Moving to a new duty station comes with a lot of decisions—one of the biggest being whether to buy or rent a home near Camp Lejeune. If you’re a service member or military family relocating to Camp Lejeune, MCAS New River, or MCAS Cherry Point, this decision can impact your finances, lifestyle, and long-term wealth.
As a retired Marine and real estate agent specializing in military relocations in Eastern North Carolina, I get asked this question all the time: “Should I buy or rent near Camp Lejeune?”
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but in this guide, I’ll break down the pros and cons of both renting and buying so you can make the best decision for your situation.
The Cost of Renting vs. Buying Near Camp Lejeune
Renting in Jacksonville, NC & Surrounding Areas
If you choose to rent, expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500 per month for a decent three-bedroom home, depending on location, size, and amenities.
That adds up to:
- $18,000 to $30,000 per year—money that goes straight into your landlord’s pocket.
- No return on investment or wealth-building opportunities.
Buying a Home with a VA Loan
If you qualify for a VA loan, you can buy a home with zero down payment. A mortgage on a similar home might cost around $2,000 per month, which includes taxes and insurance.
But here’s the key difference:
✅ You build equity—a portion of your mortgage payment goes toward owning the home.
✅ Home values in Eastern North Carolina have steadily increased, meaning your home will likely appreciate over time.
✅ You can rent it out when you PCS, turning it into an investment instead of an expense.
Essentially, instead of losing your BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) to rent, you could be using it to build long-term wealth.
When Does Buying a Home Near Camp Lejeune Make Sense?
Buying is a smart move if:
✅ You plan to be stationed here for at least 2-3 years—this gives your home time to appreciate and allows you to benefit from mortgage paydown.
✅ You’re comfortable with basic home maintenance (or hiring someone for it).
✅ You want to use your BAH to build equity instead of paying rent.
What If You Get Orders to Move in 2 Years?
Many service members hesitate to buy because they’re unsure how long they’ll be stationed at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River. However, if you need to relocate, you have two great options:
- Sell the home – If property values have increased, you can sell your home and walk away with a profit.
- Rent it out – With a steady flow of military families moving in and out, the rental market in Jacksonville, NC, is strong. Renting your home could mean monthly passive income while still building wealth through appreciation and mortgage paydown.
This means that even if you move, you’re not stuck—you’re leveraging your investment for financial gain.
When Does Renting Near Camp Lejeune Make Sense?
While buying has financial advantages, there are valid reasons to rent, such as:
🚫 You’ll be here for less than 2 years—the costs of buying and selling may not be worth it in such a short timeframe.
🚫 You don’t want to deal with maintenance, taxes, or homeowner responsibilities.
🚫 You have uncertain future plans (such as transitioning out of the military or taking an unaccompanied tour).
🚫 Your debt-to-income ratio is too high to qualify for a loan.
The Benefits of Renting
- Flexibility—if your situation changes, you can move without worrying about selling or managing a property.
- Less responsibility—your landlord handles major maintenance and repairs.
- No financial risk—while you won’t build equity, you also won’t be impacted if the market fluctuates.
For those who value convenience and don’t want long-term financial commitments, renting can be the stress-free choice.
The Bottom Line: Buy vs. Rent Near Camp Lejeune
At the end of the day, the right decision comes down to your goals and circumstances.
💰 Buy if you want to build wealth, invest in real estate, and make the most of your BAH.
🏠 Rent if you need flexibility and don’t want homeowner responsibilities.
If you’re still unsure, I’d be happy to chat about your specific situation and help you make the best move for your future.
Ready to Make Your Move? Let’s Talk!
📌 If you’re PCSing to Camp Lejeune, MCAS New River, or MCAS Cherry Point, I can help you find the perfect home—whether you want to buy or rent.
