The United States Naval Academy—part of Naval Support Activity (NSA) Annapolis—is located on the east end of the beautiful capital city of Annapolis, Maryland. Adjacent to the Chesapeake Bay and bordered by the Severn River, water is part of the landscape of Annapolis. Several creeks branch off the river and meander through the city, adding to the nautical vibe.

The Naval Academy was founded in 1845 and is a four-year, coeducational service academy. Graduates are commissioned as officers in either the U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps. Like the other service academies, there’s some lingo specific to the USNA—be in the know before you arrive! The student body is known as midshipmen, and students are not called freshmen, sophomores, etc., but rather fourth class, third class, second class, and first class. The fourth class is also known as “plebes.” The grounds of the Naval Academy are called the “Yard,” and there are many monuments to prominent figures and events in naval history alongside buildings of historical and architectural significance. Massive Bancroft Hall houses the entire brigade of midshipmen—more than 4,400 students—and is the largest dormitory in the world.

Athletics are a big deal at the Naval Academy and are not optional for the midshipmen. Any student who is not a member of a varsity team is required to participate in intramural sports. The rivalry with the cadets of the United States Military Academy is the stuff of legend, and the annual Army-Navy football game is one of the most important dates on the calendar. Beating Army in any sport is significant, so much so that teams that beat Army in the athletic year wear a gold star on their varsity letter patch to denote the victory.

Many stationed at the Naval Academy love the experience of living on the Yard and being immersed in Academy life. These historic homes are at a premium and, due to either lack of availability or a desire for more space or separation, others choose to live in the surrounding communities. Living in Annapolis is particularly desirable among single servicemembers and young couples due to the vibrancy of the city. Families tend to prefer the surrounding suburbs of Arnold, Millersville, and Crownsville with their top-notch schools.