Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall is a small but prestigious installation in Arlington, Virginia, adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon, and home to ceremonial units including the 3rd US Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and the US Army Band. The base serves as the primary gateway to national military ceremonies, including changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Arlington's cost of living is among the highest in the country, but the assignment's prestige and access to Washington D.C. are unparalleled.
Neighborhoods Near Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall
Popular communities where military families stationed at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall choose to live.
Ballston / Arlington (N. Arlington)
10–15 min to main gateNorthern Arlington's walkable urban neighborhoods—Ballston, Clarendon, Rosslyn—offer Metro access, excellent dining, and a vibrant social scene. Premium pricing is offset by proximity to the Pentagon, JBM-HH, and the DC core.
South Arlington (Shirlington / Douglas Park)
10–20 min to main gateSouth Arlington's neighborhoods offer somewhat more affordable homes than the north while retaining excellent Metro access, the Shirlington Village dining district, and Four Mile Run Trail.
Alexandria (Old Town / Del Ray)
15–20 min to main gateOld Town Alexandria is one of the most coveted communities in the DC metro, with cobblestone streets, King Street dining, and waterfront access on the Potomac. Del Ray offers a quieter, more neighborhood-centric alternative at slightly lower prices.
Schools & Education
Arlington Public Schools / Alexandria City Public Schools
Arlington Public Schools is one of Virginia's highest-performing districts and is nationally recognized for innovation, diversity, and academic rigor. Alexandria City Public Schools has undergone significant improvements and operates several IB schools. Both systems benefit from high property taxes that fund exceptional programming.
- Washington-Liberty and Yorktown High Schools in Arlington are among the top public high schools in Virginia
- Arlington's H-B Woodlawn secondary is one of the most progressive and academically acclaimed public schools in the country
- Alexandria's T.C. Williams (now Alexandria City High School) has strong IB, STEM, and arts programs
Things to Do Near Arlington
Local favorites for dining, outdoor adventures, and entertainment in the Arlington area.
The nation's most hallowed military cemetery, final resting place for over 400,000 veterans and service members, with hourly Tomb of the Unknown Soldier ceremonies, memorials to JFK and the Challenger crew, and daily guided tours.
An upscale steakhouse near Fashion Centre at Pentagon City favored by senior military and civilian leadership for special occasions, serving dry-aged steaks and an outstanding wine program.
The 45-mile Washington & Old Dominion Trail through Arlington and Northern Virginia is one of the most heavily used rail trails in the eastern US, connecting JBM-HH neighborhoods to the Virginia countryside.
America's national cultural center across the Potomac presents opera, ballet, symphony, jazz, and theater year-round, with free Millennium Stage performances daily at 6 PM.
A premier mall adjacent to the Pentagon Metro station with Nordstrom, Macy's, and hundreds of retailers, making it the most convenient major mall for JBM-HH families.
One of the most popular weekly farmers' markets in Northern Virginia, held Saturdays on Mt. Vernon Avenue in Alexandria's Del Ray neighborhood with local produce, artisan goods, and food vendors.
Housing & Cost of Living
Arlington and Alexandria are among the most expensive housing markets in the Mid-Atlantic. BAH for the DC area is generous but still difficult for junior personnel to afford Arlington or Old Town. Many E-6 and below live further out in Fairfax, Prince William County, or Maryland. Senior personnel and officers find the convenience worth the premium.
Popular neighborhoods to consider:
PCS Tips for Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall
- 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.