Fort Myer
Fort Myer is a historic Army post in Arlington, Virginia, adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon, serving primarily as the home of the Army's ceremonial units including the 3rd US Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and the US Army Band. The base offers a prestigious assignment in the heart of the National Capital Region with unparalleled access to Washington D.C.'s monuments, museums, and cultural institutions. Arlington's cost of living is among the highest in the country, but the professional networks and career opportunities are exceptional.
Neighborhoods Near Fort Myer
Popular communities where military families stationed at Fort Myer choose to live.
Arlington (Alcova Heights / Columbia Pike)
5–10 min to main gateDiverse Arlington neighborhoods south of the Pentagon and Fort Myer with walkable streets, metro access, and a range of housing options.
Arlington (Clarendon / Ballston)
10–15 min to main gateTrendy transit-oriented Arlington neighborhoods with excellent restaurant scenes, nightlife, and direct Metro access to DC.
Falls Church / Alexandria
15–20 min to main gateAdjacent independent cities with excellent schools, historic character, and suburban amenities slightly removed from the DC core.
Schools & Education
Arlington Public Schools
Arlington Public Schools is one of the highest-rated urban school districts in the nation with diverse, well-resourced campuses and strong special programs.
- Washington-Lee (now Washington-Liberty) and Yorktown High School are the flagship high schools
- District has numerous IB, language immersion, and STEM magnet programs
- Very high teacher quality and significant per-pupil spending compared to national averages
Things to Do Near Arlington
Local favorites for dining, outdoor adventures, and entertainment in the Arlington area.
America's most hallowed military burial ground — the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and burial services are deeply meaningful experiences for military families.
Outdoor memorial honoring the 184 victims of the 9/11 Pentagon attack — a moving and important site adjacent to the installation.
Underground shopping and dining corridor connecting Crystal City's office buildings — convenient for quick errands during the workday.
Upscale steakhouse in nearby Tysons Corner — ideal for officer dining and special occasions.
Car-free island nature park in the Potomac River, accessible via footbridge — a surprising natural escape minutes from the DC hustle.
The full suite of Smithsonian museums, monuments, and memorials — all free and within 15 minutes of Fort Myer.
Housing & Cost of Living
Arlington is one of the most expensive housing markets in the country. Fort Myer assignments come with the highest BAH rates in the Army but purchasing is extremely challenging. Most junior personnel rent; senior officers may consider further-out suburbs.
Popular neighborhoods to consider:
PCS Tips for Fort Myer
- Contact the installation housing office early — wait lists can be long.
- Check BAH rates at the official DoD BAH calculator before setting your home budget.
- Get VA pre-approved before your PCS orders — it helps you move fast in competitive markets.
- Military-friendly real estate markets near bases can move quickly — be ready to act.