Military Relocation in Maryland: A Comprehensive Guide
PCSing to Fort Meade/NSA, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Andrews AFB, or the Naval Academy? Here’s how to choose a community, finance smart with a VA loan, and time your move.
Where to Live Near Maryland Bases
Commute efficiency, schools, and amenities vary widely around Maryland’s major installations. These communities are consistently popular with service members:
- Fort Meade / NSA: Odenton, Hanover, Severn, Crofton, Columbia.
- U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis): Annapolis, Severna Park, Edgewater, Riva.
- Aberdeen Proving Ground: Aberdeen, Bel Air, Havre de Grace, Edgewood, Perry Hall/White Marsh.
- Joint Base Andrews (Andrews AFB): Bowie, Upper Marlboro, parts of southern Anne Arundel and eastern Prince George’s.
We’ll balance commute routes (MD-32, MD-100, I-97, US-50/301), neighborhood feel, and your timeline to dial in the right fit.
Rent vs. Buy on a PCS
Rent if your orders are short, you need flexibility, or you’re landing during a tight timeline. Buy if you expect to be here 3–5+ years, want to build equity with a VA loan, or may keep the property as a future rental.
- Renting pros: speed, lower upfront stress, easy exit if orders change.
- Buying pros: $0 down VA, no PMI, potential tax/BAH efficiency, and equity over time.
- Hybrid: short-term rental on arrival → buy within 60–120 days once you know the area.
VA Loan Strategies in Maryland
VA loans shine here. You can use them more than once, and many buyers recast or refinance after selling a previous home. Partner with a local VA-savvy lender who understands base pay, BAH, and PCS documentation.
- $0 down & no PMI: keeps cash for moving costs and set-up.
- Reusable benefit: use again with remaining entitlement; later restore when you sell.
- Competitive offers: we structure appraisal gap strategies and timelines to win in popular neighborhoods.
Timing Your Move (BAH, Schools, Lease)
Ideal timelines target a 30–45 day close, with remote signatures to keep you moving. We’ll map closing to school calendars, BAH effective dates, and your report-no-later-than (RNLT) window. If you’re selling elsewhere, we coordinate both sides to minimize double moves.
Selling or Buying From Afar
We regularly handle sight-unseen purchases and out-of-state listings. Expect video tours, document e-sign, mobile notaries, and tight checkpoint calls. We’ll also prep POA paperwork when needed and set utility/keys handoffs for a smooth landing.
FAQ
Where do most service members live near Fort Meade/NSA?
Odenton, Severn, Hanover, Crofton, and Columbia are perennial favorites for commute, schools, and amenities.
Can I use my VA loan more than once in Maryland?
Yes—if you have remaining entitlement and qualify with your lender, you can use VA benefits multiple times.
Should I rent or buy on a PCS?
Short orders or tight timing → rent. Longer orders and stable timeline → consider buying with VA for $0 down.
Can I buy before I arrive?
Yes. We do virtual showings, remote signings, and can close with a mobile notary or POA.
What if my orders change?
We’ll work contingencies and timelines to create exit options; communicate changes ASAP to all parties.