Whats up everyone
Maybe you’re thinking of moving to Montgomery County MD but you’re not quite sure where to live? You’ve done your google searches and FB group questions and you think you have all of the information to make the best decision.
But do you really? Who wrote all of these articles? The top 10 lists? Do they live here?
So, today we’re going to do both. We’ll go through niche.com’s 2023 list for the best place to live in Montgomery County AND I will give you my quick 20 second opinion of each one based on my experience of living and working here.
If you’re new to my channel, I am a realtor, for 20 years, in Montgomery County MD (as well as DC and VA) but I also grew up here and am raising a family here- so I think I am a pretty good resource for you!
Let’s dive right in!!
So, to keep me out of real estate jail, we are going to take the top 10 from niche.com’s list so you cant blame me for putting one place over the other.
They based their rankings on a comprehensive assessment of the overall livability of an area. They take into account several key factors of a location, including the quality of local schools, crime rates, housing trends, employment statistics, and access to amenities in an attempt to measure the overall quality of an area.
They get their data from the Department of education, US Census and FBI. They also gather over 100 million reviews and survey responses from students, parents, and residents to help better understand what a school or neighborhood is really like.
So, let’s start with number 10 and we’ll work our way to #1.
#10. Olney
Olney MD is located in Montgomery Count MD with a population of approx 37,000 people. Olney is about 31 miles southwest of Baltimore and about 19 miles north of Washington DC.
Living in Olney has a suburban, small town feel while not being too far away from several big cities. Olney also has a strong sense of community, having many events during the year supporting local businesses.
There are tons of things to do in Olney, ranging from local breweries & wineries to several super cute local parks like Cherrywood park and Olney square neighborhood park. You also have the African American museum and park that features Oakley Cabin, which was inhabited until 1976 and now serves as a living history museum.
The bottom line is Olney is more affordable than Potomac or Bethesda and is great if one person in the household works in Baltimore while the other works in DC because you’re kinda in the middle, although it will take around 30-45 minutes to get to either- more during rush hour.
Niche.com gave Olney an A+ rating with A’s for public schools, good for families & diversity.
The median home value according to niche.com is $551,300, the median rent is $2084 and the median Household income is $161,065.
#9. Travilah
Travilah is a neighborhood in Montgomery County that is known for it luxury homes and large lots. The population of Travilah is 11,301 people. It’s located right next to Potomac. In fact, most of us consider Travilah a part of Potomac, just fyi.
The feeling in Travilah is more rural as its not super close to any public restaurants and shops. If you’re looking for lots of greenery and private driveways, Travilah is a great choice. Homes are very expensive in Travilah – the median price point being around 1.4 million dollars. The public schools in Travilah are very highly rated. As of today, the high schools are either Winston Churchill or Wootton High School.
The closest shopping and restaurants would be either Potomac Village shopping center or if you went north to Travilah shopping center. Either would take around 10-15 minutes.
Niche.com gave Travilah an A+ rating with A’s for public schools, outdoor activities, health & fitness & good for families.
The median home value according to niche.com is $1,103,400 the median rent is $3129 and the median Household income is $238,194.
Like I said earlier, I think the median price point is closer to 1.4 mill.
Bottom Line: The main con about Travilah, besides being so expensive, is there is not much public transportation. No metro nearby and there are not a lot of bus stops. But if you want more land and privacy, Travilah is a great choice.
#8. Four Corners
Four Corners is a suburb of Washington, D.C. with a population of 8,131. Four Corners is actually a subdivision of Silver Spring MD, and is very sought after because it is close to downtown Silver Spring, several parks, and the Forest Glen Metro.
You are very close to Washington DC so this is a great place to live if you’re looking for a quick commute into the city.
Four Corners has tree lined streets, summer block parties and a real sense of community. It’s also more affordable than Bethesda or Chevy Chase without being too far from DC.
Niche.com gave Four Corners an A+ rating with A’s for public schools, housing, good for families, jobs, outdoor activities, diversity, and health & fitness.
The median home value according to niche.com is $521,700, the median rent is $2422 and the median Household income is $168,393.
Bottom line: if you want to be close to DC and don’t mind older neighborhoods, Four Corners is a good bet.
#7. Rockville
Rockville is in Montgomery County with a population of 67,095 and is approx 20 miles north of Washington DC.
Rockville is known for its high quality of life, excellent schools, and diverse community.
Rockville features a vibrant downtown area, Rockville Town Square, with numerous shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, as well as a number of parks and recreational areas. You also have 2 metros in Rockville, Rockville metro and Twinbrook Metro.
The city is also home to several important government agencies and businesses, including the headquarters of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the Lockheed Martin Corporation.
Rockville was ranked #8 for diversity by wallethub among 501 cities nationwide.
Niche gave Rockville an A+ ranking with A’s for public schools, good for families, nightlife, diversity, health and fitness and outdoor activities.
The median home value according to niche.com is $554,800, median rent is $1994 and the median household income is $116,031.
Bottom line: There are many different parts of Rockville- that range from affordable to luxury and many different schools with different ratings in Rockville. There is also the City of Rockville which has an additional tax with benefits which does not encompass all of Rockville. The location is stellar as you are right in between DC/Bethesda and Potomac/Gaithersburg so you’re never too far from any of them.
#6. Potomac
Potomac is a suburb of Washington, D.C. with a population of 46,891. It is located in Montgomery County and is approx 14 miles northwest of Washington DC.
Potomac is known for its large, luxurious homes, picturesque landscapes, and high standard of living. The community features a mix of old and new homes, with many of the older properties being preserved and renovated.
Potomac is surrounded by natural beauty, with several parks and nature reserves in the area, including the C&O Canal National Historical Park, Great Falls Park & the Billygoat trail, and Glenstone Museum.
As far as amenities, Potomac has Potomac Village with shops, grocery stores, gas stations, gourmet neighborhood shops, restaurants and bars. You also have Park Potomac with a plethora of shops, restaurants and a Harris Teeter grocery store.
Niche.com gave Potomac an A+ grade with A’s for public schools, good for families, outdoor activities, and health & fitness.
The median home value according to niche.com is $937,000, median rent is $2340 and the median household income is $198,870. I do think the median home value is closer to 1.2
Bottom line: Potomac is beautiful. The schools are very highly rated and they always seem to have at least one sport that is highly competitive which makes it a lot of fun whether its Friday nights at the football stadium or a weekend lacrosse game.
- Bethesda
Bethesda is located in Montgomery County Md with a population of 66,294.
Bethesda is known for being one of the best suburbs of D.C. It has its own super cute downtown with streets lined with shops and restaurants as well as its own movie theater.
You also have 3 metro stops in Bethesda which take you right into DC. The houses in Bethesda are definitely a mix of the old and the new and the lots tend to be on the smaller side since it is one of the older neighborhoods.
The famous NIH is located in Bethesda as well as Walter Reed Medical Center. I’ve done several videos on Bethesda, so please check them out!
Niche.com gave Bethesda an A+ grade with A’s for public schools, good for families, outdoor activities, nightlife, commute and health & fitness.
The median home value according to niche.com is $958,400, median rent is $2208 and the median household income is $178,370. I think its closer to 1.3.
Bottom line: Bethesda is amazing and so close to DC with its own downtown and metro. But it is very expensive! Esp if you want a bigger house with a garage and backyard.
#4. Chevy Chase
Chevy Chase is located in Montgomery County Maryland with a population of 9889. Chevy Chase offers a charming and sophisticated lifestyle for those who value convenience, luxury, and community.
Chevy Chase is one of the more expensive suburbs of D.C. where you will find a mix of older stately homes with an influx of new construction. Depending on where you are in Chevy chase, you may be able to walk to the commercial area. If you choose a more suburban part of Chevy Chase, expect rolling hills and plenty of foliage.
Chevy Chase also borders D.C. so it’s a really easy commute into the city. There is no metro in Chevy Chase MD, but there is in Chevy Chase, D.C. which is right across the street so easy access if you live in one of the adjacent neighborhoods.
Niche.com gave Bethesda an A+ grade with A’s for public schools, good for families, jobs, outdoor activities, nightlife, commute and health & fitness.
The median home value according to niche.com is $999,200 median rent is $2361 and the median household income is $207,971. I think its closer to 1.3.
Bottom line: Chevy Chase is older and has more character than Bethesda and borders DC where you have a lot of restaurants and shops.
#3. South Kensington
South Kensington is located in Montgomery County MD with a population of 8566.
South Kensington is an older suburb and offers its residents a mix of Victorian homes, historic buildings & new construction. You also have antique row and the old train station with the oldest children’s library, Noyes library, that first opened in 1893. There is an amazing farmers market in Kensington and rows of local shops.
There is a great sense of community in Kensington and its residents have a lot of pride of ownership.
Niche.com gave South Kensington an A+ grade with A’s for public schools, good for families, jobs, outdoor activities, nightlife and health & fitness.
The median home value according to niche.com is $806,700 median rent is $2447 and the median household income is $197,500. Newer construction can run up to 2 mill with ranges of 1.5-2
Bottom line: South Kensington has a lot of character with a small town charm.
#2. North Potomac
North Potomac is located in Montgomery County MD with a population of 24,449.
North Potomac is located between Gaithersburg and Potomac.
Just 40 minutes outside of D.C, North Potomac is a great choice for people wanting a more suburban feel while still being able to commute to the city. The home values in North Potomac are better as well since its farther out than its neighbor Potomac.
The area is home to several parks and recreational areas, including the 28-acre Dufief Mill Park, which features athletic fields, playgrounds, and nature trails.
You’re also very close to the Kentlands Square shopping center, which has tons of shops, Whole Foods, restaurants, and a movie theater.
Niche.com gave North Potomac an A+ grade with A’s for public schools, good for families, jobs, outdoor activities, diversity and health & fitness.
The median home value according to niche.com is $686,800 median rent is $2323 and the median household income is $174,591. Bigger homes are more in the 850-1.3 range
Bottom line: North Potomac has great value for the money. You are still not too far from Bethesda and DC and you get a bigger house with a garage and backyard.
#1. North Bethesda
North Bethesda is located in Montgomery County MD with a population of 50,695.
Where North Potomac is more suburban, North Bethesda is more urban. North Bethesda is a great gateway if you are moving out of the city but don’t want to be too far.
As far as things to do, you won’t be disappointed. If you’re into the arts, you don’t have to go far. Strathmore mansion showcases different artists through their art galleries and the Strathmore music center has amazing concerts all year around.
And don’t forget about Pike and Rose- a newer shopping area in N Bethesda that has Pinstripes, a super fun bowling alley with cocktails, Bark Social- a park where you can bring your dog and have a drink as well as so many great restaurants, shops and an Ipic movie theater.
You have access to several metros in North Bethesda including North Bethesda metro, Twinbrook metro and Grosvenor-Strathmore. The commute into D.C. will take around 20-25 minutes and like I said – you can always take the metro.
Niche.com gave North Bethesda an A+ grade with A’s for public schools, good for families, nightlife, outdoor activities, diversity, commute and health & fitness.
The median home value according to niche.com is $596,100 median rent is $2013 and the median household income is $120,261. Single family homes are more in the 900-1.4 range
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in North Bethesda, I just did a whole video dedicated to it last week, so check that out next!