Information on Naples, Italy for Military Families

INFO on Naples, Italy for Military Families

HOUSING and AMENITITES

-          I can’t speak for the base housing, as we live off base in Pozzuoli. However, I have lived in base housing in Newport, RI, Atsugi and Iwakuni, Japan. From my understanding, the pros/cons here are very similar to what I experienced. If you enjoy a tight-knit community feel, it’s the place to be. While your house/apartment may be smaller than an off base one, it’s certainly safe, doesn’t cost anything out of pocket, and you can enjoy all the great space the SS offers. There are lots of large grassy areas and playgrounds, and you can easily walk to everything. The downsides are the “fishbowl” feel (you see everyone you know…everywhere!).

-          You may be directly assigned to base housing. It will completely depend on timing, but you may not have the choice to live out in town. It is possible to be granted a waiver, but it’s not an easy process, from what I understand.

-          All base housing is on what is called the Support Site. It is located in Gricignano, not Naples proper.

-          The SS has a NEX, commissary, schools, gym, CDC, movie theater, food court, salon, eye center, phone store, thrift shop, post office, library, gym, chapel, and outdoor pool. This is also where TLA (Navy Lodge) is located.

-          Most commands are located at Capodochino, which is in downtown Naples, and about 20 minutes from the SS. There are shuttles that go between the two.

-          Capo is mostly commands, but has a CDC, mini-nex, theater, indoor pool, gym, post office, food court, and phone store.

-          The NATO base, JFC, is another location service members may work.  It’s located in Lago Patria, which is also roughly 15-20 minutes (different direction) from the SS. Even if you don’t have a spouse working there, you can still gain access to the amenities such as the pool, classes, and stores.

-          Carney Park is a beautiful park with a golf course, playgrounds, sports fields, camping ground, and outdoor pool that is property of the US military. It’s located in Pozzuoli on a volcanic crater.

SCHOOLS

     -          Our kids finished out the last few months of school at the DoDEA school on base.  There is an Italian immersion program there, and my son was it. I was not satisfied with it (We want our children to learn to speak the language fluently). If you really want your children to learn the language, I suggest sending them to an international (bilingual) school. Ours now go to De Santis in Pozzuoli. There are some English speaking teachers and students, but it's basically all Italian, and the student have an English course. This school offers a nursery as well. It depends on the age/grade, but it's roughly 230 Euros a month and they'll do discounts for siblings. They offer afterschool activites for an extra (pretty small) fee - guitar, piano, sports, and karate. It's super convenient because the kids go directly after school is over.

-          There are many international schools near the SS and throughout the area. Many provide childcare for toddlers too, and the rates are very affordable.o

TRAVEL

-          Traveling to other countries from Naples is SO easy and can be very cheap. You can park on base (free) at Capo and walk to the commercial airport. There are a lot of budget airlines that fly from here.

UPON ARRIVAL

-          The Navy Lodge has apartment style rooms and townhouses. If it’s full, you’ll most likely go to a hotel across the street from the base, called the Tulip Inn. This hotel is very nice, offers large rooms with kitchenette, it has free breakfast and an outdoor pool, but they do not provide kitchenware. There isn’t a laundry room there either.

-          If you are allowed to live off base, and choose to do so, it’s a bit of a process, and requires a lot of patience. Most people spend a couple of months in TLA before moving into a home. Searching for a home takes time, but it also takes a good bit of time for required inspections and paperwork once you’ve found the home. It’s very important to find a home with a good landlord, so I recommend getting references if possible.

MONEY

-           Check the COLA calculator for Naples. You can make a SUBSTANTIAL amount of money here. When you check the calculator, realize that the amount is for a two week period (so the monthly rate is double that). COLA, if you aren't aware, is Cost Of Living Allowance, and it's an entitlement you receive for the duration of your tour. It fluctuates every pay period, but you can get an idea of what is by checking the past payments on the calculator. This money is ON TOP of base pay and OHA and other entitlements like flight pay, etc. 

-       If you live in town, you also receive a housing allowance (OHA) and stipend for other bills. You can live VERY comfortably on these. 

-          Some things are cheaper here (a typical pizza is 4 euros and a bottle of decent wine can be cheaper than a bottle of water), fresh produce, cheese, and meat are available and cheap all over.

-          Gas is more expensive. However, you can purchase vouchers through the NEX that you can use at local gas stations. So you end up paying for gas at a price more comparable to what you’d pay in the states. You are only allotted a certain amount of vouchers to purchase though, so once you’ve used your monthly amount, you have to pay out of pocket the same price as locals. We’ve never used up our monthly amount, and we have two cars and commute a decent amount.

CARS

-          You can ship your own car here. We didn’t. We bought two used cars while here. If you buy from another military member, it’s an easy process. You have to go through a two week “background check” process if you buy a car from an Italian (commercial or independent sale). There are always several cars for sale by military members. Keep in mind that most are MANUAL not automatic. Also, it’s much harder to find a van or any vehicle that seats more than 5. Most used cars sell in the range of $1000-8000 range.  Our van was $2000.

-          You get your license in the Area Orientation Brief, so make sure to do the class as soon as you get here.  It’s possible to get to work at Capo by shuttle, and take public transportation from there, but it’s much easier and convenient to get set up with a vehicle sooner rather than later.

ENVIRONMENT/SAFTEY

-          The Navy doesn’t pay to have local water tested, so if you live out in town, you are provided water (either through bottles or Culligan’s service). It’s mandated that the landlord pays for it.

-          There is quite a bit of trash along some roads and in town. It bothers some people, but it can also be overlooked. Our particular community is clean, and I don’t see any trash on our daily commute to school, and the places we frequent. It’s out there though, and you’ll see some areas are much worse off than others.

-          There is a good bit of petty crime in the area. Thankfully, there isn’t a lot of violence, but theft is somewhat common. You have to be smart and cautious. All off base homes are required to have a security system. You have to be careful where you park, and it’s of course advisable to never leave anything valuable in your car.

CULTURE

-          There is SO much to offer here. The Amalfi coast is super close. Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius are “next door”. Rome is quick train ride or a few hours drive. Like I said before, there are several budget airlines that operate here. Naples itself has tons to do. The Gaeta and Naples MWR/FFSC offer trips almost daily. There are tons of cooking classes, events, and activities to be involved in. TONS.