Living In the Washington Metro Area: Northwest Washington, D.C., Capital Hill and Bethesda, Chevy Chase and Potomac, Maryland
 

Living in the District of Columbia

Washington, D.C. is not only our nation’s capital. It is a vibrant international city and a unique blending of the many cultures and heritages represented by its residents and visitors. But reflecting over 230 years of American history as the center of our government, it has its own distinct character as well. In the closing decades of the twentieth century Washington, D.C. blossomed into a center of commerce and culture that rivals any of the great cities of the world.

Though Washington, D.C. is a city distinct from its political aspect, being the nation’s capital has its perks. Tourists from all over the world come to visit Washington’s fine museums, performing arts centers, fine restaurants, libraries, national monuments, parks and trails and government buildings. Washington, D.C. boasts museums such as the vast Smithsonian, a collection of many museums all over the city covering a wide range of areas. The Kennedy Center, National Theater, Warner Theater, Shakespeare Theater and more make Washington a major arts center.

A multitude of fine museums, performing arts productions, sporting events, fine restaurants, libraries, national monuments, parks and trails, offer a spectacular array of cultural, educational, dining and entertainment opportunities. The temperate climate of the area, graced by the splendor of the cherry blossoms, numerous flowering dogwoods and azaleas in the spring, glorious blazing colors in the fall and very moderate winters, makes D.C. a haven for all, including those battered by the elements elsewhere. Washington, D.C. is an ideal place to live, work and raise a family.

Living In Bethesda, Maryland

Bethesda is a vibrant and unique blend of the rich and varied resources of an urban environment in an unusually lovely setting. A smorgasbord for the gourmet and casual diner, Bethesda boasts nearly two hundred fine restaurants to choose from. Every Friday and Saturday night people drive or take the Metro into Bethesda from all over the Washington region to feast on the vast dining selection offered in Bethesda. All kinds of shoppers can find what they need and what they don’t in Bethesda’s wide variety of shops and boutiques, galleries, bookstores and grocery stores. From assorted businesses and professional services, to a multi-screen cinema and a 400-seat theater to exotic cuisines and health clubs - Bethesda has it all.

For the health and fitness conscious there are many conveniently located health clubs, hiking and biking trails, public playing fields and swimming pools, including a year-round aquatic center in North Bethesda and the YMCA. Several public skating rinks can be found around Bethesda, including the recently rebuilt Cabin John Rink, an abundance of tennis courts and riding stables. For the golfer, Bethesda is not much more than a long 3-iron shot from five or six courses. Easy access to the Potomac River, of course, is a great draw for kayakers and canoeists.

For the nature lover, Bethesda specifically, and Montgomery County and the District in the bigger picture are quite idyllic. Highlights include Rock Creek Park (shared with the District), Montgomery County’s extensive network of neighborhood “pocket parks,” Cabin John and Wheaton Regional Parks, the National Crescent Trail – which begins right in the center of Bethesda and continues to Georgetown, Great Falls and all the trails along the Potomac. The Audubon Center, McCrillis and Brookside Gardens and Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown are all favorites for a picnic or just a walk in nature. Bethesda is in its glory in the spring with flowering cherry and Bradford pear trees (a drive or stroll through Kenwood during cherry blossom season is a special treat). Also, with the gorgeous displays of azaleas in all hues, forsythia, dogwood, and rhododendrons, the brilliant colors of fall are quite splendid too.

Academically speaking, Bethesda students attend Montgomery County Public Schools, which is the 17th largest school system in the country and is admired nationwide. More than 90% of students graduate and nearly 70% of students participate in AP and honors courses. Its public schools are superior judged by any criterion – the achievements of their students in the classroom and on state and national tests, the breadth and depth of their academic curricula and programs in the arts, average class size, teacher/pupil ratios, operating and capital budgets and teachers’ salaries. So too are their athletic programs, which are supplemented at appropriate age levels with County and club teams, ensuring that not only varsity-caliber athletes have the opportunity to compete. There are also many excellent private and parochial schools extending from pre-school through twelfth grade. The convenience, dining, shopping, beauty and schools of Bethesda make it the perfect place to live!

Living in the Town of Chevy Chase, Maryland

Chevy Chase is a town of about 3,000 residents located along the Maryland border with Washington, DC. The land was originally purchased in the 1890s by Chevy Chase Land Company. In the 20th century, and primarily after World War 1, Chevy Chase Land Company began to develop the area of Chevy Chase by building infrastructure, shopping areas and homes.

Chevy Chase is adjacent to Friendship Heights, a growing community of shopping, fine dining and entertainment. Friendship Heights is home to Mazza Gallerie, a major shopping mall located just over the border into the District of Columbia. Also nearby is Rock Creek Park, an ideal location for biking and hiking. The Audubon Naturalist Society’s Nature Preserve is also located in Chevy Chase, as is a community swimming pool and library. Ride-On Buses and Metrobuses cover much of the Chevy Chase community making access to the Friendship Heights Metro Station, and the entire Metro system, very easy.

Academically speaking, Chevy Chase students attend Montgomery County Public Schools, which is the 17th largest school system in the country and is admired nationwide. More than 90% of students graduate and nearly 70% of students participate in AP and honors courses. Its public schools are superior judged by any criterion – the achievements of their students in the classroom and on state and national tests, the breadth and depth of their academic curricula and programs in the arts, average class size, teacher/pupil ratios, operating and capital budgets and teachers’ salaries. So too are their athletic programs, which are supplemented at appropriate age levels with County and club teams, ensuring that not only varsity-caliber athletes have the opportunity to compete. There are also many excellent private and parochial schools extending from pre-school through twelfth grade. Chevy Chase combines the ease of living near Washington, D.C with beautiful homes and terrific schools, making Chevy Chase a great place to live.

Living in Potomac, Maryland

Potomac, Maryland is known for its expensive homes and high profile residents. Located about 20 minutes from Washington, DC, Potomac is among the most affluent towns in the country. Many of its homes sit on many acres of property, making the town among the most rural of the area. Originally farmland, Potomac is a vast expanse of land dotted with large and beautiful homes.

Speaking of farmland, Potomac still boasts Homestead Farm, an operational farm where strawberry and blueberry in the summer or pumpkin picking and a hayride in the fall will always make for a fun day at the farm. For a different experience with nature, the river from which Potomac gets its name runs parallel to River Road and is easily accessible. One popular afternoon activity is canoeing and a picnic at Swain’s Lock, between the Potomac River and the C&O Canal. Potomac also is known for horse stables. There are a number of horse shows and events that occur each year in Potomac.

Conveniently located near the middle of Potomac is Potomac Village, a small collection of shops, grocery stores, banks and restaurants. It is easily accessible and will provide for most daily needs. Another shopping center is located at the intersection of Seven Locks Road and Tuckerman Lane: Cabin John Shopping Center. Potomac is also located just a stone’s throw away from downtown Bethesda and the dining and shopping available there. It is also only minutes from Montgomery Mall, among the best and largest malls in the area.

Academically speaking, Potomac students attend Montgomery County Public Schools, which is the 17th largest school system in the country and is admired nationwide. More than 90% of students graduate and nearly 70% of students participate in AP and honors courses. Its public schools are superior judged by any criterion – the achievements of their students in the classroom and on state and national tests, the breadth and depth of their academic curricula and programs in the arts, average class size, teacher/pupil ratios, operating and capital budgets and teachers’ salaries. So too are their athletic programs, which are supplemented at appropriate age levels with County and club teams, ensuring that not only varsity-caliber athletes have the opportunity to compete. There are also many excellent private and parochial schools extending from pre-school through twelfth grade. Potomac’s gorgeous homes, vast areas of property, shopping, natural beauty and schools make it a great place to live!