Boyds

Nestled in the wooded acreage of rural Maryland is the Boyds neighborhood just outside Germantown. Though much of the area is farmland, a collection of densely planned streets rests on the east side.

Winding streets cut through the dense tree line, revealing paved sidewalks and driveways that shape lots into even squares. Despite being wall to wall, townhouses are spacious enough to have three stories and three bedrooms on average. Brick facades and sharp, neat windows accent the rectangular frames of these homes, giving an air of overall symmetry. Single driveways and garages are also common. These townhouses range in price from $500,000 to $600,000. “The townhouses are more in demand because of interest rates. They’re more affordable,” says Tony Chow, Managing Broker of Grand Elm Real Estate. Standalone Colonial Revivals offer more spacious driveways and yards than their townhouse counterparts but still share most of their aesthetic features. “Boyds IS value. It’s the last part of Montgomery County where you can get a single-family home at a good price,” says Chow. The price point for these Revivals begins at about $600,000 and gradually creeps to just south of $1 million, depending on the room count and yard size.

Kids in Boyds attend Ronald A. McNair Elementary. Niche rates this school an A overall, and kids learn in an environment with a 16-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. Kingsview Middle is also A-rated and ranks as the seventh most diverse public middle school in the state. By the time they reach Northwest High, kids are well prepared for their coursework; AP course enrollment is 62%. The school earns an impressive A-plus from Niche and is the second most diverse public high school in Maryland. Of the 219 total public high schools in the state, Northwest High boasts the rank of 12th best.

After class or work, locals head over to South Germantown Recreational Park, a bustling hub of activity at the community’s center. You could spend all weekend here and still miss one or two of the amenities it has to offer. There is a playground for little kids featuring slides, built-in games and obstacles. Parents can relax under the shade of a pavilion while teens start an impromptu game of football in the open field. If baseball is more your thing, swing for the trees at the park’s diamond. Test your form at the driving range, which features 40 tees and an inclusive, community-focused approach. Check out their lessons and summer camps to make the most of your golfing experience. For those trying to hone their green thumb, visit the community garden plots, where locals can fill one of 90 planters with soil and watch their creation grow.

Whether you have an achievement to celebrate or want quality time with friends and family, seek out the fine dining experience of Laperaux French Bistro. Seasonally rotating dishes like duck leg confit and escargot bourguignon are sure to impress, as are the wine and cocktail lists. For more casual post-park grub, stop by the Mission BBQ for some pulled pork or brisket. Their pick-up packs are a convenient way to order ahead and then swoop in for your fix of smoked meats and sides. Preparing dinner throughout the week is also easy, with Giant just a two-mile drive away from the center of the neighborhood. Just a bit farther east is a SHOPPERS in Germantown, with a similar selection of meats and produce. You can ride the MARC Train, but driving in this neighborhood is ideal.

If you’re starting a fitness journey, try the Gold’s Gym in Germantown. They have group cycling classes and personal training sessions, depending on your goals. For the solo weightlifter, they have you covered with standard free weights and machines. After a workout, take a quick swim in Little Seneca Lake or plan a day trip kayaking the calm waters. This modest waterfront is just big enough to explore on a Saturday but just small and hidden enough to retain that feeling of seclusion and connection to nature.

Though many buyers explore homes in Boyds for their affordability, its location is just as attractive. Explore the Revivals for yourself as you cruise through the wooded countryside.

Written By

Malcolm Longerbeam

Photography Contributed By

Chaz Mixon

Video By

Zoe Sarris