Nestled between Washington, DC, and Annapolis, MD, Fort Meade is home to the Defense Information School, the headquarters of United States Cyber Command, the National Security Agency, the Defense Courier Service, and the Defense Information Systems Agency headquarters.
This major army installation has a large presence of active-duty personnel, civilian employees, and retirees. Fort Meade housing is offered to active-duty service members, federal civilian employees, and Department of Defense contractors.
Understanding Fort Meade Housing Assistance
The Army Housing Office, the army’s public/private venture program, has partnered with the private sector to provide privatized Fort Meade, MD, housing for active-duty soldiers and their families.
Privatized housing on Fort Meade is managed by Corvias. There are 2,628 family housing units in six neighborhoods and an apartment complex with 434 apartments in Fort Meade, housing all service branches stationed within the Baltimore/Washington corridor.
Service members can apply for housing after they have received orders for Fort Meade or other duty stations within 50 miles. Privatized military family housing is not mandatory. Military members may choose between privatized family housing located on-post or off-post housing options.
Types of Housing Assistance Available
A range of options for Fort Meade military housing are available based on unique, individual situations, such as housing for families, single service members, families that are enrolled in the exceptional family member program, pet owners, and unaccompanied personnel.
Fort Meade on-base housing under the management of Corvias offers privatized military housing. This includes historic stand-alone properties, modern townhouse-style homes, and pet-friendly communities. Community centers feature resident events, gyms, pools, and playgrounds.
Also managed by Corvias, Reece Crossings is a premier, on-post apartment community for active-duty service members, Federal Government civilians, and NSA contractors.
Fort Meade’s strategic location provides convenient access to multiple major interstates and highways, such as Interstate 95 and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. It is also situated near Maryland State routes 100, 175, and 198.
There are several communities to choose from when searching for an off-base home. The nearby communities of Odenton, Laurel, Columbia, Crofton, Severna Park, Hanover, and Glen Burnie provide Fort Meade with off-base housing options.
Eligibility Criteria for Housing Assistance
To be eligible for Privatized Family Housing at Fort Meade, you must be an active-duty service member assigned to an installation within 50 miles of Fort Meade, a military retiree, a Fort Meade NSA contractor, or a federal employee.
Service members are eligible to apply for on-post housing once their orders to Fort Meade or other duty stations within 50 miles have been received.
Applications may be submitted online or in person by visiting the Leasing and Relocation Center at Fort Meade, located at 2965 2nd Army Dr, Fort Meade, MD 20755.
Once the housing application is submitted along with all the required documentation, the applicant can then be placed on the appropriate list.
How to Apply for Fort Meade Housing Assistance
To establish eligibility, military members are required to complete a Housing Application, which can be submitted online or in person, and supply the required documentation.
The following are required documentation for housing assistance application:
- Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders
- Dependency verification
- Any other documentation applicable to his/her family needs
The online housing application will be reviewed by the relocation staff and placed in a pending arrival status.
A member of the dedicated team of relocation specialists will contact the applicant regarding their application status and will assist them in completing housing eligibility requirements and supporting documents.
Once the application and all supporting documentation have been received and approved by the Leasing and Relocation Center, the applicant will be placed on the appropriate waitlist. Wait times and availability are subject to change based on vacancy status.
In certain cases when someone has the same eligibility date, the date-of-rank will be the secondary factor influencing the placement on the list, with the earlier date-of-rank given priority. If the date-of-rank is the same, the date-of-entry into service will be used.
Benefits of Living in Fort Meade Housing
Fort Meade homes are fully equipped with a refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher and feature full-size washer/dryer hookups.
Corvias also offers free lawn care, maintenance, and snow removal services. Pest control is available upon request.
There is an abundance of community support for military families on and around Fort Meade, from employment to education and recreation.
Military Officers Association of America, National Military Family Association, Hiring Our Heroes, and Blue Star Families are some of the notable groups that provide such support.
Military spouses can take advantage of resources designed specifically for them, such as outlets to further education and career resources.
Furthermore, there are many opportunities to volunteer for worthy causes for both military and non-military-related organizations.
Special Housing Programs for Military Personnel
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) provides uniformed service members compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets where government quarters are not provided.
This allowance is determined by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status.
For those who prefer temporary housing, family quarters are provided at the Army Lodging main office in Candlewood Suites Building 4690.
There are 242 family quarters at Candlewood Suites, each with a private bath, two double beds, microwave and refrigerator, kitchenette, laundry, sweet shop, and hot breakfast every morning.
Priority is given to Army Defense Information Schools students, then accommodation is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Conclusion
Fort Meade offers excellent home options both on base and off base, with housing assistance aimed at providing a comfortable life for eligible military members and their families.
If you have any questions regarding this article or would like to explore the neighborhoods near Fort Meade, please contact me at 443-360-7111 or jeaniehalloran@gmail.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the wait time for Fort Meade housing?
Wait times for Fort Meade housing vary depending on floor plan. You may contact the Fort Meade Housing and Relocation Center for specific wait times. -
Can I choose off-base housing and still receive assistance?
Yes, you can opt for off-base housing and still receive assistance in the form of the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). -
Are there pet-friendly housing options?
Yes, Fort Meade is a pet-friendly installation. Every household can have two pets. However, please note that exotic pets and dogs belonging to dangerous breeds are not permitted in Fort Meade family housing areas.
