Relocating to the DC Metro Area offers lots of choices of location and lifestyle. One place to consider is Montgomery County, Maryland. Next to Washington, DC, Montgomery County offers the option of big city lifestyle and small town charm. Homes range from studio apartments to large estates. Montgomery County has some of the largest employers in the country, like the Federal Government and Marriott, and lots of cultural opportunities, great restaurants and good shopping. The county’s schools are some of the best in the nation and its residents are among the most well educated. Montgomery County offers a unique mix of vibrant communities and plenty of recreational activities. Located just outside Washington D.C., it provides easy access to the nation’s capital while maintaining a peaceful suburban feel. Whether it’s the multitude of IT jobs, the diverse geography, or the efficient transportation system, there are countless reasons to love your new home here.
Relocating to the DC Metro Area? Consider these MOCO Neighborhoods
- Bethesda: Known for its lively downtown, Bethesda is perfect for those who love dining out and shopping. The area also boasts excellent schools and beautiful parks.
- Rockville: Rockville offers a family-friendly atmosphere with great schools and numerous community events. Rockville Town Square is a local favorite for dining and entertainment.
- Silver Spring: A diverse and bustling area with a thriving arts scene, Silver Spring is great for those who enjoy cultural activities and nightlife. From ice-skating to historic homes, Silver Spring offers lots of things to do.
- Gaithersburg: This community is known for its strong sense of community and family-friendly events. Gaithersburg hosts evening concerts throughout the summer and the popular Montgomery County Agricultural Fair, making it an ideal place for families and those who enjoy local festivities.
Education Excellence
If education is your main concern, you’ll be pleased to know that more than 160,000 students attend Montgomery County’s public schools. With a low teacher-to-student ratio, students receive the focused instruction they need to succeed. For the 2024-25 school year, there are 212 public schools serving 161,038 students in Montgomery County, MD (there are 196 private schools, serving 32,595 private students). 83% of all K-12 students in Montgomery County, MD are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%). Montgomery County has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in Maryland.
The top ranked public schools in Montgomery County, MD are Thomas S. Wootton High School, Walt Whitman High School and Winston Churchill High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school’s combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Relocating to the DC Metro Area? Fall in Love with Recreational Activities in Montgomery County
For outdoor enthusiasts, Montgomery County doesn’t disappoint. Golfers can choose from 30 public and private courses across the county to hit the links. Enjoy fishing and hunting at Germantown’s Black Hills Regional Park or watch a soccer game at the Maryland Soccerplex. Rockville’s Millennium Trail offers a great way to explore the city, and Gaithersburg hosts evening concerts throughout the summer and the popular Montgomery County Agricultural Fair. The Capital Crescent Trail runs from Bethesda to Georgetown, offering a great walk, run, skate or dog walk for Montgomery County residents. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal is a beloved historic waterway that runs along the Potomac River through Montgomery County, offering a habitat to migrating birds, turtles and more. People love watching the barges at Great Falls and feeding the ducks and swans with their families.
Historic Sites in Montgomery County
When deciding where you want to live when relocating to the DC Metro Area, you might want a place with historic sites. Montgomery County has lots of history to share! Culture lovers will enjoy the C&O Canal National Historic Park, the Mormon Temple Visitor Center, the Clara Barton National Historic Site and Glen Echo next door with its beautiful century old carousel. February is Black History Month. Take an African American Heritage Road Trip, visit Josiah Henson Museum & Park, venture along the Underground Railroad Experience Trail at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, or get hands-on experience of plantation life at the Sandy Spring Slave Museum.
If you are interested in performing arts, you have lots of choices in Montgomery County from the Fillmore in Silver Spring (an outgrowth of the famed Fillmore in San Francisco) to the Adventure Theatre in Glen Echo to the Strathmore Performing Arts Center. There is always something to do in Montgomery County.
Relocating to the DC Metro Area? Check Out Shopping and Dining in MOCO
If you are relocating to the DC metro area and shopping or fine restaurants are your criteria, rest assured that MOCO has you covered. Montgomery County is a shopper’s paradise. Bethesda and Wheaton boast two of the largest malls in the Washington metro area, while Chevy Chase offers some of the most upscale shopping in the region. For dining, Bethesda has a wealth of restaurants to satisfy any appetite, and Wheaton and Silver Spring each offer diverse culinary options.
Transportation Ease When Relocating to the DC Metro Area
With three major airports nearby, two interstates, and the Metro Red Line running through the county, getting around is easy. These efficient transportation options ensure you’re well-connected to Washington D.C. and beyond. The new Purple Line when completed will allow commuters to board a train from 21 stations across 16 miles and travel to work, school, and recreation destinations across Prince George’s and Montgomery counties with direct connections to Metrorail, AMTRAK, MARC commuter rail, and bus networks.
