Where to Live Near Aberdeen Proving Ground: PCS Guide

The short answer: Pick your side of post first. APG has two areas that don't connect. The Aberdeen Area (APG North) uses the MD 715 gate off Route 40, near Aberdeen, Havre de Grace and Belcamp. The Edgewood Area (APG South) uses the Route 24 gate, near Edgewood, Joppa and Abingdon. Then pick your town.

By Josh Tessier, Lee Tessier Team of eXp Realty. 500+ homes sold personally (5,800+ for the Lee Tessier Team)

Got orders to APG? Or a new civilian job on post? I'll keep this simple. This page covers the move itself: the order to do things in, the housing choice and the money. For homes, see my homes near Aberdeen Proving Ground page and, for the Edgewood Area, my Gunpowder and APG South page.

Step 1: Know Your Side of Post

This is from APG's official visitor page, checked November 3, 2026. The visitor center at MD 715 is open 6 AM to 5 PM on weekdays, and the Route 24 visitor center is open 7 AM to 3 PM on weekdays. The MD 22 gate is open 5:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily for ID holders. APG says the Wise Road gate is temporarily closed. Gate hours change, so check the APG visitor page before you go.

APG's directions use I-95 Exit 80 (Belcamp) to reach Route 40 and the MD 715 gate, and I-95 Exit 77 for the Route 24 gate. I don't list drive times. Traffic changes by the hour, so test your route at your real report time.

Step 2: On Post or Off Post

APG has on-post family housing run by Corvias. Active-duty members apply with orders. Wait times vary by rank and bedroom needs, per Military OneSource. Ask them for current openings before you count on a spot.

Living off post means you can buy, build equity and maybe rent the home out after your next PCS.

Step 3: Know the Money

VA loan. If you're eligible, a VA-backed purchase loan can mean no down payment when the price isn't more than the appraised value, per VA.gov. You need a Certificate of Eligibility. You still meet the lender's credit and income rules. The home must be your main home.

Property tax. Aberdeen and Havre de Grace are incorporated cities with a town tax rate on top of a lower county rate. Edgewood, Joppa, Abingdon and Belcamp are run by the county. See the 2026 rates in my cost of living guide.

Income tax. If Maryland becomes your legal home, Harford's county income tax is 3.06% for 2026, per the Comptroller of Maryland. Military pay rules can differ by your state of legal residence, so ask your base legal office or a tax pro.

Step 4: Plan the Purchase From Where You Are Now

Here's how I work with PCS buyers:

1. We talk by phone about your orders, your side of post, your budget and your family.
2. I help you get qualified, VA or otherwise, so you know what you can buy.
3. I walk you through how buying works in Maryland, step by step. In Maryland, a title company handles the closing.
4. We pick the home, write the offer, and I keep you posted through inspection and settlement.

Not ready to buy? Renting first is fine. Learn the area, then buy.

Schools for Military Families

Harford County Public Schools serves the whole county, with 55 schools per the Maryland Manual. Your address sets your school. See my schools overview for the official lookup tools.

Commuting Off Post

If a family member works in Baltimore or DC, the Aberdeen and Edgewood MARC stations are near both APG areas. See my commute times page.

My Advice

Think about resale on day one. Your orders will change again. Buy a home you could sell or rent with ease in three years. And drive to your gate at your real report time before you sign anything.

APG Relocation FAQ

Where should I live near Aberdeen Proving Ground?

It depends on your side of post. For APG North, look at Aberdeen, Havre de Grace and Belcamp. For APG South, look at Edgewood, Joppa and Abingdon. Tell me where you'll work and I'll help you narrow it down.

What is the closest town to APG?

Aberdeen sits right outside the MD 715 gate to APG North. Edgewood sits next to the Route 24 gate to APG South.

Can I live on post at APG?

Yes. Corvias runs APG's on-post family housing. Active-duty members apply with orders. Check with Corvias or the APG Garrison Housing Office for current openings.

Can I buy a home near APG with a VA loan?

Yes, if you're eligible. A VA-backed loan can mean no down payment when the price isn't more than the appraised value. You need a Certificate of Eligibility and must meet your lender's rules.

Can I buy before I arrive?

Often, yes. I talk with PCS buyers by phone to get them qualified and walk them through the Maryland process. Call me at (443) 617-2099 and we'll map out your timeline.

Let's Plan Your PCS Move

Call or text me at (443) 617-2099 or email Joshua@leetessier.com. Selling here before your next PCS? See how I sell homes, how to get your home ready or ask for a free home value. You get an automated value by email right away, then I call you to set up an appointment. Read my full Moving to Harford County guide or browse homes for sale. Watch me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoshTalksHarford

Sources

• U.S. Army Garrison APG, Visitor Information (gates and hours)
• APG Garrison Housing Office
• Military OneSource, APG Housing
• Corvias, APG On-Post Military Housing
• VA Purchase Loan
• VA Home Loan Eligibility
• Comptroller of Maryland, 2026 State and Local Income Tax Withholding Information
• Comptroller of Maryland, Withholding Tax Facts 2026
• Maryland SDAT, 2026 to 2027 Tax Rates and Homestead Credit Caps (July 2026)
• Maryland Department of Legislative Services, County and Municipal Real Property Tax Rates, Fiscal 2027
• Harford County, Direct and Overlapping Property Tax Rates
• Maryland Manual, Harford County Education
• Lee Tessier Team of eXp Realty, Contact

All sources checked 2026-11-03.

Header photo: "2020-06-29 10 51 40 View north along Maryland State Route 715 (Short Lane) just north of the Aberdeen Proving Ground gates in Harford County, Maryland.jpg" by Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.