Vandenberg Air Force Base future expansion potential?

Question

First of all, I'd like to start being much more active in the forums. I was a huge lurker a few years back, and haven't really been active over the last couple years, but would really like to start honing my knowledge and networking on here again.

Anyways, I was born and raised in Lompoc, CA. Over the past couple years, Vandenberg Air Force Base has seen a steady increase in rocket launches, and with an increase in new companies getting into the game, such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, FireFly, Virgin Galactic, etc., there won't be a slow-down anytime soon. Now with several proposed headquarters for a future Space Command center, Vandenberg has been in the running as a top candidate.

I'm wondering if any investors in the area or any potential investors have been looking into the area as a place for future economic growth as the Air Force Base would likely be expanding it's capabilities. The cities in questions immediately surrounding VAFB are Lompoc and the Santa Maria/Orcutt area.

Just curious on some thoughts as far as potential rental investments for the future, or even new development, as a large increase in base population would have to overflow into the nearby cities.

Here's a link to one of the more recent articles on the topic: https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/article237029734.html?fbclid=IwAR3i7D2uRAClVOrGc877mnkj2wgRXNqMdURsuRg1-O_GrsnSBcfSchkU5cQ

Owen Schwaegerle · Answer

Hi Kristofer, there is a consistent supply of military renters in Lompoc. Though rents and home prices are driven by income, there are not a lot of industries that are driving appreciation. However, there are always deals to be found and money to be made in every market, especially through a buy and hold strategy. I've got a lead on some off market multi-units in Lompoc if you're ever interested.

Aaron K. · Answer

I absolutely love the central coast through there as a tourist, as far as commercial launches go Vandenberg is primarily used for polar orbit launches, which is a fairly small percentage of the total, this is because to launch normally the rocket would fly over land and populated areas, which is a no-no.  As far as the base itself expanding, that is a possibility but you wouldn't want to peg all your hopes on a single employer like that.  I think those cities are more of a steady Eddy story than a growth story at least for the moment.