Moving to Naval Support Facility Dahlgren
NSF Dahlgren sits in rural King George County on the Potomac River, home to Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division and related research and testing commands. It is a quiet, small-town duty station about 55 miles south of Washington, D.C., where most families live in King George, Fredericksburg or nearby counties.
| Branch | Navy |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Dahlgren, VA (King George County) |
| Formerly known as | NSA South Potomac |
| Airports | Reagan National (DCA) about 1-1.5 hours; Richmond (RIC) roughly 1.5 hours |
| Climate | Humid four-season mid-Atlantic climate with hot summers and cool winters |
| Cost of living | Moderate; lower than the D.C. suburbs but rising in Fredericksburg |
| On-base housing | Liberty Military Housing (78 single-family homes and 125 townhomes) |
| Medical care | Branch Health Clinic Dahlgren |
| Family support center | Fleet & Family Support Center (Navy MWR Dahlgren) |
Where families live
King George / Dahlgren
Rural area with newer subdivisions and limited shopping; closest to the gate.
Fredericksburg
Historic city with more dining, shopping and rental choices, but a long drive.
Colonial Beach
Small riverfront town with affordable homes and a beach feel.
Waldorf / La Plata, MD
Maryland suburbs with larger housing stock, often chosen by dual-income families.
On-base Liberty housing
Single-family homes and townhomes; two-pet limit with breed restrictions.
Schools
Most families attend King George County schools, with options in neighboring counties for those commuting from farther away. The School Liaison Officer lists local schools and helps with enrollment questions.
- King George County Schools — Public district serving the area around the base.
NSF Dahlgren School Liaison Officer, listed on the Navy MWR Dahlgren site
Things to do near Naval Support Facility Dahlgren
- Fredericksburg historic downtownfoodRestaurants, shops and Civil War history.
- Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military ParkmuseumCivil War battlefield sites in the Fredericksburg area.
- Westmoreland State ParkoutdoorsPotomac cliffs, fossils and camping.
- Colonial BeachoutdoorsSmall riverfront beach town.
- Caledon State ParkoutdoorsBald eagle viewing and trails.
- Washington, D.C.day-tripMuseums and monuments about an hour north.
- Stratford HallmuseumHistoric home of the Lee family on the Potomac.
- Navy MWR Dahlgren recreationfamilyBase recreation, fitness and outdoor programs.
Realtors & local services
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Get matchedMovers, storage, pets & more
- Eagle's Nest Animal HospitalveterinaryKing George
- White Oak Animal HospitalveterinaryFredericksburg
- Ferry Farm Animal ClinicveterinaryFredericksburg
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Local programs & support
- Caffee House temporary lodgingIncoming families with PCS orders can stay up to 30 days while house hunting.
- Off-Base Housing ServicesLease reviews, rental workshops, mediation and home-buying support for the Maryland, Virginia and D.C. area.
PCS tips for Naval Support Facility Dahlgren
- Get a Certificate of Non-Availability before arriving if you need reimbursed off-base lodging.
- Housing and shops are limited close to the gate, so many families live in King George or Fredericksburg and accept a longer drive.
- On-base housing allows two pets per household and bans several breeds, including Pit Bulls and Rottweilers.
- Traffic on Route 3 and the Potomac River bridge at Dahlgren can be slow at rush hour.
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.