From Montgomery County to Washington DC, Which Area is Right for You?

Potomac and North Potomac were recently voted two of “the best places to live” in Maryland—and it’s not the first time. Immersed in the picturesque landscape along the banks of the Potomac River, these whimsical towns have retained their abundance of outdoor recreation and plush real estate, while relenting their rural identity to suburbia. With riverfront real estate and a list of stunning parks, Potomac locals are always near an opportunity to hike, bike, or kayak. While briskly competitive, the area’s real estate market is flush with well-appointed luxury homes, good school districts, and natural beauty. These stylish suburbs are perfect for commuters and families looking to put down roots in a posh community close to Washington DC.

Highly-rated parks of the Potomac:

Beyond the natural grandeur of the river, the town of Potomac is just ten miles from Washington, DC, and provides residents with plenty of convenient opportunities to pamper themselves. From well-manicured golf courses to fine dining, upscale shopping, and spas, Potomac’s exquisitely manicured properties have grown even more valuable over the past three years. The town’s eye-catching homes, all unique in style and taste, round out this well-balanced community, with a near-perfect cocktail of rural and city life combined.

Neighboring Potomac and still near DC rests the lovely town of Rockville. Like its neighbors, Rockville boasts a rare blend of open green space, slower-paced suburban luxuries, and a lively community with no shortage of leisurely pastimes to take part in. The Meadowside Nature Center lends itself to a long list of family activities, as well as an opportunity to learn more about the region’s biome. Find new hobbies by participating in one of the many classes offered, exploring the miles of beautiful nature trails, or using the many indoor and outdoor sports fields. Rockville’s several country clubs give residents an easy connection to beautiful fairways, set against the beautiful natural backdrop of the Potomac River.

 

 

In addition to the parks, clubhouses, and natural appeal of Rockville, this charming town also derives its local character from its live performance venues, museums, and other outlets for those who appreciate the fine arts and music. Residents enjoy year-round cultural events, performances, and a wealth of well-preserved architecture. Much of Rockville’s charm comes from the abundance of homes built at the beginning of the twentieth century that uphold the essence of an old-fashioned version of Maryland. Starting with its Town Square and resonating outward, there’s something characteristic about Rockville that’s difficult to find in other residential communities near a major metropolis.

Being close to Washington DC means that there are always the additional perks of being near a diverse, landmark American city, with gourmet dining, unique shopping, historical sites, and a bounty of flights abroad. But beyond its access to the nation’s capital, Rockville’s real estate value is built around its distinct architecture, convenient layout, and wealth of well-appointed luxury homes—both new and old.

 

Located along the western bank of the Potomac River is the delightful city of Alexandria. So delightful, Founding Father George Washington spent significant time here with his family. A genuine treasure of American history, there is always something to do in this small, but vibrant city. Alexandria is the perfect blend of small-town and bustling metropolis, and it’s highly walkable.

The city’s waterfront is not just gorgeous to look at – it’s also full of activity, and it’s been that way since it became a prosperous port in the 1700s. Today, Alexandria’s waterfront is home to some of the best shops, restaurants, and entertainment in the city.

Right on the waterfront overlooking the Potomac River is the beautiful Old Town, the heart of Alexandria. Featuring historic architecture from the 18th-and-19th centuries, it’s the best place to appreciate the city’s colonial origins while strolling down its cobblestone streets. Old Town also has over 200 restaurants, shops, and boutiques along with some museums. Many of these locales can be found on the historic King Street Mile, named one of the “Great Streets” of America by the American Planning Association.

 

 

Potomac River allows for a wide variety of water activities, including sight-seeing cruises and water taxis. For activities outside the water, there are over 70 parks in Alexandria. Notable is the multi-use Chinquapin Park with forest area, trails, fields, courts, and much more.

There are numerous tours around the city to absorb Alexandria’s rich history, visit key landmarks like the George Washington Masonic National Memorial and the Black History Museum. For more artistic activities, enjoy the public art around the city or visit Torpedo Factory Art Center to enjoy art galleries, workshops, and art in action in any of the center’s 160 art studios.

For a night of music, there’s Birchmere – America’s legendary music hall. Alexandria also hosts several Farmers’ Markets, including the Old Town Farmers’ Market. Held every Saturday morning for over 260 years, it’s recognized as the oldest continuously operating farmers’ market in the country.

Only 7 miles south of downtown Washington, DC, locals and tourists alike enjoy all the perks of being close to the country’s capital. In terms of dream homes, Alexandria won’t disappoint either. With a wide range of home styles and properties from luxury condos and waterfront estates to rural homes with extensive yard space, there’s something for everyone.

 

Located in the heart of Northern Virginia, Fairfax is a modern city with historical touches and a small-town feel. Old Town Fairfax is the city’s lovely historic downtown and entertainment district. It includes the Old Town Square, the perfect place to enjoy a nice day outside as well as live music concerts and events.

In Fairfax, there is no shortage of things to do. The city loves to host festivals throughout the year. There’s the iconic Chocolate Lovers Festival and the Spotlight on the Arts Festival that highlights the talented arts in the city, which now includes the new Jazz and Wine Festival. There’s also the Independence Day Festival and the annual family-friendly Fall Festival with more than 400 arts, crafts, food vendors, and 3 stages of music and entertainment. The holiday season at Fairfax is never complete without the Festival of Lights and Carols.

Fairfax also encourages spending time outdoors with over 25 parks, including Van Dyck Park. Together, the parks are a collective 258 acres, with 28 miles of trails with beautiful scenery.

 

 

The arts are big in Fairfax. Locals frequent the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra and love to enjoy the city’s jazz music scene. Fairfax is also home to George Mason University, the largest university in Virginia, which presents numerous arts and entertainment performances at the Center for the Arts. Additionally, the Fairfax Art League Gallery is a haven for art enthusiasts.

Get to know the city’s history by visiting museums and the several sites on the National Register of Historic Places, including Historic Blenheim and Fairfax County Historic Courthouse, one of the oldest buildings in the area.

Additionally, there are other major American history landmarks close to Fairfax, including:

 

Fairfax’s enchanting attributes, along with its proximity to Washington DC, Maryland, and other areas of Northern Virginia, attract new residents every year. The city has a collection of colorful homes of both modern and older architecture, including single-family and a growing number of condos.

 

There is a warm and welcoming small-town feel to Chevy Chase. This affluent, suburban neighborhood has well-maintained sidewalks, and amazing early 20th-century architecture. It’s enchanting small-town living with quick and easy access into the big-city life of downtown Washington DC Although they share a common history, this DC neighborhood is not to be confused with Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Even though it’s a suburban district, Chevy Chase has top-tier shopping, dining, and events. Stroll down Connecticut Avenue for three blocks full of cafés, boutiques, and restaurants. The Collection at Chevy Chase and The Shops at Wisconsin Place are also a must. Also worth a visit are the Broad Branch Market and the Avalon Theater, the oldest operating movie house in the area. Additionally, locals enjoy arts events such as the Chevy Chase / Washington DC National Fine Art Festival and a variety of events and exhibitions hosted by Ch/Art, a Chevy Chase nonprofit community arts organization.

 

 

Chevy Chase is nestled right beside the massive Rock Creek Park. This green oasis is 1,754 acres full of gorgeous views and wildlife, where visitors can picnic, hike, bike, golf, navigate trails, and more. Located within Chevy Chase is also Fort Reno Park, Chevy Chase Recreation Center, and Lafayette-Pointer Recreation Center.

Crossing the border into Chevy Chase, MD, find luxury private clubs with distinguished golf, first-class dining, and premier amenities and events. Notable are Chevy Chase Club and the Columbia Country Club, with high-profile members including former president Barack Obama.

The area’s convenient location, quality and relaxed lifestyle, excellent schools, and splendid homes make the real estate market in Chevy Chase highly competitive. The area is known for its early 20th-century single-family homes with beautiful yards and some condominiums.

 

Right above downtown Washington DC, is the exciting, sophisticated, and highly-acclaimed Dupont Circle neighborhood. It’s also conveniently located close to the wonderful Georgetown and Foggy Bottom neighborhoods.

Reminiscent of European architecture and lifestyle, Dupont Circle has a variety of exquisite architecture ranging from Queen Anne and Richardsonian Romanesque Revival to Beaux Arts, Chateauesque, Renaissance, and Georgian Revival. Dupont Circle’s high walkability also makes it European-like, and locals enjoy strolling down the neighborhood’s well-maintained streets.

The Dupont Circle fountain is a place of community, where people can relax, listen to musicians, watch artists in action, take a walk, or have a picnic. There are also a variety of events throughout the year organized by the Dupont Festival. Stead Park is also great for children and families, and locals also love going to the neighborhood’s farmers’ market on Sundays.

 

 

The hustling Connecticut Avenue is the place for all shopping and dining, with cafés, bookstores, shops, and trendy restaurants. Dupont Circle houses a valuable arts and entertainment scene, with several galleries. One of the neighborhood’s treasures is The Phillips Collection, America’s first museum of modern art. Locals also frequent the popular DC Improv Comedy Club and Kramers, an independent bookstore, restaurant, and bar that hosts a variety of fun events.

There are also several museums, including:

 

 

To delve into the neighborhood’s history as the home to Washington’s elite during the Gilded Age, walk along Embassy Row at Scott Circle, previously known as “Millionaire’s Row” (it’s now a concentration of foreign embassies).

The stylish properties in Dupont Circle include townhouses, condominiums, and apartments. The elegant luxury residences are all beautiful in their own way, yet exude a collective classiness that is evident all through the neighborhood.

 

Nestled along the Potomac River, the quaint Georgetown area is famed for many things, including having had one of America’s most iconic couples as residents: John F. and Jacqueline Kennedy. A paradise of Federal architecture sprinkled with modernity, Georgetown’s streets and buildings enchant all visitors and locals alike.

Washington Harbour is a true Georgetown gem – the area offers an unparalleled waterfront experience. Besides having gorgeous views of the Potomac River, there are endless things to do including great shopping, live entertainment, exquisite dining, special events, trails, water activities, riverboat cruises, and Georgetown Waterfront Park.

Shop a little more at Georgetown Design District, Cady’s Alley, and M Street. Explore some art galleries, attend the annual Georgetown French Market, or take a journey into the past by visiting the stunning Tudor Place and Old Stone House.

Other historic sites worth visiting include:

 

 

World-renowned Georgetown University is definitely one of Georgetown’s most notable attributes. The university has a gorgeous, historic campus and brings college sports, distinguished professors, and a considerable student population into the area.

There are many ways to get active at Georgetown. Walk, run, or cycle at the 184-mile route of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, or visit the highest hill in Georgetown to walk the beautiful gardens and museum of Dumbarton Oaks.

Georgetown has an impressive food and drink scene, including more than 100 restaurants, including some Michelin-starred. Together with its proximity to Washington DC, great shopping and nightlife, scenic views, a highly-acclaimed university, and much to do, Georgetown residents love living in this refined area. They also enjoy its high walkability and well-maintained streets surrounding their homes, which include a variety of options from row-houses, apartments, condos, and grand single-family homes.

Hunting for the perfect luxury community near Washington DC? The communities of Potomac, North Potomac, and Rockville in Maryland’s Montgomery County offer something special within reach of the city and are unique, stylish communities in their own right.

When you’re ready to see the best Potomac luxury real estate, contact Richard and Larry Prigal at The Prigal Brothers and Associates for superb market analysis, negotiation, and customer service.