We are off to the Soo in July, and had seen on Coastie chix that the housing there is fairly new and nice. Just wondering if anyone has any better info on housing (3bdrm). We have talked to several people who are in the Soo now, but none of them are living in housing... just makes us wonder why? Also, if you have any info on good neighborhoods, and resale market, for when it's time to leave. Thanks for any info!
I'm headed to the soo this summer and I've never seen or heard anything about the housing there...but, housing usually sucks. I just locked into a two bedroom for $500 a month w/most utilities paid. My only guess is that I'm not the only one w/that opinion about housing.
Well housing does not "suck" in the soo. Actually it is your best bet option. Bah is low for the area and the housing market is terrible. I would try my hardest to get into housing. It is really nice, across from the beach and in a really pretty neigborhood. I think it is always filled so it may be hard to get into. Actually all of the housing I have lived in was pretty nice and did not "suck". You can check out the local paper for real estate listings www.sooeveningnews.com It is a small town, so any neighborhood is fine. Houses sit on the markets for years so I wouldn't buy unless you have a long tour or may want to rent out after you leave.
I'm just coming from the Soo, was in a 2 bdrm in housing. The 2 bdrm's are a little small, but the 3 bdrm's have a lot more room. All units have a garage, fenced in yard and attic space for more storage. From what I saw in the area the CG owned housing is the way to go.
I was in the Soo 1999-2002. We owned the house at the corner of Ashmun and Easterday, actually the address was 992 Pine. It was one mile as the crow flies from the base. Housing wasn't built yet when we arrived and had just been completed when we left. I've been inside some of the units and they're nice, but in my not so humble opinion they wasted a lot of space. Sure, it's near the beach, but it's WAY on the other side of town and you can't walk anywhere BUT the beach.
I'd have to agree that the housing market is a little tough. It was then, and now I am an real estate agent in OR and it's tough here too, so I can't imagine it's much different in the UP. Coos Bay is a lot like the Soo! But housing costs are much lower in the Midwest than they are in coastal Oregon.
I know several RE agents there and if you need a referral, I can give you some names to call. They are your best resource when it comes to buying a home in the Soo. Rentals are always hard to find; we had to rent out in Kincheloe for a month while we waited to close on our house. I don't think Canada is an option, as I think Command would have an issue with active duty folks living in another country, even if it is a friendly one. :-)
I can give ya the skinny if you want it about the Sault, i Grew up there, Was stationed there, and plann on going back, was in housing and rented. falexander@cgczephyr.uscg.mil
First off, I have to laugh at CoastieWifeOR's reply - that housing is WAY on the other side of town.
It's only 4.4 miles one way from housing to the base. Takes all of about 7-10 minutes to get to work or back home. There is no rush hour in the Soo...at least not to/from housing. By bicycle you are no more than 30 minutes away from "downtown".
If you want to buy - go ahead. But good luck selling when you transfer!
CG houses have a LOT of wasted space - the 2 bedrooms are small. I think about 1100 square feet, if I remember correctly (we just left this past June). The floorplans are HORRIBLE for northern climates - all your heat goes right up to the vaulted ceiling and the upstairs. The architect apparently had done the housing plans for the Navy - in FLORIDA - and didn't think about the slightly "cooler" climate.
That being said, housing is nice. There is a fenced-in pet run (very large), a nice park only a few minutes walk away, and it's quiet.
