Olney
Overview
Olney, Maryland is a relatively small residential community located to the north of Washington, D.C. Olney shares a border with Brookeville, Rockville, and Aspen Hill. In 2007, Money Magazine selected Olney as one of the top 20 best places to live in America. With such accolades, a small town feel, and positive appreciation rates, Olney is a hidden treasure that is certain to satisfy any future homeowner.
Real Estate
Olney has a population of just over 33,000 residents, who reside in over 10,000 homes and apartments. Olney has proven its homeowners to be wise investors. In the past year, appreciation rates have exceeded the national average. Even better, over the past ten years appreciation rates have averaged 74%, which is well above the national average. These homes were primarily constructed from the 1970s to the 1990s. The vast majority of Olney residents are homeowners, with about 90% of homes being owner-occupied single-family homes. With the exception of the town center, Olney's neighborhoods are set in suburban locations. Homes for sale in Olney
Education
The Montgomery County Public School District serves the residents of Olney. Students attend one of three public high schools: Magruder High School, Sherwood High School, or James Hubert Blake High School. Newsweek Magazine listed Magruder High School and Sherwood High School as two of the best schools in America. Magruder High School has also established itself as an athletic powerhouse. Throughout the years, Magruder’s students have won numerous regional and state championships in a number of sports. Overall, students of the Montgomery County Public School District outscore students throughout Maryland with respect to proficiency in reading and math. Students may also opt to attend one of the several nationally recognized private schools located throughout the area.
Shop and Dine
Despite primarily being a residential community, Olney offers its residents a wide variety of shopping and dining experiences. The recently renovated Fair Hill Shopping Center, the Olney Village Mart, and the Georgia Avenue Shopping Center each offer a wide variety of shopping options. Olney residents also have easy access to any one of the numerous shopping centers scattered throughout the neighboring towns.
For a bite to eat, visit anyone of Olney’s well-reviewed restaurants. Ricciuti’s is one regional favorite that is not to be missed. Winner of the Diners’ Choice award by Opentable.com, and recognized as one of the best “slow food” restaurants in the region, Ricciuti’s serves locally grown, seasonally inspired dishes. With an ever changing menu and some of the best food in the region, Ricciuti’s is sure to keep patrons coming back for more. Other local favorites include Wasabi Zen, Olney Grille, Hunan Delight, Sol Azteca, and the Olney Tavern.
Arts and Culture
Olney offers several cultural and artistic opportunities for its residents. Since 1938, the Olney Theater Center for the Arts has been delighting patrons throughout the Washington, D.C. metro region. The theatre is home to several award winning productions for all ages, such as “Cinderella”, “Red Riding Hood”, “Little Shop of Horrors”, and “You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown”. The Woodlawn Manor Living History Museum is also located a short distance from Olney. Located on the grounds of a historic mansion, the museum offers visitors a look into the past, and a hands-on educational experience. Residents can also take a quick trip to tour the Olney House, or the Brookeville Academy,
Recreation
Olney boasts a number of public and privately operated parks including, Olney Manor Park, Southeast Olney Park, Longwood Park, Cherrywood Park, Bowie Mill Park, and the OBGC Park. Olney Manor Park is certain to become a favorite of any new homeowner. Manor Park features every activity and amenity imaginable, such as baseball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, volleyball and handball areas, a football field, a hockey field, and even two small lakes where fishing is permitted. Manor Park is also home to an expansive 14,000 square foot skateboarding park, which offers lessons for beginners and private rentals. Manor Park also features an indoor recreation center, which houses an indoor pool. Open year round, the pool complex also includes two hydrotherapy pools, a sauna, and a weight and exercise room. Not content to just cater to the human members of your family, Manor Park also provides a dog park.
Olney also offers two golf courses and driving ranges. Olney Golf Park has been selected by Golf Range Magazine as one of the top 100 golf ranges in America. Looking to start playing for the first time or just to pick up some pointers? Doing so should be no problem with Olney Golf Park’s expert instructors. Recently, Golf Range Magazine selected two veteran instructors as two of the top 50 instructors in all of America. With so much to do there is no doubt that Olney will provide a stimulating experience for you and your family.
Transportation
Olney is easily accessible by Route 108 and Route 97. The Metro's red line is accessible through the Shady Grove Metro Station and Rockville Metro Station, both of which have large parking garages and are only a short trip away. Commuters can also access the MARC train from the Rockville Metro Station as well. The Montgomery County Ride-on also runs several routes through Gaithersburg and provides a transfer to the Metro.
