PCSing to Langley Air Force Base?

PCSing to Langley Air Force Base? Well you are in good company!

The part of Virginia where Langley Air Force base is located is the most military saturated area in the whole United States! There are roughly 85,000 active duty members stationed in the Tidewater area across all 5 branches of military service.

As an Army brat and a former military spouse, I am very familiar with the PCS process and how important it is to have your bearings before you arrive.  Here are some things you need to know prior to PCSing to Langley Air Force Base.

WHERE IS LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE?

If you are PCSing to Langley Air Force Base, know that Langley is one half of Joint Base Langley-Eustis and is located in Hampton, VA, while the other installation, Fort Eustis, is located in the neighboring city of Newport News. 

Both cities are located on the peninsula of the Coastal Virginia area and comprise a total of roughly 250 square miles and offer shopping, dining, education, commerce, entertainment, beaches, fishing and other outdoor recreation. 

It is located approximately 3 hours from Washington, D.C., 1.5 hours from Richmond, and 2.5 hours from the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  There are 3 airports near Langley afb that are easily accessible – Newport News, Norfolk, and Richmond, and there are Amtrak stations in several cities as well.

CITIES NEAR LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE

Langley Air Force Base is located in an area of Virginia that is known by many names: Tidewater, Hampton Roads, The Seven Cities, and Coastal Virginia to name a few. For the most part the surrounding areas are city jurisdictions and not counties, which can take some getting used to.

Neighboring cities on the peninsula include Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg, and the York County area.  Southside cities (across one of our bridge-tunnels) nearby include Norfolk, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth and Chesapeake. To the west across the James River is Smithfield (Isle of Wight County) and to the northeast across the York River is Gloucester.

HAMPTON

Hampton is where Langley Air Force Base is located. It is an area of about 136 square miles with a rough population of 135,000 people.  Average sales price here is $235,000.  Hampton has a strong mix of history and life on the water.  If PCSing to Langley Air Force base, some areas of interest in Hampton are:

• Historic Fort Monroe
• Paradise Ocean Club
• Peninsula Town Center
• Sandy Bottom Park
• Gosnold’s Hope Park
• Downtown Hampton
• Virginia Air and Space Museum
• Historic Phoebus
• Buckroe Beach

Paradise Ocean Club is located where the old Officer’s Club was on Fort Monroe (See Phoebus Virginia (in Hampton): Spotlight for more) It offers something for everyone, with a full bar, food, cabanas, a pool, ocean access, beach volleyball, live music, and boats and jet skis can anchor out and you can wade in and enjoy!

Sandy Bottom has hiking trails, a dog park, a children’s playground and paddle boat rentals.  You can enjoy the same plus enjoy deep water access at Gosnold’s Hope Park.  Downtown Hampton and Phoebus offer varied restaurants and entertainment, niche shopping, antiques, art, and nightlife.

NEWPORT NEWS

Newport News encompasses an area of 119 square miles and boasts a population of roughly 179,000.  It is located directly adjacent to Hampton and drivable within 15-30 minutes of Langley Air Force Base depending on what part of the city you live in.  Average home sales price here is $241,000. Some of the more notable sites are:

• Christopher Newport University
• The Mariner’s Museum
• Peninsula Fine Arts Center
• The Noland Trail for hiking/running/outdoor recreation
• Historic Hilton Village and Brandon Heights (See Hilton Village Newport News: Spotlight for more)

Nearby is the Huntington Recreational area that has a beach, tennis center, basketball courts, a huge modern playground, boat launch, restaurant and fishing pier. 

Some of the major non-military employers include a Canon facility, Ferguson Enterprises and Newport News Shipbuilding.

There are a wide variety of restaurants across the city and Fort Eustis is located in the city of Newport News.

POQUOSON

Poquoson is locally known as a waterman’s paradise about 10 miles from Langley Air Force Base.  It is 78 square miles with only 15 of these being land….the rest is water!

There is a small town feel to this sweet coastal town (approximately 12,000 residents). Average home sales price here is $385,000. There is a center of business in Poquoson off Wythe Creek Rd. with a major grocery store, a few banks, pharmacies, stores, and restaurants and the rest is mostly small businesses. 

A local spot with much acclaim is “185” Restaurant, a dining establishment off Little Florida Road, serving incredible breakfast and lunch fare.

Poquoson is home to a protected wetland known as the Plum Island Reserve and every year the town hosts the Poquoson Seafood Festival with live music, arts and crafts vendors and tons of food for purchase.

Anywhere you turn there are avid boaters, kayakers, fisherman, crabbers, and wildlife enthusiasts. If you are moving to Langley Air Force Base and love life on the water, this town may be a great fit.

WILLIAMSBURG

Williamsburg is incredibly rooted in our nation’s history being home to 2 of the 3 sites that comprise the “Historic Triangle”. 

Jamestown Settlement and Colonial Williamsburg are some of the major tourist draws to the city.

Anywhere you look there is evidence of pride in the colonial era, from the pineapples that adorn furniture and doorways, to perhaps a historic interpreter in line at a local store in full dress from the 1600-1700 time frame!

The Capital Trail offers a running or biking path from Williamsburg all the way to Richmond!

If running isn’t your thing, you can visit the historic College of William & Mary that is still today seated right in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg (Go Tribe!). Average home sales price here is $379,000. 

And with it being roughly a 40 minute drive from Langley Air Force Base, it’s a very easy drive to explore this town.

If golfing is a favorite pastime, then look no further.  Kingsmill offers 2 eighteen-hole courses and is host as one of the stops on the LPGA tour annually, but there are plenty of other courses and golf communities such as Ford’s Colony and Governor’s Land. 

Other attractions include Busch Gardens Theme Park, noted as one of the most beautiful theme parks in the franchise.  There is also Water Country, USA.

YORK COUNTY

York County is where you will find the historic Yorktown battlefield where General Cornwallis famously surrendered to George Washington and the colonial forces, securing our independence from Britain. This is the third point in the “Historic Triangle” area on the peninsula.

It is 20-35 minutes from Langley Air Force Base, depending on how far east into York County you reside.  Average home sales price here is $357,000.

There is a local beach there on the York River that is flooded with beachgoers daily in the summer.  You can catch live music, sip a glass of wine, and enjoy the view across the river to Gloucester. 

Williamsburg is convenient to Yorktown as well by way of the local scenic route known as the Colonial Parkway.  Take a drive through the tree-lined trail as you imagine colonists roaming the very same forests.

NORFOLK

Adjacent to Virginia Beach and right across the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay is Norfolk, an area of 96 square miles and a population of about 244,000 people. 

Norfolk is home to Norfolk Naval Base, the largest Navy base in the entire world and 45 minutes away (25 miles) from Langley Air Force Base. Average home sales price here is $260,000.

Some of Norfolk’s biggest draws are that it offers large open beaches in the Ocean View area, the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, the Chrysler Museum, Norfolk Airport, Waterside District, MacArthur Mall, the Norfolk Zoo.

The Ghent area of Norfolk is a foodie stomping ground. Tons of entrepreneurs have opened restaurants featuring fare from organic and locally sourced menu items to gluten conscious restaurants, cultural fusion menus, seafood, gastropubs and microbrews; there is no shortage of entertainment for nightlife and dining.  Check out Granby Theater and the NorVa for some ideas.

VIRGINIA BEACH

Virginia Beach has a huge tourism economy as the temperatures rise.  Just shy of 500 square miles and a population of almost half a million residents, Virginia Beach has been recognized in different publications as one of the fastest growing small cities in Virginia.

Virginia Beach hosts “Something in the Water Festival” (Hosted by HR local and famed musician Pharrell Williams) and the Patriotic Festival every year at the oceanfront, featuring contemporary headlining artists. Average home sales price here is $350,000.

Located roughly 50 minutes (40 miles) from Langley Air Force Base, there are marathons, ECSC (East Coast Surfing Championship), rides and sundries stores typical of any beach town. First Landing State Park is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

There are restaurants, the Virginia Beach Convention Center for touring events from food to education and anything in between, and the Sandler Center for Performing Arts and Farm Bureau Live for concerts.

CHESAPEAKE

Chesapeake is about a 45 minute drive (36 miles) to Langley Air Force Base.  It is an area to the west of Virginia Beach and it is estimated at roughly 351 square miles with a population of 239,000.  Average home sales price here is $335,000. 

Chesapeake has experienced growth in the past decade mostly due to urban sprawl from Virginia Beach, but don’t be deceived; Chesapeake is it’s own treasure. 

With the Great Dismal Swamp occupying a good bit of space in the area, Chesapeake offers so much in terms of outdoor activities.  Kayaking, hiking, fishing and camping are all very popular activities for residents. Check out Lake Drummond in the heart of the Dismal Swamp.

The Virginia Contemporary Art Museum is in Chesapeake, and if you like a little more adventure be sure to check out Ballahack Airsoft Field for a full day of fun!

PORTSMOUTH

Very centrally located to most cities, Portsmouth is convenient to Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Hampton and Newport News, and a 38 minute drive (30 miles) to Langley Air Force Base. At 46 square miles and a population of roughly 200,000 people.  Average home sales price here is $223,000.

Historic charm packed into a smaller area in Portsmouth. There are lots of early 1900s homes full of charm near High Street and all the shopping and dining there. There is also new construction homes and quite a few new apartment complexes near Portsmouth Naval Hospital and the shipyard.

Portsmouth Naval Hospital and Norfolk Naval Shipyard are both located in this waterfront town.  This town is home to the Children’s Museum of Virginia and the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame is headquartered there as well. 

There are live music venues, theaters, and wonderful and unique restaurants. Still Eclectic Worldly Tapas offers small plates, a great wine list and a speak-easy feel; The Bier Garden features authentic German beer and German food.

SUFFOLK

If space is your thing and you like to be a little bit more removed from the hustle and bustle, then maybe Suffolk, a 45 min drive (35 miles) from Langley Air Force Base, is a town to consider.  Suffolk is west of Chesapeake and occupies 429 square miles with a population of only 90,000 or so and the average home price is roughly $325,000.

Suffolk is considerably more rural than some of the other cities; it has a unique country charm and a literal Main Street running through the downtown area!

There you can find boutique stores, independent coffee shops with flare (check out Pour Favor), and restaurants to your liking.  Waterway adventures, history, and the arts all abound in this local gem of a town.

Sleepy Hole Park and Lake Meade are two recreational areas that offer an abundance of activities for everyone in the family.

ISLE OF WIGHT

Isle of Wight county lies across the James River from the peninsula cities and is directly adjacent to Suffolk, 40 minutes driving distance (23 miles) to Langley AFB.  Average home price here is about $350,000.  Approximately 39,000 people call this 363 square mile area home.

Isle of Wight’s largest city is Smithfield, and chances are if you have ever had Thanksgiving or Christmas in Coastal Virginia, you were probably served a Smithfield ham…and that is one of Smithfield’s greatest claims to fame! A hub for ham and pork product processing….they’ve even claimed the title of “Ham Capital of the World”

Smithfield has so much to offer.  This town is also slightly rural but it is bound on the northeast border by the James River, so life on the water is a way of life here as well. 

The cobblestone streets of the downtown area of Smithfield are lined with historic homes, bed and breakfast inns, cute shops, and the town hosts a farmer’s market in the warmer months. A short drive from there and you can eat some delicious pit-smoked barbeque at QDaddy’s or head to Captain Chuck-A-Muck’s or Smithfield Station for a waterfront dining experience.

HISTORY AND UNIQUE FEATURES

The Hampton Roads is historically significant for the different colonial-era settlements that are in the area and the rich military history this region holds dating back to the Revolutionary War.

To navigate around the cities and across multiple waterways you will see bridges and bridge-tunnels (which are just what they sound like: half bridge, half tunnel).

There are several bodies of water, the more notable ones being the York River, the James River, the Warwick River, the Pagan River, the Hampton River, the Elizabeth River and the Chesapeake Bay.

SCHOOLS NEARBY LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE

There are several options for schooling if you are PCSing to Langley Air Force Base.  Many districts have accredited schools or school systems that are rated high within the state, and there are many private school options as well to include Montessori, religious-affiliated, and many scholastic academies for children K-12 to attend.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEAR LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE

• Newport News City Public School options: http://sbo.nn.k12.va.us/
• Hampton City Public School options: http://www.hampton.k12.va.us/
• York County Public School options: https://yorkcountyschools.org/
• Poquoson City Public School options: https://www.poquoson.k12.va.us/
• Isle of Wight County Public School options: https://www.iwcs.k12.va.us/
• Suffolk Public School options: https://www.spsk12.net/
• Portsmouth Public School options: https://www.ppsk12.us/
• Chesapeake Public School options: http://www.cpschools.com
• Norfolk Public School options: https://www.npsk12.com/
• Virginia Beach Public School options: https://www.vbschools.com/
• Gloucester County Public School options: https://gets.gc.k12.va.us/

PRIVATE SCHOOLS NEAR LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE

There are many opportunities for private education for children as well.  Here are just a few of the private school options

HAMPTON

• Hampton Christian Academy: https://hamptonchristianacademy.org/
• Gloria Dei Lutheran School: http://www.gdlshamptonva.com/
• Saint Mary Star of the Sea: https://www.saintmarystarofthesea.com/
• Bethel Christian School: https://www.bcshampton.org/

NEWPORT NEWS

• Peninsula Catholic High School: https://www.peninsulacatholic.org/
• Hampton Roads Academy: https://www.hra.org/
• Hampton Roads International Montessori School: https://hrimontessori.org/
• Our Lady of Mt. Carmel: https://www.olmc-school.com/
• Denbigh Baptist Christian School: http://www.dbcs.org/index.html

YORK COUNTY

• The Peninsula Academy: http://www.thepeninsulaacademy.com/
• The Goddard School of Yorktown: https://www.goddardschool.com/norfolk/yorktown-hampton-highway-va?utm_source=google&utm_medium=business_listings&utm_campaign=school&utm_content=main_button

NORFOLK

• St. Pius X Catholic: https://stpiusxschoolva.org/
• Norfolk Academy: https://www.norfolkacademy.org/
• Ghent Montessori School: http://www.ghentmontessorischool.com/
• Ocean View Christian Academy: https://ovcacademy.com/
• Norfolk Christian School: https://www.norfolkchristian.org/
• Norfolk Collegiate: https://www.norfolkcollegiate.org/

WILLIAMSBURG

• Providence Classical School: https://www.pcsvirginia.org/

• Walsingham Academy:https://www.walsingham.org/
• Williamsburg Montessori School: https://www.williamsburgmontessori.org/

SUFFOLK

• Suffolk Chrisitan Academy: https://www.suffolkchristianacademy.org/
• Nansemond-Suffolk Academy: https://www.nsacademy.org/
• Star Pointe Academy: https://www.schooloftheirdreams.com/

PORTSMOUTH

• Portsmouth Catholic Regional School: https://www.portsmouthcatholic.net/
• Sweethaven Christian Academy: https://www.sweethavenchristian.org/
• Christopher Academy: https://christopher-academy.org/
• Portsmouth Christian Schools: https://www.portsmouthchristian.org/

VIRGINIA BEACH

• Cape Henry Collegiate: https://www.capehenrycollegiate.org/
• Chesapeake Bay Academy: https://www.cba-va.org/
• Beach Montessori Christian Academy: https://beachmontessorichristianacademy.com/
• Gateway Christian Academy: https://gatewaycrusaders.com/
• The Goddard School of Virginia Beach: https://www.goddardschool.com/norfolk/virginia-beach-mccomas-way-va?utm_source=google&utm_medium=business_listings&utm_campaign=school&utm_content=main_button

CHESAPEAKE

• Veritas Collegiate Academy: http://www.veritasca.com/
• Greenbrier Christian Academy: https://www.gcagators.org/
• Greenbrier Enrichment Center and School: http://gecschool.org/
• Atlantic Shores Christian School: https://www.shoreschristian.org/
• The Goddard School of Chesapeake: https://www.goddardschool.com/norfolk/chesapeake-cedar-lane-va?utm_source=google&utm_medium=business_listings&utm_campaign=school&utm_content=main_button

GLOUCESTER

• Gateway Private School: https://www.gatewayprivateschool.com/
• Gloucester Montessori School: https://www.gloucestermontessori.com/
• Ware Academy: https://www.wareacademy.org/

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY

• Isle of Wight Academy: https://iwacademy.com/

LIVING NEAR LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE

If you are pcsing to Langley Air Force Base you have plenty of choices when it comes to housing, schools and activities. The coastal Virginia area offers an incredible quality of life no matter what your interests are.

There are;

• beaches
• boating / water activities
• dining
• dancing
• antiques
• crafting
• vineyards
• hiking
• historical sites
• amusement parks
• museums
• gardens
• gyms
• skiing nearby seasonally
• live music
• microbreweries and distilleries galore…

and so much more to enrich your life.