Living in Potomac

Potomac is named for the Potomac River that borders it on the west, and the open, wooded character is the point: acreage, trees, horse country heritage, and a sense of retreat that is rare this close to a major city. The C&O Canal towpath runs along the river for hiking and biking, and the Agricultural Reserve keeps much of upper Montgomery County in farms and open space.

Homes are mostly large single-family houses on big lots, from mid-century colonials to custom estates. There are also gated, master-planned communities such as Avenel, built around a championship golf course. Potomac Village is the community's commercial hub: a compact cluster of shops and restaurants that serves the surrounding neighborhoods.