Rent First or Buy Right Away When Moving to Huntsville?

We sell homes, so you might expect us to tell you to buy right away. We won't. For some people, renting first is the better move. For others, buying sooner makes more sense. Here's how we'd think it through, with the local details that matter.

When renting first makes sense

Your orders or start date could change. If there's a real chance you won't be here long, a lease is easier to walk away from than a house.

You don't know the area yet. Huntsville spreads out, and the Arsenal's gates keep different hours. Living here for a while lets you learn which drive you can live with. Our gate hours guide is a good start.

You want to build. If the home you want doesn't exist yet, renting gives you time to build it. Read new construction timelines vs. your report date.

Your finances need time. If you're waiting on a sale back home or saving for closing costs, renting buys you that time.

When buying sooner makes sense

You expect to be here a while. A longer, steadier assignment makes buying easier to justify.

You've done the homework. If you know your gate, your school district and your budget, waiting may not teach you much more.

You'd rather move once. Every move costs money and time. Buying right away means one move instead of two.

The numbers work. If you're using BAH, look up your rate with the DTMO tool and talk to a lender about the full monthly payment. Our BAH and VA loan post covers the basics.

Local resources for renters

If you're military, start with Redstone's Housing Services Office, at the One Stop, Building 3494 on Honest John Road, 256-876-6666. According to Military OneSource, the HSO helps with finding housing for sale or rent in the surrounding area and shares current market information, and new arrivals should contact it before signing any lease or contract for off-post housing. Military OneSource also recommends seeing an apartment in person before you sign a lease.

On-post housing is another option. Military OneSource says Redstone Family Housing offers two- to five-bedroom townhomes and single-family homes on post. Service members on orders to Redstone have priority. Retirees, Department of War civilians, government contractors and military families not assigned to Redstone can rent on a space-available basis. You can register for the waiting list as soon as you have orders. Call 256-400-5940.

For short stays, Military OneSource lists IHG Army Hotels Candlewood Suites at 3440 Aerobee Road on Redstone (256-924-7707), with priority for PCS and TDY travel.

Our agents work with renters too. If you'd like help finding a rental while you learn the area, just say so when you reach out.

Dates that can affect the decision

Property taxes. The Alabama Department of Revenue says property taxes are due October 1 and delinquent after December 31.

Homestead exemption. In Madison County, you can be granted a homestead exemption if the home is your primary residence on October 1 of the tax year, and the deadline to apply is December 31. The address on your driver's license needs to match the property. Ask the Madison County Tax Assessor how your timing affects you.

Quick answers

Do I have to talk to the Housing Services Office if I'm a civilian? The Military OneSource guidance is written for military arrivals. Civilians and contractors can ask their employer's relocation contact about local help.

Can I rent on post as a civilian? Military OneSource says Department of War civilians and government contractors can get on-post housing on a space-available basis. Call Redstone Family Housing to ask about availability.

A middle path

Some buyers do both: rent short-term, house-hunt in person for a few weekends, then buy. Others buy a finished home quickly and skip the rental. There's no single right answer. What helps is deciding on purpose instead of by default.

Talk it through with us

Our PCS to Redstone Arsenal guide covers renting and buying for service members, and Moving to Huntsville for Redstone Arsenal covers the newcomer basics for everyone. Moving with the FBI or Space Command? See this page.

Whether you rent or buy, we can help you get your bearings. Get the Huntsville relocation guide or call The Nicolaou Group at Capstone Realty at 256.993.5800.

Sources

• Redstone Arsenal, For Newcomers (HSO at One Stop, Building 3494): https://home.army.mil/redstone/my-fort/newcomers. Military OneSource, Redstone Arsenal Housing (HSO, Redstone Family Housing, waiting list, apartment advice): https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/military-installation/redstone-arsenal/housing/housing
• Military OneSource, Redstone Arsenal Temporary Housing (Candlewood Suites): https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/military-installation/redstone-arsenal/housing/temporary-housing
• Alabama Department of Revenue, When are my property taxes due?: https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/faqs/when-are-my-property-taxes-due/
• Madison County Tax Assessor, Homestead Exemption Information: https://www.madisoncountyal.gov/departments/tax-assessor/homestead-exemptions