, North Carolina, every day unfolds like a new adventure, revealing stories of past and present that resonate in the...
Uncover the Charm of Fayetteville
Uncover the Charm of Fayetteville: A Gem in North Carolina
Fayetteville, North Carolina, is a vibrant city brimming with culture, history, and modern amenities that blend seamlessly to create an enriching living experience. Bursting with energy, Fayetteville offers an invigorating mix of community spirit and urban convenience.
At its heart, Fayetteville takes pride in its strong cultural identity, underscored by its historic districts and diverse artistic expressions. Residents and visitors alike can explore the fascinating exhibits of the Airborne & Special Operations Museum or immerse themselves in local art at venues like Cape Fear Studios. This city is not just about history but celebrates life through its lively arts scene and annual festivals that bring the community together.
Nature lovers can delight in Fayetteville's numerous parks, trails, and the serene Cape Fear River, perfect for outdoor adventures without leaving city limits. Whether it’s kayaking on a sunlit day or unwinding with a picnic by the waterside, the city's natural beauty offers a refreshing escape.
Let's not forget the warm Southern hospitality that permeates the air, making new residents feel instantly at home. Fayettville's welcoming neighborhoods, diverse culinary landscape, and bustling downtown provide a perfect living environment for families, young professionals, and retirees alike.
In Fayetteville, North Carolina, every day unfolds like a new adventure, revealing stories of past and present that resonate in the hearts of all those who call this extraordinary city home.
On-Post vs. Off-Base: Best Housing Options for Military Families Near Fort Liberty (Fort Bragg)
Military families arriving at Fort Liberty—also still commonly referred to as Fort Bragg—often face an important question right away: Should we live on-post or off-base? This decision affects daily life, finances, and long-term plans, so it’s important to understand the differences.For many members
and their families, on-post military housing offers convenience. It places service members close to work, which often means shorter commutes and more time at home. On-post areas are designed with military families in mind, offering schools, playgrounds, and commissaries within easy reach.
6 | HelloFayetteville, North Carolina • Winter Issue
On-Post vs. Off-Base: Best Housing Options for Military Families Near Fort Liberty (Fort Bragg)
Military families arriving at Fort Liberty—also still commonly referred to as Fort Bragg—often face an important question right away: Should we live on-post or off-base? This decision affects daily life, finances, and long-term plans, so it’s important to understand the differences. For many members and their families, on-post military housing offers convenience. It places service members close to work, which often means shorter commutes and more time at home. On-post areas are designed with military families in mind, offering schools, playgrounds, and commissaries within easy reach. Family housing on-post usually includes utilities, and maintenance is handled for you. That can be a big relief during a busy PCS move. These communities also offer a built-in support system, with neighbors who understand the unique pace of military life. However, military housing on-post comes with some limitations. Waitlists can be long, and availability often depends on your rank, family size, and time of year. Some homes may be older or less updated, and certain rules limit how the property can be used. Some members and their families feel this restricts their personal freedom or privacy. Off-base family housing opens up more options. You can rent or buy in nearby communities. Many military families use their VA loan benefit to purchase a home with no down payment, giving them the chance to build equity while stationed at Fort Liberty (Fort Bragg). Living off-post allows members and their families to select neighborhoods based on school zones, space, or lifestyle preferences. Homes may have larger yards, more storage, or a quieter atmosphere. But this independence also brings more responsibility—handling maintenance, utility bills, and sometimes homeowners’ association fees. BAH, or Basic Allowance for Housing, plays a key role in the decision. On-post, your BAH is typically used directly for housing. Off-post, you receive the BAH and apply it toward rent or a mortgage. If your housing costs less than your BAH, you keep the difference; if it costs more, you cover the gap. Your timeline matters too. For shorter assignments, staying in military housing on-post or renting off base may make more sense. But for families spending several years at Fort Bragg (Fort Liberty), buying a home could be a smart financial step. Other factors also come into play—like school access, healthcare, local traffic, and overall lifestyle. Some military families value the community feel of on-post living. Others prefer the autonomy that comes with owning a home off base. The cost of living in areas around Fort Bragg (Fort Liberty) can vary widely. Some off-post homes may offer more space for the money. Others might push your budget higher. Comparing true costs against convenience is essential. Each option—on-post or off-base—has pros and cons. The best choice depends on what your family values most: space, stability, flexibility, or community.
Dietchi Thomas
Waitlists can be long, and availability often depends on your rank, family size, and time of year. Some homes may be older or less updated, and certain rules limit how the property can be used. Some members and their families feel this restricts their personal freedom or privacy.Off-base family housing opens up more options. You can rent or buy in nearby communities. Many military families use their VA loan benefit to purchase a home with no down payment, giving them the chance to build equity while stationed at Fort Liberty (Fort Bragg).Living off-post allows members and their families to select neighborhoods based on school...
housing on-post usually includes utilities, and maintenance is handled for you. That can be a big relief during a busy PCS move. These communities also offer a built-in support system, with neighbors who understand the unique pace of military life.However, military housing on-post comes with some limitations.
Military families near Fort Liberty (Fort Bragg) should weigh timing, cost, and lifestyle when choosing between on-post and off-base...
About the Author
Dietchi Thomas is the Broker/Owner of Military Family Realty in Fayetteville, NC, bringing over 30 years of real estate experience and a strong focus on serving military families. With a reputation for integrity, comprehensive market knowledge, and client-centered service, she has guided hundreds of buyers and sellers to success.
HelloFayetteville, North Carolina • Winter Issue |7
Smart Strategies for Preventing Water Damage and Mold in Fayetteville Homes
In Fayetteville, North Carolina, residential properties contend with prolonged humidity and frequent summer storms. These conditions create an ideal environment for moisture accumulation, which can lead to mold growth if not properly managed. Mold commonly takes hold in poorly ventilated areas,
particularly when indoor humidity exceeds 50 percent.Mold is most aggressive in damp, enclosed environments where air circulation is minimal and moisture remains unchecked.Effective prevention begins outside. Homeowners should maintain clean, securely fastened gutters to direct rainwater away
8 | HelloFayetteville, North Carolina • Winter Issue
Smart Strategies for Preventing Water Damage and Mold in Fayetteville Homes
In Fayetteville, North Carolina, residential properties contend with prolonged humidity and frequent summer storms. These conditions create an ideal environment for moisture accumulation, which can lead to mold growth if not properly managed. Mold commonly takes hold in poorly ventilated areas, particularly when indoor humidity exceeds 50 percent. Mold is most aggressive in damp, enclosed environments where air circulation is minimal and moisture remains unchecked. Effective prevention begins outside. Homeowners should maintain clean, securely fastened gutters to direct rainwater away from the foundation. Sealing window frames and door thresholds with water-resistant caulking further prevents moisture from infiltrating wall structures during heavy rain or high humidity. Indoors, regular inspection of plumbing fixtures can prevent slow leaks that often go unnoticed. Even minor drips under sinks or around appliances can introduce enough moisture for mold to develop. Exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms are essential; they should vent to the exterior, not just into the attic or crawlspace. In basements, enhanced air circulation through fans or ducted ventilation systems helps reduce stagnant, humid air. Additional precautions include using dehumidifiers during humid months, promptly drying wet textiles, and avoiding indoor air-drying of laundry. These habits collectively reduce ambient moisture and create conditions less favorable for mold. By addressing both structural vulnerabilities and indoor humidity levels, Fayetteville homeowners can safeguard their properties against the twin risks of water damage and mold intrusion.
Ryan Strickland
around appliances can introduce enough moisture for mold to develop. Exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms are essential; they should vent to the exterior, not just into the attic or crawlspace. In basements, enhanced air circulation through fans or ducted ventilation systems helps reduce stagnant, humid air.Additional precautions include using dehumidifiers during humid months, promptly drying wet textiles, and avoiding indoor air-drying of laundry. These habits collectively reduce ambient moisture and create conditions less favorable for mold.By addressing both structural vulnerabilities and indoor humidity...
from the foundation. Sealing window frames and door thresholds with water-resistant caulking further prevents moisture from infiltrating wall structures during heavy rain or high humidity.Indoors, regular inspection of plumbing fixtures can prevent slow leaks that often go unnoticed. Even minor drips under sinks or
Mold is most aggressive in damp, enclosed environments where air circulation is minimal and moisture remains unchecked.
About the Author
Ryan Strickland is the owner of 911 Restoration of Fayetteville, where he leads the team in providing fire, water, and mold recovery services across Fayetteville and Raleigh. Since joining the 911 Restoration network, he has earned recognition for his commitment to community impact, exceptional customer service, and leadership in the local restoration industry.
HelloFayetteville, North Carolina • Winter Issue |9
