Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling is located on the east bank of the Anacostia River in Washington D.C. and hosts a variety of tenant organizations including the Defense Intelligence Agency's primary campus and Navy and Air Force units. Being stationed in the nation's capital puts service members at the center of American political and military power, with the Smithsonian museums, monuments, and government institutions all within reach. D.C.'s cost of living is extremely high, but the concentration of senior-leader positions and career development opportunities is exceptional.
Neighborhoods Near Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling
Popular communities where military families stationed at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling choose to live.
Capitol Hill (SE)
10–20 min to base via Suitland PkwyOne of Washington's most iconic neighborhoods, featuring historic row houses, the Eastern Market, and proximity to Capitol Hill and the National Mall. Living here puts military families in the heart of American history.
National Harbor (Oxon Hill, MD)
10–15 min to baseA modern waterfront development across the Potomac in Maryland with luxury apartments, hotels, the MGM National Harbor casino-resort, and easy access to I-295 for base commuting.
Clinton, MD
20–30 min to baseAn affordable Prince George's County suburb popular with military families from Joint Base Andrews and JBAB. Single-family homes, good schools, and convenient access to both bases make Clinton a practical choice.
Schools & Education
DC Public Schools / Prince George's County Public Schools
DC Public Schools has undergone significant reform and improvement in recent years. Families in Maryland suburbs fall under Prince George's County, which operates several IB and STEM magnet programs. The region's proximity to major universities also creates many enrichment opportunities.
- DC's McKinley Technology High School and School Without Walls are highly regarded selective magnets
- Prince George's County's Eleanor Roosevelt High School has a nationally recognized STEM program
- The DoDEA's Washington area schools system provides additional options for military-connected students
Things to Do Near Washington
Local favorites for dining, outdoor adventures, and entertainment in the Washington area.
America's front lawn runs from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol, flanked by 19 free Smithsonian museums. No military assignment puts you closer to the nation's cultural treasures.
A mile-long waterfront development on the SW waterfront featuring dozens of restaurants, live music venues, a fishing pier, and water taxis to National Harbor.
A Capitol Hill institution since 1873, with an indoor market hall open daily, a massive weekend flea market, and farmers' market featuring local produce and handmade goods.
Catch the Washington Nationals (baseball), Washington Capitals (NHL), or Washington Wizards (NBA) within a short drive or Metro ride of the base.
A unique NPS unit in DC's Anacostia neighborhood featuring the only national park dedicated to water plants, with stunning lotus and water lily blooms in summer.
Georgetown's waterfront along the Potomac features excellent dining, boat rentals on the C&O Canal, and scenic views across to Virginia. A classic DC outing.
Housing & Cost of Living
The Washington DC metro is one of the nation's most expensive markets, with prices driven by federal employment and the tech sector. BAH rates for the DC area are among the highest in the military system. Most junior personnel rent in Maryland suburbs to manage costs.
Popular neighborhoods to consider:
PCS Tips for Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling
- 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.