PCS to the Pentagon: What Military Families Should Know

Getting orders to the Pentagon is one of those moments where you feel the weight of military life and the excitement of being right outside the nation’s capital. It’s not the typical base assignment — you’re in the middle of one of the busiest, most historic, and most opportunity-filled areas you’ll ever be stationed. It’s fast-paced, yes, but it’s also full of things to do, people to meet, and experiences you’ll remember long after you PCS again.

Where to Live

The first thing everyone will tell you is to brace yourself for the cost of living. Housing is expensive, traffic is real, and your commute will take some planning. But there are a lot of options, and each one has its own vibe.

Arlington is closest to the Pentagon, with high-rise apartments, townhomes, and a ton of walkability. If you love city living, restaurants at your doorstep, and being right next to DC, Arlington delivers. Alexandria (especially Old Town) is historic and charming, with cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and plenty of family activities. Fairfax and Springfield are more suburban, with bigger homes and yards, though commutes can stretch depending on traffic. If you don’t mind living farther out, Woodbridge or even parts of Maryland (like Silver Spring or Bethesda) can give you more space, but expect to spend more time in the car or on the train.

Things to Do

Living near DC means your weekend plans can swing from history to foodie adventures in a single day. The Smithsonian museums are free, which is a huge perk for families. The National Zoo is another free option, and while parking can be pricey, it’s worth going often. Kids love it, and you can’t beat seeing pandas on a random Saturday afternoon.

Nationals Park is a great outing whether you’re a baseball fan or just there for the atmosphere. There are family sections, themed nights, and fireworks shows that make it more than just a game. If you want something closer to home, Nova Wild (a drive-through safari park in Virginia) is an unexpected gem where kids can see animals up close.

One newer spot families love is the Lego Discovery Center in Springfield. It’s a dream for kids who love to build, climb, and explore, and it’s all indoors — which makes it the perfect escape in summer heat or winter cold. Between interactive exhibits, play areas, and rotating events, it’s one of those places you’ll visit more than once.

Old Town Alexandria is a favorite for date nights and family strolls. You’ll find restaurants, boutique shops, and events along the waterfront. Take a boat ride on the Potomac or wander the side streets to find ice cream shops and local cafés. And if you’re a foodie, you’ll never run out of options in DC and Northern Virginia. From food trucks on the National Mall to fine dining in Georgetown, the variety is endless. Don’t skip DC Restaurant Week — it’s the perfect way to try places that might normally be out of budget.

Outdoors and Day Trips

If you’re not a city person, don’t worry. Virginia and Maryland are full of trails, parks, and nature escapes. Great Falls Park is one of the most popular spots — hiking trails, waterfalls, and picnic areas just a short drive away. Shenandoah National Park is a little farther but worth every mile, with Skyline Drive offering some of the best views on the East Coast.

Closer to home, you’ll find playgrounds, neighborhood parks, and local farmers markets all over Northern Virginia. Weekend drives can take you to wineries, apple orchards, and small towns that feel a world away from the city. Day trips to Baltimore, Annapolis, or even the beaches in Delaware and Maryland are easy if you want a change of pace.

Base Life

Being stationed at the Pentagon is unique since it’s not a traditional base. You won’t have the same “on-base housing and community” feel, but you do have access to other installations nearby like Fort Belvoir, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, and Joint Base Andrews. These bases are where you’ll find commissaries, exchanges, gyms, and rec programs. Blue Star Families and USO Metro are also very active here, hosting events, outings, and resources for military families. If you want community, you’ll find it through those networks, spouse groups, and the sheer number of military families in the area.

Cost of Living

Let’s be real — it’s expensive here. Housing will take up a big chunk of your BAH, and even groceries and gas run higher than the national average. But with so many free things to do in DC (museums, monuments, events), you’ll find ways to balance it out. Public transportation is also solid — the Metro and bus systems make commuting possible without a car, and many families choose that route to avoid the stress of traffic.

Schools and Homeschooling

Northern Virginia schools are some of the best in the country, and many families are happy with the options in Fairfax, Arlington, and Alexandria. Private schools are abundant too, but they come with a hefty price tag. If you homeschool, you’ll have endless resources at your fingertips. Co-ops are everywhere, and museums, libraries, and rec centers all offer classes or programs geared toward homeschool families. It feels like every week there’s another field trip opportunity, from the Air and Space Museum to local nature centers.

The Pentagon Reality

Life here is busy. Commutes are long, traffic is unpredictable, and cost of living can be a challenge. But it’s also one of the most unique places you’ll ever live. You’ll take your kids on field trips to the same places other families save up for vacations. You’ll have access to world-class food, culture, and history right in your backyard. And you’ll be part of a huge, active military community that understands the pace of life here.

It may not be the slow, suburban duty station, but the DC area will give you stories and experiences you’ll carry with you forever. From Lego-filled afternoons and Nationals games to Smithsonian museums and Shenandoah hikes, there’s always something to do, no matter what your family enjoys.

Written by Sydney O’Brien. Connect with me on Instagram @sydneyobrien.co or at sydneyobrien.biz.