Welcome to Potomac
A small-town vibe just outside the nation’s capital
About 14 miles northwest of Washington, D.C., Potomac is a peaceful community, with real estate comprising large houses and spacious lawns, which gives the area its suburban feel. Locals like to take advantage of the Billy Goat trail and go for hikes while staying close to home. Shopping is a much-loved recreational activity in Potomac with the Potomac Village Shopping Center and Westfield Montgomery Mall featuring both big-name and independent stores.
Potomac has hot summers and cold winters, but the summers are cooler than the rest of Maryland and the winters are warmer, making Potomac one of the more comfortable places to live.
What to Love
- A suburban environment with easy access to DC
- Historical significance and a hip, forward-thinking atmosphere
- Thriving entertainment and nightlife
Local Lifestyle
Potomac has many coffee shops, parks, and restaurants, which complement the quiet, family-friendly community. Many of the locals are active and enjoy the outdoors. Though it’s near some big fast-paced cities, Potomac has more of a small-town feel, and the residents don’t forget to have fun.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Old Downtown Potomac has a variety of dining, entertainment, and shopping experiences for locals and visitors, including unique independent shops you won’t find anywhere else.
Lock 72 Kitchen & Bar is a great place for casual dining with a selection of American dishes to choose from. It makes everything daily, from scratch, with local ingredients to ensure freshness. If you’re in the mood for authentic Italian, try Gregorios Trattoria, where they make all the food with the freshest ingredients and is built on a foundation of family values.
King Street Oyster Bar has oysters from both the east and west coast to satisfy your taste for the delicacy. Whether you want something casual, yet elegant, or something formal for an event, Old Angler’s Inn can take care of it.
Things to Do
There are lots of interesting things to do in Potomac. If you appreciate the outdoors, the Great Falls of the Potomac is a gorgeous part of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Park. There’s the Billy Goat Trail at the Great Falls, which offers a scenic place for some exercise and a breath of fresh air. Congressional Country Club is one of the top country clubs in the country. If you like to play golf, you’ll want to spend some time here.
For an opportunity to gather with your friends and neighbors, see some local bands, and find out about the businesses around town, Potomac Day comes every year in October. It’s a fun way to celebrate and support the community while eating tasty food and checking out local organizations.
Schools
Potomac is served by both Montgomery County Public School district and private schools. Some notable schools include:
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Bullis School, K-12, a co-ed private school known for having a balance between academics, arts, athletics, and service
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Bells Mill Elementary, PK-5, test scores well above the state average
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Wayside Elementary, PK-5, highly rated for its test scores and academic progress
