Potomac
Overview
Potomac, Maryland is located along the shores of the Potomac River, just outside of Washington, D.C. This is a wonderful location for potential homebuyers that are looking to stay close to Washington, D.C., but want to get away from the trappings of a large city.
Real Estate
Potomac has a population of 44,000 people, who reside in 16,000 houses and apartments. The vast majority of homes, 87%, are owner-occupied. Also, Potomac homes tend to be larger than homes found in other areas, with four or five bedroom homes being very prevalent. These homebuyers have enjoyed some of the highest appreciation rates in all of America. In the last year, appreciation rates exceeded the national average. Over the last ten years, appreciation rates averaged approximately 80%, which is significantly above the national average. These homes were built primarily between the 1970s and 1990s. Homes are primarily located in suburban settings and more densely populated, urbanized locations.
Currently, there are 205 houses for sale in Potomac. The median sales price of 183 recently sold homes is approximately $956,000. This works out to about $347 per square foot. There are also a number of condominiums for sale in Potomac ranging from the mid 150s to the high 400s. Several foreclosures are available for purchase in Potomac, ranging from the mid 400s to the 700s and up. If you're not looking to purchase a house or condo in Potomac right now, there are also a number of affordable rental options available in Potomac. The average gross rent is about $1500; however, rent will vary greatly depending on location.
Education
Forbes Magazine listed Potomac as the 7th most educated small town in America. Therefore, it is no wonder that the caring parents of Potomac have insured an excellent future for their children through some of the best schools in America. The Montgomery County Public School District serves the residents of Potomac. Students are able to attend either Winston Churchill High School or Thomas Wotton High School. Newsweek Magazine selected Wotton as the 17th best high school in America. U.S. News also selected Churchill as one of the top 50 high schools in America and in 2007 the schools received the Maryland Blur Ribbon of Excellence. Parents need not worry about which one of these excellent schools their children attend; overall students of the Montgomery County Public School District outscore their peers throughout Maryland with respect to reading and math proficiency.
Shop and Dine
Potomac offers its residents hundreds of retailers and restaurants throughout the area. There are several shopping areas: Potomac Village Shopping Center, Cabin John Shopping Center and Mall, and Potomac Place Shopping Center. Potomac Village is the central shopping center, offering a variety of upscale shopping options for patrons. These are just to name a few of the excellent shopping centers in Potomac, and that's not even mentioning the thousands of retailers located just a short distance away in the neighboring towns and cities.
Potomac also offers residents a wide variety of dining options. Of course, Potomac is located just a short distance away from Washington, D.C., so heading downtown for a world-class meal is always an option. But, don't overlook the charm and sophisticated culinary options located just a few minutes away in Potomac. Old Angler's Inn is widely considered to be one of the best restaurants in Potomac and a contender for one of the best restaurants in the Washington, D.C. Metro Region. Open since 1860, this charming inn offers diners a wide variety of first-class fare involving superb selections from the sea and land. This is not one to be missed. Other favorites include Normandie Farm Restaurant, Bezu, and Amici Miei Ristorante. If you do happen to stop at Normandie Farm Restaurant be sure to try a "popover". Exquisite in its simplicity these muffin-like concoctions, originally from England, are sure to keep you coming back for more.
Arts and Culture
Located just a few minutes away from Potomac are a variety of museums, free concerts, and festivals. Perhaps the one event that is most uniquely associated with the area is Potomac Day. For over 30 years, Potomac Day has celebrated all the great things about Potomac through parades, business fairs, and a variety of rides and games. The event also fosters a sense of community through the selection of "business of the year" and "youth citizen of the year", which typically recognizes an outstanding community volunteer.
Recreation
Potomac is located just minutes away from dozens of walking, hiking, and biking trails, along with numerous recreation centers. A local favorite for decades has been Great Falls National Park. Located where the Potomac River begins to narrow, Great Falls offers spectacular views of rushing rapids. Two popular trails offer unparalleled views of the Potomac River. Great Falls also offers numerous other activities including rock climbing, hiking, white-water rafting, and kayaking. Great Falls is also part of the C & O Canal National Historic Park. The C & O is a nationally recognized park located throughout Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland, that offers excellent views of the Potomac, while allowing hikers, bikers, and walkers views to the former C & O Canal. Potomac is also home to the Blockhouse Point Conservation Park. Sitting along the Potomac River, Blockhouse offers over 600 acres of parkland along with a unique opportunity to view ruins left from the Civil War Era. Another local favorite is the Pennyfield Lock. As part of the C & O Canal Park, Pennyfield is a favorite spot for launching small boats into the Potomac and for fishing.
Transportation
Potomac is located close to Interstate 495, allowing for a quick commute to Washington, D.C. and neighboring communities. In fact, a large majority of Potomac residents work in Washington, D.C. Residents are also just a short distance from the Rockville Metro Station and the Bethesda Metro Station. The Rockville location allows residents to park and hop onto the red line. The Montgomery County Department of Transportation also runs two bus routes though Potomac, which both connect with the Bethesda Station.
