REAL ESTATE INSIGHTS AND TIPS
REAL ESTATE INSIGHTS AND TIPS
REAL ESTATE INSIGHTS AND TIPS
REAL ESTATE INSIGHTS AND TIPS
REAL ESTATE INSIGHTS AND TIPS

Why Montgomery County Remains a Top Choice for DC Suburban Living

Montgomery County, Maryland is one of the most desirable places to live in the Washington, D.C. metro area — known for its established neighborhoods, parks, recreation options, strong local economy, and wide variety of communities. But what does it actually cost to live here in 2025?
Whether you're moving from D.C., relocating for work, or preparing to buy a larger home for your family, this guide breaks down what you need to know about housing costs, taxes, commuting, lifestyle expenses, and how far your money really goes in this highly sought-after suburb.

What Makes Montgomery County Unique
Montgomery County is a large, diverse region with nearly 1 million residents. It includes everything from walkable, urban-style suburbs like Silver Spring and Bethesda to quieter communities like Olney, Derwood, and Damascus.

Montgomery County Is Popular Because:
✅Strong public school system (one of the largest in the country)
✅Excellent parks and recreation
✅Commuter access to D.C. via Metro and MARC
✅Stable real estate market with consistent long-term appreciation
✅Strong local job market (NIH, FDA, NOAA, biotech corridor, etc.)

But with these advantages, the cost of living varies significantly depending on what part of the county you choose.

Housing Costs in Montgomery County
Housing is the biggest factor in the overall cost of living — and Montgomery County offers a wide range of options.

Single-Family Homes
Single-family homes dominate the suburban landscape in Montgomery County. You’ll find everything from 1940s brick colonials to mid-century homes to newer construction developments.

Typical features include:
✅Driveways or off-street parking
✅Larger yards than D.C.
✅Multiple bedrooms
✅Basement space (often used for guest rooms, offices, or house-hacking setups)

Many homebuyers in the $500K–$800K range look specifically in areas like Silver Spring, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Wheaton, and parts of North Bethesda.

Townhomes
Townhomes are popular for buyers who want more affordability without sacrificing space. Many offer:
✅3 levels
✅Garages
✅Small yards
✅Community amenities

They’re most common in Germantown, Clarksburg, Gaithersburg, and Burtonsville.

Condos
Condos are widely available in more urban pockets such as:
✅Downtown Silver Spring
✅Bethesda
✅Rockville Town Center
✅North Bethesda / White Flint

Condos offer affordability and walkability, with lower maintenance — but monthly condo fees should be factored into the cost of living.

Property Taxes in Montgomery County
Montgomery County property taxes are higher than some neighboring Maryland counties — but lower than D.C. or many Northern Virginia regions.

What impacts property taxes:
✅Home value
✅Location within Montgomery County
✅Special taxing districts (for some communities)
✅HOA or condo fees (if applicable)

For budgeting, homebuyers should understand that property taxes increase with assessed value and some neighborhoods have county + municipal taxes (e.g., Rockville, Gaithersburg).

Utilities & Home Maintenance Costs
Homeowners should be prepared for typical suburban utility expenses such as:
✅Electric and gas (heating/cooling)
✅Water and sewer
✅Trash (often private, depending on location)
✅Internet and cable

Homes in Maryland can vary in energy efficiency depending on age. Mid-century homes may require insulation upgrades or HVAC improvements — which impacts long-term costs (but also long-term value).

Commuting Costs
Commuting is a major factor for most families in Montgomery County.

Commute Options:
✅Metro Red Line
✅MARC Train
✅Ride On buses
✅I-95, ICC (MD-200), I-270, and Georgia Ave

Commuting Costs to Consider:
✅Metro fare
✅Parking at Metro stations
✅Gas and tolls (ICC has tolls)
✅Car maintenance or rideshare options

This county is ideal for people who want flexible options for getting into D.C., Virginia, or other Maryland hubs.

Childcare Expenses
Childcare is one of the biggest cost-of-living factors for families in the DC metro region.

Montgomery County offers:
✅In-home daycare
✅Montessori programs
✅Public and private childcare centers
✅Preschool and early education options

Costs vary, and the county offers a wide range of programs to support families.

Food, Dining, Groceries & Daily Living Costs
Groceries and dining are comparable to other D.C. metro suburbs. The area has a variety of grocery stores including:
✅Whole Foods
✅Trader Joe’s
✅Giant
✅Safeway
✅Lidl
✅Wegmans
✅International markets

Dining options include everything from local, family-owned restaurants in Silver Spring, Wheaton, and Rockville to higher-end dining in Bethesda and North Bethesda.

Recreation & Lifestyle Spending
Montgomery County has one of the best public recreation systems in the country, offering:
✅Parks
✅Trails
✅Pool complexes
✅Recreation centers
✅Sports programs
✅Free or low-cost community events

Many residents find they need fewer paid activities because county resources are incredibly robust.

Best “Value” Neighborhoods in Montgomery County
For families seeking affordability + quality of life, consider:
Silver Spring (variety of price points, commuter-friendly)
Rockville (suburban amenities and established communities)
Wheaton/Glenmont (access to Metro + value)
Gaithersburg (townhome and single-family options)
Burtonsville (great value near PG County border)

Each offers unique advantages depending on your lifestyle and budget.

Is Montgomery County Affordable for Your Lifestyle?

It depends on:
✅Home size and location
✅Commute needs
✅Childcare
✅Schools/programs
✅Whether you prefer a walkable or more traditional suburb
✅Long-term wealth-building strategy

One of the biggest advantages here is stability — Montgomery County’s real estate market historically holds value and grows steadily, making it ideal for long-term homeowners.

Should You Move to Montgomery County?
If you're looking for a stable, convenient, and community-oriented suburb with excellent access to D.C., Montgomery County remains one of the best choices in the region.

Whether you're buying your first home or moving up into a larger one, planning ahead with the right strategy will make a huge difference.

Thinking about moving to Silver Spring or buying in Montgomery County?
 👉 Call or text Sven for a VIP consultation and get a clear step-by-step plan for your goals.