Any advice for someone moving to China Lake? Our biggest issue right now is that BAH is going to be $200 less than in Jax, but houses/rentals cost more. GAH. Any advice that could help DH when he heads out for house hunting would be appreciated, along with any other nuggets of wisdom. :-)

Always seek something that is under your BAH or if the option of living on base then go that route.

Base housing has a one year waiting list. We always try to stick to BAH as a guide for what we should spend on housing, and we really don't have a choice with this one since we are also (most likely) going to be losing money by renting the home we own in Jax, but *wow* it looks like we might have to live in a shack for what the Navy is giving us for that area.

Sorry Brandy, I wish I had some first hand knowledge of the China Lake area to offer you! Sometimes I don't understand why BAH rates are set low in some areas where the cost of living is higher. But it seems like California is a bevy of short-sales and foreclosures right now, any option of purchasing a bargain while you are there instead of renting? I know this may be out of the question if you still own in Jax, but just a thought with the housing market being what it is out west. Good luck to you!