Literary and film fans as well as TV addicts get ready for familiar territory here -- Schofield Barracks served as the main setting for James Jones' novel "From Here to Eternity," and the film made from it. The barracks and the area around it were also seen in the CBS television drama "Tour of Duty."
Just over 16,000 residents live at or around this U.S. Army installation on the island of Oahu. Located in the central part of the island, near the town of Wahiawa, Schofield borders Lake Wilson, known as the Wahiawa reservoir. Lakes are rare in the islands, and this one's large and pretty. Also nearby are the flowers of the Wahiawa Botanical Garden, and the Dole's Plantation, where pineapples are grown, and tourists stop to take a trip through the Garden Maze, reputedly the world's largest maze.
Moving to Schofield Barracks
If you're looking for housing in Schofield Barracks, start early -- it can take several months to find a home, due to demand for living close to the military base. Luckily for you, though, the weather on Oahu is nice all year round, so you're in for a pleasant search when you start hunting for your home.
While vacancies appear with some regularity, you should allow yourself a month to find the property you want to live in. Be sure to look at military publications and in local newspapers for listings, as well as online. You'll want to come equipped with a copy of your credit report when visiting the area's landlords. If you're looking for rental homes in the Schofield Barracks, HI area, you'll find many newly built homes and 2 bedroom apartments. If you want a duplex to rent or a condo to rent, you can find those, too.
Neighborhoods in Schofield Barracks
Housing is now privatized, and there are several neighborhoods to choose from in the Schofield Barracks area of Wahiawa.
Main Barracks: Here you'll find modernized apartment-type living, as well as dormitory-type barracks for military personnel. Conveniently close to the PX and Commissary, this is a great place to live if you like to be in the heart of things.
West of Main Post: Enlisted personnel generally reside here in homes and apartments, many of them recently built after 2000. It's a relaxing place to live, and you'll feel like you're in the suburbs.
Wilikina Drive: Considered the area for officer housing, with homes and apartments also recently upgraded or built. This is often considered to be the most pleasant and scenic area of Schofield Barracks.
Living in Schofield Barracks
In the center of the barracks, you'll find the PX, commissary, library and bowling alley for your shopping, dining and entertainment needs. Short daily commutes and a diverse community, plenty of green space, and access to the good and services of Schofield Barracks PX, are some of the perks of living here.
Don't like pineapple, and afraid a trip through a maze will turn you into the Jack Nicholson character of Jack Torrance in "The Shining"? Then perhaps this area will not be your cup of poi. Otherwise, you'll love the tropical climate, and the short drive up Kamehameha Highway from Schofield Barracks to the lush North Shore of Oahu, famous for surfing and shaved ice.