Looking for the perfect mix of city amenities and suburban comfort near the nation’s capital? These ten cities have you covered. Each one offers unique character, from historic charm to modern convenience, and would be a great place to call home in 2024.

The best cities near Washington DC

  1. Arlington, VA
  2. Alexandria, VA
  3. Bethesda, MD
  4. Silver Spring, MD
  5. Rockville, MD
  6. Reston, VA
  7. McLean, VA
  8. Falls Church, VA
  9. Germantown, MD
  10. Gaithersburg, MD
A duck swimming in pond before Washington monument.
Photo by Caroline McFarland on Unsplash

1. Arlington, VA

  • Driving distance from DC: 7.0 miles
  • Commute time to DC via car: 19 minutes
  • Median rent: $2,739, according to July 2024 rent research
  • Best for: Young professionals and families
  • Attractions: Arlington National Cemetery, The Pentagon, Signature Theatre, Gravelly Point Park

Why Arlington is a great place to live

Arlington is perfect for those who want to be close to the action of Washington DC without sacrificing the sense of community. With its diverse neighborhoods like Clarendon and Ballston, Arlington offers something for everyone. The city’s excellent public schools, such as Arlington Science Focus School and Yorktown High School, make it a top choice for families, while young professionals appreciate the easy commute to DC and the lively restaurant and bar scene along Wilson Boulevard and in the Courthouse neighborhood.

2. Alexandria, VA

Why Alexandria is a great place to live

Alexandria’s rich history and stunning architecture make it a picturesque place to call home. The city’s Old Town neighborhood, with its cobblestone streets and 18th-century buildings, transports residents back in time, while the waterfront offers modern dining and entertainment options. Nature lovers will appreciate the city’s numerous parks and trails, including the Mount Vernon Trail, which runs along the Potomac River. The King Street-Old Town Metro station provides easy access to DC, making Alexandria an excellent choice for commuters.

3. Bethesda, MD

Why Bethesda is a great place to live

Bethesda is known for its upscale lifestyle and excellent public schools, making it a top choice for families and professionals. The city’s downtown area, Bethesda Row, features high-end shopping, dining, and entertainment options, while the Strathmore Arts Center hosts world-class performances. Bethesda’s location along the Capital Crescent Trail provides easy access to outdoor recreation, and the city’s numerous parks, including Cabin John Regional Park, offer plenty of green space to enjoy.

4. Silver Spring, MD

Why Silver Spring is a great place to live

Silver Spring is a diverse and welcoming community with a lively downtown that boasts a mix of local and national retailers, along with a host of restaurants featuring global cuisines that reflect the area’s diversity. The city’s various cultural events and festivals, such as the Silver Spring Jazz Festival and the Silver Spring Blues Festival, provide an energy that can’t be beat. With its proximity to Washington, DC, and affordable housing options, Silver Spring is an excellent choice for those looking for a budget-friendly place to call home.

5. Rockville, MD

Why Rockville is a great place to live

Rockville is a hub for the biotech industry, with numerous companies and research institutions calling the city home. This makes it an excellent choice for professionals in the field. The city also has a variety of parks and green spaces, including RedGate Park and Rockville Civic Center Park, offering residents plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Rockville Town Square is the city’s downtown area, with a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

6. Reston, VA

Why Reston is a great place to live

Reston is a planned community designed with walkability and outdoor recreation in mind. The city features over 55 miles of trails, as well as numerous lakes and parks, including Lake Fairfax Park, where residents can camp, fish, or boat at their leisure. Reston Town Center serves as the city’s hub, with a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The city is also home to numerous tech companies, making it an excellent choice for professionals.

7. McLean, VA

Why McLean is a great place to live

McLean is known for its luxury lifestyle, with high-end shopping and dining options at Tysons Corner Center and Tysons Galleria. The city is also home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, making it an excellent choice for professionals seeking career opportunities. Despite its upscale reputation, McLean offers plenty of green space, with parks like Scott’s Run Nature Preserve and the Claude Moore Colonial Farm providing a glimpse into the area’s history.

8. Falls Church, VA

  • Driving distance from DC: 9.8 miles
  • Commute time to DC via car: 21 minutes
  • Median rent: $2,728, according to July 2024 rent research
  • Best for: Small-town charm and excellent schools
  • Attractions: Eden Center, Cherry Hill Park, State Theatre, Foxstone Park

Why Falls Church is a great place to live

Falls Church offers a small-town feel with easy access to the amenities of Washington, DC. The city’s excellent public schools, including George Mason High School and Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School, make it a top choice for families. The Eden Center, a Vietnamese shopping center, is one of the best spots for great dining in the area. Falls Church also has numerous parks, including Cherry Hill Park and Foxstone Park, so residents can enjoy the outdoors.

9. Germantown, MD

Why Germantown is a great place to live

Renters wanting a suburban lifestyle with easy access to DC will enjoy Germantown. The area is full of parks, including Seneca Creek State Park, and offers residents a cultural scene at The BlackRock Center for the Arts, which hosts a variety of performances and events throughout the year. Germantown is also home to the Maryland SoccerPlex, a premier sports complex that hosts numerous tournaments and events.

10. Gaithersburg, MD

Why Gaithersburg is a great place to live

Gaithersburg is far enough from DC to feel more laid-back but has plenty of restaurants and activities to keep its residents feeling lively. With its lakefront boardwalk and paddle boat rentals, the city’s RIO Washingtonian Center is a popular destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Gaithersburg also has numerous parks and recreational facilities, including Bohrer Park, which features a water park and a miniature golf course. The city’s Kentlands neighborhood, with its neo-traditional design and walkable streets, adds to its unique charm.

With a rich history, vibrant culture, excellent schools, and diverse amenities, these cities near Washington DC offer unparalleled living options for anyone looking to enjoy the best urban and suburban lifestyles in 2024.

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