Why So Many Military Families Love Fort Hunt
If you’re a military family relocating to the DC area, let me introduce you to one of Northern Virginia’s best-kept secrets: Fort Hunt. Nestled along the Potomac River just 14 miles south of Washington, DC, Fort Hunt offers the ideal balance of convenience, comfort, and community. It’s a place where PCS moves feel less like transitions and more like homecomings.
Quick Access to DC, the Pentagon & Fort Belvoir
Fort Hunt’s location makes commuting to the Pentagon or Fort Belvoir a breeze. The scenic George Washington Parkway leads straight into the city, and Fort Belvoir is just 10 miles down the road. You’re also only 10 minutes from Reagan National Airport – perfect for visiting family or quick getaways. Need to head into DC without driving? The 11Y Metrobus runs from the neighborhood straight into the city.
Award-Winning Schools That Feel Like Community
We know how important schools are during a PCS move, and Fort Hunt delivers. Zoned for Fairfax County Public Schools – one of the top-rated districts in Virginia – this area includes beloved schools like Fort Hunt Elementary (known for its Spanish immersion program), Waynewood Elementary, Stratford Landing, Carl Sandburg Middle and West Potomac High School. These schools are more than just places to learn – they’re where lifelong friendships begin and community roots take hold.
That Classic Neighborhood Feel
It’s hard to describe the charm of Fort Hunt until you’ve experienced it. Think kids riding bikes to school, neighbors catching up at the local hardware store (Village Hardware), and Friday night cookouts at neighborhood pool. We’ve got multiple neighborhood pools and tennis clubs, a beautiful National Park, and the Potomac River practically in our backyard.
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Fort Hunt Park is our community’s heart – with trails, picnic spots, sports fields, and history around every corner.
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Local rec centers are buzzing in summer with swim team events, tennis matches, and neighborhood barbecues.
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Hollin Hall Shopping Center has everything you need – from a 5-&-dime to a family-owned butcher shop to a local hardware store with everything you'll need – and plenty of local flavor.
Homes for Every Stage
Whether you’re planning to rent while you get settled or you’re ready to put down roots, Fort Hunt has options. You’ll find everything from charming mid-century homes with big backyards to beautifully updated colonials and even a few new luxury builds. Many military families love the space, mature trees, and sense of privacy our neighborhoods offer – all with top-notch access to the base and the city.
Fort Hunt testimonial: From a now permanent Fort Hunt Military Family
“We raised our kids on military bases, where they could play outside with friends, ride bikes to school, and we were surrounded by community. Moving to DC was so intimidating but we had friends who lived in Fort Hunt and suggested we take a look. From day one, our kids felt comfortable riding to and from school and playing basketball in the street on a neighbor’s hoop. The community supports kids’ independence from an early age, which we loved. Fort Hunt offered so many of the things we loved about living on base, which eased the transition from smaller military communities to a big metropolitan area. We are originally from California, spent most of our time out west, and have fallen in love with northern VA, mostly due to living in FH! We plan to stay!”
Your PCS Resource: I Heart Fort Hunt
I started I Heart Fort Hunt to share everything I love about this special place – and to make relocations easier for families just like yours. As a longtime local and Realtor with 20+ years of experience (and lots of military clients!), I share tips, listings, neighborhood insights, school info, and more on iheartforthunt.com and @iheartforthunt on Instagram.
Whether you’re just starting your search or are ready to make your move, you’ll find helpful, honest info here – plus a warm welcome.
Thinking about calling Fort Hunt home?
Explore available homes and local resources at iheartforthunt.com and follow along on Instagram @iheartforthunt. We’d love to welcome you to the neighborhood.
