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[quote=Anonymous]Potomac is probably the best commute into western DC (K street, western downtown, Foggy Bottom ) in MD especially if you take River Road. Its even quicker if you commute before or after the MCPS busses. Its not a good financial investment though -especially Avenel.

Potomac was very hot up until 2007. In the 90s and early 2000s, N Arlington wasn't a consideration for people with money and MCPS was viewed very favorably across the DMV. Now MCPS is no longer a draw and N Arlington and McLean are super hot. Avenel appealed to people who wanted to be in Potomac but didn't want a yard. Being on the golf course, appealed to out of town buyers who were used to the highest end neighborhoods being near a country club in their old state.

People today who would have bought in Avenel are buying n Arlington, McLean, Great Falls and Bethesda. The area is only looking at further value decline. Avenel houses in particular are a challenge because they look very 90s which means that you would be looking at several hundred thousand to update the house over time or you'll lose even more money when it comes to resell. The few buyers that are looking in Potomac are looking for a cheaper deal for a bigger house and bigger lot. Avenel doesn't have the bigger lots so it knocks these buyers out. The high HOA fees knock out other bargain hunters who can't make the debt to income level without putting much more money into the downpayment.

I agree that Potomac is a good value in terms of house/lot size for the money and proximity to DC but it isn't a good value from an investment standpoint. As a trade off, its really an ideal location if you don't like congestion, want to send your kids to good private school (Holton, Bullis, Norwood etc) and nice sized yard with mature landscaping/privacy (though not Avenel for this). You just need to do your homework on what it will cost over time to replace major items (HVAC, roof) and remodel bathrooms and kitchens and be prepared to sell for less than you bought. [/quote]

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