Washington DC is home to some of the best culture, attractions, and real estate in the entire country, so living close to our nation’s capital is always a rewarding choice. However, some people prefer to stay away from the center of the city due to the lower crime rates, better schools, smaller population, and ample space.
If you want access to Washington DC without living in the heart of the city, then you may want to consider a suburb. A suburb is a smaller city on the periphery of a larger city. Suburbs are generally residential areas that are within commuting distance of an urban area. As luck would have it, Washington DC is home to some of the best suburbs in the country. Take a look at all of these amazing Washington DC suburbs for you to consider calling home.
Table of Contents
Alexandria, VA – Bustling Washington DC Suburb Great for Young Professionals
- Population: 159,467
- Median household income: $105,450
- Median home price: $650,000
- Median rent: $2,023
- Crime rate: 1,912 per 100,000 people (18.5% lower than national average)
- Alexandria VA homes for sale
Situated on the Potomac River, Alexandria is one of the best DC suburbs. Alexandria is great for people who work in DC, as it is only 8.8 miles from Alexandria to Downtown DC. Because the population of Alexandria is so high, there are always plenty of things to do and people to meet. Alexandria has a bustling downtown area with many amazing nightlife opportunities. During the summertime, you can enjoy the Old Town Alexandria Waterfront and the Port City Brewing Company. Alexandria is also home to many outdoor parks, such as Green Spring Gardens and Founders Park, where citizens can walk, run, bike, and rollerblade.
When living in Alexandria, you will also get your share of history. Alexandria was established in 1749, so there are plenty of incredible historical sites to check out. Some of the most popular attractions include The George Washington Masonic National Memorial and Carlyle House Historic Park.
View this post on Instagram
Frederick, MD – Affordable Washington DC Suburb Close to Great Schools
- Population: 78,171
- Median household income: $82,563
- Median home price: $430,000
- Median rent: $1,780
- Crime rate: 2,273 per 100,000 people (3% lower than the national average)
- Frederick MD homes for sale
It is no secret that living in and around DC is expensive, so if you are looking for a more affordable option, consider Frederick, MD. Frederick is about an hour outside of Downtown DC. Founded in 1748, Frederick is known for its downtown area, Civil War history, and low crime rates. If you are looking for a great place to raise a family, then you will be happy to know that Frederick is home to some of the best schools in the area. Frederick County Public Schools serves over 43,000 students and has a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1, ensuring that your child will get a personalized educational experience.
When living in Frederick, you can’t miss out on attractions such as the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, Baker Park, and Carroll Creek Park. If you are in the mood for some food, then check out Hootch and Banter, The Tasting Room, and Black Hog BBQ Bar.
Bethesda, MD – Expensive DC Suburb With Prime Real Estate and Top-Rated Schooling Options
- Population: 68,056
- Median household income: $178,370
- Median home price: $1,009,000
- Median rent: $2,603
- Crime rate: 925 per 100,000 people (61% lower than the national average)
- Bethesda, MD homes for sale
Located just a few miles outside of Washington DC, Bethesda is one of the best places to live in DC. This unincorporated community is known for its incredible, yet expensive, real estate. Most homes in Bethesda sell for over $1 million and rent for a one-bedroom apartment runs anywhere from $1,500 to $4,500. Most of the homes in Bethesda are large, two-story homes with more than 5 bedrooms.
Bethesda is one of the best DC suburbs for families and is home to nearly two-dozen private schools, including the top-rated Landon School, Holton-Arms School, and Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart. Bethesda has a sophisticated city vibe. You can sit back and relax at the Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club or catch a show at the Imagination Stage. If you feel like heading into the city, it is only a short 6.7 mile drive to Downtown DC.
Annandale, VA – Hip Washington DC Suburb in College Town
- Population: 43,363
- Median household income: $106,620
- Median home price: $555,000
- Median rent: $2,025
- Crime rate: 1,072 per 100,000 people (54% lower than the national average)
- Annandale, VA homes for sale
Annandale, VA is one of the best places to live near DC and is great for young professionals and couples. Annandale is just 14.5 miles from the heart of DC, making it a popular suburb for commuters. This hip suburb is home to the largest branch of Northern Virginia Community College, which has over 75,000 students. Because of the large college student scene, there are many amazing apartment living options as well as an exciting nightlife scene with fun bars such as Cue Club Cafe and Diamond Lounge.
If you are a foodie, Annandale is the place to be. This area is known for its incredible Korean food scene, as it has the largest Korean population in all of DC. Some of the most popular Korean spots in the area include Iron Age, Oegadgib, DaMoim Restaurant & Bar, and 9292 Korean BBQ.
Potomac, MD – One of the Best DC Suburbs for Retirees
- Population: 47,018
- Median household income: $198,870
- Median home price: $925,000
- Median rent: $2,867
- Crime rate: 868 per 100,000 people (63% lower than the national average)
- Potomac, MD homes for sale
Potomac, Maryland is one of the best DC suburbs for retirees. Although Potomac is only 13.2 miles away from Downtown DC, you would never know it. This suburb is peaceful and quiet, and the homes in the area are large and spread apart. The home prices in Potomac are on the higher side, but you will get more bang for your buck. The homes are often very large and come with a lot of land.
View this post on Instagram
If you love nature, then Potomac is the place to be. This suburb has many incredible natural attractions, such as Great Falls, Olmsted Island, Gold Mine Trail, and Falls Road Golf Course. Potomac is often depicted in pop culture. One of Potomac’s claims to fame is the popular Bravo show “The Real Housewives of Potomac”, which follows women living in the suburb. Potomac was also the inspiration for the show “Beverly Hills, 90210.” In fact, the creator almost called the show “Potomac 20854”, as the show was based on his experiences growing up in Potomac.
Reston, VA – Small Washington DC Suburb With Low Crime Rate
- Population: 63,226
- Median household income: $126,571
- Median home price: $508,000
- Median rent: $2,348
- Crime rate: 766 per 100,000 people (67% lower than the national average)
- Homes for sale in Reston, VA
Reston is easily one of the safest DC suburbs. The crime rate is nearly 67% lower than the national average and 54% lower than the Virginia average. Reston is 22.5 miles west of Downtown DC, making it a great option for those who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city altogether. Some popular attractions in Reston include NOVA Wild, Reston Town Center, and Walker Nature Center.
Reston is very proud of its nature and walkability. The residential area of Reston was built with a path system, making it easy for citizens to get from place to place on foot. Reston is also one of the only communities in the United States that is a “Backyard Wildlife Habitat” community. This means that every backyard and outdoor space must offer food, water, shelter, and a place for raising young to beneficial insects or animals.
Chevy Chase, MD – One of the Best DC Suburbs for Families
- Population: 10,176
- Median household income: $207,971
- Median home price: $1,387,500
- Median rent: $2,429
- Crime rate: 705 per 100,000 people (70% lower than the national average)
- Chevy Chase, MD homes for sale
Not to be confused with the famous actor, Chevy Chase is one of the best Washington DC suburbs. This quaint suburb is popular among families who are looking for a laid-back living experience.The sense of community is strong in Chevy Chase since there are just over 10,000 people living in the area. Chevy Chase is served by the Montgomery County Public School system, which is home to some of the highest-rated schools in the area.
Although this DC suburb is small, there are plenty of things to do. You can shop till you drop and enjoy great food at The Collection at Chevy Chase and The Shops at Wisconsin Place. If you want to take your family out for a day of fun in the sun, then you can enjoy Meadowbrook Local Park, Brookside Gardens, and Nature Forward. If you feel like making the journey into Washington DC, just hop in the car for a quick 6.8 mile drive. You could even walk downtown in under two hours!
View this post on Instagram
Arlington, VA – Bustling Washington DC Suburb With Many Shopping and Entertainment Options
- Population: 238,643
- Median household income: $128,145
- Median home price: $639,000
- Median rent: $2,427
- Crime rate: 899 per 100,000 people (62% lower than the national average)
- Arlington VA homes for sale
Arlington is one of the most well-known Washington DC suburbs. If you still want a big-city feel, then Arlington is a great option for you. This DC suburb is home to the Pentagon as well as Reagan National Airport and is a popular area for young adults and couples to reside.
When living in Arlington, you have access to some of the best entertainment and food options in the area (some would say even better than DC). Some of the top Arlington attractions include the Village at Shirlington, Long Bridge Park, and Arlington National Cemetery. You will also want to check out popular restaurants such as Green Pig Bistro, Rustico, and Mele Bistro.
Map of Washington DC Suburbs
Are you interested in moving to one of these Washington DC suburbs? Our Washington DC movers can help! The hardworking and reliable team at Suburban Solutions will handle any and all of your moving needs. Give us a call today at (301) 928-8669 to discuss your move and receive a free quote.
