HOUSE HUNTING GUIDE FOR WASHINGTON DC, MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA (D.M.V.)
ON BEHALF OF THE D.M.V.’S MILITARY FAMILY SERVICES TEAM, WELCOME!
Your HHT (House Hunting Trip) is an exciting opportunity for you to prepare for life in the D.M.V., but familiarizing yourself with all the necessary information to make the right decisions can be overwhelming. We hope this guide will help provide the essential information to make the process as seamless as possible.
Throughout, our team is here to support you, so never hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Once again, Welcome to the D.M.V.!
Michelle Szkwarek
Military Family Services Community Coordinator - Washington, D.C. Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services / Government of Canada [email protected] / Cell: 253-737-8714 / Tel.: 202-448-6352 / CSN: 312-251-3339 / MITNET: 456- 3339
Getting Downtown From the Airport
There are three airports that service the Washington, DC area: W ashington Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Dulles, Virginia – approximately 45-60 minutes from the Embassy - 100 USD in taxi Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Arlington, Virginia – approximately 15 minutes from the Embassy – 15 USD in taxi Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) in Maryland – approximately one hour from the Embassy – 100 USD in Taxi Flights arriving directly to Washington from outside North America will likely arrive at either IAD or BWI; DCA only services flights to Canada and the US.
Each of these airports has a number of options to get to the city, including taxis, shuttles, metro, train and Uber (usually cheaper than taxi services). The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority lists ground transportation options at each airport.
What To Consider When Looking for a Home
Personal Priorities and Housing Criteria
When assessing the neighborhood and type of accommodation you want to target, it may be useful to outline your personal preferences and priorities. Schools and commute times should be among the top criteria in choosing a property. No single property will be perfect, but clearly defining you priorities will help target the neighborhoods and accommodation best suited to you.
READ MORE: 7 Tips for Finding an Apartment in Washington, D.C. Tips on finding a pet-friendly rental
Schooling considerations Education options will be a primary consideration for families when selecting a neighborhood. In the US, public school boundaries are very strictly enforced, whereas private schools have no boundary constraints. You are strongly advised to read the Education Report before your HHT and discuss your educational requirements with the Children’s Education Management Clerk. You can find the Education Report in the “Important Local Links” section of the following site: https://www.cafconnection.ca/United-States/Locations/D-C-Capital-Region-(D-C-,-VA,-MD)- en/Important-Local-Links.aspx Once you have identified the school(s) that you are interested in, you can visit the School Boards websites for detailed information on the catchment neighbourhoods and target these neighborhoods during your HHT.
The boundaries are designated by level: elementary (kindergarten to grades 5/6), middle school (grades 6 to 8) and high school (grades 9-12).
Schools may require different medical certifications, particularly if they are involved in extra- curricular sports. During the HHT, you should meet with the school and also take the opportunity to inquire about their specific medical requirements and whether a Canadian doctor’s certificate will be adequate or if a local doctor will be required.
Walking, Commuting and DC Traffic
Even if you live in the District, commuting will likely be one of the most significant adjustments you make to life in Washington. The Washington Metropolitan Area rates as one of the top-five WORST commuting cities in the USA. Although the distances may be short, arteries become quickly congested in rush hour and in the event of traffic incidents, traffic slows to a stand-still. Schooling, dependent job locations, and access to public transport will all play a factor in determining whether a property’s location will be manageable from day to day. In many neighborhoods in the district or near metro stations, you may find walking to amenities preferable to finding parking, leading them to live without a car. Walk scores (inset above) and the neighborhood links (link to neighborhoods) will provide key information on this option.
Commuting and Walk Score Calculators .Google Maps .How long is your commute - map .Washington Transit - Trip Planner
Bringing Pets
Pets are another important consideration in the housing search as not all rental properties welcome pets. If a listing indicates “no pets”, contact the owner/agent to inquire on their flexibility. Property owners may be flexible depending on the lease terms and the type/size of pet that you have.
Security
When selecting your new home, take the time to evaluate the safety of your neighborhood by consulting crime reports and following these tips:
1. Prior to signing the lease for your chosen home it is essential to visit the area at different times of day, particularly in the late evening and on a Friday/Saturday night if possible. Some neighborhoods (especially downtown DC) can dramatically change in mood after daylight hours. 2. Should you feel unsafe, you are strongly advised to reconsider whether to move ahead with the property. Your support unit can advise if you have any concerns.
Crime reports: • Online source of crime information • Family Watchdog
House Hunting Approaches: Online tools
The following is a list of frequently used online house hunting resources. We recommend that you browse several of these sites as their inventories will vary.
Start early and keep notes! Well before your HHT, you are encouraged to view listings in your desired neighbourhood to help give you a sense of the type of properties that are typically available. When visiting multiple properties, it is likely that your perspective will change. Thus, take extensive notes of each visit as this will help make a more balanced decision. Also, a detailed record of properties is required in the event you seek a rent ceiling exception.
Online listings are not always quick to update whether a property has been rented and queries to landlords sometimes may go unanswered.
www.zillow.com www.livelovely.com www.trulia.com www.hotpads.com www.padmapper.c www.homesdatabase.com om www.washingtonpost.com/wp- www.craigslist.org www.militarybyowner.com www.realtor.com www.urbanigloo.com
Looking for Properties on Your Own Given the increasing popularity of online property-search tools, more and more families manage their house-hunting on their own, particularly in the District of Columbia.
Working with a Realtor
Many families moving to the Washington area plan to use the services of a real estate agent to assist them in securing accommodations. Real estate agents have access to more up-to-date information, can better schedule itinerary of visits, know the neighborhoods, and can advise you on the pros and cons of various options. If you have a short time frame, an agent will help you maximize your time. Be mindful that once you have applied for a house, a realtor may lose interest in showing you additional locations when the realtor is guaranteed to earn a commission. Families looking in the suburbs of Virginia, Northwest DC, or Maryland often have more success when working with a real estate agent. For a list of recommended realtors contact the F&E Clerk Will French at [email protected].
Helpful Tips for Working with an Agent
1. Ensure your agent is licensed for all areas/states you wish to search 2. Request a sample itinerary of properties from your agent prior to the HHT 3. Do not limit your search to only the properties proposed by the agent: search online too! 4. Avoid divulging your maximum rent ceiling 5. Ask CDLS(W) for a recommended agent or ensure that your agent speaks to CDLS(W) regarding mandatory clauses and parameters
Neighborhoods
When we asked local families “What is the #1 thing you wish you had known prior to moving here?”, their overwhelming response was that they wished they had known more about the neighborhoods where most CAF Members live in the D.M.V. The following neighborhood descriptions have been developed by local Canadian volunteers, Military Family Services and Embassy Staff.
Other ways to get local feedback and recommendations:
- Be part of our Facebook Group. - Be assigned a local “CAF Family Mentor” (a local volunteer that we will match to you based on location, family demographics, employment, interests, etc).
To participate in our Facebook Group or Mentorship Program, simply contact your Military Family Services Coordinator at [email protected].
Washington, DC The DC area is a great place to live, with a variety of choices for lodging, recreation, and lifestyles. Living in the district affords CAF Members proximity to work and to a vibrant urban setting.
Capitol Hill Popular with: Singles, Couples – presently no couples with children reside in D.C.
Location: East of the Embassy stretching 14 blocks east from the Capitol Building Housing types: 2-3 bedroom row-homes Vintage, Centenary (brick, hardwood floors, and crown mouldings)
Parking:
Limited off-street parking On-street parking permit required but parking can be challenging
Amenities/Highlights: Walk to restaurants, shops, dry cleaners, and grocery stores Eastern Market: tourist attracting selling food, art and antiques Lincoln Park: popular location for dog walkers. Transportation:
Walking distance to the embassy and National Mall Public transport is reasonably frequent along the major thoroughfares. Metro Stations are outside the heart of the neighbourhood: Pennsylvania Ave SE (blue and orange lines) in the south and at Union Station (red line) further north. 6
Read More:
The Hill Home Neighborhood Guide: Capitol Hill | Washingtonian
Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, Adams-Morgan, U Street, Columbia Heights and Georgetown
Popular with: Young professionals seeking urban lifestyle and nightlife
Location: Northwest quadrant of the District
Housing types:
Row Houses, Town homes, Apartments Dupont, Logan and Georgetown are pricey requiring sacrifice of space for location U Street and Columbia Heights are up-and-coming neighbourhoods with more affordable housing Parking not always available with lease May require renting a spot in a local lot Parking: Permit parking may be required
Amenities/Highlights: umerous top restaurants, bars, cafes and nightclubs Transportation:
Dupont, Adams Morgan, Logan are easily accessible by metro to the Embassy U Street and Columbia Heights reasonably near a metro Georgetown is a 40-minute walk from a metro and has very challenging public transport, parking and traffic Read More:
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U Street Corridor: The Difference a Decade Makes Adams Morgan: No Longer DC’s Hippest Neighborhood, But Still Loved by Residents Columbia Heights: DC’s Most Diverse Neighborhood, But For How Long? New Columbia Heights Neighborhood Guide: Logan Circle and U Street
Northwest Washington DC
Cleveland/Woodley Park
Popular with: Families / Professionals
Location: Dubbed ‘Embassy Row’ due to the large number of embassies and official residences (including our own) found here.
Housing types:
Large single-family homes in quiet residential districts
Parking: Off-street parking and/or a garage is typically included on the property
Amenities/Highlights:
Friendly Boutiques, Coffee Shops and Sidewalk Cafés National Zoo National Cathedral
Transportation:
Two Metro Station (Cleveland Park and Woodley Park) but vast of neighborhood may require up to 30 minute Traffic on Massachusetts, Connecticut and Wisconsin Avenues can be gridlocked during rush hour Read More:
Woodley Park: Deceptively Residential The Best of Cleveland Park and Woodley Uptown Girl's Cleveland Park Blog
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Friendship Heights
Popular with: Young professionals, families
Location: Located on the DC/Maryland border, north-west of the Embassy.
Housing types:
High rise apartments, luxury Condos, and detached, single family homes
Parking: Most housing option should include off-street parking
Amenities/Highlights:
Upscale shopping: Designer Shops, boutiques, and department stores and restaurants
Transportation: Metro on the red line leads to the embassy (30 minutes) Traffic (see Cleveland/Woodley Park)
Read more: Friendship Heights: A Shopping Mecca With a Few Places to Live
Neighborhood Guide: Friendship Heights (Washingtonian)
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Maryland: for CAF Members working at or close to the Embassy
Many families choose to live in Montgomery County MD to enjoy more suburban living and to benefit from some of the best schools in the nation and proximity to the French Lycée.
Montgomery County Maryland Information (Services, schools, recreation, attractions, neighbourhoods, maps, etc.)
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/
Bethesda, Chevy Chase, North Bethesda, Rockville (Montgomery County)
Popular with: Families, looking for a suburban lifestyle, and/or proximity to Lycée Rochambeau
Location: 15-25 km north of the district, near the northern portion of the Capital Beltway (495).
Housing Types:
North Bethesda and Rockville are further north, beyond the beltway. Larger family with large yards, some apartments and Condos Houses tend to be pricier in the south (Chevy Chase) and more affordable the more you head north (Bethesda to North Bethesda to Rockville) Parking: Almost all housing option should include off-street parking
Amenities/Highlights:
Montgomery County includes some of the best ranked schools in the country Loads of Parks and recreational activities for Kids. Bike trails and famous Cherry Blossom in the spring.
Transportation:
Montgomery County includes some of the best ranked schools in the country Loads of Parks and recreational activities for Kids. Bike trails and famous Cherry Blossom in the spring.
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Metro red line runs north-south along the eastern portion of these neighborhoods. Expansive neighborhoods mean that metros can be a fair distance away (30+ minute walk). Local buses can be irregular and some stop running early Commute to Embassy by car: 45 min to 75 min.
Where We Live: Bethesda Bethesda Magazine Chevy Chase DC: Not to Be Confused With the Other Chevy Chase Chevy Chase - Compass North Bethesda – Rockville MD
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Silver Spring
Popular with: Professionals and families, looking for suburban living with urban amenities
Location: East of Chevy –Chase / Bethesda. 14-18 km due north of the embassy.
Housing types:
A variety of homes Ample downtown condominium
Parking: Should include off-street parking Amenities/Highlights:
Walkable downtown Ethnic eateries Arts and entertainment district Festivals and activities
Transportation:
Metro red line runs south to the embassy Glen Metro station offers Park and Ride spaces Silver Spring is also serviced by the MARC Train
Read more: Silver Springs - Compass Discover Silver Springs Where We Live: Silver Spring
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Maryland: For CAF Members Working at Fort Meade
Annapolis
Popular with: Singles, Couples, and Young Families
Location: 18 – 26 miles to Fort Meade, 33 miles to Baltimore, 33 miles to Washington D.C.
Housing types: Single, family, row, condos, waterfront 2-3 bedroom row-homes Vintage, Modern, Centenary (brick, hardwood floors, and crown moldings)
Parking: Depends on the area you chose to live. Closer to down town Annapolis parking becomes limited.
Amenities/Highlights: Walk to restaurants, shops, bars, Naval Academy, historic sites, harbor throughout old city Annapolis where the first white house still stands Access the Naval Academy (gym, golf course, tennis , PX and Commissary) Tourist attractions include art, antiques, pottery, historic sites and festivals all year Quiet Waters park is a nice place to walk and has an outdoor skating arena Outdoor Harbor Centre has music festivals and fine dining for a good portion of the year Water access along the bay for boating, kayaking, swimming, all water sports 40 minutes to outlet stores across the Bay bridge 2 hours to Ocean City BWI airport is about 30 minutes away, Dulles is about 1 hr 15 and Ronald Reagan is about an hour away, depending on traffic and time of day.
Transportation: Walking distance to the harbor and academy and downtown historic Annapolis Public transport is reasonably frequent along the major thoroughfares. Rush hour traffic is very heavy!
Read More: List of events in Annapolis can be found here:
http://www.downtownannapolis.org/_pages/exploring/to_do_in_annapolis.htm
Baltimore:
Popular with: Singles, Couples
Location: Approx. 35min commute to Ft. Meade
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Housing types: 2-3 bedroom row-homes Vintage, Centenary (brick, hardwood floors, and crown moldings) Fully serviced apartment buildings (Gym, club room, pool, BBQs, patios, etc.)
Parking:
Most row-homes only have street parking (with permit). Some may have parking space or garage. Apartment buildings have gated parking-garages
Amenities/Highlights:
Walk to restaurants, bars, shops, dry cleaners, and grocery stores Waterfront community (Baltimore Harbor) Historic community (cobblestone streets, historic buildings) Multiple festivals and festivities throughout the year Summer farmer’s market Safe community
Transportation:
Walking distance all neighborhoods around Baltimore Harbor (streets or waterfront Promenade (safe)) Constant presence of taxis and Uber/Lyft Baltimore Water Taxi to travel around the Harbor $5-$10 Uber ride to Baltimore Pennsylvania Train Station (MARC and AMTRAK trains. $7 to DC) Presence of free Baltimore Link buses, and paid city buses (same quality as any other big city bus system…)
Read More:
Baltimore has a reputation of high crime rates. Here are some crime states and a list of the safest neighborhoods in Baltimore: https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/md/baltimore/crime
Crofton:
Popular with: Young families
Location: South east of fort Meade. About a 20 minute drive.
Housing types: 14
Some 3-4 bedroom row homes Mostly 3-4 bedroom singles. Traditional styled homes. Hardwood floors, fireplaces, backyards.
Parking: Attached garages
Amenities/Highlights: Playgrounds, library, pools to join, golf courses, quick drive to shopping, grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, local farmers market, gyms (about 20-30 min walks to these amenities) Very good schools in area
Transportation: Driving or Walking
Ellicott City:
Popular with: Families
Location: About 20-30 minutes North West of Fort Meade, depending on traffic
Housing types: Mainly Suburban Communities with single family homes 2-3 bedroom row-homes Some apartment buildings, not many
Parking: Lots of parking in driveways at homes and on the streets Large parking lots at the numerous plazas Downtown Historic Ellicott City offers large free parking lots and some street parking
Amenities/Highlights: Howard County rated #1 for High Schools (refer to schooldigger.com yearly for updates) Historic Downtown Ellicott City (has a Kingston, ON feel to it) Patapsco River that runs through the bottom of the town A lot of trails for hiking, running, cycling in the numerous areas of the Patapsco Valley State Park Only about 15-20 minutes away from Baltimore
Transportation: By car is the most convenient There is a bus system that connects to Columbia and then branches out from there.
Read More: 15
www.ellicottcity.net www.visithowardcounty.com
Dislikes: Travel time to visit any of our military community that is posted here.
Hanover:
Popular with: Couples and Families
Location: 4-5 miles from Fort Meade
Housing types: Condos Townhouses Single homes
Parking: Garages Street Parking
Amenities/Highlights: BWI Airport Multiple hotels Entertainment (Movie Theater, Medieval times, Casino) Endless shopping and dining options
Transportation: Car, Uber, Taxi, walking distance to many amenities No public transportation
Severn:
Popular with: Couples, Families
Location: 10-15 minutes to Fort G. Meade base
Housing types: Detached, 2 story house 3-4 bedrooms Traditional house (hardwood floor, carpet, crown molding, gas fire place) Fine Neighborhood
Parking: In this neighborhood most houses have a 2 car garages and 2-4 cars drive way Unlimited street parking 16
Large backyard
Amenities/Highlights: Quiet and very friendly neighborhood Close to restaurants, shops, grocery store, shopping center, etc. Half an hour to an hour drive to major attraction (D.C., Annapolis and Baltimore)
Transportation: Diving is the best way to get around, but the access to the MARC train is only a couple minutes drive
Read More:
Severna Park:
Popular with: Families – there are a lot of kids in all areas of Severna Park
Location: 20 min to Fort Meade
Housing types: There is a wide range of housing in this area o It’s former cottage country, so some areas have older split level homes o Newer communities have been developed recently, providing larger 2 storey, 4 bedroom homes o Some homes are in private communities with access to a community pool and park.
Parking: Parking is available everywhere. Most homes have garages (You are going to want a garage in the summer time!) Parking is free on the street without limitations
Amenities/Highlights: Kinder Farm: http://www.kinderfarmpark.org/ o 3 mile paved walking trail o Farm animals o 2 playgrounds B&A trail o 13 mile paved trail through the heart of Severna Park Library: http://www.aacpl.net/ Community Center: http://www.spcommunitycenter.org/ Equal distance between 2 YMCAs: http://www.ymaryland.org/ 3 Communities with community pools for the residents of that area o http://www.severnaparkvoice.com/community/beat-heat-and-take-dip- community-pool o http://www.eecapool.org/ o http://www.northsevernapark.com/
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Equal distance, about 15 min by car, to Annapolis and Crofton, both which offer shopping, restaurants, etc. Brand new grocery store 2017: Harris Teeters https://www.harristeeter.com/#/app/home Shipley’s Choice Elementary School has been rated #1 for the state of Maryland two years in a row.
Transportation: The only way to get around is by car. Nothing is walking distance, and even if you wanted to walk, there are no sidewalks!
Read More:
Schools: Brand new high school built in 2017 http://www.aacps.org/ Many schools that have reached the “blue ribbon” standard in the past 10 years o http://www.aacps.org/html/schol/blueribbon.asp o http://patch.com/maryland/annapolis/2-anne-arundel-schools-among-2016-national- blue-ribbon-winners o Private schools also available
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Virginia
Families looking for larger homes or more value for money (condos) may wish to consider the many the Virginia suburbs. With the exception of condo living, Virginia living generally requires a car to get around. Many Virginia neighbourhoods are well served by Metro-bus transit and traffic is manageable in within Virginia but bridges to the district at peak times can be challenging.
Virginia Transportation
In general, Virginia neighbourhoods are well served by the Metro system blue, orange and silver lines.
Although each of these neighbourhoods is served by or near Metro stations, a car is usually necessary as shops and services are not always convenient for the pedestrian.
While driving commutes are often shorter from Virginia than Maryland, rush hour and congestion on the bridges is a reality of life for all Washington area residents. Commutes in rush-hour can take more than twice as long as driving outside of peak times.
Virginia Information (services, schools, recreation, attractions, neighbourhoods, maps, etc.) www.virginia.org
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Arlington
Popular with: Families and Singles
Location: South-West from the Embassy, across the river from Georgetown Crystal City and Rosslyn are directly across the Potomac River from DC Ballston/Clarendon/Courthouse further inland North Arlington is North of I-66
Housing types: Older homes Larger Family homes around North Arlington Newer Construction apartments and Condos centre around Ballston/Clarendon/Courthouse
Amenities/Highlights:
Ethnic Eateries Mix of independent and major national retail chains Outdoor Trails and Biking Family-friendly parks especially in North Arlington Read more:
Arlington – 10 Great Columbia Pike Neighbourhoods Crystal City Arlington – Lyon Village Compass Rosslyn Arlington County Shirlington Ballston Clarendon
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McLean and Falls Church (Fairfax County)
Popular with: Families
Home to foreign diplomats, members of Congress, and high-ranking government officials
Location: Suburban towns located North and West of Arlington, along the Potomac River Falls Church is more inland and more rural and picturesque Housing types: Family homes and Townhouses with large yards
Amenities/Highlights:
Top Schools Shopping Centres (Tyson’s Corner) Parks and playgrounds, including the two-acre Clemy-jontri Park Recreation Centres Falls Church - small but lively downtown Scores highest liveability score in the nation
Read more:
Washingtonian – Falls Church Washingtonian – Tysons Corner Community Links McLean Livability
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Alexandria (Del Ray, Old Town)
Popular with: Old Town - Singles or couples
Del Rey - Del Ray is more family-friendly than Old town
Location: Large town with several neighbourhoods to the south of Arlington and the District.
Housing types:
Old Town: historic row houses and cobblestone streets Del Ray: detached single-family homes, small yards Amenities/Highlights:
Colonial village setting in old town Many boutiques, theaters, and entertainment options Diverse group of local shops and restaurants Mount Vernon Trail Marina and Waterfront Park
Read more:
Visit Alexandria Where we live – Old Town Alexandria Neighborhood Guide: Del Ray Neighborhood Guide: Old Town Alexandria Red Brick Town – Alexandra Blog Getting to know Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood (Washington Post)
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Norfolk and Hampton Roads
East Beach Norfolk
Popular With:
Singles, Couples without children
Location:
10 minute drive from Norfolk International Airport, and a 20 minute drive to downtown Norfolk, the major employment centers and military bases. The community is right on the Chesapeake Bay where the Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean.
Housing Types:
Homes are designed in traditional architecture styles (a mix of housing styles, hidden gardens, carriage house apartments).
Amenities/Highlights:
10 minute walk from the beach at the north end of the community to the deep water marinas at the south end of the community, or walk a few blocks to Chesapeake Bay. Walk in the other direction to Pretty Lake’s deep water marinas and the shops along Pretty Lake Avenue. A neighborhood designed for pedestrians, with shops, amenities, and schools all within easy walking distance. Enjoy walkable streets, a mix of residential and commercial space, and public amenities like The Bay Front Club.
Read More:
Coastal Living
East Beach Norfolk
Virginia Beach
Popular With: Singles, families, and couples without children
Location:
This area straddles the waterway known as Hampton Roads. It is the largest metropolitan area in the state in terms of population, and offers an interesting mix of urban, suburban, waterfront and inland environments. The cities of Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Portsmouth are to the south of the waterway, with the large and rapidly growing Virginia Beach located a few 23
miles to the east along the Atlantic Shore. Hampton and Newport News lie to the north across a long bridge-tunnel connection. The natural harbor makes for one of the best ports on the East Coast.
Housing Types:
All types.
Amenities/Highlights:
Virginia Beach is a resort city with miles of beaches and hundreds of hotels, motels, and restaurants along its oceanfront.
Interesting mix of touristy beachfront and modern commercial and family residential areas.
The greater area has an assortment of museums particularly related to its maritime history, as well as a good set of performing arts activities.
Read More:
Best Places To Live, Virginia Beach
Chesapeake
Popular With: Families with children and couples without children.
Location:
Extending from the rural border with North Carolina to the harbor area of Hampton Roads adjacent to the cities of Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach, Chesapeake is located on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. It has miles of waterfront industrial, commercial and residential property.
Housing Types:
All types.
Amenities/Highlights:
Chesapeake is a diverse city in which a few urban areas are located; it also has many square miles of protected farmland, forests, and wetlands.
Read More:
City of Chesapeake
Best Places to Live
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Patuxent River
Amenities/Highlights for the Patuxent River area:
The Pax River Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) offers a number of fitness classes, craft nights, children activities and local field trips. Google the MWR Pax River website or Facebook page for details. Also join the Pax River Military Families page to ask any questions about the community that you might have. There is the Pax River Officers’ Spouse Club, which one can join for a nominal fee. They host regular social events, like book club, coffee, field trips, etc. There are a number of community recreation programs run through St. Mary’s County. Visit the county’s website for more details. The College of Southern Maryland also offers non-credit recreational classes in a variety of areas.
There are lots of things to do in Southern Maryland, such as the Calvert Marine Museum, Historic St. Mary’s City and the Annmarie Gardens. Leonardtown also offers a number of arts programming, like Wine and Design and First Fridays. The closest shopping mall is in Waldorf, 45 minutes away, although many people prefer to go to Annapolis for shopping and culture. Washington DC is also nearby offering a variety of museums, galleries and theatres. In California, MD there is Evolve Yoga Studio and there are also many gym options in the Pax River area. There is also an opportunity to meet locals with similar interests through meetup.com
Lexington Park (Cedar Cover neighborhood)
Popular With: Families with kids, couples without kids.
Location: Lexington Park in seaside St. Mary's County is one of the nation's fastest-growing areas. Southern Maryland is the fast-growing area in the state, and a very desirable bedroom community for people who work in the District of Columbia, but unlike neighboring Charles and Calvert counties, many in St. Mary's County both work and live in the county. Patuxent Naval Air Station is based in Lexington Park. Housing Types:
All types.
The closest suitable housing to the base is in Cedar Cove in Lexington Park, MD by Pax River’s Gate 3. The high crime area in Lexington Park, MD is in the area across from Pax River’s Gate 2
Read More:
Top 5 Things to Do in Lexington Park
Lexington Park, MD
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California (Wildewood neighborhood)
Popular With: Families with kids, couples without kids.
Location:
Many military families live in the Wildewood community in California, MD. Note that commuting from Wildewood to the base can take 30 to 45 minutes during rush hour. Many parents choose to live in the neighborhood of Wildewood in California, MD because of access to good public elementary schools.
Housing Types:
All types.
Read More:
Best of California, MD
California, MD
Leonardtown
Popular With: Families with kids, couples without kids.
Location:
Leonardtown's population is growing due to the town's proximity to the Patuxent River Naval Air Station and the D.C. metro area. Several new ethnic restaurants and an upscale supermarket opened during 2006 and 2007. Two recently constructed hotels are open for business within city limits. An old order Mennonite farming community is a few miles to the northwest where community members sell furniture, crafts, produce, and other homemade/home grown products. The Leonardtown Wharf waterfront park opened as a public attraction for both locals and tourists in May 2008.
Housing Types:
All types.
Leonardtown and Solomons Island are good communities to live in, but again during rush hour, commute times could be up to 60 minutes.
Read More:
Leonardtown, MD
Things to do in Leonardtown, MD
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