Potomac, Maryland, is a census-designated place just outside the Capital Beltway, about 14 miles northeast of Washington, D.C. The community of about 50,000 gets its name from the Potomac River along its west side. Potomac is a bit farther from the nation’s capital than other common commuter communities, like Bethesda or Chevy Chase, and locals like the privacy this provides. Potomac’s central commercial corridor has been around for a long time, and a top-rated school system serves the community. “People are attracted to this area for its prestige and proximity to D.C.,” says broker and owner of Reist Corp, Dick Stoner, who sells homes throughout Montgomery County. “People know each other. It’s not a small, folksy town, but people definitely know people who live on their street.”
The Potomac River is a central feature of the region’s natural beauty and recreation.
A view of many of the large estates that populate the neighborhood of Potomac.
Friends enjoy a game at the TPC Potomac at Avenel golf course in Carderock.
Team River Runner is a non profit program offering enriching experiences for service members.
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Large homes on large lots
Potomac’s neighborhoods are manicured, with neat, green grass, tidy landscaping, wide roads and a mature tree canopy. The area is known for its lavish housing and large lots. Potomac’s wide variety of architectural styles includes modern builds with sleek lines, Colonial Revivals with ivy crawling up the sides, Greek Revivals with stately columns and Mediterranean estates. Many houses have luxury amenities like pools, tennis courts and movie theatres, and townhouses are also available. The neighborhood’s median price is $1.2 million, significantly higher than the national median of around $430,000; however, home prices can reach the tens of millions.
Come find your dream home in Carderock.
Homes in Potomac are custom built to be one of a kind.
A modern home with some classic lines in Potomac.
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Montgomery County Public Schools and private options
Montgomery County Public Schools serve Potomac. Niche gives the district an A and ranks it the second-best district in Maryland. Niche puts both Walt Whitman High School and Winston Churchill High School on its list of Maryland's top five best public schools. Potomac also has many private options, including the faith-based St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, which serves kindergarteners to high school seniors; the K-12 college preparatory Bullis School; and The Harbor School, which educates children up to the third grade.
Herbert Hoover Middle School in the Montgomery County School System.
Potomac Elementary School is in the Montgomery County School system.
Winston Churchill High claims the #2 spot for best college prep high schools in MD.
North Bethesda Middle School nurtures strong, positive relationships between staff and students, located in the Alta Vista neighborhood.
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Scenic strolls and rock scrambles along The Billy Goat Trail
Potomac experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters. The area has multiple scenic hiking locations near the river, including the Billy Goat Trail, which is divided into three sections and spans over 10 miles. The trail system begins and ends at the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and gets its name from the strenuous first section, which requires hikers to hop across rocks like billy goats amid panoramic views of the Potomac River at Great Falls. The final two sections include some rock outcroppings but are easier than the beginning. Away from the river, the sprawling Cabin John Regional Park offers a range of outdoor activities, from nature programs to rides on a miniature train. Visitors can take their kids to the Adventure Playground, challenge each other to games on the sports facilities, bring their dogs to the Cabin John Regional Dog Park or circle the Cabin John Ice Rink in the winter. Golf is also popular in Potomac, and locals can tee off at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm, Congressional Country Club, Falls Road Golf Course or Burning Tree Country Club. For indoor activities, the Potomac Library hosts events throughout the year, from writing contests to chess club, while the Potomac Community Recreation Center has a fitness center, art room and more.
Enjoy a walk with your buddies at Cabin John Regional Park in West Bethesda, Potomac.
The Congressional Country Club in Carderock has a world class golf course established in 1924.
The Billy Goat Trail offers adventurous hikes with stunning Potomac views.
Enjoy a variety of activities at the Potomac Recreation Center for all ages
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Central commercial corridor and Park Potomac
Potomac’s shopping and dining options are concentrated in the center of town. “Potomac was built with a village concept,” Stoner explains. “Zoning originally didn’t allow for dining and shopping other than around the River Road and Falls Road crossroads, so there’s not much sprawl.” On the four corners created by the intersection of these two roads, colonial-style buildings house eateries with colorful awnings and bright doors, small shops and everyday amenities. Here, neighbors cluster at café tables, and the sidewalks are laid with brick. “Most of the restaurants have been there a long time. There’s very little turnover,” Stoner says. In the fall, Potomac Day begins with a parade at the Potomac Village shopping center and continues with games, rides, vendors and a vintage car show.
In the northern part of the neighborhood, Park Potomac is sometimes called downtown Potomac by locals. Located right off Interstate 270, this open-air mixed-use development offers shopping, dining, entertainment, office space and apartments. For medical services, Suburban Hospital is about 6 miles east in Bethesda.
Potomac’s Park Potomac shopping center is the place to be for great shopping and food
Retail and dining options are minutes away from Carderock.
Potomac Place Shopping Center has a village like feel with it's colonial architecture.
Potomac Grocer is the local choice for fresh food and pantry essentials
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Low crime rates in Potomac
Crime rates in Montgomery County are significantly lower than national averages. The violent crime rate in 2023 was about 2 per 1,000 residents, while the national violent crime rate was about 364 per 1,000 residents. The 2023 property crime rate was about 12 per 1,000 residents, while the national property crime rate was about 1,917 per 1,000 residents.
15 miles to Washington, D.C.
Potomac is a car-dependent community. “There can be traffic,” Stoner explains. “But the area is pretty well-served by multiple routes, so there are options.” To reach the nation’s capital, residents can drive for 15 miles down River Road. Just north of Potomac, Interstate 495 turns into Interstate 290. It leads south toward Northern Virginia and north toward Rockville, which has the closest Metro station, about 6 miles southwest. The Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, which offers nonstop flights to over 95 domestic and five international destinations, is about 20 miles southeast, while the Dulles International Airport, traveling to over 70 domestic and 60 international destinations, is about 25 miles southwest.
On average, homes in Potomac, MD sell after 21 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Potomac, MD over the last 12 months is $1,300,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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