9 Cities Near Washington, DC to Buy or Rent in this Year

Washington, DC, the capital of the USA, is a city filled with rich history, diverse cuisines, lots of unique opportunities, and beautiful weather throughout the year. From the White House to the Library of Congress and the Lincoln Memorial and views of the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers, there’s plenty to do while living in Washington, DC.

While Washington, DC, has much to offer its residents, it’s not the city for everyone. And even if you work in Washington, DC, that doesn’t mean you have to live there. There are countless cities near Washington, DC, within 50 miles of the city, where you may want to live instead. 

So before you decide where to move, find out 9 cities near Washington, DC, that may just meet your needs. 

#1: Silver Spring, MD

Miles from Washington, DC: 1
Population: 81,000
Median home sale price: $540,000 
Average 1-bed rent: $1,859 
Walk Score: 63
Bike Score: 63
Transit Score: 58

Silver Spring is one of the great cities near Washington, DC, that you may want to move to. It’s just north of the city and home to many businesses and organizations.

There are many things to do in Silver Spring, including visiting the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center and strolling through the Downtown Silver Spring Farmer’s Market. You can also check out the National Museum of Health and Medicine, enjoy a performance at the Round House Theatre in nearby Bethesda, and spend a day hiking and picnicking at Sligo Creek Park.

Homes for sale in Silver Spring, MD
Apartments for rent in Silver Spring, MD

#2: Arlington, VA

Miles from Washington, DC: 5
Population: 236,500
Median home sale price: $670,000 
Average 1-bed rent: $2,579 
Walk Score: 71
Bike Score: 59
Transit Score: 72

Arlington is a well-known suburb of Washington, DC, home to many government and military buildings, including the Pentagon.

There is a lot to do in Arlington, no matter your interests. There are many historical sites to visit, such as the Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon, and the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial. There are also many parks and recreation areas, such as the Potomac Overlook Regional Park and Potomac Park. There are also many museums and cultural attractions, such as the Arlington Historical Society.

Homes for sale in Arlington, VA
Apartments for rent in Arlington, VA

#3: Bethesda, MD

Miles from Washington, DC: 7
Population: 65,000
Median home sale price: $1,035,000 
Average 1-bed rent: $2,495 
Walk Score: 45
Bike Score: 43
Transit Score: 57

Bethesda is located along the Potomac River just north of Washington, DC. The city is home to many historical landmarks, museums, and a vibrant arts and culture scene.

There are lots to do in Bethesda, such as exploring the McCrillis Gardens and hiking at Little Falls Stream Valley Park. You can also play a round of golf at one of the many nearby golf courses.

Homes for sale in Bethesda, MD
Apartments for rent in Bethesda, MD

#4: Alexandria, VA

Miles from Washington, DC: 8
Population: 158,500
Median home sale price: $575,000 
Average 1-bed rent: $2,127 
Walk Score: 62
Bike Score: 55
Transit Score: 62

Alexandria is another one of the awesome cities near Washington, DC, that’s home to many historical landmarks and museums.

There are plenty of things to do in the city. You can visit historic sites like Old Town Alexandria and nearby George Washington’s Mount Vernon property. From the Alexandria Zoo to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, you’ll have lots of options in Alexandria. There are also lots of great restaurants and shops to check out.

Homes for sale in Alexandria, VA
Apartments for rent in Alexandria, VA

#5: Rockville, MD

Miles from Washington, DC: 21
Population: 68,200
Median home sale price: $640,000 
Average 1-bed rent: $2,090 
Walk Score: 56
Bike Score: 52
Transit Score: 58

Rockville is located approximately 21 miles northwest of downtown Washington, DC, in the central part of Montgomery County. It is situated along Interstate 270, between Gaithersburg and Bethesda, making it another great city to consider living in.

Rockville is a spectacular place to live for those who love the arts and the outdoors. The city is home to famous museums like Beall-Dawson House and the Latvian Museum. Performing arts venues like F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre and Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center are popular among locals and tourists. In addition, you can find tons of parks and green spaces like Mattie JT Stepanek Park and Croydon Creek Nature Center. For a taste of Rockville’s cuisine, don’t miss Villamaya Restaurant, Yekta Kabobi Restaurant, and Niwano Hana Japanese Restaurant.

Homes for sale in Rockville, MD
Apartments for rent in Rockville, MD

#6: Gaithersburg, MD

Miles from Washington, DC: 22
Population: 68,000
Median home sale price: $452,500 
Average 1-bed rent: $2,009 
Walk Score: 52
Bike Score: 40
Transit Score: 51

Gaithersburg is located northwest of Washington, DC, and is home to the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

There are many things to do in Gaithersburg that don’t require a trip to DC. Some popular attractions include visiting the Gaithersburg Community Museum, strolling through the Olde Towne Gaithersburg Farmer’s Market, and exploring the Gaithersburg Water Park. There are also many parks and trails in the area for outdoor enthusiasts.

Homes for sale in Gaithersburg, MD
Apartments for rent in Gaithersburg, MD

#7: Reston, VA

Miles from Washington, DC: 22
Population: 61,500
Median home sale price: $537,500 
Average 1-bed rent: $2,237 
Walk Score: 40
Bike Score: 40
Transit Score: 54

Reston is situated east of DC, with proximity to Dulles International Airport. Reston has many outdoor activities, like parks and golf courses. 

There are many fun things to do in Reston, like watching the sunset at one of its many parks, enjoying a bite to eat at fan-favorite restaurants, or exploring one of its many museums. The city is also known for its unique arts and culture scene, with museums like Reston Museum. And, of course, you can’t forget its parks and green spaces like Lake Fairfax Park, Reston National Golf Course, and Baron Cameron Dog Park. 

Homes for sale in Reston, VA
Apartments for rent in Reston, VA

#8: Baltimore, MD

Miles from Washington, DC: 39
Population: 602,000
Median home sale price: $242,000 
Average 1-bed rent: $1,460 
Walk Score: 64
Bike Score: 53
Transit Score: 53

Baltimore is situated in the north-central part of Maryland, along the Patapsco River. Baltimore is a major center for the arts and culture and is home to the National Aquarium, the Maryland Zoo, the Walters Art Museum, and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Baltimore is also known for its many monuments and historical sites, such as the Inner Harbor, Fort McHenry, and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum.

There are lots of places to visit in Baltimore that will be a hit for anyone moving to the area. With 82 museums, including the Baltimore Museum of Art and the American Visionary Art Museum, there is plenty of culture to take in. For a taste of Baltimore’s cuisine, try Maryland blue crab, crab cakes, and pit beef. And don’t miss out on the city’s performing arts venues, like Everyman Theatre and The Hippodrome Theatre. With Federal Hill Park, Canton Waterfront Park, and Patterson Park, Baltimore has no shortage of beautiful places to relax.

Homes for sale in Baltimore, MD
Apartments for rent in Baltimore, MD

#9: Frederick, MD

Miles from Washington, DC: 49
Population: 72,000
Median home sale price: $392,600 
Average 1-bed rent: $1,767 
Walk Score: 47
Transit Score: 47

The city of Frederick is most well-known for its extensive and well-preserved history from the Civil War era, including the 50-block historic district full of buildings and landmarks from the 1860s. Frederick is also Francis Scott Key’s hometown, the Star-Spangled Banner’s author.

There is much to do in Frederick, from the historical sites, like the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. There are also several parks and recreation areas, such as the Frederick Municipal Forest. There are several galleries and performance venues for those interested in the arts, such as the Weinberg Center for the Arts and the Maryland Ensemble Theatre. 

Homes for sale in Frederick, MD
Apartments for rent in Frederick, MD

Methodology: 

All cities must have a population of more than 50,000 and be less than 50 miles away from Washington, DC. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during August 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during August 2022. Walk Score, Bike Score, and Transit Score from Walkscore.com during August 2022. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau.

The post 9 Cities Near Washington, DC to Buy or Rent in this Year appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More.