Moving to U.S. Naval Academy (NSA Annapolis)
The Naval Academy sits on the Severn River in historic Annapolis and trains roughly 4,400 midshipmen who become Navy and Marine Corps officers. Staff and faculty families live in a small, walkable waterfront city that is also close to Baltimore and Washington, D.C., but housing is expensive and the area is a high cost-of-living market.
| Branch | Navy |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Annapolis, MD |
| Population served | About 4,400 midshipmen plus roughly 580 military and civilian faculty (Military OneSource) |
| Airports | Baltimore/Washington International (BWI), about 30 minutes |
| Climate | Humid, four-season mid-Atlantic climate with hot summers, cool winters and occasional coastal flooding |
| Cost of living | Well above the US average, driven mainly by housing |
| On-base housing | Navy-managed housing office plus the Rental Partnership Program with local rental agencies; no large privatized community was confirmed |
| Family support center | Fleet and Family Support Center (First Building, 168 Bennion Road) |
Where families live
Historic Annapolis / Eastport
Older rowhouses and waterfront condos with the highest prices and the most walkability; popular with officers who want to skip the car.
Severna Park
Suburban single-family neighborhoods with a strong school reputation; families trade a longer drive for space.
Edgewater / Mayo
Water-oriented communities south of the city with a mix of older homes and newer builds, generally a bit cheaper than downtown.
Arnold
Quiet residential area on the north side of the Severn with larger lots and a suburban feel.
Crofton / Gambrills
More affordable suburban housing toward the Fort Meade and Washington corridor; useful for dual-income or dual-military households.
Schools
Families off the Yard are served mainly by Anne Arundel County Public Schools; there is no DoDEA school at the Academy. Contact the Naval Academy's School Liaison Officer through the Fleet and Family Support Center before choosing a neighborhood, since attendance zones differ widely.
- Anne Arundel County Public Schools — Main public district for Annapolis and surrounding communities.
Naval Academy School Liaison Office, reached through the Fleet and Family Support Center at 168 Bennion Road
Things to do near U.S. Naval Academy (NSA Annapolis)
- Annapolis City Dock and Ego AlleyoutdoorsWalk the historic waterfront, watch the boats and browse shops and restaurants downtown.
- U.S. Naval Academy Museum and ChapelmuseumVisit the Academy's museum, crypt and chapel to see the school's naval history up close.
- Sailing on the Chesapeake BayoutdoorsAnnapolis calls itself the sailing capital, with lessons, charters and weekly races on the bay.
- Maryland State HousemuseumTour the oldest state capitol still in continuous legislative use.
- Quiet Waters ParkfamilyCounty park with trails, a dog park and views of the South River.
- Baltimore Inner Harborday-tripAquarium, ballparks and museums are within an easy drive.
- Navy football at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial StadiumsportsHome games are a major social event for Academy families.
- Washington, D.C.day-tripThe Smithsonian museums and monuments are about an hour away.
Realtors & local services
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Local programs & support
- Maryland Military Compatibility resourcesState portal with information on Maryland's military installations and services for service members.
- Rental Partnership Program (Annapolis Housing Office)Arranges rent deducted from pay through an allotment at participating local rental agencies, with rent set to match BAH.
PCS tips for U.S. Naval Academy (NSA Annapolis)
- Housing is the big cost driver here; call the Annapolis Housing Office early and ask about the Rental Partnership Program before signing a private lease.
- Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers, so plan to use a base phone or the commercial numbers for the housing office and ID office.
- The ID card office works by appointment on certain days and has limited walk-in hours; book ahead for your in-processing.
- Downtown parking and tourist traffic, especially in summer and on football weekends, can slow gate access; check commute times at your actual rush hour before you commit to a lease.
- Low-lying waterfront areas can flood during storms, so ask landlords about flood history and renter's insurance.
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.