How does USMilitaryMoves work?

USMilitaryMoves connects military families with verified veteran and military-spouse real estate agents. Families browse agents for free, submit referrals, and get matched with agents who understand VA loans, BAH, and PCS timelines. The platform is completely free, no fees, no commissions, no catch.

Is USMilitaryMoves free for military families?

Yes, completely free for military families and for agents. There are no fees, no subscriptions, no commissions, and no obligations. This platform exists solely to serve the military community.

What is BAH and how is it calculated?

BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly tax-free housing stipend paid to service members who live off base. It is calculated based on three factors: your paygrade (rank), your duty station zip code, and whether you have dependents. BAH is set annually by the Department of Defense and is designed to cover median housing costs in each local market. Use the free BAH Calculator at usmilitarymoves.com/bah-calculator to look up rates by rank and installation.

What is a VA loan and can I use it more than once?

A VA loan is a mortgage benefit for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses, backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Key benefits include no down payment required, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), competitive interest rates, and no prepayment penalties. Yes, you can use your VA loan benefit multiple times as long as you have remaining entitlement or have paid off and restored a previous VA loan.

What is PCS and how long does a PCS move take to plan?

PCS stands for Permanent Change of Station, the military's process of ordering a service member to relocate to a new duty assignment. Ideally, PCS planning begins 6 months before your report date. Key milestones include receiving orders, submitting housing applications, completing a house-hunting trip, locking in housing, coordinating TMO or DITY move logistics, and in-processing at the gaining unit. Use the free PCS Mission Planner at usmilitarymoves.com/pcs-planner to generate a personalized T-minus timeline.

How do I find a military-friendly real estate agent at my new duty station?

Browse our verified agent directory at usmilitarymoves.com/agents. Every agent in the network has been identity-verified as a veteran or military spouse. You can filter by state, installation, branch of service, and VA loan experience. Each agent profile shows their military background, transaction history, and reviews from military families they have served.

What military installations have base guides on USMilitaryMoves?

USMilitaryMoves publishes comprehensive PCS guides for major military installations including Fort Liberty (Fort Bragg) NC, Camp Pendleton CA, Joint Base Lewis-McChord WA, Fort Campbell KY, Joint Base San Antonio TX, Naval Station Norfolk VA, Joint Base Charleston SC, Fort Carson CO, and MacDill AFB FL. Each guide covers neighborhoods, school ratings, BAH rates, housing intel, commute tips, and insider advice from military families. Find all base guides at usmilitarymoves.com/bases.

What is the difference between a DITY move and a government move (TMO)?

A government move (TMO or Transportation Management Office move) means the military contracts and pays movers to pack and transport your household goods. A DITY move (Do-It-Yourself, now called PPM, Personally Procured Move) means you move your own belongings and the military reimburses you based on the weight you move. A hybrid move combines both: the government ships large items and you move the rest for additional reimbursement. DITY moves can result in profit if you move efficiently, but require more planning and effort.

Can military families use their BAH to pay a mortgage?

Yes, many military families use their BAH allowance to cover their mortgage payment. With a VA loan, you can purchase a home with zero down payment and no PMI, which often results in a monthly payment comparable to or lower than local rents. A verified military real estate agent can help you determine whether your BAH will cover a mortgage payment in your new duty station market.

Who can submit a referral on USMilitaryMoves?

Anyone can submit a referral on USMilitaryMoves, no real estate license required. Military family members, command spouse leaders, chaplains, VA loan officers, out-of-area agents, and community members are all eligible. It's free to submit and free for the family. Submit a referral at usmilitarymoves.com/refer.

Army55,000+ military and civilians

Fort Meade

Fort George G. Meade · Odenton, Maryland

Fort Meade is home to NSA headquarters, US Cyber Command, and Defense Information Systems Agency. Located between Baltimore and Washington DC, it is the premier intelligence and cyber installation in the DoD with a massive civilian and contractor workforce. High cost of living is offset by exceptional career opportunities and the largest NSA mission footprint in the world.

E-5 BAH: $2,448
O-3 BAH: $3,195
Avg Home Price: $425,000
Branch: Army

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Neighborhoods

Odenton

Off-Post

$2,000 to $2,800/mo

Most popular with military and NSA civilians, MARC train to DC, growing rapidly

Crofton

Off-Post

$2,100 to $2,900/mo

Upscale suburban community, excellent schools, 15 min to main gate

Severn

Off-Post

$1,900 to $2,600/mo

Affordable alternative, close to post, good Anne Arundel County schools

Fort Meade On-Post

On-Post

On-Post BAH/mo

Managed by Balfour Beatty, high demand, MARC train stop on post for DC commuters

Schools

Anne Arundel County Schools

Grades K to 12

Strong district overall, Odenton and Crofton area schools are highly rated

Crofton Elementary

Grades K to 5

Top-rated elementary in the district, popular with military families

Old Mill High School

Grades 9 to 12

Serves Millersville area, large school with varied programs

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Managed by Balfour Beatty. High demand. MARC train stop on post is major advantage. Wait lists can be long, apply immediately upon orders.

Off-Post Rental Market

Anne Arundel County rental and home prices are high by national standards. Odenton is growing rapidly with new construction. VA loans very common in this market.

Commute

I-295 and Route 32 are primary commuter routes. Baltimore and DC commutes are 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. MARC train from Odenton and on-post stations eliminates driving stress.

Installation Highlights

NSA headquarters and US Cyber Command, largest intelligence mission in DoD
MARC commuter rail to DC and Baltimore from on-post station
Top-tier veteran and cleared civilian employment market in the DC corridor
Maryland 100% P&T disabled veteran property tax exemption
UMGC, rated top military-friendly university, has a campus nearby

Insider Tips

MARC commuter rail from the on-post station makes Washington DC accessible without driving
Security clearance processing at Fort Meade can take time, begin your investigation paperwork early
Annapolis is 20 minutes away and worth many weekend visits
UMGC has a campus convenient to Fort Meade for education benefits
The DC metro area network for cleared veterans and military is exceptional for career transition

Nearby Attractions

Annapolis, Maryland State Capital and Naval Academy (20 min)
Washington DC National Mall and memorials (40 min)
Baltimore Inner Harbor and Fells Point (30 min)
Chesapeake Bay for sailing, crabbing, and water sports
National Cryptologic Museum at NSA (on post)

School Liaison Officer

Free support for military families navigating school enrollment, records transfers, and education options near Fort George G. Meade.

Phone: 301-677-6000
DSN: 622-6000
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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Find a verified veteran or military spouse Realtor who knows Fort George G. Meade and the local VA loan market.

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Did We Miss Something?

You know things about Fort George G. Meade that we do not. The best intel comes from families who actually lived there. Tell us what you know and we will add it to the guide.