Local Military Families Resort to RV Living Amid Edwards Air Force Base Housing Shortage

Edwards Air Force Base in southern California, a significant location for military aviation, is experiencing a housing shortage. The base, situated in a remote desert, has had limited housing for years, causing high rents in nearby areas. Consequently, many military families stationed there are living in RVs.

Karen Petree, whose husband is a senior chief in the Navy assigned to an F-35 test program at Edwards, shared their story. They moved to the base in April 2021, expecting a two-week wait for housing. Instead, they were told the wait could be up to 12 months. As a result, they bought a large 5th-wheel RV trailer with a $70,000 loan at over 6% interest. For the next 11 months, the family of four lived in the RV at the base's campground, FamCamp, even while Karen was pregnant.

Living in the RV was challenging due to the high desert temperatures, reaching up to 115 degrees. The family had to purchase a third air conditioning unit as there was no shade in the RV parking area. Power outages were also frequent due to strong winds. However, they managed with a solar panel to keep their refrigerator running.

In April 2022, the Petree family moved into a house on the base. Their RV, however, remained in demand. Other families waiting for housing asked to rent the RV. Three years later, the Petree family still rents out the RV. Karen Petree found herself unexpectedly managing tenants and dealing with damage and unpaid rent.

Edwards Air Force Base, the second-largest in the Air Force, houses around 10,000 people, including nearly 2,400 active duty military personnel. The base, covering over 300,000 acres across Kern, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles Counties, is known for its history of aviation and its remote desert location. However, the ongoing housing shortage presents challenges for the military families stationed there.

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