Housing

Housing information is the one thing everyone wants to know but will vary depending on where you are being stationed and your sponsors rank and number of dependents. I will tell you how housing works here at Vilseck/Grafenwoehr. I'm sorry for those of you being stationed somewhere else, if things are run differently then I can't help much here. But maybe it's done the same way throughout Germany. 

There are three types of housing: On post housing, which is physically on post. Off post government leased housing, which is still owned and maintained by the post itself just outside the gates. And private rental housing, which is rented out through a landlord. Some locations have a rule that E6 and below and a few other ranks such as commanders can live on post then all others can live in government leased housing depending on availability. On post and off post government leased housing have both 110V and 220V plugs. So lucky you, you get to use all your American appliances. I have heard there are not enough 110V to plug in all your American appliances so you will still need some adapters and maybe a transformer. In smaller locations, like Vilseck, the off post housing may have nothing available and will send you to private rental. A private rental house is still through housing but you will search through listings of houses on the economy that are for rent from a landlord. This can be a little frustrating due to the language barrier of landlords and the distance. A lot of private rental houses are anywhere from 10-40 minutes away from post. But it is ultimately your decision if you want to drive that far. Make a list of pros and cons of the houses you look at and decide what will work best for your family. 

Most people want to know their chances of living on post before they get here. My husband and I were approved for a 3 bedroom government leased house before we arrived. We thought we would then for sure live in a government leased house. We are now in a private rental. Don't get your heart set on a location or type of house because it will likely change. 

If you are coming to Vilseck/Grafenwoehr you can go to either housing office. We are stationed at Vilseck but found our house through Graf. Just remember to be patient when looking for a house. We love our house but it is a 30 minute drive to and from work everyday. But we have made great friends with our German neighbors and absolutely love being the only Americans in our village! 

                                                    A few photos of our house!

                                         And the beautiful view we have!!!