5 Ways to Make Fort Lee Feel Like Home
New(ish) to Fort Lee? Here are 5 ways to start feeling at home.
1. Know Where to Look
Start with the MyArmyPost app.
It’s a great place to find installation information, events, resources, updates—and even gate information.
Because nothing says “I’m new here” quite like driving toward the only gate you know, discovering it’s closed, and suddenly wondering, “Okay... so where do I go now?”
Think of it as your digital newcomer cheat sheet. Whether you’ve been here for two days, twelve months, or consider yourself a PCS pro, there’s always something you didn’t know existed.
Select Fort Lee and start exploring.
2. Find Your People
Getting settled isn't just about finding a doctor, a gym, or your new favorite coffee shop.
It’s about finding people who make the place feel familiar.
That’s where the Gregg-Adams Spouses’ Club (GASC) comes in.
GASC connects military spouses and the greater Gregg-Adams community through social activities, volunteering, and philanthropy—including scholarships, community grants, and the Fort Lee Thrift Shop.
And if you’re accompanying your spouse on a short school assignment, you may unpack half your things, but you still have time to find your people, make connections, and enjoy everything this community has to offer. One or two seasons at Fort Lee is plenty of time to make friends and leave with a few good stories.
Meet someone for coffee. Come to a luncheon. Try a sub-club. Join a volunteer project.
You don’t have to know anyone when you walk in.
That’s the point!
3. Get Involved
One of the fastest ways to feel connected is to be part of the community.
Check out MWR and Army Community Service (ACS) programs, attend an installation event, volunteer with GASC, or get out of your comfort zone and try something you’ve never done before.
Join a class. Try a new activity. Attend a workshop. Bring the kids to an event. Say yes to an invitation—even if you don’t know anyone going.
You don’t have to commit to everything. Just find one thing that gets you out the door and into the community.
Keep an eye on the electronic signs at the gates for upcoming events and programs, too. You never know what you’ll find—or who you’ll meet—until you show up.
4. Explore Beyond the Gate
Don’t limit your adventures to the installation. You may be tempted to make the harrowing I-95 drive to Richmond every time you want something to do—but there’s a lot to discover right here in your own backyard.
Petersburg, Hopewell, Colonial Heights, and the surrounding communities offer a little bit of everything: centuries of history, historic sites and battlefields, local coffee shops and restaurants, parks and riverfronts, small businesses, shopping, and community events.
Find your new favorite coffee spot. Try a locally owned restaurant. Find a new hair stylist, gym, doctor, or favorite shop. Then go learn the story behind the place you’re living.
You might be surprised how much is waiting just beyond the gate.
5. Give Yourself Time
You don't have to have your people, your places, your routine, and your entire local recommendation list figured out right away.
Even if this isn't your first PCS, every community is different.
Give yourself some time. Keep exploring. Keep saying yes when you can.
Because getting settled isn't just about knowing where everything is.
It's about eventually knowing who you can call.
And we hope GASC becomes one of those places where you find your people. Whether you join us for a luncheon, try a sub-club, volunteer, or simply come say hello, we’d love to see you at a GASC event.
Welcome to Fort Lee. We’re glad you’re here.
