Andrews AFB (Joint Base Andrews)
Joint Base Andrews formed in 2009, when Andrews Air Force Base merged with Naval Air Facility Washington. It is located just east of Washington, D.C. in Prince George's County, Maryland. Joint Base Andrews is about 10 miles outside of DC, and 15 miles from the Virginia state line.
There are four surrounding cities, to include Forestville, Upper Marlboro, Clinton and the Town of Morningside.
Andrews is the home of Air Force One, which flies the President. The host squadron at Joint Base Andrews is the 316th Wing, but there are numerous units assigned to "America's Air Base."
Every two years, the base hosts the Andrews Air and Space Expo, which is a major event that attracts visitors from the surrounding states.
Off-Base Neighborhoods
There are plenty of neighborhoods surrounding Joint Base Andrews if military families choose to live off base, with minimal commute times. There are a variety of home styles and neighborhood dynamics, from small town living to urban areas.
On Base Housing
Liberty Park at Andrews is managed by AMC East Communities LLC. There are 13 neighborhoods aboard the installation, serving all ranks. There are a variety of layouts--from two bedroom to four bedroom, some duplexes and some single family homes. The base housing neighborhoods include 13 playgrounds, one outdoor pool, and several sports courts. The clubhouse has a 24-hour fitness room and a children's room.
Schools
There are three public schools surrounding Joint Base Andrews (one elementary, one middle school and one high school), primarily in Clinton. There is also a Public Charter school aboard the installation called Imagine Andrews Public Charter School, which is K-4 and is designed to cater to the specific needs of military kids living aboard JB Andrews.
Cost of Living and BAH
Because Joint Base Andrews is in the Washington Capital region, the cost of living can be fairly high. However, with a variety of neighborhoods in Prince George's County, there are some affordable options. BAH at Joint Base Andrews varies depending on rank and whether or not you have dependents. To determine your BAH at Andrews AFB, use our BAH calculator.
Housing Costs
The average home price near Joint Base Andrews is $400,000, with home prices increasing the closer you move toward the D.C. area. The price per square foot can be anywhere from $200 to over $500 per square foot.
Weather
In true East Coast fashion, you can expect mostly two seasons, winter and summer, with a sprinkling of spring and fall. Warm and humid summers will keep you at the beach or pool. Snow storms can also occur, so make sure you bring a shovel and invest in some quality snow gear for the whole family! The good news is that you are in the perfect location to experience a stunning East Coast fall with some of the most beautiful leaf changing seasons in the area!
Base Amenities
PX/BX: The JB Andrews Exchange is open daily from 9 AM-7 PM.
Commissary: The commissary aboard JB Andrews is open daily; M-F beginning at 9 AM, and on weekends beginning at 8 AM.
Hospital/Clinic: Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center consists of Family Health, Flight Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Pentagon Flight Medicine.
MWR/Outdoor Rec: JB Andrews has family campgrounds and equipment rentals, as well as outdoor adventure programs and RV Storage/Resale lots. There are bike paths and walking trails on base, as well as an 18-hole golf course.
Area Attractions
Since JB Andrews is so close the Washington DC, military families are literally 10 miles down the road from some of DC’s main attractions, including The Smithsonian Institute of Natural History, the National Arboretum, and other national monuments along the National Mall.
Our Nation’s Capital is home to the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the National Air & Space Museum. Closer to the base, you will find the Airmen Memorial Museum.
Military families who want something neat to do on the weekend have numerous local options:
Annapolis, Maryland: 32 miles; 1-hour drive – Gorgeous town, quaint restaurants, and the Naval Academy.
St. Michael’s, Maryland: 79 miles; 1.5-hour drive – Maryland’s Eastern Shore features crabs and scenic water views like no other!
Richmond, Virginia: 108 miles; 2-hour drive – Virginia State Capital with a thriving restaurant scene and craft beer breweries.
Lewes/Rehoboth Beach, Delaware: 121 miles; 2.5-hour drive – What can we say? It’s the beach! Bring your lotion and your bathing suit, and enjoy!
Shenandoah National Park & Luray Caverns, Virginia: 3-hour drive; 120 miles – Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, west of Washington, D.C. Skyline Drive is the only public road running through the Shenandoah National Park. Nearby Luray Caverns is the largest series of caverns in the east. This eerie underground world of stalactites and stalagmites is definitely worth a day trip.
Gettysburg (84 miles), Hershey (130 miles), Lancaster (120 Miles), Pennsylvania: Three unique Pennsylvania cities within three hours of the metro area. Relive the Civil War in Gettysburg, learn the unique story of Milton Hersey, and immerse yourself in the life of the Amish in Lancaster, PA.
Chincoteague Island, Virginia: 170 miles; 3.5-hour drive – Do not miss watching the ponies at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on the quieter side of the Eastern Shore.
Food and Drink
You're in Maryland, the land of blue crabs and crab feasts! It may be intimidating to learn how to pick crabs, but it's part of the summer social life in Maryland. Restaurants serve crab in everything from crab cakes to crab dip and crab soup (which comes in either a vegetable base or a creamy version.)
JB Andrews is also close enough to D.C. so you can indulge in any ethnic dish or fancy specialty your heart desires.
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