Moving to NAS Patuxent River
NAS Patuxent River in St. Mary's County is the Navy's center for aviation research, development, test and evaluation. It sits on a peninsula in Southern Maryland about 65 miles southeast of Washington, D.C., with a waterfront, rural feel and heavy defense contractor presence.
| Branch | Navy |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Lexington Park, MD |
| Airports | Reagan National (DCA) or BWI, each roughly 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Climate | Four seasons, humid summers, cold winters |
| Cost of living | Moderately above the US average |
| On-base housing | Reported as Lincoln Military Housing; contact the Housing Office |
| Medical care | Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River |
| Family support center | Fleet & Family Support Center (Bldg. 2090) |
Where families live
Lexington Park
Closest, with apartments and townhomes.
California, MD
Shopping hub with newer subdivisions.
Great Mills
Residential area with parks.
Solomons / Calvert County
Waterfront community across the river.
Schools
No DoD schools at Pax River. Maryland requires attendance at the residential boundary school; military housing zoning changed in December 2025. The school liaison can also help with private options.
- St. Mary's County Public Schools — Main district.
- Calvert County Public Schools — For families living across the river.
School Liaison Office at the Fleet and Family Support Center, 21993 Bundy Road, Bldg. 2090.
Things to do near NAS Patuxent River
- Patuxent River Naval Air MuseummuseumAviation exhibits and simulators.
- St. Mary's River State ParkoutdoorsKayaking, hiking and fishing.
- Point Lookout State ParkoutdoorsCamping and fishing.
- Greenwell State ParkoutdoorsTrails and waterfront.
- Chancellors Run Regional ParkfamilySports fields and skate park.
- LeonardtownfoodHistoric downtown with restaurants.
Realtors & local services
Want a realtor who knows NAS Patuxent River?
Tell us your report date, budget and whether you're buying or renting. We'll connect you with an agent who works with military families here.
Get matchedReal estate offices
- The Southside Group Real EstateLexington Park, California, Great MillsPublishes a relocation guide for Pax River.
Listings come from public sources and are not endorsed or vetted. Own a business that serves families at NAS Patuxent River? Claim or add a listing.
Local programs & support
- College of Southern MarylandLow-cost adult education, GED and ESL.
PCS tips for NAS Patuxent River
- Check redistricting for military housing zones.
- Traffic on Route 235 can be heavy at shift change.
- Navy College Office on base closed in 2016; use the virtual center.
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.