Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall: Where to Live, Commute and Budget for Your PCS

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall sits right next to Arlington National Cemetery, a few minutes from the Pentagon and across the river from DC. Family housing on post is very limited, so almost everyone assigned here lives off post, in some of the most expensive neighborhoods in the region. Where you live will shape your daily life more than almost any other decision on this tour. As a military spouse for more than 30 years and an Arlington Associate Broker with 560+ transactions, I help JBM-HH families sort that out before they look at a single listing:

Commute. House. Budget. Which two matter most?

Close-in Arlington gives you a walk, bike or short Metro ride to work, but less house for the money. Farther out, you'll find more space within BAH and a longer, less predictable ride. For a complete regional overview, see my PCS to Northern Virginia guide.

About Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

The joint base was formed in 2009 from Fort Myer (Army) and Henderson Hall (Marine Corps) in Arlington, together with Fort Lesley J. McNair (Army) in Washington, DC. It supports the U.S. Army Military District of Washington and Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps National Capital Region, at Henderson Hall.

Fort Myer is home to the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), the Army's oldest active infantry unit and its official ceremonial unit. The Old Guard takes part in more than 6,000 ceremonies a year, about 16 a day, and its sentinels guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier around the clock. The U.S. Army Band, "Pershing's Own," is also based at Fort Myer.

Fort McNair, where the Potomac and Anacostia rivers meet, has been an Army post since 1791. Only West Point and Carlisle Barracks have served longer. Today it's best known as the home of the National Defense University.

Confirm which campus you'll report to

Fort Myer and Henderson Hall are side by side in Arlington, but Fort McNair is in Southwest DC, several miles away. Many people assigned to JBM-HH also work at the Pentagon. Ask your sponsor which campus and building you'll report to before you choose a neighborhood.

Getting to JBM-HH

Metro: the Arlington Cemetery station (Blue line) is closest to Fort Myer, and the Orange and Silver lines serve nearby North Arlington. For Fort McNair, the Navy Yard-Ballpark station (Green line) is a short walk away.
Driving: the main routes are I-395, I-66, the George Washington Parkway, Route 50 (Arlington Boulevard), Route 27 (Washington Boulevard) and Route 110.
Bus, bike and walk: Metrobus and Arlington's local bus routes serve the area, and many people who live in Arlington bike or walk to work.

A trip that looks like 15 minutes on the map can take much longer at rush hour. Test the commute at the hour you'll actually travel. If you're buying from afar, I can check real rush-hour times for the addresses you're considering.

Where JBM-HH families live

These are starting points, not rules. The right answer depends on your two priorities.

On post

Family housing at JBM-HH is limited to 88 historic homes on the Myer and McNair campuses. Officer quarters are set aside for key and essential positions, and a small number of enlisted quarters are offered first come, first served. If you want to live on a military installation, you may be referred to Fort Belvoir, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling or Joint Base Andrews. Marines can apply for housing at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.

North Arlington

The closest neighborhoods, with Orange and Silver line Metro, bike routes and walkable areas such as Clarendon and Ballston. Neighborhoods near Route 50, such as Westover, have long been popular with military families. Homes run from condos to large colonials, and prices are among the highest in the region.

South Arlington

South of Route 50, many military families find single-family homes and townhomes at somewhat lower prices than North Arlington, with easy access to Route 1, I-395 and several transit options.

City of Alexandria (Old Town, Del Ray)

Mostly townhomes, condos and smaller bungalow-style homes, with Yellow and Blue line Metro. Northbound traffic in the morning can be heavy, so check the drive at rush hour.

Washington, DC

If you'll report to Fort McNair, neighborhoods such as the Southwest Waterfront and Capitol Riverfront (Navy Yard) put you close to the campus, mostly in condos and rowhouses.

Farther out

Fort Hunt, Mount Vernon, Springfield and Burke offer more house for the money, and a longer drive or Metro ride.

More detail on each area is in the Northern Virginia neighborhood guide.

Budget: BAH and the real monthly cost

Start with your BAH. Look up your rate with the DoD BAH calculator and compare it with the full monthly cost of ownership. My post on making the most of your BAH goes deeper.
Price in condo and HOA fees. Many close-in homes are condos or townhomes with monthly fees, so compare the total payment, not just the price.
Look into the Rental Partnership Program. JBM-HH's program offers savings for military renters at many apartment communities in the region.
Use your VA loan strategically. See VA loan closing costs in Northern Virginia.
Think about your next set of orders. Close-in homes near Metro tend to rent well if you keep the home. See renting vs. buying for military families.

Schools

Arlington neighborhoods are in Arlington Public Schools, Alexandria has its own school system, and DC neighborhoods are in DC Public Schools. The School Liaison (listed below) is a great first call. See researching Northern Virginia schools from afar.

Key contacts

Housing Services Office

— 101 Bloxton St., Bldg. 205, Rm. 139, Fort Myer, VA 22211 — PH: (703) 696-3557 or (703) 696-3558

Army Community Service

— 202 Custer Rd., Bldg. 201, Fort Myer, VA 22211 — PH: (703) 696-3510

Marine & Family Programs (MCCS Henderson Hall)

— 1555 Southgate Rd., Bldg. 12, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Arlington, VA 22214 — PH: (703) 614-7200

School Liaison (Army School Support Services)

— 102 Custer Rd., Bldg. 203, Fort Myer, VA 22211 — PH: (703) 696-7620

Marine & Family Programs – School Liaison Program

— PH: (703) 693-8378

Note: Most installation services will be available Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. As always, call first to confirm hours and availability of services.

Helpful hint: Contact these offices early in the week during the morning time.

How I help JBM-HH families

A clear conversation about your commute, house and budget priorities before we tour anything
Rush-hour commute checks for the specific homes you're considering, to the campus you'll actually use
Video tours and remote-buying support when you can't be here
VA loan guidance, with offers structured to compete in close-in Arlington neighborhoods

Assigned to JBM-HH? Tell me your report date and which campus you'll work on, and I'll help you narrow down where to look. Call or text 571-296-2312 or email heidi@heidirobbins.realtor.

Frequently asked questions

Is there family housing at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall?

Very little. There are 88 historic homes on the Myer and McNair campuses, and officer quarters are reserved for key positions. Most families live off post, or on another installation such as Fort Belvoir or Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.

What's the best area to live near JBM-HH?

It depends on your priorities. North Arlington offers the shortest commute and Metro access. South Arlington and Alexandria offer somewhat more space for the money. If you'll report to Fort McNair, Southwest DC and Capitol Riverfront are close by.

Which Metro station is closest?

Arlington Cemetery (Blue line) for Fort Myer, and Navy Yard-Ballpark (Green line) for Fort McNair.

What is The Old Guard?

The 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment, the Army's official ceremonial unit, based at Fort Myer. It takes part in more than 6,000 ceremonies a year and guards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Last reviewed: September 2026