Are you considering relocating to Washington DC? You don’t have to live in the city proper of our nation’s capital to take advantage of the 68 square miles of creative intellects, robust job market, and fantastic foodie scene. There are several reasons to live in one of DC’s well-established or upcoming suburban neighborhoods. Namely, square footage for the price, green lawns, and neighborhood amenities. Here are five of the best suburbs of Washington DC to call home.
Bethesda
With a population of 62,448, Bethesda has an average home price of just under $900,000. However, it’s not hard to find a spacious family home in the $300,000 to $500,000 range. Renters will find condos as low as $1,500 per month.
You’ll be seven miles north of the city, a quick metro ride to work or entertainment. Young families and professionals will find Bethesda to be a convenient, safe, and trendy neighborhood. It was designated as an Arts & Entertainment District by the state of Maryland.
Bethesda Row is a popular shopping district, and the Strathmore Music Center features art exhibitions and world-class concerts.
Chevy Chase
If you’ve dreamed of living in a Colonial style or Historic Cape Cod home, peaceful Chevy Chase could be your haven. A 46-minute commute to the city center, the neighborhood’s average home price is around $900,000. Smaller families and singles can own a condo for approximately $500,000, and renters pay an average of $2,242 per month.
Residents in Chevy Chase include families, singles, and retirees. Most of them are homeowners.
Parks, restaurants, and coffee shops abound, giving the neighborhood an air of urban-suburban mix. Rock Creek Park is a favorite spot for residents. The park has plenty of outdoor activities, including golfing, tennis, horseback riding, and 32 miles of trails. On the urban side, the Shops at Wisconsin Place features trendy, elegant stores like Bloomingdale’s and Talbots.
Cathedral Heights
Cathedral Heights is only 3.5 miles from the city center, yet the look and feel are surprisingly residential. It’s the perfect neighborhood for DC professionals looking for large lots, a calm atmosphere, and safety.
The Washington National Cathedral is the neighborhood’s centerpiece, and its surrounded by lots of traditional brick architecture and huge old trees. Home styles are varied and include single-family homes, multi-family units, condos, co-ops, and semi-detached houses. Prices are just as varied ranging from around $170,000 for a condo to 500,000 for a single-family home.
Cathedral Heights is bike and pedestrian-friendly, and dog parks are scattered throughout the neighborhood. The neighbors are friendly and welcoming. Green spaces include Newark Park and Turtle Park. Cathedral Heights is also home to the Kreeger Museum and Sculpture Gardens.
Reston
Families looking for lots of outdoor activity in a safe suburban neighborhood will find it all in Reston, VA. The average commute is only 29 minutes. Reston residents live in spacious, modern condos and townhomes for around $250,000 to $500,000.
The Reston community is close-knit, and residents enjoy awesome walking and biking paths. Baron Cameron Park is a lovely green space with a playground, merry-go-round, athletic fields, and a community garden. Scenic Lake Fairfax offers the chance to fish, rent a paddleboard, and even go on a family camping trip.
Reston isn’t short on shopping and dining either with places like the Reston Town Center and Tyson’s Corner. Pools and tennis courts are plentiful, and great schools make Reston a top choice for families with children.
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Alexandria
Alexandria is a picturesque residential neighborhood about eight miles south of the city center. The homes are full of character, and some portions of the community have cobblestone streets. The eastern length of the area has stunning views of the Potomac River.
The neighborhood is home to the Alexandria Black History Museum, and the Jones Point Park chronicles the city’s history with a 19th-century lighthouse and boundary stones laid in 1791.
Downtown DC is easy to get to making Alexandria highly accessible for those who want a peaceful neighborhood close to the city. The average home price is $557,000. The community has a good amount of renters who pay an average of $1,700 per month.
Plenty of parks, cafes, and coffee shops dot the neighborhood, giving it a hip, urban feel. For families, the schools are above average.
