Base housing is not for everyone. The base housing at Barksdale AFB is huge. You have easy access to the commissary, BX, movie theater, bowling alley, etc. Great security. If you have just retired, don't know where you want to live and are looking for a job this could be a really great deal. The rent (once you factor in all of the utilities, renter's insurance and the maintenance) is a way better deal than trying to live off base. Plus, as a recent retiree you would still have your military move package. When I retired you could apply for an extension and have up to 2 years to use the move. The extension was pretty much automatic.
Again, not for everybody, but a new option available for some.

 

Which is why I said....
"I think it would be a good deal if one was already living there and wanted to rent after retiring while waiting to move on..." I agree with you.
FYI...when I retired I applied for the extension to continue living on base after retiring while I waited for my next job and final move to get settled. It was approved and then after I made decisions based on that availability, they turned around after 60 days and said I had to move out. Had to move into town and then again 4 months later for that final move. Uncle giveth and Uncle taketh away. I admit that still leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

 

I was on base when I retired and was not given an option of extension. OUT!

USMCFLYR

 

I currently live in Navy base housing with my wife as a civilian, and aside from feeling like I'm active duty, it isn't bad at all. As mentioned, utilities are paid, although they now are implementing a program where if you exceed "average" energy usage you cover the difference. But if you come in below the average they will reimburse you, I think up to $20/month or so. Mx is fantastic, fixing everything promptly and when they say they will (civilian contract, not CE), and the lawn is mowed every week with the bushes, sidewalks and curbs, etc., kept trimmed. I believe we are only responsible for snow removal. Of course the wife has full privileges to the commisary and NEX 2 blocks away, and the neighborhood mini-nex, as well as the base gym, which is really nice. The only thing that could make it better is if the base was in a more desirable area.

 

Not many bases are in desirable areas. Quite a few are way out in the sticks. At least with the Navy, you get housing on the water right

 

I would live in a crack house trailer in hell before I moved back to put up with CE, yard Nazis, and the jealous/noisy/resentful neighbors. I also really loved the 2 striper aggressively checking my breath anytime I went through the gates between 10 pm and 6 am.

You give up the best part of the end of the day or retirement when you live on base--driving OFF base at the end of the day. Its one long episode of the Truman show with a crappier house.