I can appreciate the challenges of the military move. I have lived in the Northern Virginia area for 11 years after PCSing with my family from Germany in 2000. I can relate to anyone moving here whether it’s your first or fourth time! It can be overwhelming to try to figure out where to live, manage the challenges of traffic, school choices, proximity to shopping, entertainment and everything else this vast area has to offer. After more than a decade, I’ve grown to love it and all its opportunities… cultural events, interesting, lively and diverse population, easy access to both the mountains and the ocean, delicious dining, political entertainment and rich history. Not to mention a great housing market!
As a military member, the Northern Virginia area is a smart choice if you’re purchasing a house for the first (or second, or third!) time.
Interest rates are at historic lows, VA loans are a very good option for the area even with the limit currently set to 625,500*(which means you can, providing you qualify, still purchase a home for no money down), and the market is experiencing a rebound!
The Northern Virginia area typically enjoys a strong rental market with so many transient employees in the area, which makes buying a home a good investment even if you’re not here to stay!
- 2012 BAH Rates – Note that BAH rates are tied to your geographic duty station, not where you will live.
- Fort Belvior (22060)
- Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall (22211)
- Bolling AFB (20032)
- Marine Corps Base Quantico (22134)
- Pentagon (20310)
*As of January 1, 2011 and through September 30, 2011, a Veteran with full entitlement may borrow up to the 2011 VA limit which is $625,500 for the following Northern Virginia Counties:
**Maximum Guaranty Limits as of January 1, 2012 **
- Alexandria
- Arlington
- Fairfax
- Fairfax City
- Falls Church
- Manassas (City)
- Prince William County
