Washington, DC Real Estate Options for Veterans

Bill Geddes

3 years ago

Housing Market and Real Estate Options for the Washington, DC Area for Veterans & Military

Table of Contents

If you serve in the military long there is a chance you will be stationed in or near Washington, DC. There are many bases including Joint Base Andrews, Fort Meade, Quantico Marine Corps Base, Washington Navy Yard, and of course, the Pentagon. Veterans who seek employment in the federal government will likely find success applying around DC as well. Several federal agencies are headquartered in DC and the immediate area including the FBI, GSA, Social Security Administration, and many others. There are nearly 250,000 federal jobs in the DC area.

The housing market in DC is typically a seller’s market due to stability in employment brought on by the military and government offices in the area. Unfortunately, this means prices in the immediate area are inflated and perhaps out of the price range of the average service member or veteran. With a little legwork a home or investment property can be acquired in a great area with positive growth potential. Look into the following areas just outside of DC to see if any fit your housing needs.

Frederick County, Maryland

Frederick County, including the charming and self-contained city of Frederick, is a still-developing semi-rural suburban area and a commuter’s dream. Drive north or west for 15 minutes and you are lost among the rolling country side. Drive East or South, and you will find yourself with an unlimited number of dining, and nightlife options in the metropolitan DC and Baltimore areas. The Commute to DC proper will be about an hour depending on traffic.

Zillow Median Housing Price: $325,967

1-Year Projected Value: +4.7%

Veterans Population: 16,173

Nearest Military Installation: Fort Detrick

Nearest VA Healthcare Facility: Fort Detrick VA Clinic

Nearest VA Hospital: Martinsburg, West Virginia. Approximately one hour west of Frederick.

Cost of Living: Slightly higher than national average. Slightly lower than Maryland average.

Median Household Income: $92,000

Jobs Outlook: High. Located near a densely populated area (I-270 corridor) with metropolitan amenities. A skilled professional should be able find work with any number of companies within a 30-mile radius the engineering, software, IT, healthcare, and government fields. Family members looking for part-time work can find any number of opportunities including retail, food-service, childcare, laborer, and other service-oriented openings.

>> You may be eligible for a zero down VA home loan? For a no-obligation, free consultation regarding your VA Loan eligibility, please go here.

Accokeek, Maryland

Southeast of DC just across the Potomac River lies Accokeek, Maryland. A quickly developing area where well-to-do DC-types are moving to raise families. Commuting to DC will take at least 30 minutes or longer if travelling at rush hour.

Zillow Median Housing Price: $420,449

1-Year Projected Value: +5.2%

Veterans Population, Accokeek Census Designated Place: 1,445

Nearest Military Installation: Joint Base Andrews or Indian Head Navy Base

Nearest VA Healthcare Facility: Southern Prince George’s VA Clinic near Joint Base Andrews

Nearest VA Hospital: Washington, DC VA Medical Center (Downtown DC)

Cost of Living: Much higher than US and Maryland Average

Median Household Income: $125,914

Jobs Outlook: Decent. Accokeek is a DC commuter suburb, so professionals should have plenty of upward mobility. However, family members looking to work in the service industry will be limited to Waldorf, Maryland, a nearby town with plenty of shopping. Consider childcare, tutoring, or pet sitting as a standby for part-time work options.

Waldorf, Maryland

A little farther from DC than Accokeek, Waldorf is the shopping capital of Southern Maryland. Commute time to DC can be 30 minutes to an hour or more depending on traffic. A great spot to choose for fishing and outdoor enthusiasts.

Zillow Median Housing Price: $318,931

1-year Projected Value: +4.8%

Veterans Population: 7,608

Nearest Military Installation: Joint Base Andrews or Indian Head Navy Base

Nearest VA Healthcare Facility: Southern Prince George’s VA Clinic

Nearest VA Hospital: DC VA Medical Center

Cost of Living: Somewhat higher than US Average

Median Household Income: $91,950

Jobs Outlook: Good for DC commuters. Waldorf itself has many shopping and dining options, so any service professional should have no problem securing work.

Fredericksburg, Virginia

With liberal telework policies being enacted, living farther away from big cities is becoming more viable. Fredericksburg, Virginia sits just over 50 miles away from DC, so attending mandatory meetings is still possible. Even for those who travel to work every day, the historic town of Fredericksburg may be worth looking into. The commute time to DC will be at least 1 hour, but many rideshares exist.

Zillow Median Housing Price: $321,600

1-Year Projected Value: +4.8%

Veterans Population: 2,021

Nearest Military Installation: Quantico Marine Corps Base

Nearest VA Healthcare Facility: Fredericksburg VA clinic

Nearest VA Hospital: Richmond, VA or Washington, DC

Cost of Living: Slightly higher than US Average

Median Household Income: $63,274

Jobs Outlook: Fair. For professionals, Fredericksburg is similar to any other DC metro town. With government offices, military bases, and government contractors relatively close, it should be easy to secure work. Jobs for unskilled and part-time employees may be harder to come by, but those looking will have success in the service or retail industries. The unemployment rate generally stays below 5%.

>> You may be eligible for a zero down VA home loan? For a no-obligation, free consultation regarding your VA Loan eligibility, please go here.