Strategic housing satisfaction and preferences among U.S. military personnel: Evidence from Camp Humphreys, Korea

This study explores off-post housing preferences and satisfaction among U.S. military personnel and civilian employees stationed at Camp Humphreys in South Korea—the largest overseas U.S. military installation. Using the Importance–Performance Analysis framework, the research identifies key factors shaping residential experiences and strategic housing needs in host communities. While attributes such as English communication and clarity of lease agreement support resident satisfaction, unmet expectations regarding parking and shared facility management highlight critical service gaps. However, beyond individual preferences, the findings carry broader implications for real estate market responsiveness and urban policy. The structured nature of military housing allowances minimizes price sensitivity, suggesting that quality, service reliability, and cultural adaptability hold greater value for this tenant segment. These insights point to opportunities for local governments and developers to differentiate through certified multilingual real estate services and tailored infrastructure planning. By aligning investment strategies with the unique needs of foreign military populations, stakeholders can enhance property values, reduce tenant turnover, and foster community integration. The study contributes to the discourse on military housing policy and provides a model for optimizing real estate services in globalized urban contexts.