Section Image

Damascus

Damascus

Located in Montgomery County

$622,046 Average Value
$235 Average Price per Sq Ft
34 Homes 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.
A quiet townhome neighborhood in Damascus Maryland.
Damascus, Maryland is a close knit, small town in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Damascus, Maryland is a close knit, small town in Montgomery County, Maryland.
1/2

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.
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.
Brazil Gourmet Pizzeria and Grill in Damascus is a local favorite dining spot.
1/2

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.
Damascus Sr. High School, Damascus, Maryland.
Nothing beats a springtime softball game at Damascus High School.
Nothing beats a springtime softball game at Damascus High School.
1/2

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.
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.
Never too early to get the little one's stoked on nature at Upper Magruder Branch Park.
1/2

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.
Quaint row of condos found in southern Damascus.
You'll find tons of new construction of varying architectural styles in Damascus.
You'll find tons of new construction of varying architectural styles in Damascus.
1/2

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.
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.
Jimmie Cone of Damascus, Maryland has been a local establishment since 1962.
1/2

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.
You'll find all of life's necessities alone Main Street in Damascus.
Enjoy stunning views from most locations in Damascus.
Enjoy stunning views from most locations in Damascus.
1/2
Tina Davis
Written By
Tina Davis
Anthony Pesa
Video By
Anthony Pesa

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Audrey Romano, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
3,450
Number of Homes for Sale
34
Median Year Built
1983
Months of Supply
2.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
3,716
Significantly above the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,122
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,162
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
15,463

Open Houses

  • Thursday, Mar 26
    Open House 3/26

    10008 Founders Way, Damascus, MD 20872

    $924,900

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 3,482 Sq Ft
    • 10008 Founders Way
    • New 1 day ago

    Welcome to Founders Way, a beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 3.5 bath single family home in the highly sought after Goshen Oaks neighborhood. From the moment you arrive, you will see that this home is designed for both comfortable everyday living and unforgettable entertaining. Step inside to a dramatic two-story foyer with stunning hardwood floors that flow throughout the main level. The spacious

    Rosie Tomlinson LPT Realty, LLC

    Section Image
  • Saturday, Mar 21
    Open Sat 12PM - 3PM

    26121 Purdum Rd, Damascus, MD 20872

    $420,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,120 Sq Ft
    • 26121 Purdum Rd
    • New 11 days ago

    Welcome to this charming property, offering three spacious bedrooms and two full bathrooms, providing comfortable living for families or those seeking extra space. The home features a bright, open floor plan with plenty of natural light, a well-appointed kitchen, dishwasher, electric stove and refrigerator. It also includes stackable washer and dryer frontload and inviting living areas perfect

    Christine Thompson EXIT Deluxe Realty

    Section Image
  • Sunday, Apr 12
    Open House 4/12

    10432 Sweepstakes Rd, Damascus, MD 20872

    $535,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,127 Sq Ft
    • 10432 Sweepstakes Rd
    • New 6 days ago

    Welcome to Damascus! Lovingly maintained and upgraded split foyer home with thoughtfully landscaped yard, in a sought-after location will soon be available for sale. This home boasts replacement windows, nearly new roof, freshly painted rooms, beautiful floors, updated baths and kitchen too. Worth the wait. Close to shopping, schools and parks. Photos, 3D models, floor plans, video and more to be

    Laura Lee Jones Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.

    Section Image

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Damascus Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
16,591
Median Age
41
Population under 18
25.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$138,832
Significantly above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$158,648

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94.6%
College Graduates
48.9%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
23.4%
% Population in Labor Force
76.7%
Above the national average
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
27°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
1''

Area Factors

Fairly friendly

Bike Score®®

40 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Walk Score®®

20 / 100

Not friendly

Transit Score®®

0 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Damascus