Redstone Arsenal housing: on post, off post and temporary lodging

Redstone works differently from a big troop post. It has a few hundred privatized homes, no barracks, one on-post hotel, and most people live off post in Huntsville, Madison and the surrounding towns. Here's who can live on post, how to get on the list, where to stay when you first arrive, and who to call before you sign a lease.

On-post family housing

On-post homes are privatized. The garrison says Redstone Communities has 352 homes on post. Active-duty service members get priority regardless of rank. Geographically separated service members, DoD and other federal employees, contractors with access to Redstone, military retirees, Reservists, National Guard members, and military widows and widowers may also apply.^[1] MilitaryINSTALLATIONS describes 2- to 5-bedroom townhomes and single-family homes. Members on orders to Redstone have priority, and others get space-available housing.^[2]

The homes are marketed as Redstone Family Housing. It says active-duty residents pay in arrears, with no up-front rent or deposit, and utilities included. Pets are allowed, subject to breed and size restrictions.^[3]

Getting on the waiting list

You can register for the waiting list as soon as you have orders.^[2] Call Redstone Communities at (256) 400-5940 for current availability.^[1]

Schools for on-post homes

Children living on Redstone attend Huntsville City Schools. Huntsville City Schools provides transportation to Williams Elementary and Middle, Columbia High School, the Academy for Academics and Arts, and the Academy for Science and Foreign Language.^[1] Confirm zoning with the district and read the state report cards. To weigh districts side by side, use our compare schools links (state report cards, GreatSchools, Niche and zone lookups).

Single service members: no barracks

MilitaryINSTALLATIONS says there are no barracks on Redstone Arsenal.^[5] Most single members rent off post with BAH. See Huntsville BAH explained.

Temporary lodging when you arrive

The on-post option is the Candlewood Suites on Redstone Arsenal, an IHG Army Hotel. IHG lists 92 rooms with kitchens and allows dogs and cats up to 80 pounds.^[6] PCS and TDY travelers have priority, so call for availability.^[4] If you stay at an off-post hotel, ask for the government rate.^[5]

On a CONUS PCS, Temporary Lodging Expense can partly repay lodging and meals. DTMO raised the limit to 21 days effective November 27, 2024. Keep your receipts and confirm with finance.^[7,8]

Off-post housing: start with the HSO

All incoming military personnel should report to the Housing Services Office before arranging off-post housing.^[5] The HSO serves military and DoD civilian personnel. It offers welcome packets, rental and sales help, counseling, a rental partnership program, a utility deposit program, help setting up BAH, and landlord-tenant mediation.^[1]

MilitaryINSTALLATIONS also recommends visiting an apartment in person before you lease, because not every complex is in a neighborhood you'd want.^[2] When you go house hunting on permissive TDY, your gaining command signs the DA Form 31. The housing office no longer does.^[2]

To choose an area, start with your gate. Only Gate 9 is open 24/7, so your shift and building matter.^[9] Our neighborhoods guide compares Madison, Huntsville, Harvest, Meridianville, Athens and Decatur on rent, home values and drive time to Gate 9.

DoD civilians and contractors

Civilians and contractors can apply for on-post homes on the eligibility list above, but active-duty members come first.^[1] The HSO serves DoD civilian personnel too.^[1] Get your employer's relocation benefits (temporary lodging, house-hunting trip, shipment) in writing before you accept.

Housing steps, in order

1. As soon as you have orders: get on the Redstone Family Housing waiting list if you want on-post housing.^[2]
2. Book temporary lodging early. PCS and TDY travelers have priority at the on-post Candlewood.^[4]
3. Call the HSO before signing any off-post lease.^[5]
4. Pick a gate and drive the commute at rush hour.^[9]
5. Confirm the school zone by address with the district. See compare schools.
6. Work through the Huntsville Move Checklist.