Living in North Potomac MD can reinvigorate your life! The Piscataway people lived in the area of North Potomac for thousands of years before English settlements were established in 1688. English settlers first used the area for corn and tobacco cultivation. In the 19th century, mills and roads were constructed nearby, but the area remained rural farmland. A post office was opened in the community in 1883, which was then named Travilah.
During the Great Depression, farmers sold their land to wealthy landowners who turned their plots into hunting grounds. North Potomac got its modern day borders and name in 1989, when the United States Postal Service opened a post office in the community. North Potomac gets its name from being north of the Potomac River.
The census-designated place is now a prosperous and family-friendly community best known for its top parks. North Potomac MD is a nice place to live, with great outdoor attractions and safe streets. But before you start moving to North Potomac MD, you must learn about this special suburb of Washington D.C. Here’s what to know about North Potomac.
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Where Is North Potomac?
North Potomac is in Montgomery County, less than five miles northeast of the Potomac River. North Potomac is a suburb of Washington D.C. and inside the Washington metro area, though it is 19.8 miles from North Potomac to Washington D.C. North Potomac borders Travilah, Darnestown, Gaithersburg MD, and Rockville MD.
North Potomac is a predominantly residential community, with only a few businesses or attractions. The community contains dozens of tree-lined streets, creating a rural ambiance, but the streets are paved and walkable. The community does not contain any prominent or notable geographic features.
People living in North Potomac MD do not have access to the Washington D.C. public transportation system. Many people drive while moving to North Potomac, with State Route 28 forming the northern border of the community. State Route 28 provides easy access to North Bethesda, Silver Spring, and other Washington D.C. suburbs.
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North Potomac Population and Demographics
The population of North Potomac is 23,790. Despite being unincorporated, North Potomac has a larger population than most incorporated towns and cities in the county. The population decreased by 2.5% between 2010 and 2020, despite the county growing by 9.3%. The population density of North Potomac is 3,648.2 people per square mile, nearly 70% higher than the countywide density.
Notable people from North Potomac and the surrounding area include Mike Tyson, Lynda Carter, and Sylvester Stallone. North Potomac demographics include:
- 50.6% female, 49.4% male
- Median age: 44.4
- Racial and ethnic composition: 43.6% White (40.3% non-Hispanic), 40.7% Asian, 7.9% Black or African American, 7.0% Hispanic or Latino, 5.7 two or more races, 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
- Median household income: $182,083 (nearly twice the state median income)
- Educational attainment: 96.0% of residents older than 25 have graduated high school, 75.8% have a bachelor’s degree
- Foreign-born population: 40.8%
North Potomac is a hub for the Asian community in the Washington D.C. metro area. You can find Mandarin-English bilingual daycares, Arabic-language schools, and Asian-owned restaurants in North Potomac. North Potomac also has one of the highest rates of foreign-born residents of communities and cities near Washington D.C. Over 2,100 residents living in North Potomac MD were born in China, while over 1,200 were born in India, and nearly 800 were born in Taiwan.
North Potomac is a very safe community to live in. Here are its latest crime rates:
- Total crime rate: 854 offenses per 100,000 people (58.0% lower than the Maryland crime rate, 63.3% lower than the national rate)
- Violent crime rate: 167 crimes per 100,000 residents (58.1% lower than the Maryland crime rate, 54.9% lower than the national rate)
- Property crime rate: 687 crimes per 100,000 people (58.0% lower than the Maryland rate, 64.8% lower than the national rate)
The Montgomery County Police Department provides law enforcement services for people living in North Potomac MD. The police department employs over 1,300 sworn Montgomery County police officers.
Cost of Living in North Potomac MD
North Potomac cost of living statistics can be hard to find, so you can use Washington D.C. cost of living statistics instead. The Washington D.C. cost of living index is 158.1, meaning items in the area cost 58.1% more than the national average. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $132,548 a year to cover the cost of living in Montgomery County. Child care is the single biggest expense, costing $31,992 a year. Singles and couples without children can live an affordable life in North Potomac. Even if you have kids, you can save money by sending them to public schools.
North Potomac real estate can be expensive, though you have options for upscale real estate. According to Redfin, North Potomac homes for sale have a median cost of $910,000. The median price per square foot is $317. According to RentCafe, apartments for rent in North Potomac MD cost an average of $2,155 a month.
Typical North Potomac* Living Expenses
- 1 gallon of milk: $4.09
- 1 loaf of fresh white bread: $3.71
- 12 regular eggs: $3.82
- 1 pound of bananas: $0.85
- 1 pound of potatoes: $1.50
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.65
- Average North Potomac* utilities per month: $188.18
- 1 pair of jeans: $75.55
Source: Numbeo
*Statistics actually for Washington, DC
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North Potomac Neighborhoods | Where to Live in North Potomac
North Potomac has no formal neighborhoods. North Potomac real estate is predominantly for single-family homes for sale. 189 properties were sold in the North Potomac area in 2023, 131 of which were single-family homes for sale. 58 townhouses were sold in North Potomac in 2023.
The qualities of single-family homes and townhouses are similar. Most properties were built in the last 50 years, and some have been renovated or refurbished within the last 10 years. Many homes for sale are Colonial-style properties with double-sash windows, grand staircases, and multi-pane windows. Floor plans vary, but most homes for sale have at least 2,000 square feet and three bedrooms. Prices for North Potomac homes for sale also vary, with the largest homes costing well over $1 million.
There are very few rental properties or apartments for rent in North Potomac MD. There are no notable apartment complexes in the community, so you must look elsewhere if you want to be a renter while living in North Potomac MD.
North Potomac Weather and Climate
North Potomac has a humid subtropical climate with warm summers and freezing and snowy winters. July is the hottest month of the year, with an average temperature of 77 degrees and an average high of 87. The temperatures start to decline rapidly in early September. January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of 33 degrees and an average low of 27. The average low is below freezing between early December and early March.
Over half of the days throughout the year are overcast or mostly cloudy. North Potomac receives 34.9 inches of rain and 19.8 inches of snow. June and July experience an average of 11.3 days of precipitation every year. The high rain in the summer creates humidity. Over half of days in the summer feel muggy or oppressive. Check the North Potomac weather forecast before going out in the summer, and bring bottled water to avoid dehydration.
September is the best month to visit North Potomac and start moving to North Potomac MD. It is the clearest month, with 64% clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy days. The average temperature is 68 degrees, so you can wear a short-sleeved shirt and remain comfortable.
Are you ready to start living in North Potomac MD? Call 301-928-8669 for a free estimate now!
Things to Do in North Potomac
North Potomac contains unique, fun, and family-friendly attractions, including affordable and cool grocery stores and shopping centers. Gemelli’s Italian Market is an Italian grocery store offering delicacies and artisanal food like sausage and cheese. You can also shop at Trader Joe’s. The Quince Orchard Marketplace contains several top stores, including a Safeway grocery store and a CVS.
Lakewood Country Club
Lakewood Country Club is one of the oldest country clubs in the North Potomac area, opening its doors in 1959. The club contains an 18-hole golf course covering over 7,000 yards and a tennis facility with 10 tennis courts. Lakewood is a kid-friendly attraction with a game room and junior sports programs throughout the year.
13901 Glen Mill Road, Rockville, MD, 20850, 301-762-5430
Seneca Creek State Park
Seneca Creek State Park covers 6,300 acres along the Potomac River. The park caters to numerous outdoor activities, including hunting, horseback riding, and bicycling. You can enjoy over 50 miles of all-purpose trails and play disc golf on a 27-hole outside course.
11950 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, 301-924-2127
Dufief Local Park
Dufief Local Park covers 15.4 acres and is a top destination for sports and youth leagues in North Potomac. The park contains two playgrounds for young children, three tennis courts, and a soccer field.
11336 Brandy Hall Lane, North Potomac, MD, 20878, 301-495-2595
Additional Things to Do in North Potomac
Montgomery Parks oversees and protects public spaces in Montgomery County, including North Potomac. The department runs family-friendly programs and organizes special events like live musical performances and festivals. You can learn more about these events through the Montgomery Parks events calendar.
North Potomac Restaurants
The Washington D.C. area has a diverse culinary scene, with unique signature dishes like Chesapeake blue crabs and chili bowls. You can find plenty of good restaurants with special and diverse menu options in North Potomac.
Cafe Roma
Cafe Roma is a casual and romantic Italian restaurant with lunch and dinner menus. You can order pasta, pizza, and seafood dishes for less than $25, making it an affordable restaurant for dates and nights out with friends. Cafe Roma has an extensive wine list with dozens of red and white Italian and American wines.
12166 Darnestown Road, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, 301-977-4600
Isaac’s Poultry Market
Isaac’s Poultry Market is well known for its halal roasted chicken with za’atar and specialty seasonings. You can also enjoy fried chicken sandwiches, chicken salad, and french fries for less than $15.
12163 Darnestown Road, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, 240-477-5037
Inferno Pizzeria Napoletana
Inferno Pizzeria Napoletana is an upscale Neapolitan pizzeria offering brick-fired pizzas with organic Italian ingredients. You can also enjoy fresh salads for appetizers and gelatos for dessert.
12207 Darnestown Road, Darnestown, MD, 20878, 301-963-0115
Jobs in North Potomac MD
12,593 people have jobs in North Potomac MD. The job market has stayed relatively consistent over the last 10 years, hovering around 12,700 North Potomac jobs with small deviations. Professional services is the single largest employment sector by far, accounting for almost 30% of North Potomac jobs. Public administration and health care are the second and third largest job sectors. Each of these sectors has median earnings of at least $180,000 a year.
The per capita income in North Potomac is $71,327 a year, higher than the county rate. Major employers in North Potomac include Shady Grove Medical Center, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). You can look for North Potomac jobs using Indeed and apply for Montgomery County jobs on the county government’s website.
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Schools in North Potomac
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is the school district for all students living in North Potomac MD. Several different elementary schools are in North Potomac and serve children living in the community. US News considers Travilah Elementary School to be the best elementary school in North Potomac. US News ranks Travilah Elementary School as the third-best elementary school in the state, with 62% of students testing at or above the proficiency level in mathematics.
North Potomac does not have any middle schools, but a few middle schools serve students living in North Potomac. US News ranks Ridgeview Middle School as the best middle school for North Potomac students. It ranks Ridgeview Middle School in the top 100 middle schools in the state. The school has a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, one of the lowest amongst Montgomery County middle schools.
Quince Orchard High School is inside North Potomac. US News ranks it in the top 100 high schools in Maryland. Quince Orchard High School has a graduation rate of 94% and offers 31 different AP classes.
Private schools in North Potomac include Primary Montessori Day School, which serves children between two and nine. The Universities at Shady Grove (USG) is located in North Potomac. USG offers 80 different undergraduate and graduate programs from nine different public universities, all located on one campus. Nearly 4,000 students are at USG, with 52% receiving scholarships to attend classes.
The Quince Orchard Library is in North Potomac and has an extensive collection of books, electronic books, and movies.
North Potomac Statistics and Information
- North Potomac county: Montgomery County
- North Potomac area: 6.56 square miles
- North Potomac zip code: 20850 and 20878
- North Potomac area code: 240 and 301
- North Potomac elevation: 390 feet
- North Potomac time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and -5)
- Closest airport to North Potomac: Dulles Airport (IAD), 33.3 miles away from North Potomac
North Potomac Map
You can use this map to find great amenities, housing options, and restaurants in North Potomac.
Living in North Potomac MD is perfect for families, singles, and anyone interested in peace and quiet! The safe streets and beautiful outdoor attractions make North Potomac a great place to live for just about everyone.
Moving to North Potomac MD isn’t tricky. Suburban Solutions has the best North Potomac movers, with over 5,000 customers served. Call 301-928-8669 for a free quote for top movers now.
