Best Family Neighborhoods Near Arnold Air force Base

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Do you like down-home bluegrass music, sipping high-quality whiskey, eating finger-licking good barbecue, and watching your family have a great time at the river or on the lake? If your answer is, “You betcha!” you are going to love being stationed at Arnold Air Force Base (AFB) in Tennessee. It is right smack dab in the middle of the state near Tullahoma city.

Family-friendly cities in Tennessee have marvelous schools, a pleasant lifestyle, outdoor recreational activities, affordable housing, and a welcoming community. We’ll tell you about three of them we think are top-notch, but first, let’s explore a bit of the base's history, which is fascinating.

Arnold Air Force Base: Aerospace Testing and Innovation

The Arnold Air Force Base is named in honor of General Henry "Hap" Arnold, who was a significant influencer in creating the United States Air Force as a separate branch of the American military.

Established in 1951, Arnold AFB is one of the world's most advanced and innovative aerospace testing facilities. Its primary mission is to test and evaluate flight systems for both military and commercial use, ensuring that aircraft, missiles, and other aerospace technologies meet safety and performance standards before being put in service.

The Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) at Arnold AFB has over 80 aeronautics testing systems. It operates numerous wind tunnels, test chambers, and other specialized equipment used to simulate flight conditions. At the facility, U.S. military and private aerospace companies test everything from engines to rockets to spacecraft. If you are assigned to work there, you must be a borderline genius. Yes sir, there’s a lot of smart people in this part of Tennessee.

While Arnold AFB may not be a base where many active-duty personnel are stationed, it is critical to the research and development efforts that shape the future of aviation and aerospace technology.

Family-Friendly Neighborhoods Near Arnold Air Force Base

Here are three of the best family-friendly neighborhoods near the base. These are communities where military families enjoy living.

Tullahoma, Tennessee: A Close-Knit Community

Tullahoma is a short, 15-minute drive from Arnold Air Force Base. Tullahoma is one of the most popular areas for military families stationed at Arnold AFB. Tullahoma is known for its family-oriented atmosphere, excellent schools, and recreational activities, making it an ideal place to raise children.

Why is Tullahoma great for families?

• Top Schools — Tullahoma is served by the Tullahoma City Schools district, which includes several highly rated public schools, like Tullahoma High School and Robert E. Lee Elementary.
• Parks and Recreation — The city has several parks, including Tullahoma Rotary Park, which has playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. Normandy Lake and Tims Ford Lake are nearby for boating, fishing, and hiking.
• Affordable Housing — The cost of living in Tullahoma is lower than the national average, making it a budget-friendly option for military families.
• Community Events — The city has the annual Tullahoma Independence Day Celebration with lots of fireworks and the Tullahoma Christmas Parade for families to enjoy.

Manchester, Tennessee: Affordable Living Near the Base

Manchester is a little further away, about 20 minutes from the base. Manchester offers a small-town vibe with plenty of family-oriented amenities and also affordable housing.

Why is Manchester great for families?

• Education — Manchester is served by the Coffee County School District, which has Westwood Elementary and Coffee County Central High School, both providing solid academic programs with wonderful extracurricular activities.
• Affordable Housing — Manchester offers homes at lower prices than you might find in larger cities. This affordability makes it a popular choice for military families looking to stretch their housing budgets.
• Outdoor Recreation — The Manchester Recreation Complex has an indoor pool, fitness facilities, and sports fields. Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park is known for its beautiful hiking trails and scenic views of waterfalls.
• Annual Festivals — Manchester is home to the world-famous Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. Manchester also hosts other family-friendly events throughout the year.

Shelbyville, Tennessee: A Strong Equestrian Tradition

If you love horses, Shelbyville is a fantastic choice. It’s about 30 minutes from Arnold Air Force Base, with easy access to larger cities like Nashville and Murfreesboro.

Why is Shelbyville great for families?

• Horses — Shelbyville is known as the "Walking Horse Capital of the World" thanks to its long tradition of hosting the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, the largest horse show for this breed. Families who love horses and equestrian activities will find Shelbyville’s culture especially appealing, with horse shows, barns, and many lovely riding trails.
• Good Schools — Shelbyville is served by the Bedford County School District. Shelbyville Central High School and Cascade Middle School are known for their academic programs.
• Affordable, Spacious Homes — One of Shelbyville's main attractions is its affordable housing, especially for families seeking larger homes with more space. Many homes in the area have large yards with room for pets and children to play.
• Quiet, Rural Lifestyle — Shelbyville offers a more rural lifestyle than Tullahoma or Manchester, but it’s still close enough to larger towns and cities for easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment.
• Outdoor Activities — For families who enjoy outdoor activities, Shelbyville provides opportunities for fishing, hiking, and camping at nearby parks like Bell Buckle Park and Normandy Lake.

Finding a Family Neighborhood Near Arnold Air Force Base

Whether you're looking for the small-town charm and affordability of Manchester, the welcoming community and top-rated schools of Tullahoma, or Shelbyville's quiet, rural, horse-friendly lifestyle, there are plenty of excellent areas near Arnold Air Force Base to raise a family.

Each community has so much going for it, from proximity to the base and affordable housing to excellent schools and plenty of recreational activities. You can spend a weekend watching the kids play sports, riding horses, or relaxing while fishing at the lakes or rivers. You will enjoy a comfortable lifestyle near Arnold AFB and thrive in a welcoming and supportive environment.

If you need a storage space to rent, you can find self-service storage locations near where you plan to live and reserve the space you need online.

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