Starting your search for the cheapest suburbs of Washington DC? In Washington DC, the cost to purchase a house is 131.5% higher than the national average, transportation is 35.3% higher than the national average, and groceries are 14.1% higher than the national average. With the overall cost of living being 50.9% higher than the national average, Washington, District of Columbia, is an expensive and affluent area in the United States.
Choosing affordable suburbs of Washington DC can help to cut down on living expenses and lower the cost of living while giving you more space with good schools. A neighborhood typically only has residential homes (single-family, condos, and townhouses). When it comes to a suburb, it has a mixture of commercial businesses and buildings, as well as residential homes – all located in a metro area. Here is our list of the most affordable Washington DC suburbs.
Frederick, MD | Affordable, Historic Washington DC Suburb
- Population: 79,588
- Square miles: 23.9
- People per square mile: 3,323.5
- Median age: 38 years old
- Median household income: $81,411
- Home for sale in Frederick, MD
- Median home price: $401,106
- Median rent: $1,751
- Crime rate: The total crime rate is 2,273 per 100k people, which is 3% lower than the national average.
As a city in Frederick County, Frederick is also a suburb of Washington DC. Known for being a historic area and “the city of clustered spires”, it’s a “progressive, richly diverse, and authentically charming city”, and continues to work hard to be a place that is safe for everyone.
Each year, the suburb celebrates different cultures like Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Pride Month.
Some of the top things to do in Frederick, MD include visiting the Rose Hill Manor Museum, a historic yet kid-friendly and interactive exhibit, and Carroll Creek Park, a creekside park that has a walking path perfect for unwinding after a long day. Ultimately, moving to Frederick, MD is a great choice! Close to Washington DC, it’s a great area for young professionals and is one of the cheapest places to live near Washington DC.
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Woodbridge, VA | Washington DC Suburb with Highly Rated Schools
- Population: 42,734
- Square miles: 9
- People per square mile: 4,736.8
- Median age: 34 years old
- Median household income: $80,820
- Woodbridge, VA homes for sale
- Median home price: $423,500
- Median rent: $1,955
- Crime rate: The total crime rate is 769 per 100k people, which is 67% LOWER than the national average.
In Prince William County, Woodbridge is a census-designated place (CDP) and is home to some of the top Middle Schools in Virginia. If you’re looking for an affordable, low-crime area and a simple Washington DC suburb to call home with good schools, consider Woodbridge, VA!
Home to the historic Rippon Lodge, this beautiful 43-acre museum was a private residence from 1747 to 2000, and then a local museum. A few other memorable places that make Woodbridge unique and stand out are the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk and the Leesylvania State Park.
Woodbridge is a cheap Washington DC suburb and great for families because of the low crime rate and affordable homes.
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Silver Spring, MD | Cost Effective, Family-Friendly Washington DC Suburb
- Population: 80,265
- Square miles: 7.9
- People per square mile: 10,182
- Median age: 36 years old
- Median household income: $84,223
- Silver Spring, MD homes for sale
- Median home price: $540,000
- Median rent: $1,873
- Crime rate: The total crime rate is 1,541 per 100k people, which is 34% lower than the national average.
Located in Montgomery County, Silver Spring is a census-designated place and is an unincorporated area. Silver Spring is best known for its culture, being a place for entertainment events, like musicals, festivals, and the annual documentary film festival event called the Silverdocs.
Home to some of the best restaurants, the most popular restaurant choices in Silver Spring, MD, include The Fainting Goat, Mi Rancho, and All Set Restaurant & Bar. The Wheaton Regional Park is a great place to take your kids, the Martin Luther King Dr Recreational Center is the go-to spot during the summer to go swimming, and the Big Escape Room will put your brain to the test.
While Silver Spring’s cost of living is 49% higher than the national average, it’s still 10% cheaper to live than in Washington DC, making this one of the cheapest places to live near Washington DC. Living in Silver Spring, MD is a great option due to its low crime rate and kid-friendly atmosphere.
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Hyattsville, MD | Low Cost, Walkable Suburb in Washington DC
- Population: 20,790
- Square miles: 2.7
- People per square mile: 7,685.9
- Median age: 34 years old
- Median household income: $84,763
- Hyattsville, MD homes for sale
- Median home price: $399,000
- Median rent: $1,720
- Crime rate: The total crime rate is 6,530 per 100k people, which is 178% higher than the national average.
Hyattsville is a walkable and bikeable city, and this historic city is best known for being “the area’s first newspaper, phone system, and utilities. And later home to the electric streetcar.” These things helped to boost its population throughout the centuries.
This beautiful city has an urban and suburban vibe, so you get the best of both worlds and is a great place for young professionals and families. While this city is on the smaller side, Hyattsville is an affordable Washington DC suburb, especially if you’re interested in purchasing a home.
Parks are a huge attraction throughout Hyattsville. Some of the most popular include the David C. Driskell Community Park, Hyatt Park, and the 38th Ave Neighborhood Park. If you enjoy going to concerts, dance performances, musicals, and so forth, the Prince George’s Publick Playhouse is perfect for you. Hyattsville is one of the cheapest places to live in Washington DC and is great for young professionals and for families.
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Fairfax, VA | Best Low Crime, Affordable Washington DC Suburb
- Population: 23,980
- Square miles: 6.2
- People per square mile: 3,842.7
- Median age: 38 years old
- Median household income: $118,492
- Fairfax, VA homes for sale
- Median home price: $529,500
- Median rent: $2,206
- Crime rate: The total crime rate is 1,767 per 100k people, which is 24.7% lower than the national average
Known for its historic courthouse, Fairfax focuses on being a place that “celebrates its past and embraces the future.”
There are so many delicious cuisines to try throughout Fairfax, like Mama Chang (listed in the top 100 restaurants in Washington DC), Artie’s, Bellissimo Restaurant, and Dolce Vita Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar – all of which are included in the top tasty restaurants you should try in Fairfax.
Fairfax has plenty of fun things to do and places to explore. Some of the top local spots include the Bonds Escape Room, the family-friendly Children’s Science Center Lab, Daniels Run Park, and even Van Dyck Park.
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Annapolis, MD | Cheap Washington DC Suburb Home to the United States Naval Academy
- Population: 40,581
- Square miles: 7.2
- People per square mile: 5,631.4
- Median age: 38 years old
- Median household income: $92,026
- Annapolis, MD homes for sale
- Median home price: $516,388
- Median rent: $2,175
- Crime rate: The total crime rate is 2,994 per 100k people, which is 28% higher than the national average. The majority of the crimes committed in Annapolis are related to property crimes, and there are plenty of safe neighborhoods in this Washington DC suburb.
The state capital of Maryland and home to the United State Naval Academy, Annapolis is one of the cheapest places to live in Washington DC. You may have heard this area referred to as “America’s Sailing Capital”, the “Sailing Capital of the World”, or “Crabtown on the Bay.”
Sandy Point State Park is perfect for having a picnic and enjoying beautiful views of the water, while Quiet Waters Park, which is 340 acres of pure bliss, is a wonderful place to spend the day as a family. If you’re looking to learn more about the history of the town, the US Naval Academy Museum may be of interest. Annapolis is ideal for families and is an affordable suburb of Washington DC – this area is great for settling down.
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Rockville, MD | Diverse and Affordable Washington DC Suburb
- Population: 67,133
- Square miles: 13.6
- People per square mile: 4,934.9
- Median age: 40 years old
- Median household income: $118,903
- Rockville, MD homes for sale
- Median home price: $585,000
- Median rent: $2,232
- Crime rate: The total crime rate is 1,115 per 100k people, which is 52% lower than the national average.
As a city in Montgomery County, Rockville is near Gaithersburg and Bethesda and is one of the top and most affordable Washington DC suburbs. Rockville is a diverse community and features beautiful historic architecture.
If you’re looking for some of the top things to do with your family on the weekend, consider checking out ZavaZone Rockville, A Game of Rooms Rockville, or spend your night walking the famous upscale shopping center of Rockville Town Square. If you’re looking for a low-crime and cheap Washington DC suburb to live in that’s within commuting distance of the city, consider moving to Rockville, MD.
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Map of Affordable Washington DC Suburbs
For additional restaurants, cheap places to live near Washington DC, affordable places to live in Washington DC, things to do, and attractions in Washington DC, check out our map!
Are you planning on moving to a Washington DC suburb? Suburban Solutions is here to make your relocation seamless! With 9+ years of experience, a 98% customer referral rate, <1% moving claims rate, and 5,000+ customers served.
Our professional crew members are here for you every step of the way, and we can help answer any question ranging from Washington DC moving costs to the cost of living in Washington DC. Call us at 301-928-8669 for a free estimate and to learn more about our affordable moving prices!
