A PCS to Fort Meade NSA is a dream come true for military families who prefer a long list of things to do and see during a duty station tour. If you enjoy sightseeing in the city, along the shore, or from rolling hills, Fort Meade’s location won’t disappoint.
But Fort Meade’s location also takes some getting used to. You’ll spend plenty of time learning the best routes during rush hour and how to make the most of your free time and discretionary budget.
This PCS guide to Fort Meade breaks down what you need to know before moving to one of the most populated military bases on the East Coast.
Photo by Google Maps via Canva.com
What Should Military Families Know Before PCSing to Fort Meade?
Fort Meade NSA often gets lumped into the giant Washington, DC catch-all term. It sort of makes sense because it's only 30 miles between the locations, but those 30 miles make a world of difference, especially when it comes to commuting times. Baltimore (20 miles from Fort Meade) also has a strong influence on the area, including traffic patterns, regional dialect, and local cuisine favorites courtesy of the nearby Chesapeake Bay.
You’ll notice a lot of regional crossover between Washington, DC, and the Baltimore area. In fact, the closest airport to Fort Meade is Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. Don’t get it confused with Washington Dulles International Airport, or Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport! You’ll likely miss your flight. But don’t worry, it happens all the time; ride shares and taxis can accommodate the mix-up if there’s enough time.
Helpful Terms to Know about Washington, DC, and the Baltimore Area
National Capital Region
The Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms qualifies this geographic area encompassing the District of Columbia and eleven local jurisdictions in the State of Maryland and the Commonwealth of Virginia as the "National Capital Region."
The DMV
The DMV consists of Washington, DC; Maryland; and Virginia. Some government entities, such as the Census Bureau, include parts of West Virginia in this area. Some confuse the acronym DMV with the traditional Department of Motor Vehicles. Note that in Maryland, it's called the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).
Inside/Outside of the (DC) Beltway
Interstate 495 is a 64-mile loop around Washington, DC, encompassing the suburbs of Virginia and Maryland. The term "The Beltway" is used to describe where real estate is located, a reference to where political action occurs (for instance, "inside the Beltway in DC"), and most frequently, in traffic reports.
The Baltimore Beltway
Since Fort Meade is so close to Baltimore, the news agencies are split between covering traffic and events from DC and Baltimore. It will take a couple of weeks if you’re new to the region, but soon, you’ll learn that The Beltway also refers to I-695, which loops around Baltimore. It’s split locally into the Inner Loop and Outer Loop.
Military Bases in DC Close to Fort Meade
The NCR is one of those regions with a heavy military presence. Military bases in DC encompass all branches, and you’ll find that many military families (often dual-military families) in the area live, work, and play across a combination of bases. They also often PCS to one location, for example, the Pentagon, then later receive orders for Fort Meade or Fort Belvoir.
Military installations near Fort Meade:
- Coast Guard Yard Curtis Bay
- US Naval Academy
- Fort Belvoir
- Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall
- Joint Base Andrews
- Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling
- Coast Guard Headquarters, DC
- Marine Barracks Washington
Photo by HannamariaH from Getty Images via Canva.com
Where Do Military Families Live near Fort Meade?
One of the best things about a PCS to Fort Meade is that there are several cities, each with highly desirable neighborhoods and sought-after school districts that military families can choose from. Finding availability and an affordable price point is more likely to be the problem, rather than finding the perfect location, because there are many perfect locations.
You’ll find a variety of housing styles in homes for sale and homes for rent near Fort Meade, including townhouses and stand-alone single-family homes. You’ll also encounter recent construction and older homes dating from the 1960s through the 2010s.
Outside Fort Meade’s gates lie these popular family-friendly locations and properties:
Anne Arundel County
- Annapolis
- Arnold
- Crofton, Odenton, Hanover, Severn (the four cities closest to Fort Meade)
- Glen Burnie
- Pasadena
- Severna Park
Howard County
Prince George’s County
- Bowie
- College Park
- Laurel (shared with Howard County)
Baltimore City
Baltimore is further from Fort Meade than the above cities, but some military members prefer the walkability and urban feel of city life. Federal Hill and Fells Point draw young professionals and single service members due to trendy bars and restaurants and affordable row homes.
Living on Fort Meade and Fort Meade Military Housing
It’s a popular choice to live on Fort Meade because it can be more affordable compared to living off base, especially if you have young children or homeschool. Corvias operates military housing, manages the waitlist, and enforces its own pet policies.
Several neighborhoods are walkable to the Base Exchange and commissary, and many service members can walk or bike to their offices.
Public Schools near Fort Meade
Anne Arundel County Public Schools operate the schools on base. Most serve only Fort Meade residents, but some schools are zoned for public students outside Fort Meade’s gates. Learn more about this before making a housing/enrollment decision if this matters in your school search.
Fort Meade schools include:
- West Meade Early Education Center (Pre-K/K)
- Manor View Elementary
- Pershing Hill Elementary
- Meade Heights Elementary
- MacArthur Middle School
- Meade Middle School
- Meade High School
Depending on where you decide to live, the Anne Arundel, Howard, or Prince George’s school system will probably be your school district.
Cost of Living near Fort Meade
Living in the NCR is costly, and military families often experience sticker shock when they begin researching the area, especially when searching home prices. Expect that homes in the most popular neighborhoods will rent above Fort Meade BAH rates and sell above the asking price. You might catch a break here and there, but overall, real estate pricing stays steady in this region.
Soon, you’ll learn to maximize savings like so many military families before you. Utilizing on-base amenities like the Base Exchange, gas stations, daycare, and recreation becomes a regular savings technique.
Fort Meade has a relatively new, large Exchange and commissary, making it easier to navigate the inevitable crowds. Other nearby bases, like the U.S. Naval Academy, can serve in a pinch if you need another pharmacy outlet or a doctor’s appointment.
Fort Meade Commuting Costs
There's no way around it. Commuting is a hassle. You’ll spend plenty of time waiting in traffic and wishing you had left just a little bit earlier. Build your neighborhood bubble as much as possible around commuting to avoid unnecessary driving.
It’s also essential to factor in commuting costs when calculating your cost of living. Payments for Metrorail or MARC (Maryland’s state train) rides, parking, and more frequent trips to the gas station affect the overall affordability.
Things to Do near Fort Meade
Managing all the things your family can do near Fort Meade and in Washington, DC, will feel like a part-time job if you’re interested in packing in as many wonderful activities as possible while stationed at Fort Meade. Narrowing your top picks and focusing on that attendance is the best way to avoid disappointment before it's time to PCS again.
However, it’s also a smart idea to be open to the last-minute opportunities that often pop up, especially during the holidays. It’s a special treat to get tickets to the Ford Theatre’s The Christmas Carol or the Easter Egg Roll at the White House.
Add these to your must-do list while living at Fort Meade:
- The Cherry Blossom Festival
- National Christmas Tree Lighting
- The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
- Professional football, baseball, basketball, and hockey
- The Smithsonian Museums
- Potomac River Cruises
Not only should you visit the tried-and-true attractions like the National Mall area, but you won’t regret making time for smaller activities like festivals and concerts held at Fort Meade.
Local chapters of powerful military family supporters like the USO often plan events on base so that local families can take advantage of giveaways and free events without the overcrowding and hassle of traveling into DC. These are some of the best family activities on or near Fort Meade.
Sometimes, military families are intimidated by moving to Fort Meade and the NCR, and that’s completely normal. It takes time to adjust to the traffic gridlock and the necessary preplanning it takes for successful outings. It’s best to embrace the unique opportunities Fort Meade’s location offers and focus on the once-in-a-lifetime experiences your family will remember for years to come.
