I work in east TX 4 days a week, & have a small apt there. Then, every weekend, I spend 3 days with my wife in Louisiana. Her apt. is about 1 1/2 miles from Barksdale AFB, which is a fairly good-sized base. It's the base I worked at for 12 years as a civilian fed and a reservist. I retired from the reserves there in April 2010.
Barksdale has a large, well-stocked commissary, which we use every weekend for our groceries. Really good sales there. Wife & I agree that we really do spend a good bit less on the same items compared to off base.
The Base Exchange on Barksdale is pretty nice, and fairly new. We do shop there some. I buy my jeans there because they're cheaper than most off-base stores. I wear Levis. I've bought appliances, laptops, some furniture, and lots of other stuff there. Sometimes the price is better, sometimes not, but it's always easier to shop there than fighting the crowds off base. If I see what I want, & the price is better or at least close, I'll buy on base, because I believe in supporting my base when I can.
We buy about 1/2 of our gas on base. Usually, it can be found more or less for about the same price off base. Years back, it was always cheaper on base, but not so much anymore. Still, I try to support my base facilities.
Barksdale has an outstanding fitness center, that you will not find anyplace off base...at least nowhere that I've ever been. And...it's 100% free for my use & my family as well. I can even take a guest. That said...I'm fessing up right now and admitting that while I did use the fitness center regularly before I retired, I've been pretty scarce there lately. I SWEAR I'm gonna get back in there very very soon!
This particular base, being in Louisiana, has lots of undeveloped property, that is made available to outdoors adventure seeking individuals. There are several lakes & ponds full of fish, gator, nutria, snakes etc. Really good fishing can be had on base, and there are boats & other gear readily available for rent at low prices.
For those who hunt (not me in a long time) there is deer, duck & small game hunting that I'm told is really good. In addition, every year or two, the base has a limited alligator hunt that I think is handled in a lottery style, meaning only so many permits are given out and if you're lucky, you'll draw one. Some really big gators, 12 footers or more have been taken on base. I've personally seen several that size when out on the lakes fishing. I don't bother them, they don't bother me. We have an agreement. I hope.
My family & I do use the base regularly, for several different purposes. I'm really glad we've got such a great facility right here where we live. Once I completely retire, in 23 months, we'll most likely be staying right here within 1/2 hr of the base.