Anonymous wrote:

some possible options

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/dc/small-towns-near-washington-dc/

These are nice, but I would not consider any of them to be "commutable distance" from DC.

That’s what I was thinking. A town in PA? Places across the Bay? Sure they are cute towns, but come on…

OP you need to be a lot more specific about what “small town feel” means to you.

Del ray or old town

Fairfax city …has a charming Main Street too

I’m in Burke and my neighborhood feels this way!

Where is the town center in Burke?

some possible options

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/dc/small-towns-near-washington-dc/

These are nice, but I would not consider any of them to be "commutable distance" from DC.

I’m in Burke and my neighborhood feels this way!

Small town feel:
Kensington (raised kids here),
Friends and family who live
North Bethesda, Takoma Park, Hyattsville, Laurel, Falls Church VA,

My neighborhood has some aspects of small town. Now, we don’t have a charming Main Street, but there is a sweetfrog in the shopping center up the street that kids can walk to. The homecoming parade for Chantilly HS goes past my house (and starts at the shopping center). On Fourth of July, people gather at the shopping center to watch the fireworks from the country club on the other side of 50. We can walk to all 3 local schools and the library. There is a stream with a trail that runs right through the center of our neighborhood. Heck, the people who built this neighborhood built some of the original suburbs post WWII, so it even looks like those places. You can buy a house for less than $750k.

Laytonsville. Post office is as small as a stamp. We love out here.

Olney-Brookeville-Ashton-Sandy Spring. I cannot go into a grocery store without seeing someone I know from school, a kids' activity, etc.

Fort Hunt - 22308 especially, also 22307
Most families down here tend to be very local-focused. It’s all about the neighborhoods, rec clubs, schools, and community sports, churches, etc. Most people identify Old Town as their “downtown” or commercial center (not the District) so it feels pretty small town like.

some possible options

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/dc/small-towns-near-washington-dc/

I don't most of the suggestions are what OP is envisioning. Perhaps Leesburg or Middleburg, Ellicott City, Purcellville, maybe Poolesville.

I live in College Park, MD and my neighbor brings me fruit from his trees and there's a neighborhood Christmas tree lighting soon. People tend to keep an eye out on the elderly neighbors.

There are many small sub-neighborhoods/streets as well.