Marine Barracks Washington D.C.
Frequently referred to as “8th & I” or “The Barracks” this historical post is located literally on the corners of 8th & I Streets in Southeast Washington D.C. It hosts the Home of the Commandants, which, along with the Barracks, is a registered national historic landmark.
The selection of the 8th & I site was a matter of personal interest to President Jefferson, who made a horseback tour through Washington with Lt. Col. Burrows in search of a suitable location. They chose the location due to its proximity to the Washington Navy Yard and because it was within easy marching distance of the Capitol.
The Barracks is also home to many nationally recognized units, including the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, the Marine Band, the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the official Marine Corps Color Guard, and the Marine Corps Body Bearers. Until 1901, it was also the location of Marine Corps Headquarters. Marines from the Barracks participated in the defense of Washington in the War of 1812, and served in the Indian Wars of 1826-37, the war with Mexico, the Civil War, and the Spanish American War. Most recently, Marines from the Barracks deployed to Southwest Asia and participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
The Pentagon, Fort Myer, and Reagan National Airport are each less than 5 miles to the east of the Barracks. Also, close by are Joint Base Anacostia Bolling and Fort McNair.
Off-Base Neighborhoods
Because there is no family housing at the Marine Barracks in Washington, most families stationed here rent or buy a home in the surrounding area.
Northern Virginia is a popular area to find single-family homes, good school districts, and a convenient commute to D.C. But get ready for sticker shock as the D.C. suburbs feature seven of the country’s ten richest counties.
Single-family homes, townhouses, condos, and apartments can be found in both urban and rural settings within a short distance.
Northern Virginia (NOVA) includes the following counties:
Fairfax County, Virginia is the largest county in the Washington, D.C. area. It falls inside and outside the beltway and is home to George Mason University.
Arlington and the city of Alexandria, Virginia are inside the beltway.
Prince William County, Virginia includes Woodbridge, Dumfries, Haymarket, Occoquan, Lake Ridge, Manassas, and Manassas City.
Loudoun County, Virginia includes Sterling, Ashburn, Potomac Falls, Countryside, Middleburg, South Riding, Hamilton, and Dulles International Airport.
On Base Housing
On-base family housing is not available at the Barracks. Many families choose to live in nearby Northern Virginia. You can also consider on-base housing at nearby Fort Belvoir, Fort Myer, Joint Base Anacostia Bolling, and Andrews Air Force Base.
The main tenant at Marine Barracks Washington is the Commandant of the Marine Corps. The Barracks has been the residence of every commandant of the Marine Corps since 1806. The Home of the Commandants at the north end of the Barracks was completed in 1806 and is the only original building still standing today. It is the oldest public building in continuous use in Washington D.C.
When originally built, the house measured 25 by 32 feet and contained four large rooms and a central hallway on each floor, a kitchen in the basement, and servant’s quarters in the attic. Renovations and additions have expanded the house to 15,000 square feet, including 30 rooms, not counting closets or baths. The décor has always been dictated by the personal tastes of each commandant and his family.
The Home of the Commandants was one of the few buildings not burned by the British when they sacked the Capitol in 1814. Also housed in the Barracks are members of the senior leadership of the Corps stationed locally. Single or geo-baching troops frequently live in high-rise housing just across the street from the Barracks.
Schools
There are no schools located at the Marine Barracks, but there are many different school districts available in the Washington D.C. area to include public charter schools, private schools, and homeschooling options, depending on where you find housing.
The Family Readiness Officer at 202-433-4881 can answer specific questions about the area. Local public school districts in northern Virginia are also very highly rated.
Cost of Living and BAH
Your BAH is probably higher than your last duty station, but your cost of living will be higher also. Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia both have an expensive housing market. Marine Barracks Washington D.C. BAH varies depending on rank and whether or not you have dependents. To determine your BAH at Marine Barracks Washington D.C., use our BAH calculator.
Housing Costs
Sticker shock is common for those PCSing to the National Capital Region. The average sales price for a 3-bedroom house in Fairfax County was $512,500; this is up nearly 4% from the previous year. The housing market in Northern Virginia is currently hugely competitive, and it’s common for sellers to receive multiple bids.
Weather
There are four distinct seasons in the mid-Atlantic region to include Washington D.C. and the surrounding areas.
Winters are relatively mild, with an average snowfall of 15.4 inches, most of it falling in January and February.
Springtime features the blooming of the cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin. People come from all over the world to view these delicate flowering trees, which only bloom for a couple of weeks during the year.
Summers can be as steamy as the politics, with temperatures rising above 100 on some days in July and August.
The mild temps tend to stick around in September and October, and by Halloween, the fall foliage is in its full splendor with the vivid colors of autumn.
Base Amenities
The Barracks does not feature any of the regular amenities often found on a military installation. With so many nearby, it is not really a problem. Bolling, Fort Myer/Henderson Hall, Fort Belvoir, and Andrews AFB all have commissaries, MWR, ITT, Theatres, and Exchanges. Fort Belvoir and Walter Reed are home to major hospitals and specialty care.
Area Attractions
You do not have to go far to enjoy the area attractions in and around Washington D.C. Our Nation’s Capital is home to the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and the National Air & Space Museum.
The Pentagon 9/11 memorial in northern Virginia is not to be missed. It is usually one of the first stops for military families when they arrive on orders.
Day Trips
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 worth a day trip from NOVA.
Gettysburg (84 miles), Hershey (130 miles), Lancaster (120 Miles) Pennsylvania: Three unique Pennsylvania cities within 3 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 Washington D.C., so you can find every type of cuisine here! Whether you are looking for an exotic ethnic restaurant (there is one from almost every country, it seems), or your favorite steakhouse or sushi, there is something in the nation's capital to please any palette.
In Northern Virginia, you can also find large quantities of wonderful restaurants, including most of your favorite chains.
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