Starting a new home search in the Washington, D.C., metro area can be an exciting endeavor. But before you get to picking out color schemes and throw pillows, you need to figure out the bones of the house — and most importantly, the location.
Between the DMV’s expansive size and infamous traffic, your location will determine not only which schools you’re zoned for and how far you are from the National Mall, but also things like how long it takes you to get to work and the grocery store. Buying your new home on the Maryland side of the metro area comes with many benefits. Here are just a few of our top reasons to buy your new home in Maryland.
Proximity to the coast
The proximity of the coast to Maryland’s D.C. suburbs is nearly unparalleled. Bethesda, for example, is one of the most inland-located suburbs and it’s still less than an hour from popular local beaches. Silver Spring puts you just 45 minutes from Riviera Beach and the Maryland Yacht Club, while Bowie residents can reach nearby marinas in 20 minutes. Annapolis, the National Harbor, and Georgetown Waterfront Park may not be sandy beaches but offer great waterfront views and activities as well, all within an easy drive (or Metro ride) from your new Maryland home.
Great schools
Families with children will find the public schools in Maryland’s D.C. suburbs are among the best in the state, with many also ranking nationally. Howard County took the top spot in Niche’s 2024 best schools in the state listings, with Montgomery County Schools closely following in second. Calvert County placed fifth, and Frederick County Public Schools took seventh. Several of the state’s DMV high schools [1] also placed within the top 200 in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 rankings. With 24 districts in the state and nearly 25,000 high schools ranked, top placements are telling: Residents appreciate that their children can attend some of the state’s top schools from nearly anywhere on the Maryland side of the DMV.
Variety of housing types and neighborhoods
Want a quiet, historical neighborhood with beautiful tree-lined streets and an easy commute to the city? How about a more urban-feeling highrise with some of the area’s best restaurants and shopping just steps from your door? Large, open lots with lots of newer homes, new neighborhoods, and included amenities? The options are endless, and you can find them all in Maryland’s D.C. suburbs.
Commuting options
Whether you’re looking to head to one of Maryland’s numerous healthcare organizations for work or need to commute into D.C. on a daily basis, when you live in the Maryland suburbs, your daily trip to work comes with options. There are several main arteries that lead to Baltimore, Annapolis, or the city for daily drivers. Maryland is also home to more than 20 Metrorail stations and public transportation commuters, along with numerous bus routes and Amtrak access. While D.C. traffic is busy, Maryland commuters will find they have options.
