$643,601Average Value$248Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes For Sale
Small-town living in northern Montgomery County
Shrugging off the urban sprawl of nearby cities and suburbs, the small town of Damascus clings proudly to its rural roots. Agricultural heritage is still on display in the northern reaches of Montgomery County, where the community fabric feels tightly woven and slightly old fashioned. “It has that small-town feel, but at the same time, you don’t feel like everybody knows what you’re doing,” says Joe Howerton, a Realtor with Taylor Properties. The Maryland town is about 40 miles from both Baltimore and Washington, D.C., giving residents a doable drive in both directions. With new development over the last 30 years, Damascus isn’t exactly isolated, but its hills and hiking trails help residents feel like they’re still in the country.
A quiet townhome neighborhood in Damascus Maryland.
Damascus, Maryland is a close knit, small town in Montgomery County, Maryland.
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The dry history of Damascus
Until recently, it was illegal to sell alcohol anywhere in Damascus, earning it the sobering title of “the last dry town in Maryland.” The dry spell was cast in part due to the strong Christian influence on the community, a subtle but steady presence to this day. Numerous churches of various faiths dot the townscape, but the religious influence has itself dried out over the years, particularly as the town recognized the crippling effect the anachronistic law had on local restaurants. In 2013, after numerous nays, the town voted to allow sit-down restaurants to serve beer and wine; more recently, a law passed allowing restaurants to serve liquor as well. “It won in a landslide,” Howerton says. “The first time, there was more resistance, but once everyone realized the sky wasn’t falling, they moved to support the local restaurants.” In-store purchases are still verboten, but booze-buying options outside of town are mere minutes away. After all, rural as it is, Damascus still sits in dense and diverse Montgomery County.
The Stone Silo Brewery in Damscus offers a place with warm atmosphere and friendly faces.
Brazil Gourmet Pizzeria and Grill in Damascus is a local favorite dining spot.
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The Damascus High School Swarmin’ Hornets
Damascus benefits from Montgomery County’s highly ranked public school system. Students can begin at Clearspring Elementary School, rated A by Niche, followed by John T. Baker Middle School, which received an A-minus. Damascus High School, home of the green and gold Swarmin’ Hornets, sits in the middle of town next to the landmark water tower emblazoned with the school’s logo. The A-rated high school excels in wrestling and football, including a few state championships.
Damascus Sr. High School, Damascus, Maryland.
Nothing beats a springtime softball game at Damascus High School.
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Running or riding at Oak Ridge Park
Athletics, particularly for kids, are a big part of living in Damascus. Baseball, softball, basketball and tennis are popular at Damascus Recreational Park, and community pools serve as cool escapes in most subdivisions. Horse enthusiasts can saddle up at Out of the Box Stables, which offers weekly lessons and trail rides, and Oak Ridge Conservation Park sprawls across nearly 180 acres on the western edge of town, with a multi-use trail system that welcomes hikers, bikers, equestrians and dog walkers. Outdoorsy types lace up at any of the nearby hilly hikes, including the Magruder Branch Stream Valley Park trail, which crosses wetlands, woodlands and sunny open fields. On a smaller scale, the Damascus Neighborhood Park features a shady basketball court, picnic tables and a playground.
It's never a bad day for a walk through Oak Ridge Park's multi use trail.
Never too early to get the little one's stoked on nature at Upper Magruder Branch Park.
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Capes, condos and Colonial Revivals
Homebuyers in Damascus have a few options, from spacious new builds on quiet cul-de-sacs to tidy condos or Colonial Revivals on ample acreage. Some homes have been around since the 1950s, and even older farmhouses graze the hilly pastures here and there, but new construction in the last 10 years has brought more housing stock to the table. “We’ve got a lot of new inventory right here in town, a lot of luxury townhouses,” Howerton says. Condos start in the $300,000 range, while larger modern builds can go for $1 to $3 million. Most single-family homes have enough yard space to put up a lacrosse net or a leafy garden, and driveways are standard. Sidewalks are plentiful, but walkable destinations are not.
Quaint row of condos found in southern Damascus.
You'll find tons of new construction of varying architectural styles in Damascus.
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Ice cream at Jimmy Cone
Damascus Shopping Center sits at one of the town’s few stoplights at the intersection of Main Street and Ridge Road, the town hub for limited dining and retail. Groceries and basics are available at Safeway or Weis, and a handful of fast-food spots make it easy to grab lunch during a short shopping trip. Hornets Nest Grille and Tom & Ray’s Family Restaurant are popular options in town for a sit-down meal, but locals head a few minutes out of town for bigger, better meals. For ice cream famous throughout the land, local favorite Jimmie Cone serves as gathering place and soft-serve sanctuary. The window-service shop has been slinging sundaes, flurries and twists since 1962.
Treat yourself to a Super Banana Boat Sundae at Jimmie Cone in Damascus, Maryland.
Jimmie Cone of Damascus, Maryland has been a local establishment since 1962.
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Cake and cows at Damascus Community Fair
Damascus celebrates its agricultural heritage in September with the Damascus Community Fair, a three-day event that livens up the fairgrounds with dairy and livestock exhibits, live music, kids’ activities and classic fair fare.
The Damascus drive
Kids 18 and under ride free on the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) bus, which has several stops around town. Three major airports—BWI, Dulles and Reagan—are all about an hour away, and the Red Line on the D.C. Metro is about 30 minutes by car. An exurb more than a suburb, Damascus is still within striking distance of Interstate 70 and Interstate 270, as well as East Coast artery I-95. It’s a 50-minute drive to downtown Baltimore and a bit longer to Washington, D.C.—a typical, often traffic-heavy commute in this bedroom community.
You'll find all of life's necessities alone Main Street in Damascus.
Enjoy stunning views from most locations in Damascus.
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Written By
Tina Davis
Video By
Anthony Pesa
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Andre Coutu,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Damascus, MD sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Damascus, MD over the last 12 months is $594,319, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This one is a unique and rare beauty! Seller has made major renovations including expanding the back of the home to add space for a breathtaking 4-season sunroom with a vaulted ceiling accentuated by exposed beams, a cedar ceiling and an electric fireplace, as well as high-end sliders leading out to a low-maintenance composite deck. The expansion also afforded the opportunity to add a large
Set behind a landscaped privacy berm just off Rt 27, this beautifully maintained Cape Cod offers over 4,500 finished sq ft of living space. As soon as you enter, you’ll experience an artful richness of textures and colors throughout. With 6 bedrooms and 4 full baths, the layout is perfect for multi-generational living, entertaining, or working from home.The main level features wide-plank
Nearly New End-Unit Townhome – Move-In Ready, Priced to Sell!Why wait for new construction when you can have it all now? This stunning end-unit 3-level townhome is less than a year old and ready for immediate move-in. Located in a prime location close to shopping, dining, and major commuter routes, it sits in a vibrant new neighborhood!As an end unit, this home is filled with
Nestled among the trees at 25123 Vista Ridge Road in Laytonsville, Maryland, this beautifully appointed home is a true masterpiece, offering an impressive 4-6 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. The open floor plan boasts extended-height ceilings, accentuated by the rich gleam of hardwood floors that flow throughout the main level.As you enter the bright two-story foyer, you’ll be welcomed by a front-to-back
This one is a unique and rare beauty! Seller has made major renovations including expanding the back of the home to add space for a breathtaking 4-season sunroom with a vaulted ceiling accentuated by exposed beams, a cedar ceiling and an electric fireplace, as well as high-end sliders leading out to a low-maintenance composite deck. The expansion also afforded the opportunity to add a large
3 beds, 1 full bath, 1/2 bath, 1,360 Sq Ft3 stories including basementWelcome Home! This is a terrific well kept home and great space for creative energetic people. This beautifully renovated townhome in the heart of Damascus offers a prime location near shops, restaurants, and many community services making it a convenient and vibrant place to live. It is move in ready for
Well-maintained 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath rambler on a beautiful lot in a quiet Damascus neighborhood. Features include hardwood floors throughout the main level, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, and a light-filled sunroom overlooking the serene backyard which backs to open park space. The finished basement offers additional living space, ample storage, and a walk-out. Freshly painted and move-in ready.
OPEN HOUSE Thursday June 12, 2025--5PM-7PM.This is an amazing home! Please inquire about the 2 part application process. Think Pottery Barn when you preview this home! Many updates make this home a must see End Unit Townhome. Plus backs to woods for endless privacy from it's large deck. Stainless Steel Appliances , Granite and Tile Backsplash accent this modern Kitchen. And leads
Beautifully renovated Greenhills Townhomes & Apartments is a community that offers you convenience and comfort. Located in beautiful Montgomery County, close to commuter routes 27, 270, 70, and 495, putting you in close proximity to Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. Enjoy a home-cooked meal in your large kitchen, with granite countertops, energy-efficient appliances, and many other fantastic
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