Need honest opinions on North Potomac--possible move to that area

[Anonymous]

Great input. We're considering the area, too, but I notice that there aren't many options for single family homes less than say about $550K. If cash isn't a concern, though, then I'm sure it'll be a wonderful area to move to.

[Anonymous]

The middle school for the Kentlands is Lakelands Middle School. It is right in the neighborhood!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Great input. We're considering the area, too, but I notice that there aren't many options for single family homes less than say about $550K. If cash isn't a concern, though, then I'm sure it'll be a wonderful area to move to.

Actually, you may possibly be able to find a SFH just outside of the Kentlands/Lakelands that would allow you to still be able to utilize the neighborhood as you would if you lived there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Great input. We're considering the area, too, but I notice that there aren't many options for single family homes less than say about $550K. If cash isn't a concern, though, then I'm sure it'll be a wonderful area to move to.

Actually, you may possibly be able to find a SFH just outside of the Kentlands/Lakelands that would allow you to still be able to utilize the neighborhood as you would if you lived there.

Very true - we live about 10 minutes away and go there frequently. Our SFH cost nowhere near $550, and as a bonus, we have a bit of space between our house and our neighbors' houses.

[Anonymous]

PPs, thanks, just to know, what zip codes/areas are you referring to?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PPs, thanks, just to know, what zip codes/areas are you referring to?

The general area I'm referring to is between Shady Grove Road and North Summit Ave on 355 (except for the area off of West Deer Park Ave, that is not great and I wouldn't advise it). But otherwise, check out the neighborhoods on both sides of the road.

[Anonymous]

Ok, thanks much ...

[Anonymous]

Bumping this post because am considering the same. Would you describe this area as "stepford" - and what exactly does that mean. We are seriously thinking of putting in a bid here. I work part time and have a small child who will be attending pre school part time. Socially, is it very cookie cutter? That is not my personality so that is my concern. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

North Potomac was created in 1988 from the peripheral fringes of Gaithersburg, Potomac, and Rockville, and lies parallel to the Potomac River. North Potomac shares ZIP codes with Gaithersburg, Potomac, and Rockville. As defined by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) and the North Potomac Citizens Association (NPCA). NORTH POTOMAC BOUNDARIES ARE FIXED-- it is bordered by Darnestown Road in the north, Glen Mill Road in the east and south, Boswell Lane and Travilah Road in the south, and Jones Lane in the west and encompasses distinct sections of the ZIP codes 20878, 20854, and 20850 (though most in 20854 prefer to use Potomac for prestige purposes though it and 20850 are technically Rockville). There is a North Potomac Postal designation, but no Post Office building--community shares Gaithersburg Diamond Branch.

Once you cross over Darnestown Rd, you are in Gaithersburg proper though certain folks in the Kendlands and in the Muddy Branch area claim North Potomac address.

North Potomac residents have the benefit of easy access by car to the Kentlands and Rio in Gaithersburg, King Farm and Fallsgrove in Rockville and for those living closer to River Road, Potomac Village and the Quince Orchard and Darnestown centers.

Overall a VERY nice community with families focused on education and creating opportunities for all children. Homes in Wooten Cluster and Glenvilah (with closer proximity to Potomac Village and River Road corridor) are the pricier homes. Travilah and Glen Rd homes (bordering Darnestown) tend be be a larger on 2 acre lots and pricier than those in Dufeif/Quince Orchard.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the comprehensive response!

[Anonymous]

I'd pick similar areas in Virginia instead. Lower taxes, better college options, better access to job centers, less crime, etc.

[Anonymous]

PP - Va. does not have as much diversity though, if that is something that you are looking for in a neighborhood.

[Anonymous]

Travilah and Glen Rd homes (bordering Darnestown) tend be be a larger on 2 acre lots

This is where we moved. I used the exact word "stepford" when we looked at the Kentlands. It just seemed fake to me....houses trying to look like Nantucket or Pacific Grove but with chain stores, restaurants and random knick nack gift shops (think ceramic glazed cat earrings), a Giant and a Lowes. The old "city" me wanted someone that felt more rural or something urban, not something in between. The "new" me, who has been through snow storms, actually has a reason to go into Michaels for the kids, and sees Starbucks and Bonefish as fancy dining, would move into the Kentlands now. I like where we live, like having a beautiful large lot, lots of privacy, and a nice house but I would prefer to live somewhere we we could walk somewhere. The one big downside to neighborhoods with large lots is that there aren't alot of kids. If you are OK driving everywhere then anywhere in North Potomac is fine. We also decided against any houses that were not in Wootten or Churchill but I know several people who like Quince Orchard so you may not want to rule that out.

There are some larger subdivisions with normal sized lots, lots of kids, and medium sized family houses off Travilah. There is a very few very nice neighborhood with neighborhood community centers off Glen Mill Road.

I like the people. I think North Potomac has one of highest concentration of Phds in the country. Its not a flashy area like Bethesda or Potomac, lots of research types but even the lawyers are low key. I would not call NP diverse from a socioeconomic standpoint. There is a good mix of Indian, Middle Eastern, and Chinese families who are first or second generation. My kids have lots of friends from different cultures. The schools are all very good and you are close to any kid centric activity you could imagine which is nice.

If you are thinking long term,I would move to Virginia though for better in-state college options.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your description PP. I guess the Kentlands would probably not suit me then. The rest of the city sounds like a good area to move though. The house we are looking at is in the Wooten school district and they are asking around $550K for the house.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP - Va. does not have as much diversity though, if that is something that you are looking for in a neighborhood.

I never understood that as being a big factor when choosing where to live. On the one hand, it is good for your kids to see different cultures and meet folks from different parts of the world. But on the other, unfortunately the more diverse, often the more separated the neighbors are.