Germantown traces its origins to the early 1800s when immigrants developed the area as a farming village. In 1891, the area was fully integrated as a rail town along the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, with the construction of Germantown Train Station. However, major development would not reach the city until the early 1960s, when the suburbs started spreading to the counties just outside D.C. Over the past 50 years, the city has grown from a quiet farming community to the third largest city in Maryland behind Baltimore and Columbia. With a current population of a little over 92,000, Germantown has redefined the late 20th-century growth story of Montgomery County. It is located about 25 miles from Washington, D.C, but far enough away that housing prices are more affordable than in suburbs with similar homes inside the Capitol Beltway. The city has a family-friendly vibe that differs notably from the more established neighborhoods closer to the nation’s capital, dispensing with the familiar amenities like country clubs or private schools and instead hosting Maryland SoccerPlex and Butler’s Orchard. Thanks to its history as farmland, post-WWII aerospace and engineering companies built offices here when abundant farmland provided affordable acreage. Today, the area is regarded as a relatively price-competitive place to live within the D.C. metro area. Germantown balances housing, shopping, and abundant employment opportunities within its 17-square-mile limits. Major employers include the U.S. Department of Energy, Hughes Network Systems and GE Aviation Systems.
The Clarksburg Village Shopping Center is a great place for a grocery run or to grab a bite.
The Germantown Train Station is a common choice of travel for commuters.
The Maryland Soccerplex is Germantown's pride and joy.
The US Department of Energy is one of the largest employers in Germantown.
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Competitively priced townhouses, condominiums and single-family homes
Home values here range from $240,000 to around $900,000, varying by square footage and lot size. A variety of two-bedroom condos and colonial-inspired townhouses run the bottom of the range, while larger bi-levels and Colonial Revival single-family homes with spacious suburban lawns are towards the top. “There’s not much buildable land in Germantown anymore,” says Bob Graves, Realtor with Long and Foster Gaithersburg/North Potomac and a real estate agent in Germantown since 1979, “but home sales are strong. If a property is in good shape and priced wisely, it can sell within 10-15 days.” Homes in Germantown sell after an average of 16 days on the market, compared to the national average of 44 days. While buyers can find single-family homes in Germantown subdivisions like Wexford and Milestone, the city has many more townhouses and condominiums. The average sale price for a home in Germantown is around $470,195.
Homebuyers will find rows of Craftsman style homes in planned communities all over Germantown.
Townhomes are plentiful in Germantown and are often located in communities full of amenities.
A charming cottage style home on a manageable lot in western Germantown.
You can even find a few colonial revivals scattered throughout Germantown.
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Miles of Montgomery County parklands
Local student-athletes and soccer fans take full advantage of The Maryland SoccerPlex. The 150-acre sports complex was built in 2000 and offers 21 natural grass soccer fields, three artificial turf fields and eight indoor convertible basketball/volleyball courts. The complex received about $15 million in 2000 from a public-private partnership between the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission and a group of private local donors. A 4,000-seat stadium was built that hosts pro and semi-pro area soccer games. Realtor Nicholas Gerhardt, with Taylor Properties since 2014 and a lifelong Maryland resident, says, “People come from all over Maryland for their kids’ sports events here at the SoccerPlex. I tell my friends with young athletes that at some point during the year, they will be here watching their kids in a game or a tournament.” Another massive outdoor destination is South Germantown Recreational Park with 695 acres that once belonged to the well-known King Dairy Farm. The suburban park offers hiking, biking, miniature golf, swimming, soccer, playgrounds and picnic areas. To the north is Black Hill Regional Park, with a lake for fishing and boating, as well as hiking trails. Further south is Seneca Creek State Park, spreading 6,300 acres through Montgomery County, with several established zones for bow and firearm hunting, hiking and freshwater fishing.
The Maryland Soccerplex is home to many youth and adult soccer programs in Germantown.
The pump track at South Germantown Recreational Park is the perfect place to get some air.
Germantown is full of public piers for fishing and boating.
Children explore Clopper Lake at Seneca Creek State Park in Germantown.
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Highly ranked Montgomery County schools in town
Students in Germantown attend Montgomery County Public Schools, with an overall Niche rating of A, and ranked as the No. 2 best public school district in the state. Seneca Valley High School offers rigorous academics and arts programs within a state-of-the-art building that opened in 2020. Montgomery College is a local community college with three campuses – including one in Germantown – and is ranked the 18th Best Community College in the U.S. and the No. 1 Best Community College in Maryland by Niche.
Welcome to Seneca Creek Elementary School in Germantown, Maryland.
Neelsville Middle School, Germantown, Maryland.
Seneca Valley High School teaches students in grades 9-12 in Germantown.
Montgomery College is a community college with three campuses, with one in Germantown.
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World Class cultural venues and Oktoberfest activities
Black Rock Center for the Arts, officially known as the Germantown Cultural Arts Center, is a hot spot for residents who want to enjoy the visual and performing arts. The most well-attended venue in Upper Montgomery County, it offers year-round performances, free gallery exhibitions and arts education classes. School-age kids can attend summer art camp, while adults can enroll in several education classes. The Music Center at Strathmore is 15 miles south in Rockville and is known for its world-class performances with the National Philharmonic, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra.
The Germantown Cultural Arts Center has an Artisan Market outdoors, where locals can browse a selection of handmade crafts, from candles to acrylic paintings and jewelry. Montgomery County has annual cultural events like Oktoberfest, though sometimes Germantown hosts them. Neighboring towns like Gaithersburg also hold traditional German festivities every fall.
The Black Rock Center for the Arts is the most visited Art Venue in Germantown.
The Black Rock Center for the Arts holds free seasonal exhibits that in Germantown.
The Strathmore Music Center is just 15 miles away from Germantown, down interstate 270.
Be sure to catch a live show at The Strathmore Music Center, just outside of Germantown.
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Several strip malls and Lancaster County Dutch Market
Milestone Shopping Center offers several big box retailers in its walkable, outdoor location, including Target, Home Depot and Walmart. Germantown Town Center features nearly 30 shops, including Starbucks and Safeway. “Shopping options are limited. We have a few small retail centers, but you won’t find new malls in Germantown. For larger options, locals will often head over to Kentlands in Gaithersburg,” says Gerhardt. “I love the Lancaster County Dutch Market on Wisteria Drive. I try to get there early because it gets packed on weekends, but it’s worth it. The food is awesome.” Lancaster County Dutch Market is an indoor farmers market packed with fresh produce and butcher meat from farmers in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, as well as regionally loved baked goods like Beiler’s Donuts. Another favorite destination is Butler's Orchard, north of town and just off Ridge Road. Seasonal activities include pumpkin and apple picking or purchasing locally grown summer corn. Visitors can also buy Christmas trees, homemade apple cider and freshly baked pies.
Milestone Shopping Center offers all things retail in its walkable location in Germantown.
Families spend quality time at We Art Fun Painting Studio in Germantown Town Center.
A customer purchases fresh made pretzels inside the Lancaster Dutch Market in Germantown.
The Butler's Orchard 44th Annual Pumpkin Festival is a blast for all ages.
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MARC trains, I-270 drives and Metrobus access
Hundreds of commuters in town take the MARC train to D.C. from the Germantown Train Station, which has been rebuilt with a replica of the original station house from the 1890s. Many locals commute to D.C. along Interstate 270, which can take up to an hour, depending on rush hour traffic. Without traffic, the 27-mile trip can take 30-40 minutes. Since the 1980s, the city has added two exits off I-270 to accommodate traffic in and out of Germantown. The closest Metrorail station is Shady Grove Metro, about 9 miles south of Germantown, in Rockville. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport are both less than 50 miles from Germantown. Residents can also fly out of Baltimore-Washington International Airport, about 60 miles north.
The BioHealth Capital Region sources hundreds of life science employers
The I-270 corridor in Montgomery County is the anchor of one the nation’s largest life science work centers, named the BioHealth Capital Region. The county has a high population of residents with postgraduate degrees, which is why it hosts major employers like the National Institutes of Health headquarters, less than 18 miles south of Germantown. Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the Food and Drug Administration and more than 480 life science companies call the county home too. Gerhardt adds, “Bio labs are going up everywhere in and around Germantown. Locals used to call the I-270 corridor the ‘technology corridor’, but it’s quickly becoming the bio lab corridor as well.” According to Bestplaces.net, the crime rate in Germantown is slightly lower than the national average, both for property and violent crimes. People living in Germantown generally consider the northwest part of the city the safest. Germantown has a generally mild subtropical climate, with winter lows rarely dropping under 25 degrees Fahrenheit and summer highs rarely rising above the mid-90s with high humidity. Snow and rainfall averages are also around the national average.
Just south of Germantown lies the BioHealth Capital Region, one of the largest in the country.
For those in the medical field, the NIH campus is only 20 minutes from Germantown.
The Walter Reed National Medical Center employs many Germantown Residents.
Germantown is just a few miles away from many federal agencies, like the FDA.
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Written By
Maxwell Olarinde
Photography Contributed By
Tyler Priola
Video By
Rebecca Askin
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jeffrey Burgess,
an experienced agent in this area.
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.
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On average, homes in Germantown, MD sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Germantown, MD over the last 12 months is $434,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2 full bath, 1 half bath townhome located in the desirable Germantown area! This move-in ready home features a modern kitchen, updated finishes throughout, and a spacious layout perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The fully finished basement offers excellent flexibility and can function as a private in-law suite, complete with its own full
Beautiful, well-maintained, secure MPDU 55+ condominium in an elevator bldg. Sunny and bright - 2 bedrooms/2 baths. Entrance foyer leads to large living and dining room. Kitchen with plenty of cabinets and a pantry. One owner Must be 55+. First-time buyer & income restrictions have been lifted (buyer may not own a second home). MPDU Certificate not required.
Beautiful town home centrally located in Germantown. With three updated bedrooms and two baths, this home offers ease of ownership. The kitchen has updated appliances and a fireplace that makes this a cozy place for your family gatherings that opens into your living and family room space. Out front you'll have space for relaxing with privacy from surrounding landscaping. This is a home that is
NEWLY INSTALLED CARPET! Brand-new carpet has been newly installed throughout the home!Beautiful and well-maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo located in the desirable community of Fountain Hills in Germantown. This bright upper-level unit features an open floor plan with abundant natural light throughout. The spacious living and dining area flows seamlessly to a private deck with peaceful,
Beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2 full bath, 1 half bath townhome located in the desirable Germantown area! This move-in ready home features a modern kitchen, updated finishes throughout, and a spacious layout perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The fully finished basement offers excellent flexibility and can function as a private in-law suite, complete with its own full
Welcome to 18724 Paprika Ct, a beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 1 full bath, 1 half bath townhome tucked into a cul-de-sac in a convenient Germantown location. This home has been thoughtfully updated throughout, offering a fresh, move-in-ready feel with modern finishes and practical improvements. The main level features LVP flooring in the living room, tile flooring at the entry and kitchen,
Built in 2020, this beautifully maintained two-level townhouse at 12854 Cloverleaf Center Drive in Germantown offers modern living with a spacious and functional layout. Featuring 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, the home includes an oversized primary suite complete with a walk-in closet and a luxurious private bathroom with oversized shower and double vanities. Two additional bedrooms share a full
Beautiful, well-maintained, secure MPDU 55+ condominium in an elevator bldg. Sunny and bright - 2 bedrooms/2 baths. Entrance foyer leads to large living and dining room. Kitchen with plenty of cabinets and a pantry. One owner Must be 55+. First-time buyer & income restrictions have been lifted (buyer may not own a second home). MPDU Certificate not required.
Welcome home to this beautifully updated, move-in ready end-unit townhome in Germantown’s sought-after Shores at North Lake community! Offering 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 full baths, and 2 half baths, this home combines comfort, style, and convenience in an ideal location. Freshly painted interiors and luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout create a modern, cohesive feel from the moment you enter.
Nestled in the serene Crawford Farm single family community within Gunners Lake Village. This stunning Colonial-style residence offers a perfect blend of elegance & comfort. Here you will enjoy a combination of large square footage & large unassuming & exploding backyard with no need to compromise. Located on the East side, where the largest lots in the community are located. Spanning 2,675
Welcome home to 49 Lake Park Court! This beautifully maintained 2 bedroom 3 1/2 bath with primary suite loft townhome, in Willow Cove is just what you’ve been searching for! Entering the main level of your home you’ll find a spacious open concept living room, kitchen and dining area along with a convenient guest half bath. Leading to the upper level of your home you'll find a spacious primary
THI IS YOUR CHANCE to OWN this beautifully refreshed 3-level townhome in Germantown, featuring 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, this well maintained and move-in ready home offers a comfortable and functional layout for everyday living. Freshly repainted throughout, the home includes a fully finished basement, perfect for a recreation space, home office, or guest area. Step outside to enjoy a fenced-in
Beautiful town home centrally located in Germantown. With three updated bedrooms and two baths, this home offers ease of ownership. The kitchen has updated appliances and a fireplace that makes this a cozy place for your family gatherings that opens into your living and family room space. Out front you'll have space for relaxing with privacy from surrounding landscaping. This is a home that is
Lovely townhome tucked away in a quiet section of Waters Landing. The main floor features a spacious kitchen and a living/dining room combo with direct access to a private deck and wooded views. There is also a convenient half bath off the entry foyer. Upstairs provides two large bedrooms both with double closets, one with direct access to a shared bath and the other with vaulted ceilings. The
Welcome home to this spacious and sun-filled end-unit condo townhome in the highly desirable The Village at Town Center! This beautifully maintained two-level residence offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience, complete with an attached 1-car garage. The bright and airy main level features a generous living room that flows seamlessly into the updated kitchen, showcasing
Your life, simplified. At Fairchild, everything's at your fingertips. Grocery shopping at Safeway, a quick bite at Panera or Starbucks, and a world of lunch choices are just steps from your door. Connect with neighbors at local favorites like Senior Tequilas, Red Robin, Longhorn Steakhouse, and more. Entertainment is never far away with Top Golf, BlackRock Center for the Arts, and Germantown Town
Welcome to this bright and spacious single-family home in Germantown’s desirable Seneca Crossing community. This home offers generous living space, abundant natural light, and a functional layout designed for comfort and flexibility. The main living areas feel open and inviting, with plenty of windows that bring in natural light throughout the home. The large primary bedroom provides a
Seneca Place boasts spacious floor plans, charming courtyards, and serene views. Take advantage of our Olympic-sized swimming pool, dog parks, and fitness center. These Germantown apartments feature thoughtful finishes and in-home washers and dryers. Newly renovated apartment homes feature light oak cabinetry, quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Ideally located near everything
Stylish updates, a spacious two-level layout, and a peaceful wooded setting come together in this beautifully refreshed Farmingdale condo. From the moment you arrive, you'll appreciate the custom-built mudroom entry featuring shiplap accents, built-in storage, and designer tile flooring. The main level offers a bright and inviting living room with a corner wood-burning fireplace and direct access
At Canterbury Apartments, enjoy comfort and relaxation blended with a location that puts you close to everything. Take advantage of our Olympic-sized swimming pool, playground, and fitness center. These Germantown apartments feature comfortable patios and other classic amenities. Renovated apartment homes feature light oak cabinetry, white quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and
FRESHLY PAINTED -- 3+2+ Loft. Beautiful top-floor condo featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a spacious loft. The home has been thoughtfully updated with luxury gray vinyl plank flooring, modern lighting, updated kitchen cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and custom tile work in the bathrooms. The loft area offers skylights that bring in abundant natural light, while
The Hamptons at Town Center, a luxurious community of apartments for rent in Germantown, MD. Gorgeously landscaped grounds, spacious interiors, an amazing amenities package and a perfect location make this the ideal place to call home. You'll feel pampered every day as you lounge beside the sparkling swimming pool, engage in a friendly game on the tennis court or just relax with your neighbors in
. Spacious,bright, well maintaind condo with 2 BR, 2 FB, Den, Sun Room, and fireplace. Sep DR, MBR w/walk in Closet. Coverd Balcony off LR. W/D in Laundry. Sep. storage. Close to all commuting,schools, shopping
Welcome to Pinnacle at Town Center – Germantown's premier address for modern living. Our one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments combine open-concept layouts with sleek, contemporary finishes, offering the perfect blend of style and sophistication. Nestled in the heart of Germantown's Town Center, you'll enjoy luxury living with unmatched convenience, just moments from shopping, dining, and
Nicely updated spacious 2 bedroom 2 bath condo with balcony, open-concept living dining room combo, decorative fireplace, en suite master bath, ample closet space, w/d in unit. Ample unassigned parking, backs to Lake with walking trails, paths and community pool. Convenient to NIH, DOE, NIST, Marc Train and commuter routes.
Elms Germantown has some of the most spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes in all of Germantown. The community also offers one of the best locations in the area for great shopping, dining, and entertainment. With SO many great choices in Elms Germantown’s neighborhood, choosing your next apartment home has never been easier.
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