Real Estate in Maryland, DC

Gaithersburg

Overview

Gaithersburg, Maryland is located just outside of Washington, D.C. With a robust culture, vast recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and positive appreciation rates, Gaithersburg has aptly adopted the motto "an outstanding place to live, work, learn, and play."

Real Estate

Gaithersburg has a population of approximately 60,000 residents, who reside in over 20,000 homes and apartments. These residents benefit from appreciation rates that far exceed national averages. In the last year, the average appreciation rate exceeded 6%. Over the past ten years, the appreciation rate has averaged an amazing 87%, which is far above the national average. These homes were constructed primarily between 1970 and 1994. There is a wide variety of housing options for prospective buyers including single-family homes, row houses, and a few duplexes. Gaithersburg homes are set primarily in suburban locations.

Education

The Montgomery County Public School District serves the residents of Gaithersburg. Students have the ability to attend one of three high schools: Gaithersburg High School, Quince Orchard High School, or Watkins Mill High School. Quince Orchard has been recognized by Newsweek Magazine as one of the best high schools in America. Gaithersburg parents should feel assured that their children are receiving a quality education; overall, students of the Montgomery County Public School District outscore their peers throughout Maryland with respect to proficiency in reading and math.

Shop and Dine

Gaithersburg is home to many fine shops and restaurants, many of which are located in the vibrant Washingtonian Center. Located on a small lake and featuring a boardwalk on the water, the Center is a pedestrian's paradise. The Center features a movie theatre, a number of restaurants, and excellent shopping. Gaithersburg features a number of other shopping centers including the Lakeforest Mall and the Firstfield Shopping center. Together, these shopping centers put hundreds of retailers right at the fingertips of Gaithersburg's residents. Gaithersburg also offers a variety of dining opportunities. Dogfish Head Ale House, O'Donnell's Seafood Restaurant, and Guapo's are just a few. Dogfish has been regional mainstay throughout Washington, D.C. for years. With delicious food and home crafted beers, there is no doubt that it will remain a local favorite.

Art and Culture

The residents of Gaithersburg place a high premium on cultural and artistic experiences. In fact, providing such experiences is listed as a top priority in the city's strategic plan. Therefore, it is no wonder that cultural opportunities are abundant throughout Gaithersburg. Throughout the year, residents are treated to a number of events and programs. Each year a book festival is held featuring local authors and writers. There is also a community chorus and community museum. Located in a former B & O railroad complex the City of Gaithersburg's Community Museum provides a number of permanent and rotating exhibits, along with a number of educational programs for all ages. There are also a number of other events including the Arts in Public Places program, a Backyard Concert and Movie series throughout the summer, morning concerts for children at the City Hall Pavilion and a number of festivals and parades to celebrate a variety of holidays throughout the year. Every year, Gaithersburg hosts an extremely popular Oktoberfest celebration featuring authentic German foods and beer. With so much to do, there is something to satisfy every resident throughout every season.

Recreation

Gaithersburg features a wide array of recreational opportunities. Gaithersburg has 23 parks with more than 522 acres of land. Spread throughout Gaithersburg these parks have amenities such as pavilions, athletic fields, bike trails, and walking trails. The centerpiece of Gaithersburg Parks and Recreation Department is the Activity Center at Bohrer Park. Sitting on a 57-acre park, the Activity Center itself is 45,000 square feet in size. The Center features two basketball courts, a gymnasium, three multi-purpose rooms, and the "Fitness Zone". These sprawling facilities host a variety of activities for all ages including fitness and wellness programs, sports leagues, summer camps, afterschool programs, art programs, and dance classes for adults and teens. If your looking to cool off, Gaithersburg is also home to an aquatic center located next to the Gaithersburg Middle School. Always striving to improve its infrastructure a 50,000 square foot Aquatic and Recreation Center has been approved and has already received funding.

Business

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is headquartered in Gaithersburg. Gaithersburg is also home to several large private employers, including IBM, MedImmune, Sedexo USA, The Gazette, Gene Logic, and Qiagen.

Transportation

Gaithersburg is easily accessible through Interstate 270. 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.