Anyone live on Andrews AFB? (Bowie, Clinton: hotels, homes, neighborhoods)

[kndancer11]

I am moving to Andrews AFB in three weeks and would like some insider scoop on what it is like. We were approved for a newly remodeled, good-sized home, so I'm not too worried about that.

But, I'm wondering what the community is like inside the base and more importantly, what the surrounding PG County neighborhoods are like surrounding the base? I've read some not-so-nice things about PG County on this board, but my husband thought the surrounding areas looked just fine. I've lived in New York City before, and am used to urban atmospheres, but I'm really interested to know what PG County is all about.

Where are fun places to eat, entertain, and shop off base? Is it easy to commute to Washington DC? I work in the arts and am interested in getting involved in the arts community, and imagine I will be traveling around the entire DC area.

[Mom21]

It's not too much happening right around the Base. Across the street from it is just retail, hotels, fast food, etc. Behind and somewhat on the sides of it are single family homes -- pretty quiet. Because of the street in the back and front of it being more of a thoroughfare, to me there's not much sense of community immediately around it. Getting to DC is not that difficult by car, unless you're going during rush hour, which, unless you work in DC, you want to avoid. There is a metro about 5 minutes away, not walking distance but an easy drive to park there. That's a better option during rush hour.

As for shopping and eating out, there's not much in very close proximity except fast food, but you're about 10 minutes away from a Clinton strip mall which has a couple of choices, but certainly nothing to write home about -- Ruby Tuesdays, I-hop, Ledo's Pizza. You are about 15 to 30 minutes away from Waldorf (depending on traffic, which is totally unpredictable) which has every chain restaurant you can think of except Cheese Cake Factory (it's on the way), and some you probably never heard of. You're also not too far from Bowie Town Center for shopping and eating. There is also some fine dining (non-chain) in Bowie. Finally, you are about 15 minutes away from the newly-opened Inner Harbor that has all sorts of selections for shopping and eating.

[PenguinSix]

If you go off rush hour or on the weekends, you can fly up the Suitland Parkway to the US Capitol in about 15 minutes or so with only a couple of stoplights. Eastern Market is something I would recommend seeing very early on in your stay (near the Capitol, 7th and Penn SE) as their weekend markets have a number of artists selling their wares and I'm sure you could get some more info about the general 'scene' from them. You'll probably go up to Adams Morgan as well early in your trip, a pretty diverse area with some interesting options around.

PG county is not really urban, so living in NYC is really nothing like PG. Heck DC isn't that urban compared to NY. The area around the base strikes me a lot like the areas around many military bases. Fast food places, cheap mom and pop places, low to mid-grade hotels and light industrial/retail stuff (auto parts, body shop, etc). It's not really a walkable area off base, just a few conveniences nearby. As others mentioned 15 miles in other directions can get you about any chain your heart desires.

You might want to check the DC alternative newspaper, washingtoncitypaper.com for more info on the arts and nightlife in DC proper. I suspect you'll probably be spending more time in DC than in your surroundings at the base.

[RaisedWell]

Mom21 gave you a lot of good information. I teach at a school around the corner from the base. I actually like the area and am considering moving there myself. When you say "arts community" can you be more specific? I'll try to help you.

[kndancer11]

Thanks to all of you for those great suggestions. I am a dance choreographer and also teach dance to children and adults. I also plan multi-arts events. So although I'm mostly involved in the performing arts, I also enjoy the visual arts. I teach Pilates also.

I'd really like to explore what is going on with the performing arts in this part of the country. I have a friend who lives in Northern Maryland who is pretty involved in the dance scene there and in DC.

[lscalder]

Hyattsville which is in Pg county has a new community which is called the Arts District. It is consist of Arts music such as jazz, poetry,dance,paintings. You might want to check it out.
google Arts district Hyattsville Md

Also you might want to check out the national Harbor which is also in Pg county which is full with entertainment. Some of the best restaurants around the country is at the Harbor. It also has a Art feel to it as well.

I do like Clinton. I do all of my shopping in Clinton.

[lscalder]

Here is the website to National Habor in PG county
National Harbor

[kndancer11]

Thanks so much for that link. It looks great. Perhaps you should all start posting on all the threads that bad mouth PG County - it seems like there is indeed quite a bit going on.

[PenguinSix]

Originally Posted by kndancer11

Thanks so much for that link. It looks great. Perhaps you should all start posting on all the threads that bad mouth PG County - it seems like there is indeed quite a bit going on.

It's mixed. Some criticism is justified. Some is a bit off base. You'll see when you head through PG and see nice huge homes in good neighborhoods and then streets in which you'll roll up your windows and lock your doors. It's a big mix.

[lscalder]

Originally Posted by PenguinSix

It's mixed. Some criticism is justified. Some is a bit off base. You'll see when you head through PG and see nice huge homes in good neighborhoods and then streets in which you'll roll up your windows and lock your doors. It's a big mix.

This can be said for any state/city/county. All counties have its good/bad and ugly.