PCS orders to NAS Patuxent River can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. You want a smooth move, a smart housing decision, and a plan that fits your family’s needs and timeline. This guide gives you a clear, step-by-step path to get settled near PAX with confidence, including budget planning aligned to BAH, remote touring tips, settlement checklists, and a quick tour of nearby neighborhoods like Hollywood, Wildewood, and Leonardtown. Let’s dive in.
PCS timeline at a glance
9–12 months out
- Confirm your reporting date and any leave with your gaining command.
- Check your BAH for the PAX duty station ZIP code and start a basic budget.
- Start researching neighborhoods, commute corridors, and potential rentals or purchases.
- Request a sponsor if one is not assigned.
3–6 months out
- Complete TMO counseling if doing a government move and compare HHG vs. PPM (DITY).
- If renting, begin screening listings and contact a local agent who understands military relocations.
- If you have pets, review pet policies for rentals and any HOA guidelines.
- Pull school enrollment steps and required documents for St. Mary’s County Public Schools.
60–90 days out
- Book temporary lodging if needed. Options typically include base lodging or Navy Gateway Inns & Suites.
- For remote house-hunting, request video tours, floor plans, and measurements.
- Start utility research and prepare new-account setup.
30 days out
- Finalize your lease or purchase details. Plan for key exchange or closing dates.
- If using a PPM, track receipts and shipment details for reimbursement.
- Gather all in-processing documents for arrival.
7 days out
- Verify arrival logistics with your sponsor and confirm lodging.
- Confirm move-in utility dates and any storage arrangements.
- Pack an essentials box for the first 72 hours.
Arrival week
- In-process with base personnel support, update DEERS/ID, and connect with the Housing Office.
- Register children for school and schedule any needed medical or immunization appointments.
- Complete vehicle, voter, and local licensing tasks as required.
Practical note: Your exact sequence may vary based on whether your move is CONUS or OCONUS, accompanied or unaccompanied, and whether you’re using a government shipment or PPM.
Budget and BAH planning
How to align your budget to BAH
Your BAH depends on rank, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code. Use the official calculator to look up your current-year rate, then build a simple monthly budget around it. Start with these line items:
- Housing payment: rent or mortgage plus property taxes and insurance
- Utilities: electric, water/sewer, trash, and heating/cooling
- HOA or community fees: common in planned communities like Wildewood
- Commute costs: fuel, maintenance, and parking if applicable
- Childcare and schooling: CDC waitlists, daycare, and before/after care
- Moving costs not covered by TMO: temporary lodging, storage, extra weight fees
- One-time settlement expenses: deposits, utility setup fees, and furniture replacement
Local cost considerations
- Rent vs. buy: Many inbound to PAX rent first due to changing timelines and inventory; compare your likely rent to an estimated mortgage plus taxes and insurance to decide what fits your BAH.
- HOA and amenities: Some neighborhoods include pools, trails, and community centers. Add HOA fees to your monthly budget and review covenants.
- Commute time: Traffic can build along MD-235 and Route 5 during peak hours. Estimate both time and fuel based on typical rush-hour conditions.
- Childcare: Options vary and waitlists happen. Apply early for on-base childcare and contact local providers in your preferred neighborhoods.
Remote house-hunting tips
Virtual touring best practices
- Ask your agent for live video walk-throughs and 3D tours. Request views of windows, storage, and potential noise sources.
- Request floor plans and room measurements so your furniture plan is accurate.
- Have your agent record the street and nearby amenities. Ask for videos at different times of day to gauge traffic and sound.
Due diligence checklists
- Rentals:
- Confirm application requirements, pet policies, and whether a local cosigner is accepted.
- Get all fees in writing and clarify repair responsibilities and response times.
- Ask about early-termination options if orders change.
- Purchases:
- Review recent comparable sales and lock in an inspection contingency.
- Confirm a closing timeline that matches travel and in-processing.
- Order a survey and verify floodplain info, especially in coastal or river-adjacent areas of Southern Maryland.
- Schools:
- Verify school boundaries directly with St. Mary’s County Public Schools for the exact property address, since assignments can change.
Local rental market notes
- Base-adjacent communities often offer a wide mix of apartments, townhomes, and single-family rentals geared to military households.
- During PCS season, start early. If needed, use base lodging or a short-term rental while finalizing long-term housing.
Security and fraud precautions
- Use known listing platforms and licensed brokers.
- Never send funds before a signed agreement. Avoid out-of-area wire transfers without verification.
- When possible, verify ownership through county property records.
Settlement and in-processing
Use your sponsor and base resources
Your sponsor can help with airport pickup, orientation, and local insights. The base Housing Office can explain privatized housing availability, waitlists, and rental support.
In-processing essentials
- DEERS/ID card updates for you and dependents
- Medical and dental enrollment, plus provider choices on or off base
- Vehicle registration and Maryland licensing requirements
- Voter registration and any local tax forms as needed
- School enrollment and transfer of education records
Utilities and services setup
- Internet: Check availability for providers by exact address; options vary.
- Electric: Service is area-specific; confirm before move-in.
- Water/sewer/trash: Sometimes managed by the county or a municipal provider.
- Schedule account activation at least a week before move-in and request meter readings on your start date.
Childcare and schools
- Apply early for childcare, both on base and in town, and ask to join waitlists when available.
- School enrollment usually requires proof of residency, immunization records, a birth certificate, and previous school records.
Health, legal, and family support
- Fleet & Family Support can help with relocation assistance, financial counseling, and workshops.
- The base legal office can answer questions on taxes, real estate, and landlord-tenant issues.
Neighborhood shortlists near PAX
General tip: Commute and neighborhood fit vary by exact address and traffic conditions. Test routes with a map app during weekday rush hours.
Hollywood, MD
- Profile: Smaller, quieter setting with a rural-suburban feel and a mix of older homes and newer builds, often on larger lots.
- Housing: Primarily single-family homes; limited multi-family inventory.
- Benefits: More space and privacy, fewer HOAs.
- Considerations: Fewer in-town retail and dining options; plan for shopping runs.
Wildewood (Leonardtown area)
- Profile: A large planned community with trails, parks, and HOA-managed amenities.
- Housing: Mix of single-family homes and townhomes with more modern designs.
- Benefits: Community amenities and proximity to Leonardtown services.
- Considerations: HOA fees and covenants; confirm school assignments for your street.
Leonardtown
- Profile: The county seat with a historic downtown, restaurants, services, and frequent community events.
- Housing: From historic homes to townhouses and newer subdivisions.
- Benefits: Walkable core, convenient for county errands and cultural activities.
- Considerations: Older homes may have smaller lots or older systems; review maintenance needs.
Lexington Park / Great Mills / California
- Profile: Base-adjacent communities with the shortest commutes and the widest range of rentals.
- Housing: Apartments, townhomes, and modest single-family homes; strong rental inventory.
- Benefits: Close to PAX, retailers, and services.
- Considerations: Rental competition can increase during PCS season; some areas are denser and more commercial.
Mechanicsville / Charlotte Hall / Oceanic
- Profile: More rural choices that often appeal to families seeking larger lots and privacy.
- Housing: Larger single-family homes and some farm properties.
- Benefits: Space and quieter surroundings.
- Considerations: Longer commute and fewer nearby services; check high-speed internet availability.
Commute and daily life
- Key corridors: MD-235 (Three Notch Road) and Route 5 carry most daily traffic to and from the base.
- Peak times: Morning and late afternoon traffic can build quickly; test your route at typical commute hours.
- Quality-of-life trade-offs: Shorter commute vs. more space and amenities. Keep two shortlists if inventory is tight: one closer to base and one focused on space or community features.
How I help you PCS to PAX
You deserve a move that feels organized and supported from start to finish. As a local advisor who specializes in military relocations tied to NAS Patuxent River, I help you:
- Align your home search with your BAH and timeline
- Tour homes remotely with detailed video, measurements, and neighborhood context
- Compare rent vs. buy options with clear pros and cons
- Coordinate inspections, appraisals, and closing dates around travel and in-processing
- Navigate HOA rules, utilities, and school enrollment steps
When you are ready to get started, connect with me for a tailored plan and a calm, confident move to Southern Maryland. Reach out to Diana Washabaugh to map your path to PAX.
FAQs
What should I do first when I get PCS orders to NAS Patuxent River?
- Verify your reporting date, request a sponsor, check your BAH, and start a housing shortlist based on commute and budget.
How do I estimate my housing budget for PAX moves?
- Use the official BAH calculator for the base ZIP code, then add expected utilities, HOA fees, commute costs, childcare, and one-time move expenses.
Is it smarter to rent or buy near NAS Patuxent River?
- Many rent first due to timing and inventory; compare rent to a projected mortgage, taxes, and insurance, then choose based on your tour length and goals.
Can I find housing remotely before I arrive in St. Mary’s County?
- Yes. Request live video tours, floor plans, and neighborhood videos, and verify school boundaries and lease or purchase terms in writing.
What utilities should I set up before move-in near PAX?
- Confirm internet, electric, and water/sewer/trash by address, schedule activation one week before move-in, and request meter readings on day one.
Which nearby neighborhoods are popular with PAX households?
- Hollywood, Wildewood, Leonardtown, and base-adjacent areas like Lexington Park, Great Mills, and California are common choices depending on commute and lifestyle.
