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.
Bright and colorful mural at South Kensington's Babycat Brewery.
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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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.
South Kensington residents enjoy seamless bus access for convenient travel.
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.
On average, homes in South Kensington, MD sell after 21 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The median sale price for homes in South Kensington, MD over the last 12 months is $1,185,000, up 21% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Megan is an accomplished real estate professional with over 25 years of experience. As a recognized Washingtonian top producer in the region, and a GUILD™ recognized certified luxury home specialist, she is deeply aligned with the sophisticated representation of true luxury to expertly sell elegant estates and fine properties. Here, Megan has the ability to not only help her DC Metropolitan-based clients buy and sell property, but also assist clients from all over the country and world. Her expertise and vast network in Asia and Europe are instrumental in her ability to provide global service and resources.
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.
