A few years ago, this question was easy to answer.

Homes were selling quickly. Competition was intense. Buyers were writing offers the same day a property hit the market.

In 2026, the conversation looks a little different.

Many military families arriving at Fort Benning are asking the same question:

Does buying still make sense, or am I better off renting?

The answer depends on your timeline, finances, and long-term plans. But for many military families, buying can still be a smart move.

The Goal Was Never Just Appreciation

One of the biggest misconceptions about homeownership is that the entire benefit comes from rising home values.

While appreciation is certainly a nice bonus, most military families don’t buy because they’re trying to become real estate investors.

They buy because they want stability.

When you own your home, you don’t have to worry about lease renewals, rent increases, or a landlord deciding to sell the property halfway through your assignment.

For families trying to settle into a new duty station, that stability has real value.

The Fort Benning Area Remains Relatively Affordable

Compared to many military communities across the country, the Columbus and Phenix City area remains one of the more affordable places to buy a home.

Many buyers are surprised by how much home they can purchase compared to what they left behind.

Depending on your budget, it is still possible to find homes with larger lots, garages, dedicated office space, and room for a growing family without stretching far beyond what many military families are already spending on housing.

That doesn’t mean every home is a great deal.

It does mean buyers still have options.

Buyers Have More Choices Than They Did During the Market Frenzy

One of the biggest differences between today’s market and the market a few years ago is the amount of breathing room buyers have.

You are less likely to find yourself competing against a dozen offers.

Price reductions are more common.

Seller-paid closing costs are easier to negotiate.

Inspection requests are generally taken more seriously.

While desirable homes still move quickly, buyers often have more time to evaluate a property and make thoughtful decisions.

That’s a good thing.

Buying a home should feel like an informed decision, not a race.

The Biggest Question Isn’t Interest Rates

Most buyers focus on one thing:

“What are rates doing?”

While financing absolutely matters, I think there’s a more important question.

How long do you realistically expect to own the home?

If you’re likely to receive orders again within a year, buying may not be the right fit.

If you expect to be here for several years, have a financial cushion, and are purchasing a home that would appeal to future buyers or renters, the math often looks very different.

The most successful military homeowners usually aren’t trying to perfectly time the market.

They’re buying a home that fits their life today while keeping future flexibility in mind.

Not Every Buyer Should Buy

This may sound strange coming from a Realtor, but buying is not always the right answer.

Sometimes renting is the better move.

If you’re still rebuilding credit, don’t have emergency savings, or simply aren’t sure where you want to live yet, renting may provide more flexibility.

The goal isn’t to convince everyone to buy.

The goal is to help families make a housing decision that fits their situation.

For some people, that will be buying.

For others, it won’t.

What Makes a Home a Good Purchase Near Fort Benning?

When I’m helping PCS buyers evaluate homes, I focus on a few things:

• Commute to Fort Benning
• Overall neighborhood appeal
• School options
• Future resale potential
• Rental demand if orders arrive sooner than expected
• Whether the monthly payment comfortably fits the family’s budget

Notice what’s not on that list.

Trying to predict exactly what the market will do next year.

Nobody knows.

What we can do is make smart decisions based on the information we have today.

So, Is Buying Near Fort Benning Still Worth It in 2026?

For many military families, yes.

Not because home values are guaranteed to skyrocket.

Not because anyone can predict interest rates.

But because this area still offers something many duty stations don’t:

Reasonably priced homes, multiple community options, manageable commutes, and opportunities to build stability while you’re stationed here.

The right home can make your PCS easier, give your family room to grow, and potentially create options when it’s time for your next set of orders.

The key is making sure you’re buying for the right reasons.

Thinking About Buying Near Fort Benning?

Every PCS is different.

If you’re trying to decide whether buying or renting makes more sense for your situation, reach out. I’ll help you evaluate the numbers, your timeline, and the areas I would personally focus on if I were making the move myself.