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Potomac

Potomac

Located in Montgomery County

$1,401,593 Average Value
$348 Average Price per Sq Ft
142 Homes For Sale

Luxury living near the nation's capital

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Come find your dream home in Carderock.
Homes in Potomac are custom built to be one of a kind.
Homes in Potomac are custom built to be one of a kind.
A modern home with some classic lines in Potomac.
A modern home with some classic lines in Potomac.
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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.
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 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.
The Billy Goat Trail offers adventurous hikes with stunning Potomac views.
Enjoy a variety of activities at the Potomac Recreation Center for all ages
Enjoy a variety of activities at the Potomac Recreation Center for all ages
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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.
Herbert Hoover Middle School in the Montgomery County School System.
Potomac Elementary School is 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.
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.
North Bethesda Middle School nurtures strong, positive relationships between staff and students, located in the Alta Vista neighborhood.
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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
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.
Retail and dining options are minutes away from Carderock.
Potomac Place Shopping Center has a village like feel with it's colonial architecture.
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
Potomac Grocer is the local choice for fresh food and pantry essentials
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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.

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.

Adreanna DeMarino
Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
David MacNeill
Photography Contributed By
David MacNeill
Jarrod Bock
Video By
Jarrod Bock

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

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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

Potomac Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$1,320,000
Median Sale Price
$1,321,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,410,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$948,500
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$874,990
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
474
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
0%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$348

Area Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
16,129
Number of Homes for Sale
142
Median Year Built
1976
Months of Supply
3.60
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
6,133
Significantly above the national average
1,925
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,633
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,538
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,107
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
23,958

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Oct 5
    Open Sun 2PM - 4PM

    10739 Deborah Dr, Potomac, MD 20854

    $790,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 2,573 Sq Ft
    • 10739 Deborah Dr
    • New 4 days ago

    Nestled in the charming Inverness Forest community, this delightful end-of-row townhouse offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Built in 1972, this contemporary brick home has been lovingly maintained and boasts a very good condition, making it an inviting retreat for anyone seeking a warm and welcoming atmosphere. With five spacious bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms, this

    Agent Photo
    Kathi Kershaw
    Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
    (227) 229-2497
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  • Saturday, Oct 4
    Open Sat 1PM - 3PM

    13533 Magruder Farm Ct, Potomac, MD 20854

    $2,400,000

    • 6 Beds
    • 6.5 Baths
    • 7,317 Sq Ft
    • 13533 Magruder Farm Ct
    • New 1 day ago

    Situated in idyllic horse country Potomac, near multiple housing stables and riding courses! Spanning an impressive 2.54 AC lot and a custom-built 7k+ square feet residence across three levels + 4-car garage, this stately residence offers 6 bedrooms and 5.5 baths, blending timeless craftsmanship with modern amenities. Rich wood floors, crown moldings, and custom built-ins set the tone, while

    Sherif Abdalla Compass

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  • Saturday, Oct 4
    Open Sat 1PM - 3PM

    9537 Fox Hollow Dr, Potomac, MD 20854

    $1,450,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 4,240 Sq Ft
    • 9537 Fox Hollow Dr
    • New 7 days ago

    Welcome to 9537 Fox Hollow Drive STUNNING MITCHELL & BEST HOMES IN DESIRABLE BEDFORDSHIRE COMMUNITY! With View of a tranquil pond, This amazing 5-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom home spans over 4,525 finished square feet. Highlights include an enclosed Mitchell & Best's signature sunroom with vaulted ceiling and skylight, a walkout basement, a large deck overlooking a beautiful Pool with a fully fenced

    Mahin Ghadiri Weichert, REALTORS

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Neighborhoods in Potomac

Property Mix - Square Feet

Potomac Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
46,215
Median Age
49
Population under 18
22.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25.9%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$200,197
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$205,337

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.7%
College Graduates
83.8%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
54.6%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.4%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
27°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
16''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

28 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

17 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the 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.
Potomac