Moving to Joint Base Andrews
Joint Base Andrews is the Washington, D.C. area's main military airfield, home to the 316th Wing and the aircraft that fly the President and senior leaders. Families get access to the capital region's jobs, museums and schools, but face high costs, heavy Beltway traffic and long waitlists for on-base housing.
| Branch | Air Force |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Camp Springs, MD |
| Airports | Reagan National (DCA), about 20-45 min; Baltimore-Washington (BWI), about 35-60 min; Dulles (IAD), about 50 min to over an hour |
| Climate | Hot, humid summers and cold winters. |
| Cost of living | High relative to the US average, though BAH is among the highest in the DoD. |
| On-base housing | Liberty Park at Andrews (privatized family housing); privatized housing office at 2097 San Antonio Blvd |
| Medical care | Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center; Walter Reed in Bethesda handles major inpatient care |
| Family support center | Family Support Center |
Where families live
Camp Springs
The base's home area with older 1950s-1980s single-family homes at some of the lowest prices nearby.
Clinton
Close-in single-family neighborhoods with shopping at nearby Capital Centre-area centers.
Fort Washington
Close to National Harbor and the river, with mid-priced single-family homes.
Bowie
Established suburb with MARC train service to D.C. and Route 50 toward Annapolis.
Waldorf (Charles County)
Newer, larger homes at lower prices, but the MD-5 commute can be punishing.
Anne Arundel County
Often chosen by families seeking stronger school options and willing to drive farther.
Schools
There are no schools on base and no DoDEA schools nearby. Most families attend Prince George's County Public Schools, which are uneven but include strong magnet and specialty programs (selection is by lottery application, historically running from November to January); others choose Charles County or Anne Arundel County or private schools. Address matters, so verify assignments with the School Liaison Office.
- Prince George's County Public Schools — Uneven quality by area; magnet and charter options require a lottery application.
- Charles County Public Schools — Serves Waldorf and surrounding areas south of the base.
- Anne Arundel County Public Schools — Often chosen by families wanting stronger schools and accepting a longer commute.
Joint Base Andrews School Liaison Office, through the Family Support Center
Things to do near Joint Base Andrews
- Smithsonian museums and the National MallmuseumFree museums and monuments in Washington, D.C.
- National HarbornightlifeWaterfront dining, shopping and a casino about 15 minutes away.
- Old Town AlexandriafoodHistoric waterfront district with restaurants and shops about 20 minutes away.
- Watkins Regional ParkfamilyLocal park with trails, picnic areas and a playground.
- Chesapeake Bay crabbing and fishingoutdoorsAbout 45 minutes away for crab shacks and bay access.
- Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Driveday-tripMountain hiking about two hours away.
- National Aquarium in BaltimorefamilyOffers a military rate for admission.
- Space-A flightsday-tripAir Mobility Command flights available to eligible travelers from the base terminal.
Realtors & local services
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- CENTURY 21 Redwood RealtyWashington, DC metro (Prince George's County)Advertises 150+ military-certified relocation agents and cash-back programs for service members; its site lists Joint Base Andrews among the bases it serves.
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Local programs & support
- Maryland State Parks military benefitsActive-duty personnel receive free day-use entry to Maryland state parks.
PCS tips for Joint Base Andrews
- Contact the Military Housing Office or the privatized housing office the day your orders arrive; on-base waitlists are long, especially for four-bedroom homes.
- Single airmen in the junior ranks (E-1 to E-3 and some E-4s) are generally required to live in the dorms.
- Test your commute at real rush-hour times; the Beltway, Suitland Parkway and MD-5 can add significant time.
- Check each address with the school district's locator before signing a lease, and mark the PGCPS magnet lottery deadline on your calendar.
- Check current gate hours and access rules before arrival; rideshares and taxis cannot enter the base and a visitor-control stop is required for guests.
Benefits to use on this move
- Dislocation Allowance (DLA)Service members relocating a household on PCS orders
- Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)Families who need a hotel or short-term rental while moving within the U.S.
- Personally Procured Move (PPM / DITY)Families who want to move some or all of their own goods
- VA Home Loan GuarantyService members, veterans and some surviving spouses buying a home
- Pet Transportation ReimbursementFamilies moving a cat or dog on PCS orders
- Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military ChildrenSchool-age children of active duty families changing schools
- School Liaison ProgramParents choosing schools and transferring records
Other installations in the Mid-Atlantic & D.C. area
Last researched 2026-10. Housing partners, school assignments and phone numbers change; confirm with the installation before you sign anything. Spot an error? Send a correction.
Sources
- https://www.housing.af.mil/Home/Installations/Joint-Base-Andrews/
- https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-culture/the-complete-guide-to-andrews-air-force-base/
- https://smover.co/blog/pcs-joint-base-andrews-relocation-guide
- https://www.honestmos.com/base/jb-andrews
- https://c21redwood.com/blog/neighborhoods-near-stations
- https://www.jba.af.mil/