June 24, 2020

What I Love (and Hate) About Montgomery County, MD

Kevin Grolig gives his honest, balanced take on living in Montgomery County, MD - the good, the bad, and why he still calls it home.

People ask me all the time what it’s actually like to live in Montgomery County, and I always give them the same answer: it’s not perfect, and I’m not going to pretend it is. As a lifelong resident and a Realtor here in Bethesda, I’ve got a front-row seat to both sides of this place. The cost of living is real, the traffic is real, and those hidden speed cameras have gotten me more than once. But the outdoor space, the access to DC, the variety of housing, and the nightlife options that don’t require a trip into the city are exactly why so many people - myself included - stay here for the long haul. So let’s get into it, honestly, likes and dislikes both.

Cost of living here is genuinely high, and there’s no sugarcoating it

Montgomery County isn’t a cheap place to buy a home, and I’d rather tell you that up front than have you find out the hard way. Our median home value has consistently run close to double the national median, and depending on where you’re looking, single-family home prices can range from the low $300,000s all the way up into the multi-million dollar range in areas like Potomac. That range is actually a good thing once you understand it - it means there’s an entry point for a lot of different budgets - but you do need to walk in with realistic expectations. If you’re relocating here, this is the first conversation we should have, and it’s exactly why I put together a dedicated guide for people moving into the area at Montgomery County relocation guide.

Traffic here gets measured in time, not miles

If you’re used to thinking about distance in miles, you’ll need to recalibrate once you move to Montgomery County. One mile at the wrong time of day can eat up thirty minutes, while twenty miles at the right time might only take you twenty. That’s just the nature of a county this close to DC with this much commuter traffic funneling through it. The upside is that once you understand the patterns - which roads back up and when - you can plan around it. I walk every client through commute realities for their specific neighborhood before they buy, because where you land relative to 270, 495, or the Metro lines matters just as much as the house itself.

Yes, the speed cameras will get you, and they’re not shy about it

I’ll be the first to admit it: I’ve personally racked up multiple tickets in the same spot without even realizing it until the mail showed up a week later. Montgomery County takes its speed enforcement seriously, and the cameras are tucked into spots you don’t always expect. My advice to anyone new here is simple - slow down more than you think you need to, especially around school zones and neighborhood cut-throughs. It’s a small adjustment, but it saves you money and headaches down the road.

There’s a nickel bag tax, and it’s a small but constant reminder you’re in Montgomery County

Every plastic bag you use at checkout without bringing your own costs five cents. It’s a minor thing in the grand scheme of things, but it’s one of those quirks that catches new residents off guard. Grab a few reusable bags and you’ll never think about it again - and if you want one with a little local flavor, my team can send you a Kevin Grolig Home Team bag, just reach out through contact Kevin.

The outdoor space here rivals anywhere I’ve lived or visited

This is where Montgomery County really shines for me. From Great Falls to Black Hills Regional Park to Butler’s Orchard, we’ve got serious variety when it comes to hiking, biking, boating, and fishing. You don’t have to drive far to feel like you’ve left the suburbs entirely, and that access to nature right alongside suburban convenience is something a lot of buyers don’t expect until they’ve lived here a while.

Being minutes from Washington, DC changes what “local” means

I genuinely think DC is one of the prettiest cities in the country, not just the most powerful. Cherry blossoms in the spring, world-class museums, monuments, and five-star restaurants are all a short drive or Metro ride away. That proximity is a huge part of why Montgomery County holds its value - you get suburban living with a world capital in your backyard.

The variety of housing stock here means there’s a fit for almost anyone

Whether you want walkable urban living in Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Silver Spring, or parts of Rockville, a planned community like Kentlands, Crown, Falls Grove, or King Farm, or wide-open rural space in Potomac, Darnestown, Laytonsville, Damascus, or Clarksburg, this county has it. That range is a big part of why I love helping buyers here - there’s rarely a situation where I can’t find something that fits both their budget and their lifestyle.

Nightlife exists here without needing a trip into DC

A lot of people assume you have to head into the city for a good night out, but Montgomery County holds its own. The Fillmore in Silver Spring, the Strathmore in North Bethesda, the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, and the Round House Theatre in Bethesda all give you real entertainment options close to home.

No place is perfect, and that’s kind of the point

Here’s the honest truth: the things people complain about most - the cost, the traffic - exist because so many people want to live here. That demand is exactly what protects home values over time. I’d rather tell you the full picture up front than sell you a fantasy version of this county.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Montgomery County, MD expensive to live in?

Yes, home values run well above the national median, but the range is wide enough that there are options across most budgets, from starter homes to multi-million dollar estates.

What’s the traffic really like in Montgomery County?

It varies heavily by time of day and location - a short distance can take much longer than expected during peak commuting hours, so where you live relative to major roads and Metro access matters.

Are there good outdoor activities in Montgomery County?

Absolutely. Great Falls, Black Hills Regional Park, and Butler’s Orchard are just a few of the spots locals use for hiking, biking, boating, and fishing.

Do I need a car to enjoy Montgomery County, or is it walkable?

Both options exist. Areas like Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and Silver Spring are highly walkable, while planned communities and rural areas lean more car-dependent.

Montgomery County isn’t flawless, but the trade-offs are ones most people are glad to make once they understand them. If you’re thinking about buying or selling here, or just relocating and want the real picture, I’m happy to walk you through it.

Ready to talk through your move or your next home in Montgomery County? Book a free 30-minute call with me here.

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