Damascus , Washington Suburb Guide

Thirty-eight miles north of the Nation's Capital lies the small, rural community of Damascus, MD. Damascus real estate is still charmingly surrounded by rolling green spaces, fields and wooded areas. It's a perfect oasis that's located just close enough to Washington, DC to make for an easy commute into and out of the city. Small in both population and size, families who relocate to this suburban area have the opportunity to experience both the joy of rural living combined with all the convenience of nearby big city amenities. 

The average commute time from Damascus into the city is about 37 minutes -- a small price to pay to return home to such a gorgeous, green setting. Crime in this picturesque Maryland town is extremely low too -- yet another perk. If you're looking for somewhere small and safe to settle in the shadow of the Nation's Capital, you'll have a hard time finding a better option than charming Damascus, MD. 

Does Damascus Offer Quality Schools?

There are five public schools that serve the Damascus area:

• Damascus Elementary
• Clearspring Elementary
• Lois P. Rockwell Elementary
• John T. Baker Middle School
• Damascus High School

All of these rate a score of 7 or higher on a scale of 1 to 10 as compiled by Greatschools.org. The student-to-teacher ratio in this small town is an enviable 15 to 1, which makes for ample opportunity for children to receive the personalized attention they both need and deserve. 

Damascus is part of the quality Montgomery County School District, the largest school district in the state. MCPS is famous for its diversity, serving students from 164 different countries who speak a total of 184 languages. In 2010, MCPS won the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for performance excellence.  And between 2008 and 2009, this school district had the highest graduation rate among large school districts in the nation.

Can You Get Outside in Damascus?

Damascus is filled with opportunities for communing with nature:

• Damascus Recreational Park features 284 acres of tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, baseball, soccer and cricket fields, picnic shelters and horseshoe pits. And for those who enjoy hiking and biking, a paved section of the Magruder Branch Hiker Biker Trail passes through here, as well.
• Additionally, the small town of Damascus is literally bordered on nearly every side by a vast array of Maryland's hiking trails, that include the Mount Airy Rail Trail, the Black Hill Trail and the Hanover Trolley Trail. Just a short drive east, west, north, or south will connect you with ample opportunities for hiking, biking, walking, jogging or strolling. 
• Damascus also offers the Damascus Community Recreation Center along Oak Drive, which is a multi-purpose facility where you can get the kids involved in sports, art, dance, fitness, and more. The venue is available for rent for large gatherings. 

Where Can You Eat and Drink in Damascus, MD?

The quick answer to this question is -- anywhere you want. Damascus offers a nice variety of ethnic eateries and fun favorites that cover the gamut from Italian to Asian to your favorite Mexican cuisines.

• Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt -- When it's a healthy dessert that you can't stop thinking about, visit Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt on Main Street. The best flavorful frozen yogurts and your favorite toppings make this quick and easy side trip well worth the time. 
• Sky Kitchen -- Located on Main Street in Damascus, Sky Kitchen serves up some of the best Asian cuisine in the area. When you're in the mood for sushi and Chinese buffet-style dining, Sky Kitchen has all your favorite dishes. 
• The Music Cafe -- For the best in live bands, good foo,d and your favorite alcoholic beverages, visit The Music Cafe on Ridge Road. Order a meal or just your favorite espresso or craft beer while you listen to an entertaining selection of local and traveling musical talent. 
• Red Rooster -- The Red Rooster on Damascus BLVD offers some of the best fried chicken, subs, and sandwiches in the area. There are no sophisticated names for any of the offerings in this thoroughly American restaurant, but if you're in the mood for fried chicken with lots of home-styles sides such as coleslaw, macaroni or potato salad, you'll enjoy your meal at Red Rooster in Damascus.

If your quest for a new neighborhood has you circling in the vicinity of the Washington, DC, Baltimore Metropolitan Area, be sure to talk with your realtor about the many advantages to settling down in small town Damascus. Lots of wide-open spaces, room to grow and expand, tasty places to eat and stellar schools define this area that's just a stone's throw from the Nation's Capital. There's no need to sacrifice lawn and landscaping just to live in the highly sought-after real estate market that circles Washington, DC when you check out the local listings for Damascus.