--- title: What to Know for a PCS Move to Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling description: Essential information for your PCS move to Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, including housing, schools, and local activities in Washington, DC, and surrounding area. image: https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/All_images/Locations-Travel/ITI%20What%20to%20know%20for%20a%20PCS%20Move%20to%20Joint%20Base%20Anacostia-Bolling.jpg --- [![MilitaryByOwner](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/MilitaryByOwner_February2020/Images/logo_header.png)](https://www.militarybyowner.com/) Member Login - [About Us](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/) - [About Us](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/) - [Company History](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/company-history/) - [Why Choose Us?](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about/why-choose-us/) - [Testimonials](https://www.militarybyowner.com/testimonials/) - [Advertise](https://www.militarybyowner.com/advertise/) - [Blog](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/) - [Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/) - [Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/) - [Ebooks](https://www.militarybyowner.com/ebooks/) - [Home Buying](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-buying-resources/) - [Home Decorating/Maintenance Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-decorating-and-maintenance-resources/) - [Home Financing](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-financing-resources/) - [Home Selling](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-selling-resources/) - [Military Life](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/military-life-resources/) - [PCS/Relocation Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/relocatingmoving-resources/) - [Property Management](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/property-management-resources/) - [Renting](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/renting-resources/) - [Website Help and Videos](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/website-help-and-videos/) - [Useful Links](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/helpful-resource-links/) - [About Us](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/) - [About Us](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/) - [Company History](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/company-history/) - [Why Choose Us?](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about/why-choose-us/) - [Testimonials](https://www.militarybyowner.com/testimonials/) - [Advertise](https://www.militarybyowner.com/advertise/) - [Blog](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/) - [Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/) - [Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/) - [Ebooks](https://www.militarybyowner.com/ebooks/) - [Home Buying](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-buying-resources/) - [Home Decorating/Maintenance Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-decorating-and-maintenance-resources/) - [Home Financing](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-financing-resources/) - [Home Selling](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-selling-resources/) - [Military Life](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/military-life-resources/) - [PCS/Relocation Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/relocatingmoving-resources/) - [Property Management](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/property-management-resources/) - [Renting](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/renting-resources/) - [Website Help and Videos](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/website-help-and-videos/) - [Useful Links](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/helpful-resource-links/) # What to Know for a PCS Move to Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling ![Dawn M. Smith](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/Blog%20Authors/Blog%20author%20headshots%202.jpg) ## [Dawn M. Smith](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/author/dawn-m-smith) July 03, 2025 - [**](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-your-pcs-to-joint-base-anacostia-bolling) - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/cws/share?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-your-pcs-to-joint-base-anacostia-bolling) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-your-pcs-to-joint-base-anacostia-bolling) - [**](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-your-pcs-to-joint-base-anacostia-bolling) [Air Force Bases](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/topic/air-force-bases) [Navy Bases](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/topic/navy-bases) ## What to Know for a PCS Move to Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Welcome to Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB)! There’s plenty of history to uncover, adventures to plan, and lifelong memories to make in the National Capital Region. So, get ready, because we have everything you need to know about [your military move to Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling](https://www.militarybyowner.com/dc/joint-base-anacostia-bolling/).  If you have questions about the location, housing, schools, and things to do, read on for all the details.  ![Inside Union Station in DC with white and black flooring and beautiful architecture with text, What to Expect When You PCS to Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Social_Media_Images/Pinterest%20Images/Pinterest%20optimized%20images/What%20to%20Expect%20When%20You%20PCS%20to%20Joint%20Base%20Anacostia-Bolling.jpg?width=600&height=900&name=What%20to%20Expect%20When%20You%20PCS%20to%20Joint%20Base%20Anacostia-Bolling.jpg) ## Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling’s Location Accessible from I-95, I-395, or I-495, JBAB’s central location on I-295 gives military commuters the chance to set up homes in Washington, DC, neighborhoods and in cities just miles away across the Maryland and Virginia state lines. Although JBAB is centrally located, commuting is a challenge. Therefore, traffic should be a big consideration when choosing a new home, especially if you’re one of the many dual-military families in the area who work at the [Washington Navy Yard](https://www.militarybyowner.com/dc/washington-navy-yard/), [Marine Barracks Washington](https://www.militarybyowner.com/dc/marine-barracks-washington/), [the Pentagon](https://www.militarybyowner.com/va/pentagon/), [Fort Meade NSA](https://www.militarybyowner.com/md/fort-meade-nsa/), [Joint Base Andrews](https://www.militarybyowner.com/md/joint-base-andrews/), and [Fort Belvoir](https://www.militarybyowner.com/va/fort-belvoir/). It's common for dual-military families to choose a city between their two duty stations to split the commute difference.  Headed to Washington, DC? Make sure you download our free area guides: [Military Family Guide to Washington, DC](https://info.militarybyowner.com/military-family-guide-to-washington-dc), and [Guide to Living in Alexandria, Virginia.](https://info.militarybyowner.com/guide-to-living-in-alexandria) ## Where to Live near Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling  Immediately outside JBAB’s gates, you’ll find the most common cities military families pick to live in: Alexandria, Arlington, along with Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, and Southeast Washington, DC.  But to maximize real estate dollars, some service members choose to look north and east into Maryland. Others consider commuting south of [Fort Belvoir, Virginia](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/top-neighborhoods-for-military-families-near-fort-belvoir). It’s highly recommended to work with a qualified real estate agent knowledgeable about rental properties and home sales in the areas around JBAB. Washington, DC, real estate can be a challenge. Both property and money move quickly and often in cash transactions. Unless you’re moving here from other expensive duty stations such as San Diego or Hawaii, you’ll want to prepare your savings accounts to adjust to rental and home buying costs. If you’re headed to JBAB, take a look at some of these homes for sale or rent: - [JBAB Homes for Rent](https://www.militarybyowner.com/dc/joint-base-anacostia-bolling-homes/?LsType=R) - [JBAB Homes for Sale](https://www.militarybyowner.com/dc/joint-base-anacostia-bolling-homes/?LsType=B) JBAB On-Base Housing JBAB's residents enjoy easy access to much of what the nation's capital offers, thanks to its Potomac River location. In particular, service members with commutes to the Pentagon or the Defense Intelligence Agency love the location.  Hunt Military Communities operates Bolling Family Housing. The private company operates seven housing communities, including 800 new, renovated, and traditional homes. Amenities offered include walkable neighborhoods with quick access to parks, playgrounds, trails, bike paths, sports courts, and village centers. The community living on base is pretty tight (especially if you prefer to homeschool), and most people enjoy the base’s amenities.  ![Classroom of young teens in neutral-colored shirts raising hands to female teacher wearing glasses and black blazer at the front of the classroom. ](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hs-fs/hubfs/All_images/Blog_header_images/School%20photos%201.jpg?width=900&name=School%20photos%201.jpg)*Photo by Shutterstock * ## Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Schooling Options Regardless of which type of education you choose for your kids, the area on and around JBAB has multiple options.  ### Homeschooling JBAB is locally known as a thriving hub for homeschooling education. The families are well-connected and enjoy working together. Check out [JBAB Home Educators](https://www.jbabhe.com/) to learn more about this in-demand support group.  ### Private Schools  Due to JBAB’s location in Washington, DC, there's a significant presence of private schools, including those located near the historic Embassy Row and Georgetown. If you’re interested in private schools, head to [Private School Review](https://www.privateschoolreview.com/) for more information.  ### Public Schools  Military families who prefer public schools are part of the District of Columbia Public Schools and Public Charter Schools. JBAB has access to one of the country’s largest collections of charter schools. The charter schools are free, and some have busing options. Enrollment into these programs is through the DC Common Lottery. Kids living on base attend the local elementary school, Leckie. Older kids head to Hart Middle School and Ballou High School. The [JBAB School Liaison website](https://jbabfss.com/school-liaison/) includes the School Liaison Officer’s contact information and helps military families navigate the choices. The area around JBAB encompasses many diverse schooling options. Don’t forget to check baseline information with outlets such as Niche and the Boards of Education for Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. ![Washington, DC at the Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial during with blooming Cherry Blossoms. ](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Washington%2c%20DC%20at%20the%20Tidal%20Basin%20and%20Jefferson%20Memorial%20during%20spring.-1.jpeg?width=1000&name=Washington%2c%20DC%20at%20the%20Tidal%20Basin%20and%20Jefferson%20Memorial%20during%20spring.-1.jpeg)*Photo by Shutterstock*  ## Things to Do Around Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling You’re probably well aware of the traditional DC sites to visit, such as the Smithsonian museums, the National Mall, and the monuments. But JBAB’s location lends itself to much more, up and down the I-95 corridor.  Families take advantage of easy access to Reagan National Airport (about five miles away) and a significant Amtrak presence at the airport or Union Station to visit Philadelphia, New York, and even Boston. Locally, you can take day trips to Baltimore, Alexandria, Chesapeake Bay, or the Atlantic Ocean. If the mountains call your name, head west! You'll reach the Shenandoah mountain range in less than two hours.  ### Easy outings near JBAB: - [9 Best Date Night Ideas in Washington, DC](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/9-best-date-night-ideas-in-washington-dc) - [A Day Trip To Mount Vernon](https://www.militarybyowner.com/a-day-trip-to-mount-vernon/) - [7 Indoor Activities in Alexandria, Virginia](https://www.militarybyowner.com/7-indoor-activities-in-alexandria-virginia/)  - [A Guide to Viewing Cherry Blossoms in Alexandria, Virginia](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/a-guide-for-viewing-cherry-blossoms-in-alexandria-virginia/) ## Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Military Family Resources  Military families stationed in the National Capital Region are lucky to have dozens of support networks. From employment to education and recreation, a group is eager to share opportunities with military families. Recognizable names include the Military Officers Association of America, the National Military Family Association, Hiring Our Heroes, and Blue Star Families.  JBAB is also exceptionally connected to helpful organizations, including the USO Metro and Fisher House. Connect with JBAB's Military and Family Support Center for updated resources.  ### More helpful links:  - [Fort Hunt Military Families](https://www.facebook.com/groups/226505007523509) (Alexandria, Fairfax County) - [Greater Alexandria Military Spouses](https://www.facebook.com/groups/greateralexandriamilitaryspouses) - [JBAB-Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Spouses](https://www.facebook.com/groups/182424441791886/) - [JBAB Community](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1751732285055132/) - [Chief of Naval Operations' Navy Family Framework](https://ffr.cnic.navy.mil/Family-Readiness/) - [MCC: Military Child Care](https://www.militarychildcare.com/) If your family hasn’t had the chance to try out big city living before moving to Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, it could take some time getting used to it, but most families are thrilled to have so many available amenities at a moment’s notice. You could honestly spend your entire two- to three-year duty station exploring and still not see everything the area has to offer. Get even more area information with our free guide below.  [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/131168/80e7f8d5-c262-4298-8101-0d6381e27f8d.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/131168/80e7f8d5-c262-4298-8101-0d6381e27f8d) #### SHARE THIS ARTICLE - [**](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-your-pcs-to-joint-base-anacostia-bolling) - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/cws/share?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-your-pcs-to-joint-base-anacostia-bolling) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-your-pcs-to-joint-base-anacostia-bolling) ![Dawn M. Smith](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/Blog%20Authors/Blog%20author%20headshots%202.jpg) #### Author ## [Dawn M. Smith](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/author/dawn-m-smith) Dawn M. Smith has made a career out of being a relocation pro. As a military spouse with 10+ moves under her belt, she's evolved from a reluctant mover to a master of converting cardboard box mountain nightmares into customized homes. She's constantly updating her skills to improve all aspects of moving. Her specialties include strategic (with a dose of luck) house hunting, home buying, selling, and renting, and attempting to create Pinterest-worthy spaces within landlord-approved decorating. When not decoding neighborhood demographics for readers, Dawn teaches companies how to serve military families and their best interests. She also travels and explores historic districts with her family, always scouting her next possible address after Army retirement. In addition to MilitaryByOwner, Dawn's relocation advice has appeared in Angi, The Spruce, Forbes Home Advisor, the PODS Blog, and Military OneSource. ### OPT IN for our WEEKLY newsletter To be honest, we don’t do much outbound marketing. So if you give us your email, we’re unlikely to spam you. 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