Welcome to Fort Myer: Your Family’s Next Adventure!
Moving is tough. Especially for military families. Fort Myer, in Arlington, Virginia, is a special place. It's right next to Washington, D.C. This means lots of history and culture. Fort Myer isn’t a huge base. But it’s important. It's home to the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment ("The Old Guard"). They do ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery. Living here means being close to it all. Think museums, monuments, and important government buildings.
This area is also great for families. There are good schools and lots to do. It can be a bit expensive. But many military families love living here. Let’s explore what Fort Myer has to offer you and your family.
Housing Options: Finding Your Home
Finding the right home is key. You have choices near Fort Myer. Let’s look at on-base and off-base options.
On-Base Housing:
Fort Myer has family housing. It’s managed by a company. You'll need to apply and get on a waiting list. Wait times can vary. It depends on the size of your family and the time of year. Contact the housing office early. Find out the current wait times. This will help you plan.
Off-Base Housing:
Many families choose to live off-base. Several neighborhoods are close to Fort Myer. A 15-minute commute is possible. Here are some popular choices:
- Arlington (Various Neighborhoods): Arlington is right next to Fort Myer. Neighborhoods like Clarendon and Ballston are popular. They have lots of apartments and condos. They also have restaurants and shops. Expect to pay more here.
- Falls Church: Falls Church is a bit further. But it's still close. It has a more suburban feel. You'll find single-family homes here. The schools are good. It’s a good choice for families. It’s about a 10-15 minute drive.
- Alexandria (Del Ray): Del Ray is in Alexandria. It has a charming, small-town feel. There are lots of local shops and restaurants. It’s a bit further south. But still within a reasonable commute (15 minutes).
- Shirlington: Shirlington is another great option in Arlington. It has a village-like atmosphere with a mix of apartments and townhomes. You'll find a theater, library, and plenty of green spaces. It's also close to the W&OD Trail for biking and walking. Expect a 10-15 minute commute.
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing):
BAH helps cover your housing costs. The amount you get depends on your pay grade and family size. Arlington is an expensive area. Check the current BAH rates. Make sure it covers your rent or mortgage. You can find the BAH rates on the Defense Travel Management Office website. Plan your budget carefully.
Schools: Education for Your Children
Good schools are important. Fort Myer is near some great school districts.
- Arlington Public Schools: This district serves Arlington County. It has many highly-rated schools. Check out schools like Yorktown High School and Arlington Science Focus School. They are known for their academic programs.
- Fairfax County Public Schools: Falls Church is part of Fairfax County. This is a large and well-regarded school district. Look at schools like McLean High School and West Springfield High School. They offer lots of programs and resources.
- Alexandria City Public Schools: If you live in Alexandria, your kids will attend these schools. T.C. Williams High School (now Alexandria City High School) is the main high school. The district is working to improve all schools.
- DoDEA Schools: There are no DoDEA (Department of Defense Education Activity) schools on Fort Myer itself. You will need to use the local public schools.
Research the schools carefully. Visit the school websites. Talk to other parents. Find the best fit for your children.
Cost of Living: Is It Affordable?
Arlington is an expensive place to live. It's more expensive than the national average. Housing costs are the biggest factor. Groceries and transportation can also be pricey.
Compare the cost of living here to your current duty station. Use online cost of living calculators. Factor in your BAH. Create a realistic budget. Living here can be worth it. But you need to be prepared.
Spouse Employment: Finding Your Career
Finding a job is important for many military spouses. The Fort Myer area has lots of opportunities.
- Major Employers: The government is a big employer here. Many federal agencies are nearby. Think Department of Defense, State Department, and more. Defense contractors also hire a lot of people. Companies like Lockheed Martin and Boeing have offices in the area.
- Remote Work: Remote work is becoming more common. See if your current job allows you to work remotely. Look for remote job opportunities online. Many companies are open to hiring remote workers.
- Military Spouse Hiring Programs: The military has programs to help spouses find jobs. The Military Spouse Preference program gives spouses an edge in federal hiring. The Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) program offers free career counseling. Use these resources!
- Networking: Attend job fairs and networking events. Connect with other military spouses. They can offer advice and support.
Getting Settled: Base and Community Resources
Fort Myer has many resources to help you get settled.
- Commissary and PX: Fort Myer has a small commissary. It sells groceries at a discount. It also has a PX (Post Exchange). The PX sells clothing, household goods, and more.
- MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation): MWR offers lots of programs. Think fitness classes, sports leagues, and trips. They also have family events. Check out the MWR website for a calendar of events.
- Local Community Groups: Join local community groups. Find groups based on your interests. This is a great way to meet people. Look for groups on Facebook or Meetup.
- Military Family Support Center: The MFSC is your go-to for help. They offer counseling, financial advice, and parenting classes.
Finding Your Agent: Why It Matters
Buying a home sight-unseen is scary. You need a good real estate agent. Here’s why:
- Local Expertise: A local agent knows the area well. They know the neighborhoods, schools, and commute times.
- Negotiation Skills: A good agent will negotiate on your behalf. They will help you get the best price.
- Virtual Tours: Ask for virtual tours of homes. This will help you see the property. Even if you can’t be there in person.
- Verified Sales Data: Demand access to verified sales data. This shows you what similar homes have sold for recently. This helps you make an informed offer. Don't rely on what people ask for a house. Look at what people pay.
- References: Ask for references from other military families. Talk to them about their experience.
Don't settle for just any agent. Do your research. Find someone you trust. Someone who understands your needs. This will make your move much smoother.
Moving to Fort Myer can be a great experience. Do your research. Plan ahead. Use the resources available to you. You've got this!
What are your biggest concerns about moving to the Fort Myer area?