Mark Center Alexandria
Mark Center Alexandria Relocation Information
Mark Center Alexandria Location & Information
Mark Center Alexandria Address: 4825 Mark Center Drive Alexandria, VA 22311
The Mark Center houses the Washington Headquarters Service and several other DoD agencies. The Mark Center is an administrative annex for the Department of Defense. The facility is part of Fort Belvoir, but it sits on Mark Center property in Alexandria, VA. They relocated per BRAC's decision to move DoD personnel out of leased space to more secure sites that meet the department's high anti-terrorism standards. The Mark Center sits approximately three miles south of the Pentagon, at Seminary Road and Beauregard Street, at the I-395 interchange in Alexandria, Virginia.
Military Installations in the Washington, DC, Area
Military installations near Mark Center Alexandria:
Frequently Asked Questions About the Mark Center
1) How close to Washington, DC, is the Mark Center?
Mark Center Alexandria is about 10 miles southwest of Washington, DC.
2) How big is the Mark Center?
The Mark Center is a 3.2-million-square-foot campus providing office and conference facilities for more than 6,400 employees.
3) Is there parking at the Mark Center?
There is visitor parking and several public parking garages nearby.
4) What is the zip code for Mark Center Alexandria, VA?
The zip code for Mark Center Alexandria is 22311. Other nearby zip codes include 22152, 22304, and 22309.
5) What is the BAH for Mark Center Alexandria?
The BAH for Mark Center Alexandria ranges from $3,096 for E-1 to $4,128 for E-9 with dependents, and from $3,213 for O-1 to $4,731 for O-6 with dependents. See the BAH section for more info.
Moving to the Mark Center in Alexandria? Download our free guides to the area:
Arrival Lodging
There are multiple lodging facilities near Mark Center Alexandria to accommodate incoming service members and their families.
Fort Belvoir Lodging
Staybridge Suites Building 1208
9215 Woodbury Road, Building 1208
Fort Belvoir, VA 22060
(703) 844-030
Holiday Inn Express Knadle Hall
9775 Gaillard Rd, Building 70
Fort Belvoir, VA 22060
(703) 704-8300
Joint Base Andrews Lodging
Air Force Inns-Presidential Inn
1380 California Avenue
Andrews AFB, MD 20762
(301) 981-4614
Joint Base Myer Henderson Hall Lodging
IHG Army Hotels Wainwright Hall -Historia
318 Jackson Ave. Building 50
Fort Myer, VA 22211
(703) 696-3576
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Lodging
Navy Lodge Washington DC
12 Beyers Road SW, Building 4412
Washington, D.C. 20032
(202) 563-6950
Mark Center Alexandria Housing
Military housing is not available at the Mark Center facility. However, many options are available on the local economy in Alexandria and other nearby cities. See below for more info.
Mark Center Alexandria Off-Base Housing
Homes for sale and houses for rent near the Mark Center – Mark Center Homes
Military families searching for homes near Mark Center Alexandria should be aware that although stand-alone single-family homes are popular, townhouse, condo, and apartment living are all comparative options. For example, some neighborhoods only cater to those interested in townhomes, so single-family homes aren't available.
Consulting a qualified real estate agent knowledgeable about the desired area is recommended. It’s common for agents to be licensed in DC/MD/VA, but some choose only to work in one or two states or the District.
Washington, DC, real estate can be a challenge for first-timers. Both property and money move quickly and often in cash transactions. Unless PCS’ing from other expensive locations such as San Diego or Hawaii, prepare savings accounts to adjust to rental and home buying costs.
There isn’t a shortage of neighborhoods to choose from. Each offers a unique setting, amenities, and a pro/con list. It’s up to each house hunter and their real estate agent to research the vicinity to find the perfect match.
Base Search:
City Search:
Mark Center Alexandria BAH Info
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S.-based allowance determined by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed service members compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing.
Mark Center Alexandria is near Alexandria, Springfield, and Arlington, VA, with many options to buy or rent. Some sample Mark Center BAH rates for zip code 22311 (DC053):
- E-1 with dependents: $3,096
- E-1 without dependents: $2,409
- E-9 with dependents: $4,128
- E-9 without dependents: $3,447
- O-1 with dependents: $3,213
- O-1 without dependents: $3,054
- O-6 with dependents: $4,731
- O-6 without dependents: $3,999
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Area Weather and Climate
In and around the National Capital Region, residents need all the gear: from shorts and bug spray to shovels and winter boots. Extreme weather conditions are often short-lived. If a heat wave or cold front sets in, it typically heads out in a week or two. The Pentagon’s weather patterns include all four seasons. Cold and dry winters with occasional snow, a blustery and wet spring season, very humid and hot summers with the potential for hurricane residue from the coast, and a colorful and temperate fall season.
Worth noting about Alexandria weather:
- Weather forecasters often use I-95 as a dividing line to describe transitioning weather.
- Areas north and west of DC take on weather from the Shenandoah Mountains.
- East of the city, the weather is influenced by coastal weather patterns.
Mark Center Area Schools
Thankfully, the city of Alexandria is familiar with the military and does well in accommodating families who move over the holidays.
A Military School Liaison Officer can point you toward the best public, private, or homeschool education for your kids and help them integrate into their new school. Not every installation near Alexandria has a SLO, but many are in the area. The Fort Belvoir Student Liaison Officer is a good place to start.
The Fairfax County Public School system, which educates a large part of Alexandria's population, gives military parents a heads-up on important topics like special education enrollment and school boundaries.
If you’re considering an Alexandria City Public School, their NEW TO ACPS tab has pertinent information. Visit Private School Review for more information regarding private school education near Alexandria. Homeschool families should follow the Virginia’s Department of Education homeschool regulations.
More tips for connecting with your new school:
- Contact the PTO/PTA. Most in this area have an active military family-specific group within the organization.
- Check in with your school counselors. Many earn special certifications to assist transitioning military kids. There might even be a "buddy program" that matches new students with current military students.
For those who haven’t lived in a very active suburb of a major metropolitan city, the lifestyle in Alexandria might take time to adjust to.
Support for Military and Families
There is abundant support for military families in Washington, DC, and Alexandria. The area is home to numerous organizations that provide support systems of various types. From employment to education and recreation, groups are eager to share opportunities with military families. Some recognizable names include the Military Officers Association of America, the National Military Family Association, Hiring Our Heroes, and Blue Star Families.
There isn’t a better region among military destinations for military spouses to take advantage of the number of resources designed specifically for them. The area provides outlets to further education, examine career resources, or volunteer for worthy causes for both military and non-military organizations.
Some helpful links:
Things to Do Near Mark Center Alexandria
View of Capitol Hill. Photo from rabbit75_cav via Canva.com.
Popular nearby destinations:
- Mount Vernon
- The Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring
- National Christmas Tree Lighting
- The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
- Professional football, baseball, basketball, and hockey
- Great Falls National Park
- Shenandoah Valley
- The Pentagon Tour
There are many impromptu opportunities and activities for service members in the local area. There are one-of-a-kind events both through work and family-friendly military organizations in the NCR. There are also local attractions, like the Smithsonian and monuments, that newcomers seek out first. However, there are also plenty of activities in Alexandria, especially because of its historical influence.
Additional attractions:
- Holiday Boat Parade - One of the top holiday celebrations is the Holiday Boat Parade along the Potomac. The evening is dazzling and fun for the whole family. Second in popularity is the city’s Scottish Christmas Parade with its Scottie dogs and kilts.
- Alexandria’s Birthday - On July 13, the city extends July 4th activities another week. Waterfront activities include the Alexandria Symphony orchestra (with cannons), food (free birthday cake), drinks, and a Grand Finale fireworks display.
- George Washington Memorial Parkway - The GW Parkway into Mount Vernon is famous for its fall colors along the drive. Any fall day is glorious to visit, but on-site activities pack the September and October calendars. The Colonial Market and Fair, Fall Wine Festival, and Sunset Tour are well-loved annual events.
- Torpedo Factory Art Center - Founded in 1974 in an old munitions plant, the Torpedo Factory Art Center is home to the nation’s largest collection of working artists’ open studios under one roof.
More Area Info
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Base Address:
4825 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria
,
22311