Families who want to be close to all the great museums, libraries, and history in
Washington, D.C. without the constant bustle of city life will love these D.C. suburbs.
These suburbs have great schools, close-knit communities, and space to spread out.
1. Chevy Chase, MD
Key Stats:
- Unemployment rate: 2.6 percent
- Median household income: $250,001
The peaceful town of Chevy Chase kicks off our list of the best D.C. suburbs for families. Historic Cape Cod and Colonial style homes are common picks for home buyers, but small families also have their pick of modern condos.
Active families can hike along scenic Rock Creek at Ray’s Meadow Park, or use the soccer, baseball, basketball, tennis, and playground facilities at the North Chevy Chase Local Park. The Chevy Chase Library hosts a variety of children’s programming to keep young readers entertained.
2. Bethesda, MD
Key Stats:
- GreatSchools.org score: 9 out of 10
- Median household income: $143,245
Families in the Washington, D.C. suburb of Bethesda have many housing options to choose from. Modern townhouses, stately Colonial style homes, and lovely historic craftsman houses are all common.
Spend a beautiful day outside at the Woodacres Local Park, which has a playground, softball field, baseball field, tennis courts, and a peaceful picnic area. The Bethesda Library hosts activities for children and teens, including a Family Storytime and Teen Writers Club.
3. Potomac, MD
Key Stats:
- GreatSchools.org score: 9.5 out of 10
- Median household income: $178,722
Potomac earns the third place spot on our list of the best Washington, D.C. suburbs with high marks from GreatSchools.org. Well-built Colonial and Tudor style homes on quiet residential streets are common in Potomac.
Active families can hike or bike the wooded 8.8-mile Cabin John Stream Valley Trail, while young readers will flock to the fun programs at Potomac Library. Residents enjoy convenient shopping from brand name retailers and casual dining options at the Westfield Montgomery Mall.
4. Ashburn, VA
Key Stats:
- Total crimes per 100k: 1,149
- Median household income: $120,761
The winding residential streets and quiet culs-de-sac in Ashburn provide a peaceful suburban vibe. Modern condos and townhouses are common housing options in this suburb.
Make science fun a the interactive Curiosity Zone or enjoy extensive programming for children and teens at the Ashburn Library branch. Nature trails, a creek, the playground, and picnic areas at Ashburn Park are perfect for active families.
5. Kensington, MD
Key Stats:
- Total crimes per 100k: 461
- Unemployment rate: 3.3 percent
Lovely craftsman and Cape Cod style homes are common in Kensington, which earned the fifth place spot on our list with one of the lowest crime rates for any of the Washington, D.C. suburbs we ranked.
Enjoy picnics and hikes through several well-maintained city parks. The Noyes Library for Young Children is housed in a quaint one-room cottage, and has a variety of programming for toddlers and grade school readers.
6. Reston, VA
Key Stats:
- Total crimes per 100k: 1,122
- Average commute time: 29 minutes
Families searching for a safe suburb with plenty of outdoor activities will love the sixth D.C. suburb on our list. Reston home buyers will find spacious modern townhouses and condos.
Fish, rent paddle boats, ride the merry-go-round, or plan a family camping trip at scenic Lake Fairfax Park. Baron Cameron Park has athletic fields, a playground and dog park, and community garden plots for residents to enjoy.
7. Arlington, VA
Key Stats:
- Unemployment rate: 3.9 percent
- Average commute time: 27 minutes
The conveniently located suburb of Arlington is just over five miles away from D.C., and earns the seventh place spot on our list with plenty of spacious modern townhouses and condos, and historic cottage style homes.
Playgrounds and basketball courts at Rocky Run Park are perfect for a day of family fun. Arlington’s Central Library also offers programming from year one to adulthood.
8. Mount Airy, MD
Key Stats:
- GreatSchools.org score: 9 out of 10
- Unemployment rate: 4.6 percent
Families in the conveniently located suburb of Mount Airy get the best of both worlds, and enjoy a suburban environment that’s just a quick drive away from D.C. and Baltimore. Home buyers will find a variety of ranch style houses and charming craftsman homes.
Enjoy walking trails, softball fields, playgrounds, tennis courts, a volleyball court, and more at Watkins Park, or plan a family bowling night at the Mt. Airy Bowling Lanes.
9. Leesburg, VA
Key Stats:
- Median household income: $99,486
- Cost of living: 129, compared to the D.C. average of 134
Leesburg earns the ninth place spot on our list of the best Washington, D.C. suburbs for families with a low cost of living and plenty of townhouses and cottage style homes.
Enjoy indoor pools, a water park, and a recreation center at Ida Lee Park, or use the sports fields and explore nature trails at the Philip A. Bolen Memorial Park. The Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets provide convenient shopping at discount rates.
10. Centreville, VA
Key Stats:
- Unemployment rate: 5.4 percent
- Total crimes per 100k: 1,761
The scenic suburb of Centreville rounds out our list of the best family friendly spots near D.C. with modern townhouses and cottage style homes for families of any size.
Plan a family bowling night at AMF Centreville Lanes, or explore the great outdoors in Centreville’s beautiful parks. The Ellanor C. Lawrence Park has trails, fields, picnic areas, and a historic farmhouse, while the Cub Run Stream Valley Park has a playground and more than 800 wooded acres of space to explore.
Our Methodology
To create this list of the best D.C. suburbs for families, we looked at the following criteria:
- GreatSchools.org Score
- Total crimes per 100k
- Unemployment rate
- Average commute time
- Median household income
- Median monthly housing costs (the lower the better)
We ranked each D.C. suburb in the above categories. Because some things are of extra importance to families, we weighted the GreatSchools.org score and total crimes per 100k score to make up 25 percent of the final score, while the rest of the categories made up 10 percent.
For this list, we sourced data from the U.S. Census,
AreaVibes and GreatSchools.org.
Want to see how other D.C. suburbs measured up? Check out the table below:
Like This Post? You’ll Definitely Love These:
