NAVAL AIR STATION
(aka PAX River)
Naval Air Station Patuxent River, also known as PAX River, is tucked away near the Southern Maryland peninsula. It is the headquarters of the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and the Naval Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), and is dubbed the "place where the future of naval aviation begins." While NAS Pax River's claim to fame is being at the forefront of naval aviation, the region itself has a certain charm and beauty. The region known as St. Mary's County is not one to get bored with its abundance of restaurants, both chain and privately owned, parks, beaches, and dynamic town. It appeals to both those who love the city and those who feel more at home in the country because it has a small-town atmosphere with a hint of country charm.
Base Housing
There is plenty of base housing at PAX. There are a total of six housing sections in Pax River, which is owned and managed by Lincoln Military Housing. These three are situated on the base. Lovell Cove has newer, roomy homes with three to four bedrooms. Carpenter Park is a refurbished old building with three to four bedrooms. In the center of the Patuxent River is Gold Coast, officers' residences.
Off Base Housing
There are other options for people who want to live off base, including Glen Forest, which is directly outside Gate 2. Officer single family residences and enlisted duplexes with three to four bedrooms are available in Challenger Estates, a 15 to 20 minute commute from the main base. Columbia Colony: Single-family homes with 3-5 bedrooms are located about 5–10 minutes from the entrance gate, immediately near Target.
Schools
The St. Mary's County School District, which includes highly regarded schools, boasts that "almost 94% of our students graduate prepared to take on the challenges of college or careers." The school system has over 18,000 students, making it big enough to provide a range of academic programs and services but small enough to maintain a welcoming, helpful, and individualized environment. No matter what grade level your children are in, there are plenty of early childhood education programs, 19 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 4 high schools available. Your kids can indulge in a wide variety of extracurricular activities to discover their interests and hobbies.
Cost of Living and BAH:
Since Southern Maryland is close enough to the Washington, DC metro region, its cost of living is moderate. Though less expensive and established than Northern Virginia, it is nonetheless more expensive than a few of remote military installations. Patuxent River's BAH is comparable to the cost of living there. BAH for enlisted personnel ranges from $1,416 to $2,061. The BAH for officers at Patuxent River ranges from $1,662 to $2,421.
Cost of Housing:
In Patuxent River, the average cost of a home is $191,800. A three-bedroom apartment's typical monthly rent is $1,821. Many military families are able to rent or buy off base using their BAH.
Weather:
In Southern Maryland, you'll get a taste of all the seasons. The area experiences fairly mild winters with average snowfall of 14 inches, with the most of it falling in January and February. Summers are hot and humid, with highs of 87 in July. September and October are still pleasant, but by Halloween, the fall foliage is fully visible with its vibrant colors.
Base Amenities:
You have a choice between staying your first night at the pet-friendly Navy Lodge or the Navy Gateway Inn. If those are not accessible, there are many motels in the area that welcome both military personnel and pets. Along the base's back, NAS Pax has a stunning beach. Additionally, it has a beach house with a private beach. Additionally, the Base houses a Navy Exchange (NEX) where service members can benefit from discounts on otherwise expensive goods. There is a modest commissary for food.
Shopping:
There are plenty of stores even though the nearest mall is in Waldorf, Maryland, 45 minutes away. The area's major department stores include JC Penny, Belk, and Kohl's, as well as Target, Wal-Mart, Marshalls, Ross, Best Buy, and numerous more shops. Weis will shortly take the place of two nearby Food Lions. Additionally, there is a Giant, an Aldi, a Harris Teeter, and a Shoppers, which gives military personnel a 10% discount on Mondays for all purchases and a 15% discount on Shoppers brand items on the other days.
Food and Drink:
There are numerous restaurants along the Three Notch main strip, including Outback, Applebee's, Texas Roadhouse, and Olive Garden. Another option is Bollywood Marsala, a fantastic Indian restaurant that never fails, as well as the locally owned and adored Linda's café, which serves the BEST breakfast in SoMD. There are several additional eateries nearby to suit your tastes. You should also learn how to choose blue crabs for steaming and enjoy them with heaps of Old Bay seasoning since you are now in Maryland.
Area Attractions:
The parks and beaches in St. Mary's County are arguably the BEST features! There is one of each to meet every requirement because they are all around. There are two dog parks in Lancaster Park for both large and little furry family members, and they are both located on Willows Road just outside of Gate 2. Football grounds, basketball hoops, and baseball diamonds are among the additional attractions. The Pax River Raiders of Little League football play there as well. Some of the nicest parks in the region are found at NAS Pax River. Many are tucked away in secret locations or on the base's beach. They are all spotless and offer dining areas, grills, and picturesque views. Explore St. Mary's River State Park for just $3 a vehicle. It boasts a lengthy trail that is accessible by foot, bicycle, horse, and even boat. Nicoleti Park is only $2 per individual daily. Season passes for a family or a single person are another option available to them. This park is of the water-fun variety, with lots of spray and fountain entertainment for the kids to enjoy. There is also Greenwell State Park, where entry is on a first-come, first-served basis. There are trail rides there as well as a historic home, which serves as a wedding venue. A favorite for fisherman and photographers who love the picturesque backdrop for their clients frequent the area. Of all the parks in the vicinity, Pointe Lookout Park is the crown jewel. It is located near the southernmost point of Maryland and features a fantastic beach in addition to a park. There are numerous locations for camping, fishing, and just plain old family fun. 6 camper cottages and 143 forested campsites are offered for overnight visits. Isn't this park also a museum dedicated to the American Civil War? There are historical markers all across the park that will teach you about how that region took part in the conflict. Admission is on an honor system and varies. Shopping is also not lacking.
Day Outings:
Washington D.C., 85 miles away; 1.5-hour trip; Monuments, Smithsonian, White House; the Nation's Capital is where history comes to life! Drive time of 1.5 hours, 85 miles to Annapolis, Maryland Beautiful town, charming eateries, and the Naval Academy! 185 miles; 3.5 hours to get to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Run up the stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art like Rocky. Independence Mall, the Liberty Bell, and the historic Reading Terminal Market are all places where history comes to life. Local Philadelphia cuisine is also accessible there. The Eastern Shore of Maryland, 112 miles away from St. Michael's, offers unrivaled views of the water and crabs.
