21 Cities Near Washington D.C. to Live in 2024

Are you looking for the best cities near Washington D.C.? Whether you want a thriving little metropolis or a quiet suburb, you can find it within a few miles of the nation’s capital.

There are tons of pros to living in Greater Washington D.C., from cheaper rents to central locations and charming downtowns. Or you can choose to live a few hours from D.C., so you maintain access to the city for when you need it, plus all the features of your new town. Here's a look at what to expect from some of the best cities near D.C., including commute times and rent prices.

All of the rental data included here comes from our internal database of rent estimates, which is available for download. Transit scores come from walkscore.com and census information comes directly from the U.S. Census website.

21 Cities Near Washington D.C.

1. Silver Spring, Maryland

• Distance from Washington, D.C.: 6.2 miles
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via car: 19 minutes via 16th Street NW
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via public transport: 51 minutes via bus Nos. S2 and 32
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via bike: 36 minutes via 14th Street NW
• Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,086
• Population: 81,015
• Median household income:$91,970
• Walk score: 63
• Transit score: 63
• Bike score: 58

For a balance of urban and suburban living, move to Silver Spring, Maryland. The area is known for its diversity and reasonable commute to Washington, D.C. It still has its own vibrant downtown restaurants and brewery scene with great weather for outdoor recreation.

Although the driving and bike commute to D.C. isn’t terrible, it can swell to an hour or more during rush hour. Instead, you can make use of the region’s robust public transportation system and skip the battle for parking.

2. Arlington, Virginia

• Distance from Washington, D.C.: 5.2 miles
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via car: 14 minutes via Arlington Boulevard
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via public transport: 31 minutes via bus No. 7A and Fredericksburg Line Commute time to Washington, D.C., via bike: 33 minutes via Custis Trail and P Street NW
• Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,567
• Population: 238,643
• Median household income: $128,145
• Walk score: 71
• Transit score: 59
• Bike score: 72

Situated in Northern Virginia, Arlington is considered one of the best places to live in the country for its central location, diverse culture, and highly rated schools. It’s the third-biggest city in Virginia by population, is highly walkable, and offers good public transportation options. Located just across the Potomac River, it’s also the closest city to Washington, D.C.

Even without going to D.C., you can live, work, and play in Arlington. In the thriving job market, locals have their pick of working in aerospace and defense, corporate and regional business headquarters, and IT and emerging tech. Government contracting and AI technology development are also popular industry sectors in Arlington.

3. Bethesda, Maryland

• Distance from Washington, D.C.: 7 miles
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via car: 19 miles via Wisconsin Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue NW
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via public transport: 26 minutes via Red Line and bus No. 38B
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via bike: 51 minutes via Capital Crescent Trail
• Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,349
• Population: 68,056
• Median household income: $178,370
• Walk score: 45
• Transit score: 43
• Bike score: 57

Bethesda is known for its quality education system, making it one of the best D.C. suburbs for families. It’s also a great location for growing a career in healthcare, as it is home to the National Institutes of Health, the National Naval Medical Center, and the Walter Reed Medical Center. For access to other industries, locals need only commute seven miles to enter D.C.

Beyond work and education, Bethesda offers cultural opportunities at the Music Center at Strathmore and the Bethesda Theater. Bethesda Row, the local mall, offers pubs, restaurants, and shopping outlets, and there are plenty of bike trails and parks from which to enjoy some fresh air.

4. Hyattsville, Maryland

• Distance from Washington, D.C.: 6.5 miles Commute time to Washington, D.C., via car: 22 minutes via Rhode Island Avenue
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via public transport: 44 minutes via Green Line and bus No. G8
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via bike: 46 minutes via Metropolitan Branch Trail
• Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,692
• Population: 20,675
• Median household income: $84,763
• Walk score: 69
• Transit score: 55
• Bike score: 73

Hyattsville is among the best cities close to Washington, D.C., and you can reach the city in under an hour, whether you drive or bike. Many buildings in Hyattsville, including the Hyattsville Armory and the Hyattsville Main Post Office, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Hyattsville is known for its ornate mansions and colonial cottages but is undergoing a revitalization effort.

Locals head to the Gateway Arts District, where art galleries and restaurants abound. Green space is also valued around Hyattsville, with opportunities for biking and outdoor fun in Sligo-Bennington Neighborhood Park and David C. Driskell Community Park.

5. McLean, Virginia

• Distance from Washington, D.C.: 9.8 miles
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via car: 21 minutes via Canal Road NW
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via public transport: 53 minutes via bus Nos. 23T and 38B
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via bike: 1 hour and 2 minutes via Capital Crescent Trail
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $3,012
• Population: 50,773
• Median household income: $242,610
• Walk score: 23
• Transit score: 26
• Bike score: 30

McLean sits along the Potomac River and is considered one of the safest Virginia cities near D.C. Locals have their choice of career opportunities in banking, finance, and hospitality — or take a short drive to get to D.C. McLean is a popular place to live among diplomats, military, members of Congress, and other high-ranking government officials.

The area is also known for its outdoor beauty, especially at Langley Oaks Park and Scott's Run Nature Preserve. For entertainment, Tysons Corner Center provides premier shopping, restaurants, pubs, and more.

6. Alexandria, Virginia

• Distance from Washington, D.C.: 7.8 miles
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via car: 17 minutes via George Washington Memorial Parkway Commute time to Washington, D.C., via public transport: 25 minutes via **Fredericksburg Line
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via bike: 51 minutes via Mount Vernon Trail
• Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,194
• Population: 155,525
• Median household income: $105,450
• Walk score: 62
• Transit score: 55
• Bike score: 62

Alexandria is a historic city known for its charming Old Town of 18th- and 19th-century buildings and brick-lined streets. With easy access to D.C., residents can enjoy the best of what the metro area has to offer while living along the Potomac waterfront. Locals commute to D.C. to work or choose careers in Alexandria centered around professional, scientific, and technical services, education, and public administration.

Like much of the D.C. area, Alexandria is no stranger to historical ambiance and charm. You can dive into the arts community, dine along the waterfront, or enjoy living along the colonial architecture for which Alexandria is known.

7. Fairfax, Virginia

• Distance from Washington, D.C.: 19 miles
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via car: 26 minutes via I-66 E.
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via public transport: 1 hour and 6 minutes via bus No. Gold 2, Orange Line, and bus No 38B
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via bike: 1 hour and 56 minutes via Washington and Old Dominion Trail
• Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,069
• Population: 24,835
• Median household income: $118,492
• Walk score: 54
• Transit score: 38
• Bike score: 55

Fairfax, Virginia, is known for its stunning outdoor parks, family-friendly atmosphere, and high quality of life — and it happens to be one of the most convenient D.C. cities. Fairfax is also rich with history, hosting sites including Ox Hill Battlefield Park. With Fairfax’s robust public transportation, you can get to D.C. in about an hour, depending on the time of day.

Fairfax features a vibrant arts and cultural scene with seasonal outdoor concerts, festivals, public artworks, and annual festivals. For time outdoors, locals explore Daniels Run Park and Van Dyck Park.

8. Rockville, Maryland

• Distance from Washington, D.C.: 17.9 miles
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via car: 28 minutes via Clara Barton Parkway
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via public transport: 40 minutes via MARC Line
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via bike: 1 hour and 41 minutes via * **Capital Crescent Trail
• Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,339
• Population: 66,924Median household income: $116,031
• Walk score: 56
• Transit score: 52
• Bike score: 58

Rockville is among the most popular Maryland cities near D.C. Its residents enjoy one of the lowest crime rates in the area and a diverse population. Locals work in a robust economy, offering opportunities in healthcare, hospitality, and biotech.

Rockville, Maryland, ranks as among the best places to live in Maryland and among the top-rated places to raise a family. Like in much of the D.C. area, you'll pay a relatively high cost of living to live here, but there are plenty of amenities that might make it worth it, including public transportation, outdoor recreation, and a bustling town square.

9. Fort Washington, Maryland

• Distance from Washington, D.C.: 17.9 miles
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via car: 28 minutes via Clara Barton Parkway
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via public transport: 40 minutes via MARC Line
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via bike: 1 hour and 41 minutes via Capital Crescent Trail
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,571
• Population: 24,261
• Median household income: $127,587
• Walk score: 16
• Transit score: 21
• Bike score: 19

Fort Washington sits along the Potomac River, which offers unique opportunities like paddle boarding, and is home to the National Harbor. Locals can take their pick of restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options that include the MGM National Harbor Hotel and Casino. Despite all the modern touches, the town was originally built in the 1800s to defend enemies entering the waterway with a namesake fort that is now a historic park.

Depending on where you live in Fort Washington, you can access public transportation or hop on your bike to get around, but it’s largely car-dependent, meaning your commute to D.C. will likely be along Interstate 295.

10. Vienna, Virginia

• Distance from Washington, D.C.: 17.2 miles
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via car: 25 minutes via I-66 E.
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via public transport: 1 hour and 1 minute via bus No. 461, Orange Line, and bus No. 11Y
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via bike: 1 hour and 26 minutes via Washington and Old Dominion Trail and Custis Trail
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,7456
• Population: 16,276
• Median household income: $200,938
• Walk score: 90
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 78

Vienna, Virginia, is a family-friendly enclave in Fairfax County with access to D.C. As one of the best towns near Washington, D.C., Vienna offers high walkability and reputable schools with low crime rates. Green space in Vienna is plentiful, and you’re never far from the small shops, dining, and pubs along Maple Avenue.

Despite Vienna’s small size, you can also find entertainment outdoors at Meadow Lane Park. For more access to cultural amenities and broader job opportunities, D.C. is less than 20 miles away.

Cities Near Washington, D.C. With Higher Commute Times

If you need to live near Washington, D.C., but don’t mind a longer commute, there are plenty of cities and towns from which to choose. Here are some of the best cities and towns near D.C. to help you start your search. Consider whether the drive to the city is worth the trade-off for rent affordability and quality of life.

11. Clarksburg, Maryland

• Distance from Washington, D.C.: 30 miles
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via car: 37 minutes via I-270 S.
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via public transport: 1 hour and 25 minutes via bus No. 73, Red Line, and bus No. 38B
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via bike: 3 hours and 4 minutes via Capital Crescent Trail
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment:$2,446
• Population: 29,051
• Median household income:$152,917
• Walk score: 62
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 57

Though it’s farther off than the previous cities on this list, Clarksburg, Maryland, still offers direct access to D.C. amenities along major roads, including Route 355, Interstate 270, and other major thruways. With its picture-perfect landscapes and historical attractions, this town might be just what you’re in the market for.

D.C. shopping isn’t far, but locals head to Clarksburg Premium Outlets for bargains on fashion, housewares, and more. The area is also a great place to raise a family because of its suburban feel and many parks. Clarksburg is also home to a historic town center.

12. Gaithersburg, Maryland

• Distance from Washington, D.C.: 22.8 miles
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via car: 31 minutes via I-270 S.
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via public transport: 56 minutes via MARC Line
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via bike: 2 hours and 18 minutes via Capital Crescent Trail
• Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,139
• Population: 68,952
• Median household income: $98,089
• Walk score: 52
• Transit score: 40
• Bike score: 51

Gaithersburg, Maryland, is conveniently located near all the amenities you need, from restaurants and movie theaters to highways. You’re looking at a longer commute into D.C. along interstates 270 and 495, but the train ride is reasonable and avoids traffic and parking issues.

Newcomers pick Gaithersburg for its reputation for its convenience, amenities, green spaces, and job opportunities at places like the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The community is also a great pick for families because of its highly rated public schools and safety.

13. Reston, Virginia

• Distance from Washington, D.C.: 22.4 miles
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via car: 28 minutes via VA-267 E. and I-66 E.
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via public transport: 49 minutes via Silver Line and bus No. 32
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via bike: 2 hours and 1 minute via Washington and Old Dominion Trail
• Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,986
• Population: 63,226
• Median household income: $126,571
• Walk score: 40
• Transit score: 40
• Bike score: 54

Reston, Virginia, draws renters looking for access to Washington, D.C., off the Silver metro line. With its thriving town center, you’ll have your choice of restaurants and pubs. Nature is also a premium feature of Reston, which offers lakes, miles of walking trails, swimming pools, and golf courses.

Money Magazine ranked Reston as one of the Best Places To Live in 2017. The town draws locals and visitors to festivals, annual events, and a variety of rental options ranging from apartments to townhouses and single-family properties.

14. Frederick, Maryland

• Distance from Washington, D.C.: 45.4 miles
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via car: 56 minutes via I-270 S.
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via public transport: 1 hour and 40 minutes via MARC Line
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via bike: 4 hours and 43 minutes via Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail/U.S. Bicycle Route 50
• Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,860
• Population: 82,175
• Median household income: $82,563
• Walk score: 47
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 47

Frederick, Maryland, offers more affordable rents compared to those of D.C., and it maintains its own thriving job market in the biotech and technology industries. You can get to D.C. in about an hour, depending on traffic, but you're also not far from natural havens like Gambrill State Park. ​​ You can enjoy the best of what Frederick has to offer with a revitalized historic downtown, museums, a theater, and an involved arts community. Its location at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains provides dazzling views and one-of-a-kind hiking and mountain biking opportunities.

15. Baltimore, Maryland

• Distance from Washington, D.C.: 38.3 miles
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via car: 50 minutes via MD-295 S. and Baltimore-Washington Parkway
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via public transport: 1 hour and 3 minutes via MARC Line
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via bike: 4 hours and 21 minutes via Brock Bridge Road
• Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,424
• Population: 569,931
• Median household income: $54,124
• Walk score: 64
• Transit score: 53
• Bike score: 53

Baltimore is among the biggest cities in Maryland and sits one hour from Washington, D.C.; two hours from Philadelphia; and three hours from New York City.

Baltimore offers a far more affordable cost of living than its neighbors, and it doesn't skimp on live music, art, and culture, which you can find at the Baltimore Museum of Art and the American Visionary Art Museum.

Baltimore is a popular city for sports, as it has the Orioles and the Ravens for its respective baseball and football teams, but it also offers shopping, dining, and entertainment along the Patapsco River. Although the job market isn't quite at the level of D.C. and New York City, it’s doing just fine in biosciences, healthcare, and higher education.

16. Cambridge, Maryland

• Distance from Washington, D.C.: 85.9 miles
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via car: 1 hour and 32 minutes via US-50 W./Ocean Gateway and US-50 W.
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via public transport: 4 hours and 15 minutes via Amtrak and MARC Line
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via bike: 17 hours and 5 minutes via US- 40 W.
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,746
• Population: 569,931Median household income: $54,124
• Walk score: 75
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 67

English colonists settled in Cambridge in 1684, making it one of the oldest cities in Maryland — in fact, it was once home to Annie Oakley and Harriet Tubman. From here, you're less than two hours from D.C., or you can look to grow your career at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science or in the manufacturing industry.

Cambridge offers a downtown with waterfront activity, museums, parks, restaurants, and vibrant murals. With scores of historical sights, It is a charming town where you can explore notable architecture, go to a festival, or head to the beach.

17. Annapolis, Maryland

• Distance from Washington, D.C.: 32.2 miles
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via car: 42 minutes via US-50 W.
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via public transport: 1 hour and 26 minutes via bus No. 220
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via bike: 3 hours and 25 minutes via Riva Road
• Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,026
• Population: 40,648]
• Median household income: $92,026
• Walk score: 48
• Transit score: 35
• Bike score: 58

Annapolis is the oldest incorporated city in Maryland and boasts more 18th-century buildings than any other town in the country. With dazzling waterfront views of the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis is the “Sailing Capital of the U.S.” for its strong boating culture, seafood, and local events.

Downtown Annapolis features cobblestone streets, music venues, and dining, but it also triangulates Baltimore and D.C., which are each less than an hour away by car. For job opportunities, locals work at the U.S. Naval Academy and in the hospitality industry.

18. Fredericksburg, Virginia

• Distance from Washington, D.C.: 53 miles
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via car: 57 minutes via I-95 N.
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via public transport: 1 hour and 24 minutes via Carolinian Line
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via bike: 7 hours and 3 minutes via Minnieville Road
• Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,860
• Population: 28,757
• Median household income: $72,293
• Walk score: 46
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 46

Fredericksburg is conveniently located midway between Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Virginia, but offers its own share of big-city amenities. Major industries in Fredericksburg include public administration, healthcare, and educational services.

Like much of Virginia, Fredericksburg is known for its history and is home to four major Civil War battlefields and historic sites. Locals gather in downtown Fredericksburg to shop at independently owned stores, small restaurants, and taverns. For outdoor fun, Rappahannock River offers fishing, boating, hiking, and bird watching.

19. Leesburg, Virginia

• Distance from Washington, D.C.: 40.5 miles
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via car: 47 minutes
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via public transport: 1 hour and 43 minutes via bus Nos. 351 and 481
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via bike: 3 hours and 33 minutes via Washington and Old Dominion Trail
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,087
• Population: 48,974
• Median household income: $116,350
• Walk score: 36
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 44

Leesburg, Virginia, is the gateway to wine country, offering its own bustling downtown and year-round events. The area is also a draw for its family-friendly vibe and high-quality public school system. Commute to Washington, D.C., in about an hour or work in local industries, including information and communications technology, federal government contracting, and aerospace and defense.

After work hours, locals can dine on King Street, visit the Rust Nature Sanctuary, or go hiking and biking on the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Trail.

20. Middleburg, Virginia

• Distance from Washington, D.C.: 42.6 miles
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via car: 53 minutes via US-50 E.
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via public transport: N/A
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via bike: 5 hours and 14 minutes via Washington and Old Dominion Trail
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,086
• Population: 573
• Median household income: $58,438
• Walk score: 64
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 40

If you want to rent an apartment with a charming Victorian backdrop, head to Middleburg, Virginia. Its quaint shops and restaurants, equestrian events, and charming wineries offer an upscale, slower pace of life. With the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop, locals also enjoy visiting antique stores and admiring historic Victorian buildings.

Despite its small size, Middleburg has its own industry, including wineries, breweries, and craft distilleries. The surrounding county also offers opportunities in education, science, and technical services.

21. Occoquan, Virginia

• Distance from Washington, D.C.: 23.9 miles Commute time to Washington, D.C., via car:** 30 minutes via I-95 N. and I-395 N.
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via public transport: 1 hour and 15 minutes via bus Nos. L-100 and 32
• Commute time to Washington, D.C., via bike: 2 hours and 31 minutes via Eisenhower Avenue
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,101
• Population: 62,969
• Median household income: $116,957
• Walk score: 70
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 50

Occoquan, Virginia, is a picture-perfect town established during the 18th century. With only about 25 miles to Washington, D.C., you're not far from the city, but you can escape back to a small-town life complete with a boardwalk, family-owned restaurants, and historic charm.

Occoquan's regional industries included grist mills, tobacco houses, and sawmills. Today, locals work in sectors including public administration and technical services.

Looking to Rent an Apartment in Washington D.C.?

The best cities near Washington, D.C., offer something for everyone, whether you want a bustling arts culture or a quiet hometown in which to plant your family’s roots.

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