Washington D.C. might just have the most unique suburbs of any city out there. Unlike other metropolises that have their suburbs within the city limits, the suburbs of Washington D.C. are technically in neighboring but separate cities altogether. Not only that but they're also located in different states too. There's Bethesda, Maryland, for example, which offers a small-town ambiance perfect for family living. Alexandria, Virginia, on the other hand, is a historic city with its own downtown madness. Don't forget about Silver Spring, Maryland too. This suburb is so close to the D.C. city center that it's the perfect place for anyone working in the American capital to live.
Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria, Virginia might just be the most popular among the many suburbs in Washington D.C.! Located approximately seven miles south of the American capital, it's a lovely little town with its own bustling energy. Fortunately, it's not as busy as D.C. itself, which draws in workers in the city and beyond. Here, anyone
moving to Washington D.C. can live a fairly quiet life but still enjoy fun nightlife, lots of great shopping spots, and a little bit of history.
Arlington, Virginia
Most people might know Arlington, Virginia for its famous National Cemetery but there's more to the county than that. Located directly across the Potomac River, the place boasts among the lowest
crime rates in Washington D.C., perhaps even in the entire country. With only a 27.97% general crime rate, families couldn't have asked for a better suburb to settle down near the American capital. This is why you'll see that its population is pretty diverse, ranging from young professionals who are renting/have just bought their first homes to families who have lived here for generations.
Annandale, Virginia
At first glance, Annandale, Virginia looks like a typical Washington D.C. suburb. Since it's only less than a half-hour away from the city center, it's easy enough for people to commute. It's also among the quietest suburbs in Washington D.C., complete with low crime rates, fewer commercial districts, and more tight-knit communities. Beyond all that, Annandale is also notable for having the biggest Korean population in this part of the country. They've also set up various hotspots in town, making it a foodie haven for anyone up for the Eastern cuisine.
Ashburn, Virginia
Ashburn, Virginia has a fairly unique moniker—“The Bullseye of America’s Internet.” Over the years, tech-savvy residents slowly but surely dominated this Washington D.C. suburb’s ever-growing population, making it an attractive spot for tech companies and startups to set up shop too. It's still far from Silicon Valley over on the West Coast, but it's getting there. As such, the vibes here in Ashburn, Virginia tend to be more youthful too. There are still a few quiet corners perfect for families and the elderly, but for the most part, this town is all about the tech bros and broettes.
Fairfax, Virginia
The last Washington D.C. suburb on this list that's in Virginia is Fairfax. Located 16 miles from the city center, it's almost as popular as Alexandria or Arlington, but for different reasons. Among its many aces is how far it is from the
central neighborhoods of Washington D.C. but still close enough to be considered a suburb of the city. Those who have settled down here love how far it is from the American's hustle and bustle. At the same time, Fairfax is seeing its own business district grow day by day too. More and more businesses are setting up or relocating their headquarters here.
Bethesda, Maryland
For the rest of this list, let's head on over to Maryland. First up is Bethesda, Maryland which, much like Alexandria, Virginia, is more of a city than a standard suburb. The only difference, however, is that there are no skyscrapers here. It still has its fair share of big buildings, but for the most part, Bethesda is more of a healthy mix of an urban district and a residential neighborhood. Having the best of both worlds while still staying close to the American capital is what makes it attractive to D.C. residents and beyond.
Gaithersburg, Maryland
Gaithersburg, Maryland prides itself as one of the safest suburbs in Washington D.C. and cities in Maryland. That's even on top of the fact that it's the ninth-most populous community in the state, possibly even more populated than the other towns on this list. And yet it's among the safest too? It's probably because the area itself looks and feels more like a small town in the
American countryside. While some parts look like your standard city district, Gaithersburg is much closer to nature than you think. It's easy enough to escape a stressful city life here.
Germantown, Maryland
Now, if you truly want to be close to nature while still staying in a suburb of Washington D.C., look no further than Germantown, Maryland. It may be the furthest town from the American capital on this list, but all the surrounding state parks and nature reserves are a great consolation. Fountain Hills Local Park, Black Hill Regional Park, and the Seneca Creek State Park are just some of the places you can frequent if you settle down here. They're perfect for a much-needed retreat after a hectic week at work.
Rockville, Maryland
Saying that Rockville, Maryland is a good place to live is the understatement of the century. Located about 17 miles from Washington D.C., it's the city's most upscale suburb. The American capital itself is pretty affluent already, but if you're part of the upper class and you prefer to live a fair distance away from the city, Rockville is the place for you. It boasts some of the most
luxurious homes for rent in Washington D.C., ranging from chic penthouses to full-blown townhouses and mansions.
Silver Spring, Maryland
Finally, there's Silver Spring, Maryland, the hipster haven among the Washington D.C. suburbs on this list. While it's nowhere near Brooklyn in New York or Montmartre in Paris, the city still serves as the art and culture hub of the greater Montgomery County. Here, artists, writers, and other creatives breathe life into the streets of the city. You'll see them working in cafes, hanging out at bars, or showing off their works in their studios. It's all a nice change of pace from the more politically charged and business-centric American capital.
While the suburbs in Washington D.C. are technically not in the city, they're still near enough that anyone living in any of them can still hang out and have fun in the American capital. Fortunately, these are lovely neighborhoods too!
