Bright and colorful mural at South Kensington's Babycat Brewery.
Small-town feel outside the nation's capital
The small-community feel of South Kensington makes this Maryland suburb just miles from Washington, D.C., a beyond-the-Beltway hometown hamlet. With its close proximity to Connecticut Avenue and the Capital Beltway, residents can zip back and forth from D.C. jobs. “This is an incredible location in terms of commuting,” Ron Ziegle, member of the Jane Fairway Team of Long and Foster, says. Besides location, the selection of schools attracts homebuyers to the area. And a new South Kensington Purple Line Metro station will enhance commuting options and likely spur retail and business development in the neighborhood. “Schools, location and Metro – that is what people are looking for,” Ziegle says.
Former farmlands are now filled with housing
Cape Cods, split-levels and ranch-style houses fill small subdivisions here. Most homes date to the 1950s and 1960s and spacious lots are one of the neighborhood’s most noted features. Housing demand has prompted enterprising developers to scoop up any available lots. Some aging homes have been removed to make way for newer builds. Prices range from $490,000 to $2.3 million. Despite its residential density and commuter population, South Kensington has underlying hints of a pastoral past — mature trees, hilly landscapes and green spaces. Some neighborhoods, like Rock Creek Hills, were once large swaths of private farmland.
Charming modern colonial home with an inviting front porch in South Kensington.
Lovely ranch-style home in South Kensington.
A split-level home in South Kensington.
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Local schools excel
Rosemary Hills Elementary School is an A-rated Niche school. North Chevy Chase Elementary School also has high Niche marks — A. Silver Creek Middle School, shrouded by a thicket of trees off Kensington Parkway, provides students with an outdoor education program for sixth graders, including time at Camp Letts on the Eastern Shore. And the middle school is another A-rated school. Students finish up their education at the A-rated Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. Grace Episcopal Day School offers a faith-based education emphasizing special trips like camping on the Eastern Shore. And kids don’t have to travel far from home if they so choose — there are 14 colleges and universities local to the area, including American and Georgetown universities and the University of Maryland.
South Kensington's Silver Creek Middle is an IB World school.
Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, located in the Downtown Bethesda neighborhood.
Unleashing curious minds at Rosemary Hills Elementary School in Silver Spring.
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The tranquil sounds of Rock Creek Park
A natural quietness fills the area, thanks to the bordering Rock Creek Park and its abundance of trees. The park’s Rock Creek Trail along Beach Road lines parts of the neighborhood, allowing hiking, biking and scenic views right at your doorstep. A historic 1930s log cabin, tennis courts and basketball courts are available on Kensington Cabin Park’s roughly 4 acres. Children will jump all aboard the park’s miniature locomotive and imagine the choo-choo sounds and the clickety-clack on the tracks as they make the train’s whistle ring with an audible woo-woo.
Jump all aboard Kensington Cabin Park’s miniature locomotive.
Take the scenic route along Rock Creek Trail in South Kensington.
Kensington Cabin Park features a historic 1930s Log Cabin.
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Get your meats cut to order
The adjacent downtown Kensington area, recognizable for its Queen Anne and Victorian architecture, offers shopping in quaint local boutiques and stores such as The Sunflowers Consignment Boutique and Love People Records. About 3 miles away, the Westfield Mall is a two-level shopping center with Macy’s, Costco and Target. At Kensington Market, a local butcher on the northwest side of neighboring Parkwood, the cuts of meat aren’t the only things that will cater to your culinary tastes. Side dish delicacies include roasted butternut squash and a thick macaroni and cheese that is peppered with truffles.
Spring is in full bloom in South Kensington.
Antique Village boasts an eclectic array of merchandise.
Spend the day at Westfield Mall, conveniently located 3 miles from South Kensington.
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South Kensington residents enjoy seamless bus access for convenient travel.
Metrorail and MARC commuter trains can ease the traffic pain
The Capital Beltway is the neighborhood’s artery leading to D.C. but be aware that already-not-so-light traffic can become snarled by construction projects – so plan accordingly. And four Metro bus and rail stations and two MARC commuter rail stations help ease traffic woes. Three airports serve the region: Reagan National, Dulles International and Baltimore-Washington International.
Plenty of events to stay busy
A local farmers market is held every Saturday morning at the Historic Train Station at 3701 Howard Ave. The Kensington Arts Theatre holds various events throughout the year. And every April, there is the Day of the Book Festival.
Iconic temple overlooks commuters
The six spires of the Washington, D.C., Temple of the Latter-day Saints of Jesus Christ overlook the neighborhood from its hilltop perch. The white marble edifice, similar in design to the Utah-based faith’s landmark Salt Lake Temple, is a common neighborhood fixture and an almost celestial sight from the Capital Beltway. The Visitor’s Center is open to the public and its elevated grounds include trees blowing in the breeze and flowers waiting for admiration.
Beautiful water feature at the Temple of the Latter-Day Saints.
Tranquil garden oasis at the Temple of Latter Day Saints in South Kensington.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Deirdre Fricke,
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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This expanded and updated classic brick rambler combines timeless charm with modern upgrades. A standout feature is the spacious primary suite addition, complete with vaulted ceiling and a cozy sitting area. The beautifully renovated kitchen (2021) offers abundant cabinetry, quartz countertops, new flooring, a deep stainless-steel sink, and matching stainless-steel appliances. Additional updates
Very rare opportunity to acquire a beautifully updated home with gorgeous lap pool situated on just over half an acre in the highly coveted neighborhood of Chevy Chase View. The main level features 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 updated full bathrooms. Newly refinished hardwood floors throughout the main level. Completely renovated kitchen with white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, quartz
Welcome to this charming turn-of-the-century farmhouse, perfectly situated on a picturesque quarter-acre corner lot in the heart of Kensington. Brimming with character, this home showcases hardwood floors, built-in bookcases, stained-glass accents, and natural light. A gracious staircase anchors the main level, while three bedrooms and one-and-a-half baths provide comfortable living.Enjoy
3 bedroom, 1 full bath detached house in Kensington. Hardwood floors on main level, with wood burning fireplace in the living room. Kitchen with ceramic tile floor, granite countertops, oak cabinets and white appliances including a dishwasher. Unfinished Basement provides plenty of storage and laundry area. Central air and gas furnace. Backyard is fenced and level. Quiet cozy neighborhood, walk
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WELCOME to this beautifully updated, recently constructed (2023) 2-bedroom, 1-full bath, Lower Level Unit, located in the quiet and highly sought-after Kensington community. This well-maintained unit boasts numerous upgrades, including a full kitchen with stainless steel appliances perfect for everyday living and entertaining. Separate living room/dining room area. The open-concept layout with
We're proud to introduce our renovated community that combines affordability with convenience. The Glen at Kensington offers comfortable living at an affordable price point, making it an ideal choice for those seeking quality living. Located at 10220 Frederick Ave, we provide easy access to everything you need, from local shops and dining to excellent schools and parks. At The Glen, we believe in
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