It is no mystery why Scott AFB is ranked 2nd for the best base for airmen/airwomen and their families. This base is among a Venn diagram of three cities/towns about 20-ish minutes from St. Louis (Shiloh, Belleville, and O’Fallon) which overlap in different areas. There is a nice international airport 30 minutes away in STL which makes traveling to see family and friends or visitors coming to town a breeze. If this is your next assignment, whatever you do, make sure you try Ted Drewes frozen custard, it’s a legend in this area!
Things to know about Scott Air Force Base
Go Blues! Go Cardinals! This is the first base we have been stationed at with big time sports teams. Information, Tickets and Tours on base has discounted tickets and often they have free for military games. They are SO FUN! Living in the midwest, you get to meet amazing salt-to-the-earth type people. We have found a wonderful group of friends here and it’s a lovely location for families. Our children are thriving and enjoying the open spaces. (we moved here from tiny Okinawa so its very different scenery!)
-brette
We have adopted an appreciation for actual seasons (learning how to enjoy those winter months)! We have had a series of PCSs/TDYs in the south, so actually having a winter has been new for us. I have come to rely on the 24hr access gym on base, especially during the winter (and you don’t have to have the sponsor with you if you are using the 24hr pass like some other bases)! We have always loved hiking, camping and outdoor activities, Southern Illinois and Missouri have a wealth of options we are starting to explore! Also, being closer to a bigger city with this PCS has immediately made it feel more like home, so immediately diving into local events and learning the area has been great. My husband and I have become Pet Socializers at Belleville Area Humane Society and also volunteer at their events any chance we get. Please join us!
-leslie
Looking for more specific recommendations from the WAF community on topics like best neighborhoods, favorite restaurants, or doctor recommendations – join the conversation in our private Facebook group of incredible WAFs!
In an effort to better serve every WAF across all branches, and with the help of some amazing other WAFs, we’ve curated branch specific Facebook groups. You can find your branch’s group by joining the general WAF Facebook page and then clicking “visit group”.
