Best Suburbs Near Washington, D.C.

The United States’ capital city, Washington, D.C., was established in the early years of the new nation and named for our first president, George Washington. He wanted the new capital city to have its own unique look — one distinct from any other city in America. Thus, he hired the French architect Pierre Charles L’Enfant to create a grid pattern for the city. Due to L’Enfant’s precise planning, anyone on the U.S. Capitol steps today can gaze across the National Mall and see the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial. L’Enfant also designated abundant acreage throughout the city to be set aside for parks. Even today, these are havens for relaxing, strolling or hiking — and are only a short distance from popular destinations. 

Nowadays, real estate in the district is extremely scarce, so most people who work in D.C. live in suburbs in neighboring Virginia and Maryland. We have compiled a list of the city’s eight best suburbs, so if you are considering relocating or retiring to the area, be sure to check them out.

8. Alexandria, Virginia

• Population: 160,530
• Median Home Value: $557,000
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 31.8 minutes
• School Ranking: B+
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,482
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 260

Just a quick 20 minutes south of D.C. sits the affluent city of Alexandria, Virginia. As an early colonial city on the Potomac River, it played a significant role in shaping the new nation. Alexandria is every historian’s dream, inviting you to take advantage of its richness in memorials and museums. Take a look at the new homes you can find here.   

7. Frederick, Maryland

• Population: 72,146
• Median Home Value: $265,500
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 31.3 minutes
• School Ranking: A-
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,490
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 285

About an hour northwest of D.C. is Frederick, Maryland. The silver lining of living an hour from the capital is greater affordability, plus the great schools and low crime rates. Enjoy historic downtown for dining, shopping and cultural activities. Frederick is also known as the home of Francis Scott Key, who wrote the lyrics to our national anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner. Check out these new properties available in Frederick!

6. Silver Spring, Maryland

• Population: 71,452
• Median Home Value: $497,200
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 35.1 minutes
• School Ranking: A
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,205
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 154

Located due north of the capital is Silver Spring, Maryland. Since it is adjacent to D.C., Silver Spring residents have a short commute. The city offers a mixture of new establishments but still retains its historical appeal, with countless parks and boutiques. The arts and entertainment scene also make this gem charming and unique. This suburb offers a wealth of new neighborhoods and new homes to choose from.  

5. Gaithersburg, Maryland

• Population: 68,289
• Median Home Value: $389,700
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 33.2 minutes
• School Ranking: A
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 865
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 93

Thirty minutes northwest of D.C. is Gaithersburg, Maryland. This popular city offers plenty of historical, cultural and nightlife options, without the intense bustle of D.C. itself. Explore the new homes in Gaithersburg before planting your stakes. 

4. Reston, Virginia

• Population: 58,404
• Median Home Value: $488,000
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 28.9 minutes
• School Ranking: A
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 899
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 71

Reston is the smallest suburb on our D.C. list. Founded in 1964, Reston was designed have a full range of housing to exemplify innovative lifestyle trends. More than half a century later, its population has expanded to nearly 60,000. This jewel of Virginia is perfect for families due to its outstanding schools, and commuters will appreciate that it’s only about 20 miles from the executive city. Find your new home in Reston today!

3. Rockville, Maryland

• Population: 68,268
• Median Home Value: $521,700
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 32.1 minutes
• School Ranking: A+
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 890
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 88

Rockville, Maryland, is an upscale community roughly 20 miles northwest of D.C. The town square has plenty of restaurants and shops, while Civic Center Park offers plenty of gardens and trails to explore. With its top-rated school and low crime rates, you would be wise to investigate Rockville in the search for your new home. 

2. Arlington, Virginia

• Population: 207,627
• Median Home Value: $699,400
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 29 minutes
• School Ranking: A+
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 3,075
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 328

This city may not need an introduction. It’s the site of Arlington National Cemetery, established during the Civil War. It’s also home to the Pentagon and Reagan National Airport. Arlington is a commuter’s perfect location — only five miles west of the nation’s capital, across the Potomac River. Arlington’s roots in American History run deep and you’ll find many military memorials to visit. Come see the countless reasons — including new homes — to choose Arlington.

1. Bethesda, Maryland

• Population: 60,858
• Median Home Value: $897,400
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 29.6 minutes
• School Ranking: A+
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 601
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 51

The best suburb surrounding D.C. goes to Bethesda, Maryland — the sophisticated city of medical expertise. Nearly 84 percent of residents in this affluent community hold a college degree. If you want to skip the hassle of big city life but have the benefits of close proximity, then Bethesda may be perfect for you. With its vibrant arts scene, you can enjoy a ballet without making the trip to D.C. Known for its diverse cuisine, you can sample food from a variety of different cultures. Discover your new home here in Bethesda!

NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each suburb.