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Installation Guide

The Pentagon

Army Arlington, Virginia

Off-Base Living

Top neighborhoods near The Pentagon

Pentagon City / Crystal City

High-density urban neighborhoods directly adjacent to the Pentagon with luxury apartments, Metro access, and walkable amenities.

5 min to Pentagon

UrbanWalkableNightlife

Alexandria Old Town

Historic waterfront city with cobblestone streets, Federal architecture, and excellent restaurants — one of the most desirable communities in the DC area.

10–15 min to Pentagon

HistoricWalkableWaterfront

McLean / Tysons (Fairfax County)

Upscale Northern Virginia suburbs west of the Pentagon with excellent schools, high-end amenities, and many senior government and military officials.

15–25 min to Pentagon

SuburbanFamily-friendlyRetiree-friendly
Schools

Arlington Public Schools / Alexandria City Public Schools

Both Arlington and Alexandria run highly rated urban school systems with strong diversity and academic programs, familiar to DoD families.

What families should know

  • Arlington's three high schools consistently rank among Virginia's best
  • Alexandria's T.C. Williams (now Alexandria City High School) has a renowned performing arts program
  • Both districts have active military family liaison programs given the Pentagon's enormous workforce
Things to Do

Life around The Pentagon

Attraction

Washington DC National Mall

America's front yard — Smithsonian museums, the Lincoln Memorial, WWII Memorial, and more, all free and within Metro reach of the Pentagon.

Dining

Alexandria King Street

Old Town Alexandria's main street with dozens of acclaimed restaurants, wine bars, and locally-owned shops steps from the Potomac.

Entertainment

Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

America's premiere performing arts venue across the river in DC — military discounts available and world-class performances year-round.

Outdoors

Mount Vernon Trail

18-mile paved trail along the Potomac from the Pentagon to Mount Vernon — one of the DC area's most popular running and cycling routes.

Shopping

Fashion Centre at Pentagon City

Upscale mall directly above the Pentagon City Metro station — the most convenient shopping destination for Pentagon workers.

Outdoors

Tidal Basin / Cherry Blossoms

Washington's iconic cherry blossom display around the Tidal Basin peaks in late March — a spectacular annual highlight for families stationed nearby.

Housing Market

Buying or renting near The Pentagon

Home Prices

$700,000–$1,400,000

Typical Rent

$2,600–$4,500/mo

Pentagon assignments are in the most expensive housing market in the country. BAH is at the maximum rate but purchasing is extremely difficult. Most junior officers rent; senior officials and flag officers typically receive quarters on post at Fort Myer.

Popular neighborhoods: Pentagon City, Old Town Alexandria, Ballston

Buying near The Pentagon with a VA loan: $0 down and no PMI. Estimate your allowance with the BAH calculator, follow the PCS checklist, and read the full VA Loan Guide before you go under contract.

Orders to The Pentagon?

Get pre-approved before you arrive. A VA loan specialist can have your numbers ready this week.

Call (719) 259-2246