Homes and Neighborhoods

Cabin John and Glen Echo lie along the Potomac River to the southwest of the NIH campus. The two closely connected neighborhoods resemble their larger neighbors of Potomac and Bethesda in many ways, but what sets Cabin John and Glen Echo apart are their secluded, old-world, wooded beauty. The founders of Glen Echo described it in an 1888 advertisement as, "Glen Echo on the Potomac: The Washington Rhine." Closely following the Potomac River, the Chesapeake and Ohio National Historic Park passes through both neighborhoods. Glen Echo is notable for its national historic sites: Glen Echo Park (a historic amusement park), and the Clara Barton National Historic Site. Originally a Chautauqua retreat, Glen Echo Park is frequently a venue for arts and cultural classes, such as pottery and dance.

Chevy Chase, Maryland lies within walking distance of Northwest Washington D.C. This community of nearly 120,000 residents offers a quieter, more serene alternative to D.C. without sacrificing most of the amenities of its big-city neighbor. Chevy Chase provides some of the best shopping and dining options in the greater D.C. region, as well as numerous hotels and cultural offerings to accommodate overflow from the nation's capital.

A quiet suburb, Chevy Chase is largely occupied by executives and professionals from a number of different fields, as well as a significant number of government employees and salespeople. Average income and education levels in the area are very high, and rank among the top 15% in the nation. Because the area is served by three Metro  stations and numerous bus stops, getting into the city for business or pleasure can be accomplished with relative ease.

Homes in the area were largely built prior to 1939, with some constructed in more recent years. Most of the residences in the area are single family homes, and are typically of medium size (3-4 bedrooms). There are some houses of other sizes, and a few smaller apartment complexes or condominiums are available as well. Chevy Chase has a good mix of renters and owners, and home prices are more reasonable than in many other parts of the area.

Gaithersburg is a sizable incorporated city north of Rockville and to the west of Upper Rock Creek Park. Southern Gaithersburg contains the Shady Grove Metro Station, the northern-most stop on the Metro's Red Line which also stops at the NIH main campus on its way into downtown Washington.

Defying the suburban stereotype of uniformity, Gaithersburg has a variety of housing, ranging from high-rise apartments to single-family homes. Gaithersburg hosts Kentlands, an early example of "smart growth," a walkable, mixed-use development of homes, retail locations, a movie theater, grocery store, schools, churches, and restaurants.

Despite recent growth, Germantown maintains its historic, rural character. The town is completely surrounded by parkland, including North Germantown Special Park, Black Hill Regional Park, Little Seneca Lake, Hoyles Mill Conservation Park, South Germantown Recreational Park, Seneca Creek State Park, and Clopper Lake. A swath of woodland separates Germantown from Gaithersburg to the south.

Germantown is accessible by I-270 which runs south to the Capital Beltway, as well as by the MARC commuter train which connects with the closest Metro station, the Shady Grove Station in Gaithersburg.

North Potomac and Darnestown are in many ways rural extensions of Potomac, yet the amenities of Gaithersburg and Rockville to the east are within a reasonable distance by car. The area features increased access to parks such as Aberdeen, Muddy Branch, Blockhouse Point, Seneca Creek State Park, and Lake Needwood. Homes in the area are large and situated on generous lots of cleared farmland while about 50% of the area remains forested.

Olney, Sandy Spring, and Brookeville are centered in the agricultural area of upper Montgomery County, northeast of Rockville. These areas have great access to the Triadelphia Reservoir and the beautiful Patuxent River State Park. They also lie to the east of Upper Rock Creek Park and Lake Needwood.

Primarily residential, about half of all Olney households have children under 18 living with them. In 2007, Money Magazine ranked Olney 17th out of 100 for "America's Best Places to Live," making it the highest-ranked town in Maryland.

Potomac is located about 15 miles northwest of Washington, D.C. and is named for the river it borders. Potomac real estate is not just for water-lovers, however. Because of the area’s rolling hills and large lots, many Potomac real estate owners are also horse owners. A variety of recreational activities can be enjoyed at the popular and scenic Great Falls National Park , part of which is located in the Potomac area.

Potomac is home to some of the state’s – and the nation’s – wealthiest neighborhoods, such as Falconhurst, Bradley Farms, Palatine, and the golf community of Avenel . The most affluent homes are tucked in and around Potomac Village, a local shopping district featuring upscale shops and restaurants. But essentially all Potomac real estate is desirable, and large, single-family, million-dollar homes dominate the area. Many Potomac real estate owners are retirees who appreciate the proximity to the city but prefer the natural beauty of this picturesque suburb. Commuters are also drawn to Potomac; several professional athletes, CEOs, and members of the media reside in the area. If you are looking to live in an area with ample opportunities for outdoor activities, Potomac might be the right place for you.

Homes in the area are mostly single-family houses, and there are few condos or apartments located in Potomac. Family homes are generally large in size (4+ bedrooms), but there are some medium-sized homes (3-4 bedrooms) in the area. Additionally, most homes in the area were built in the last 40 years, making them a bit newer than many of the houses found in areas closer to downtown D.C.

With its city center just eight miles north of NIH's main campus, Rockville is an ideal location for those who value a short commute by either car or Metro (the Washington area's subway). Rockville is a medium-sized community that affords both the amenities of a cosmopolitan city while still being family-friendly. Rockville's excellent public schools make it a perfect environment to raise children. Scientists and white collar workers make up nearly ninety percent of Rockville's workforce.