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PCS To Northern Virginia
Northern Virginia is home to numerous military installations and serves as a key hub for active-duty service members, making Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves especially common in the region. With frequent relocations, military families often face compressed timelines, specific housing considerations, and the need for flexible commuting options. Understanding the local market, proximity to bases, and available resources can make a significant difference in ensuring a smooth and efficient transition.
Northern Virginia Bases
Quantico
Marine Corps Base Quantico is one of the most important U.S. Marine Corps installations, located in Prince William County along the Potomac River. Often referred to as the “Crossroads of the Marine Corps,” it serves as a major hub for training, education, and leadership development. The base is home to institutions such as Officer Candidates School and The Basic School, where many Marine officers begin their careers. It also hosts the FBI Academy, making it a unique joint-use installation. For those relocating to Northern Virginia, Quantico is a key employment center with nearby housing options in areas like Woodbridge, Stafford, and Manassas, and it has strong access to I-95 and the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) for commuting.
Fort Belvoir
Fort Belvoir is a major U.S. Army installation located in Fairfax County, just south of Washington, D.C. It serves as a key hub for defense agencies, medical services, and administrative operations, including the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital and several Department of Defense headquarters offices. Unlike traditional training bases, Fort Belvoir is primarily mission-support focused, bringing in a large population of military personnel, civilians, and contractors. Its central location provides convenient access to Alexandria, Springfield, and other parts of Northern Virginia, making it a popular area for military families and government employees to live and commute.
Pentagon
The Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense and one of the most recognizable government buildings in the world. Located in Arlington, just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., it serves as the central hub for military leadership and operations. The Pentagon employs thousands of military personnel and civilian staff, making it a major employment center in Northern Virginia. Its location offers excellent access to major highways and the Metro system, which makes nearby communities like Arlington, Alexandria, and parts of Fairfax County especially popular for commuters.
Joint Base Myer - Henderson Hall
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall is a joint Army and Marine Corps installation located in Arlington next to Arlington National Cemetery. It serves primarily as a headquarters and support base rather than a training installation, hosting senior military leadership, ceremonial units, and administrative functions. The base is home to units responsible for official military ceremonies in the nation’s capital, including those at Arlington National Cemetery. Its central location provides immediate access to Washington, D.C., making nearby areas like Arlington, Alexandria, and McLean convenient options for commuting military personnel and staff.
Mark Center
Mark Center is a major Department of Defense office complex located in Alexandria, just west of I-395. It serves as a centralized administrative hub for various defense agencies and employs thousands of military personnel, civilians, and contractors. The Mark Center was developed as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) initiative to consolidate operations from across the region. Its location offers convenient access to major commuter routes, making nearby areas in Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax County popular for those working at the facility
Washington Navy Yard
Washington Navy Yard is the oldest shore establishment of the U.S. Navy and now serves as a key administrative and ceremonial center. Located along the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C., it is home to the Chief of Naval Operations and numerous naval command offices. While no longer a major shipbuilding site, it remains an important workplace for military personnel, civilians, and contractors. While not a Northern Virginia base - Its central D.C. location makes it easily accessible from Northern Virginia via major highways and public transit, with nearby neighborhoods in Alexandria and Arlington offering convenient and popular commuting options.
Military medical care in Northern Virginia:
PRIME:
Prime medical care in Northern Virginia is split into two separate options. Be sure to research which options best fits the needs of your family when moving to the area if you are going to be using Tricare Prime while you are here. Keep in mind the below descriptions are very surface level and should not be considered advice. Please reach out to your command, Tricare, or other resources to find out more information.
Tricare Prime - Assigned a base PCM and medical care done through the military hospital and clinic networks (with limited exceptions). This is the care most military members and their families are familiar with and will know the pros and cons too. Things to consider: Northern Virginia is a very military-centric area and base care can get very backed up. However, you are able to utilize the benefit of the base pharmacy.
John's Hopkins Family Health Care - This is considered a "Prime Option" here in the region. In short terms - it provides mostly the same coverages as Prime. You will choose from their network a civilian PCM and utilize civilian medical care through the John Hopkins network. One thing to consider is that those choosing this plan cannot utilize the on base pharmacy and may pay a co-pay for prescriptions through Walgreens or Mail-in Options.
Tricare select is also available in the Northern Virginia area. As most military members are aware this plan does not typically require a PCM for referrals and may offer more flexible care options including off-base care. However, it comes with additional costs including copays and deductibles.
Key Information for Spouses
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Provides active duty members and their spouses with the ability to transfer professional licenses between states due to PCS order with a simplified process and defined timeline. Some of the covered licenses with links to applications or SCRA portability information:
Medical Teaching
DPOR Regulated Professional License: Real Estate, Cosmetology, Contractor and Tradesman, Design and Engineering, and more.