MONTGOMERY COUNTY
County Offices
101 Monroe Street
Rockville 240-777-2500
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov
Chamber of Commerce
51 Monroe Street
Rockville 301-738-0015
https://www.mcccmd.com
Montgomery County is Maryland’s most populous jurisdiction and the state’s most affluent. Residents not only enjoy a high standard of living but the county usually ranks among the wealthiest in the nation. The area’s first residents, the Piscataway Indians, left a legacy of names that were used for towns and rivers, including Potomac, Anacostia and Patuxent. The community of Rockville served as the original county seat, and a rich legacy of history has been preserved. Nearly 25 modern towns and villages make up the prestigious and fast-growing region of Montgomery County. The northern part of the county features rolling hills and open farmland, while the eastern sector offers a more metropolitan atmosphere.
The entire area is easily accessible to Washington, DC via the Capital Beltway and Interstate 270, providing all residents with a reasonable commute. Metrorail’s Red Line originates in Gaithersburg, travels through the District of Columbia, and continues to Silver Spring, Maryland. Much of the local industry is high technology or government related, with an impressive number of space, computer, and telecommunications companies located along the Interstate 270 corridor. The U.S. Naval Command, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Energy are just a few of the many federal offices and organizations in the county. Along with government installations are a variety of Fortune 500 companies.
Services
The Montgomery County School System is one of the finest in the state and the entire nation, and student test scores are consistently above the national average. A wide range of special services is offered including an extended elementary program, family math program, theater education and on-the-job training. Three campuses for Montgomery Community College are available for college-track programs, vocational and career training, and continuing education. Many educational facilities offer adult education and community enrichment programs. Bridging the gap between education and medical science is the Johns Hopkins biotechnology research facility.
Newcomers to Montgomery County will discover a comprehensive network of healthcare services and facilities, anchored by several major hospitals. Among the state-of-the-art institutions are Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, Shady Grove Adventist Hospital and Kessler-Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital in Rockville, Montgomery General Hospital in Olney, Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, and Washington Adventist Hospital in Takoma Park. Also located in Bethesda is the highly acclaimed National Naval Medical Center. Throughout the county, mobile medical clinics travel to several senior citizens locations.
Quality of Life
Residents of Montgomery County enjoy access to an array of outstanding recreational, cultural, and entertainment attractions. The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission administers over 27,000 acres of parkland. More than 500 community, neighborhood, and regional parks offer an impressive array of facilities and activities. In addition to sports fields and basketball courts, newcomers will find first-rate facilities for every type of team and individual sport from archery to tennis. Other amenities include conservation centers, golf courses, arboretums, botanical gardens, ice-skating rinks, lakes, gymnasiums, riding trails and picnic grounds. One of the newest jewels in the county park system is 690-acre South Germantown Recreational Park, home to the spectacular Maryland Soccerplex and a host of other premier facilities.
Those who appreciate the arts will find world-class productions from Bach to opera and ballet in Washington, DC and Baltimore. Locally, the Strathmore Hall Arts Center presents a lively and diverse program of visual art exhibitions, literary lectures, children’s events, performing arts programs and festivals. The Strathmore also hosts outdoor concerts at the Gudelsky Pavilion. A professional drama company performs at the Round House Theater, providing instruction in music, acting and dance. Those interested in history will want to visit the C & O Canal National Historical Park in Potomac.
Shoppers can explore a world of name-brand merchandise as well as unique items in quaint village districts, farmers’ markets, or the upscale stores of Montgomery Mall. Regardless of the service or amenity, county and local planners are dedicated to providing the highest quality of life for every resident and supporting every lifestyle. Homes are available in a wide range of prices, styles and types, including single-family residences, condominiums and townhouses. Picturesque farms, sprawling horse properties and elegant Victorians shaded by ancient trees are just a few of the possibilities.
For more than 200 years, the community has been central to life in Montgomery County. Retaining a distinctive identity, each community nevertheless shares characteristics with its neighbors. Bethesda, Silver Spring, Kensington and Wheaton have developed bustling downtown activity; while Olney, Poolesville, Darnestown and other small towns offer more tranquility in rural settings. Rockville, the county seat, features a charming residential historic district that blends nicely into the growing business and retail district. Throughout this region, towns and neighborhoods constantly work together for improvements and contributions that make the area an ideal place to live, work and play.
Bethesda
County Offices
301-217-6500
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov
Chamber of Commerce
301-652-4900
https://www.greaterbethesdachamber.org
Home to the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda is one of metropolitan Washington’s most cosmopolitan and famous suburbs. The community borders northwest Washington, DC, and is also the location of the National Institutes of Health — one of the world’s foremost biomedical research centers and the focal point of biomedical research in the U.S. Rich in history, this charming suburb has experienced significant redevelopment. Bethesda is an eclectic mix of vintage churches, federal installations, modern highrises, historic buildings and many fine restaurants. The variety of housing options includes cozy bungalows, palatial estates, elegant apartments and older residences. Cabin John Regional Park offers a recreational complex with tennis and handball courts, sports fields, a year-round ice rink and community center. Two regional shopping malls and neighborhood shopping plazas provide a wealth of retail shops, boutiques, and stores to meet every practical need as well as high fashion. In addition to public recreational facilities, several private clubs are available.
Burtonsville
County Offices
301-217-6500
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov
Chamber of Commerce
301-738-0015
https://www.mcccmd.com
Ideally located along the Interstate 95 corridor, Burtonsville is a bedroom community that serves commuters to both Baltimore and Washington, DC. Commuter buses and passenger rail transportation are also available to either city. Burtonsville has been growing for many years, so housing is available in a variety of styles and prices from starter condominiums to million-dollar luxury estates. The community provides a good selection of local shops complemented by small boutiques and gourmet grocers. A Dutch country farmer’s market is a popular event on the weekends, bringing farm-fresh delights to local residents. A number of fraternal and service organizations maintain local chapters in Burtonsville, and the town is proud of its active community theater group. The Patuxent watershed area provides a wide variety of outdoor recreational options in a setting of natural beauty.
Chevy Chase
City Hall
301-654-7144
https://www.townofchevychase.org
Chamber of Commerce
301-652-4900
https://www.greaterbethesdachamber.org
The tranquil residential haven of Chevy Chase falls within Montgomery County but also stretches into the District of Columbia. Public transportation combines with easy access to a number of exciting shopping districts, restaurants and recreational amenities for a convenient yet somewhat secluded lifestyle. Community spirit is strong, and well-kept older homes are especially impressive. Single-family homes tend to be graced by mature trees and meticulous landscaping, while attractive new highrises provide maintenance-free options. In addition to the town of Chevy Chase, the village of the same name covers less than half a square mile. These two municipalities join Bethesda to form the Greater Bethesda-Chevy Chase community from the District of Columbia border to beyond the Capital Beltway. The area is served by the metro subway system and public pub systems for convenience commuting.
Damascus
County Offices
301-217-6500
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov
Chamber of Commerce
301-738-0015
https://www.mcccmd.com
The quiet residential community of Damascus is surrounded by open rolling terrain, enjoying the highest elevation in Montgomery County. Damascus is an ideal community for those who appreciate a more rural setting in close proximity to world-class urban amenities and advantages. The recreational amenities for residents of Damascus include Black Hill Regional Park where visitors enjoy fishing, boating and a summer camp. Damascus provides local shopping, although a number of other shopping centers are available within a short drive from home. Frederick and Lake Forest Mall are each about 20 minutes away. The bright lights of Washington, DC and Baltimore are only an hour from Damascus for professional sports action and cultural arts, and commuter rail provides service to both cities. A variety of single-family homes, condominiums and townhouses dominate the housing market.
Friendship Heights
City Hall
301-656-2797
https://www.friendshipheightsmd.gov
Chamber of Commerce
301-652-4900
https://www.greaterbethesdachamber.org
Established in 1914, the Village of Friendship Heights has evolved from 34 acres of suburban homes into an unusual highrise community of residential rental buildings, condominiums, and businesses. In recent decades, shared facilities have been constructed to bring the community together. The community center provides an attractive variety of programs and activities, while the Friendship Heights Village Center draws together the residents of ten separate high-rise buildings in a community of neighbors. Residents of Friendship Heights enjoy a prime location in the Bethesda-Chevy Chase area. They can walk to commuter transportation terminals yet enjoy prestige shopping, restaurants and professional services close to home. A local shuttle bus connects with metro trains and other bus services.
Gaithersburg
City Hall
301-258-6300
https://www.gaithersburgmd.gov
Chamber of Commerce
301-840-1400
https://www.ggchamber.org
Serving as the heart of Montgomery County, Gaithersburg has been growing rapidly since 1980. Much of its development is due to the city’s proximity to the Interstate 270 corridor, a fact that has attracted many corporations to relocate to this vibrant area. Economic growth has, in turn, spurred more residential development. The population of Gaithersburg harmonizes government employees with scientists and other professionals to create a diverse mix of lifestyles. Once an agricultural community, the city has expanded its residential neighborhoods to offer a wide selection of housing. Townhomes and apartments, well-kept older single-family residences, and a wealth of newer construction are available to meet every budget. Lake Forest Mall is a popular destination for shopping and entertainment, combining retail stores with theaters and restaurants. The city operates a recreation program designed to serve the needs of all ages and cover a wide range of interests.
Germantown
County Offices
301-217-6500
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov
Chamber of Commerce
301-652-4900
https://www.ggchamber.org
Germantown is home to several of the county’s major employers including the U.S. Department of Energy, Fairchild Industries and Digital Communications. The community is bounded by two streams and two regional parks, which add natural beauty and a picturesque quality to local neighborhoods. Greenspace and jogging trails surround the area for exceptional recreational amenities close to home. In addition to the town’s two lakes, nearby parks include Black Hills Regional Park and Seneca Creek State Park. Local bus service is available to nearby Metrorail stations for commuting convenience. Residential neighborhoods provide a pleasing blend of older homes with newer construction. Single-family residences tend to offer a diversity of architectural styles, sizes, and price ranges. Residents who desire more sophisticated entertainment opportunities will find Rockville a 15-minute drive, while Washington, DC is about 30 minutes from home. Shopping centers filled with stores and services dot the Germantown cityscape for a convenient lifestyle.
Kensington
City Hall
301-949-2424
http://tok.md.gov
Chamber of Commerce
301-949-0080
https://wkchamber.org/
The small village of Kensington was incorporated as a town as long ago as 1894. Named after Kensington Gardens in England, this stable and long-established community has served as a residential suburb of Washington DC since 1900. Many of the homes from the Victorian era are still standing, adding historic charm to the cityscape. However, most of the available housing was constructed in later decades for a full range of architectural styles, price ranges, period styles, and sizes. Four recreation centers operate in Kensington to offer residents a diverse selection of sports and recreational facilities. Three hospitals are located within a five-mile radius of town, serving as major employers but also providing state-of-the-art healthcare. In addition to the shops and stores of Wheaton Mall, Kensington is well known for its quaint antique row.
Montgomery Village
Village Offices
301-948-0110
https://www.montgomeryvillage.com
Chamber of Commerce
301-738-0015
https://www.mcccmd.com
This planned community adjoining Gaithersburg was nothing more than a group of small farms until the mid 1960s. Now Montgomery Village offers residents a totally planned environment that is convenient to shopping, medical facilities and public transportation. Located near the Interstate 270 corridor, the village is a short commute to major employment centers and 25 miles from Washington, DC. Forty neighborhoods that claim their own recreational facilities and community spirit have made Montgomery Village a popular choice for newcomers. Single-family homes, townhouses, condominiums and apartments are all available in a wide range of prices and styles. Rolling green hills, beautiful parks, lakes and cherry blossoms have made this tranquil residential haven one of the “best hometowns” in Maryland.
Olney
County Offices
301-217-6500
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov
Chamber of Commerce
301-924-3555
https://www.olneymd.org
Located at the junction of Routes 97 and 108, the community of Olney was once a colonial trade center. Today, more than 200 stores in the town’s business district continue to thrive. Montgomery General Hospital located in the town is consistently ranked as one of the county’s finest, providing advanced healthcare to regional residents and serving as a major employer. Olney Manor Park is available for relaxation and recreation, including an indoor swimming pool. Much of the community remains undeveloped and rural, an advantage that attracts newcomers from other areas and has made Olney the most populated community in the northeast part of the county. While new home construction is widespread, a number of historic homes and landmarks remain. The Olney Theatre, a nationally known summer theatre, attracts professional talent and audiences from the entire metropolitan area.
Potomac
County Offices
301-217-6500
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov
Chamber of Commerce
301-299-2170
http://www.potomacchamber.org/
Another fast-growing community in Maryland County is Potomac. Although the community has seen considerable development over the past decade, large tracts of land remain open countryside. Executive single-family homes and sprawling country estates dominate the housing selection in this prestigious community. The community also boasts one of the largest concentrations of million-dollar-plus properties in the metropolitan region. Potomac is well known as “horse country” and supports many equestrian organizations and activities. At the same time, all forms of recreation and a wide variety of quality facilities can be enjoyed at area parks. Public transportation is limited to bus service on major roads. Potomac is home to a medical center, and nearby Bethesda offers a regional hospital. Residents are able to meet the needs for most goods and services at local shopping centers.
Rockville
City Hall
240-314-5000
https://www.rockvillemd.gov
Chamber of Commerce
301-424-9300
https://www.rockvillechamber.org
Commuting ease to regional employment centers via the 10-lane Interstate 270 that runs through Rockville has no doubt contributed to the city’s growth and development. Rich in colonial history, Rockville has become a modern, well-planned city that houses the offices for the Montgomery County government along with its many ancillary services. Many of the homes in Rockville are older, detached residences that offer mature greenery and architectural character. At the same time, new construction is also available. Parks and playgrounds play an integral role of every neighborhood, and the city sponsors a popular cultural arts program. Extensive shopping, including White Flint Mall, can be found along the Rockville Pike. The two-year institution of Montgomery College is located in Rockville for affordable, quality higher education opportunities close to home.
Silver Spring
County Offices
301-217-6500
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov
Chamber of Commerce
301-565-3777
https://www.gsscc.org
Named for a spring with sparkling bits of mica, Silver Spring serves as one of the District of Columbia suburbs. At the beginning of the 20th century, Silver Spring steadily expanded to become a large residential area with a thriving central business district that borders Washington, DC. This steady residential expansion combined with a boom in new home construction, especially along the Route 29 corridor, to create an area that offers a tremendous variety of home styles, sizes, and period architecture. Silver Spring supports a variety of civic, social and cultural organizations that add to the quality of life. An impressive number of community facilities include regional parks, golf courses, libraries, aquatic centers and equestrian attractions. Holy Cross Hospital meets healthcare needs and is especially respected for its maternity care unit. Many neighborhood shopping centers and close proximity to Baltimore and Washington, D.C via major highways makes Silver Spring a convenient choice as a place to call home.
Takoma Park
City Hall
301-891-7100
https://takomaparkmd.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
301-738-0015
https://www.mcccmd.com
Incorporated in 1890, Takoma Park has grown from a resort village to a popular suburb with a Victorian flavor. Parts of the city are designated historic sites and the business district has been dramatically revitalized. This cosmopolitan community, with its weekly farmers market and annual festivals, attracts a diverse mix of people who take an active interest in civic affairs. Designated Tree City, U.S.A., Takoma Park features many homes that are renovated Victorians and a number of public gardens. The Washington Adventist Hospital for state-of-the-art healthcare and a campus for Montgomery College add to the quality of life. Residents enjoy the tranquility and charm of a smaller town but retain easy access to the best of Montgomery County.
Wheaton
County Offices
301-217-6500
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov
Chamber of Commerce
301-949-0080
https://wkchamber.org/
Named for a Civil War general, Wheaton has developed into a major residential and commercial area convenient to the Capital Beltway. Its proximity to Washington, DC and the impressive selection of more moderately priced homes have attracted many new residents. New construction consists primarily of condominiums, but older single-family houses are also on the market. A wide variety of outdoor recreation that includes horseback riding and ice-skating can be enjoyed at Wheaton Regional Park. Wheaton Plaza is an enclosed mall that anchors specialty shops and eateries with major department stores for expanded shopping close to home. Four hospitals are located in nearby towns to meet every healthcare need.
