Germantown
Overview
Germantown, Maryland is a relatively larger community located approximately 25 miles outside of Washington, D.C. Germantown offers future homeowners the perfect opportunity to escape the hassles of living close to Washington, D.C. but without having to sacrifice rich cultural and recreational opportunities.
Real Estate
Germantown has a population of 86,000 residents who reside throughout six town centers or villages: Churchill Village, Gunners Lake Village, Clopper's Mill Village, Kingsview Village, Middlebrook Village, and Neelsville. Over the years, purchasing a home in Germantown has proven to be a wise investment. In the past year, appreciation rates exceeded the national average. Even better, over the past ten years, Germantown's homes have appreciated an average 82%, which is well above the national average. These homes were built primarily from the 1970s to the 1990s, with a good deal of new construction. Most of the recent growth has added a number of new townhouses and single-family homes. Germantown's homes are set primarily in suburban neighborhoods, such as Neelsville and Cedar Grove; however, there are some more urbanized areas, especially around the town center.
Education
The Montgomery County Public School District serves the residents of Germantown. Students are able to attend one of two local high schools: Northwest High School or Seneca Valley High School. Both high schools are a source of local pride, and a part of Maryland's most well known sports competition. Each year the two schools meet for the "Battle for the King's Trophy", a football game that determines which is the top team in Germantown that year. However, concerned parents need not worry about picking sides; overall, students of the Montgomery Country Public School District outscore their peers throughout Maryland with respect to proficiency in reading and math. Students of either of these schools are guaranteed a bright future.
Shop and Dine
The Milestone Shopping Center offers a number of retail options for Germantown's residents, who are also only a short drive from the numerous shopping centers located throughout Montgomery County. Germantown is also home to a variety of superb dining options, but is still connected enough that a drive into Washington, D.C. for a first-rate meal is still possible.
Art and Culture
Germantown remains firmly rooted in its past and present. The Germantown Historical Society, Seneca School House Museum, and the Waters House History Center are just a few of the places that local residents go to learn the history of their great city. If you're looking to stay in the present, Germantown has a number of attractions to keep you stimulated. The Black Rock Center for the Arts is an excellent place to go for a night, or even day of entertainment. The center is 30,000 square feet in size and features two theatres, a gallery, and several classrooms. The center puts on a number music and dance performances and offers classes and summer camps on a wide variety of music and dance techniques.
Recreation
Germantown has over two dozen parks and sports complexes for you to enjoy. Located on 700 acres throughout Germantown, these parks contain athletic fields, picnic areas, playgrounds, biking trails, and walking trails. There are at least 30 lakes and ponds throughout the area, which are open for fishing. Germantown also offers nature reserves, dog parks, a skate park, and even a disc-golf course. "Everybody's Tree House" is a local favorite among families and children. Located in Riverdale Park, the one-of-a-kind facility combines traditional playground structures with natural surroundings.
The Maryland SoccerPlex is also located in Germantown. The SoccerPlex is an expansive facility that caters to the thousands of soccer enthusiasts throughout the area with 21 soccer fields and a stadium that seats over 5,000 spectators. However, the facility also offers a number of other recreational opportunities. There are two miniature golf courses, a driving range, a swim center, basketball courts, and baseball fields. The King Barn Dairy Moosuem, which pays homage to the rich agricultural history of Germantown, is also located within the facility. The SoccerPlex hosts the D.C. United Women and has hosted the D.C. United Open Cup, Real Maryland, the Discovery Cup, and the NCAA Conference Championships.
Business
Germantown is home to the U.S. Department of Energy. The facility operates as an administrative complex for both the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission and the Office of Biological and Environmental Research. Qiagen, Earth Networks, Availink, DRT, Hughes Network Systems, and Proxy Aviation Systems are just a few of the private employers centered in Germantown.
Transportation
Germantown is easily accessible by car, rail, or bus. Interstate 270 runs through the city and offers three exits for a quick commute to downtown Washington, D.C. or neighboring communities. The MARC train is also accessible through a conveniently located station. Metro's red line can also be reached through the Montgomery County Ride-on bus, which connects with the Shady Grove Metro Station. The Montgomery County Ride-on also offers a number of routes throughout Germantown.
