Welcome to Potomac
An elevated standard of living, miles from the nation’s capital
Just ten miles away from the nation’s capital, the city of Potomac, Maryland has become a neighborhood the people of Washington, DC dream of one day residing in. In addition to their close proximity to the city, Potomac is well-known for amazing schools, stately, luxurious homes, and an overall elevated standard of living. A high concentration of coffee shops, restaurants, parks, and golf courses has landed the community on several “best places to live” lists.
This once-rural farming area was transforming into a bustling suburb by the middle of the 20th century, due to its neighboring location to Washington, DC. Many older buildings have since been replaced with modern strip centers and offices, though some of the more historic sites still stand on the outer edges of town.
What to Love
- Living ten miles northwest of Washington, DC
- Spectacular public and private schools — some of the best in the nation
- Eateries, boutiques, and coffee shops galore
Local Lifestyle
Potomac residents face a daily choice between spending free time in the great outdoors or pampering themselves with more modern-day luxuries. Greenspace on the outer edges of town provides ample opportunities for hiking, while more leisurely activities are available at one of the many local golf courses. Shopping, dining, spas, and salons are available at the many shopping centers across town. After a day of pampering, tough decisions must be made with regard to where to dine when the sun goes down. No matter what choice is made, locals are rarely displeased with their decision.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
The development in recent years has led to a growing number of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options available to Potomac residents. Many eateries are supplied with produce and meat from regional farms. Proximity to Washington, DC has also encouraged a greater appreciation for arts and cultural districts, with many museums and art galleries in the area.
Founding Farmers is a staple for farm-to-table cuisine, all made with local, seasonal ingredients. This farmer-owned company is designed to ensure hard-working farmers receive a larger portion of profits from the food industry. Popular items on their entirely homemade menu include fried chicken, French toast, chicken pot pie, and crabcakes. Similar downhome favorites in a more formal setting can be found at Normandie Farm, a longstanding Potomac institution since 1931. Their Sunday brunch buffet is famous for its extensive spread of oysters, eggs, cheeses, and sweets.
A favorite shopping destination can be found at Potomac French Market, a top-rated spot for finding both trendy and classic home decor items. A variety of vintage antiques, and modern upcycled styles await, where the inventory is ever-changing. Other shopping can be found at Cabin John Village. This extensive outdoor center features shops, eateries, and activities for children.
Things To Do
Potomac is beautifully situated on the northern banks of the Potomac River. Despite its close proximity to central DC, locals are afforded a high number of beautiful parks and walking paths. One popular attraction is Great Falls. Considered by most to be the most spectacular natural landmark around the capital city, Great Falls consists of a series of waterfalls and rapids situated along the Potomac River. The site is accessible via a number of trails, with several scenic lookout points along the way. One of these trails is the Billy Goat Trail, a 4.7 mile stretch with sections for one-way and two-way hiker traffic.
School
Potomac is home to some of the absolute best schools in the greater DC area, and locals are spoiled for choice. A handful of some of these top-rated schools are:
- Churchill High School, grades 9-12; Churchill is consistently ranked as one of the best high schools in the country, is often ranked inside the top 100 nationwide, and has claimed the top spot in the state of Maryland many times
- Bullis School, kindergarten-12th grade; situated on a stunning 102-acre campus, this college preparatory school features over 60 interscholastic athletic teams, and unique extracurricular education programs for STEM, humanities, entrepreneurship, and visual and performing arts
- McLean School, kindergarten-12th grade; McClean teaches through a unique Abilities Model® to better serve students with anxiety, dyslexia, ADHD, and other challenges
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