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Potomac Maryland Community Guide Real Estate A charming village center surrounded by suburban houses and farmhouses.

Updated 5/22/2023

History and Flavor

The Potomac area was home to Maryland’s first Algonquin American Indian site. Researchers believe Native Americans begin occupying the village between 1200 to 1500 AD.  English colonists pushed the Algonquians out by the early 1700s for farmland. Potomac remained a small agricultural community well into the 1800s. 

In 1831, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal construction reached the area. The canal helped Potomac farmers easily acquire supplies from Washington merchants while providing a way to transport their goods to markets in the city. This was a boom for economic development. 

This worked well until the Great Depression hit.  Desperate farmers sold their beautiful countryside land for cheap–sometimes for as little as $50 an acre.  After World War II, residential growth from Montgomery County spread westward towards Potomac. Intense development followed. 

In the mid-20th century, county planners developed growth plans. They decided to have commercial expansion concentrated around the 1-270 corridor and leave Potomac for low-density development and open space.  Unfortunately, many original buildings in Potomac Village have been destroyed to make way for malls and office space.

However, in the surrounding area, many older farmhouses remain intact. The site’s focal point is the Potomac Village–a charming cluster of businesses and shops at Falls Road and River Road intersect. 

The area is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the United States, and many residents work in the nation’s capital. 

Entertainment

Music & Parks

  • Lahinch Tavern and Grill– Polished hub for Irish and American fare plus cocktails in rustic environs with a fireplace and a patio.
  • Old Anglers Inn– Modern American restaurant with a terrace and beer garden is a neighborhood staple for seasonal eats.
  • Quincy’s Potomac Bar & Grille– Sports bar with karaoke. The menu features American bar fare​ , including hand-cut sirloins, filets, and ribeyes, as well as chicken pot pie, fried chicken, and beef stew.
  • Hunter’s Bar and Grill– Stone walls & leather banquettes set the mood at this hunting-themed pub featuring a full bar and live music.
  • Falls Road Local Park– A playground for kids and a baseball field, accessible soccer field, football field, and walking path with exercise equipment.
  • Potomac Community Neighborhood Park– A children’s playground along with a lighted baseball field and lighted tennis courts.
  • Bedfordshire Neighborhood Park– Here you’ll find a playground, walking path, and open space for recreation.
  • Watts Branch Stream Valley Park– Nearly 438 acres along the Watts Branch water way to explore.

Shopping/Restaurants 

Popular Shopping and Eats

  • Potomac Promenade– Great stores and restaurants at this shopping mall.
  • Park Potomac– A unique selection of shops, offices, and restaurants right off I-270.
  • Cabin John Village– Expansive shopping mall offering a sizable assortment of stores & restaurants plus kids’ activities.
  • Westfield Montgomery– A shopping mall in Bethesda, Maryland. Anchor stores include Macy’s, Macy’s Home, and Nordstrom.
  • Lock 72 Kitchen & Bar by Robert Wiedmaier– American eatery serving burgers and comfort fare in a rustic-modern room decorated with area photos.
  • MoCo’s Founding Farmers– Cooperative-grower-owned spot serves farm-to-table-themed American fare in rustic digs.
  • King Street Oyster Bar– Fresh oysters, seafood, and one-of-a-kind cocktails, plus a daily happy hour.
  • Cava– Mediterranean restaurant for thoughtful food with customizable greens & grains bowls, pitas & salad.

Schools

Best Public High Schools

Best Public Elementary Schools

Public Transportation

Buses/Trains

Falls Rd & Eldwick Way– Bus stop

Falls Rd & Chilham Pl– Bus stop

River Rd & Belle Terre Way– Bus stop

Montgomery Mall Transit Center– Bus stop

Falls Rd & Potomac Tennis Ln– Bus stop

River Rd & Congressional Pkwy– Bus stop

Rockville– Subway station

Twinbrook– Subway station

Grosvenor-Strathmore– Subway station

Median Home Value

$1,200,000 as of 2023

Renters: 12%

Owners: 88%

Demographics

Population  45,940

Median household income –  $198,000

Median age: 47 

Families with children – 38%

High school diploma or equivalent – 6%

College Degree: 92%

62% White

22% Asian

8% Hispanic

5% African American

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