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Potomac, MD

Frequently asked questions

Potomac, MD

Potomac is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 47,018. It is named after the nearby Potomac River. A part of the Washington metropolitan area, many Potomac residents work in nearby Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia.

The land that is now Potomac was first settled by Edward Offutt in 1714 after he was granted a 600-acre (2.4 km²) land grant of a region known as Clewerwell by Lord Baltimore. His grant of land was by the Tehogee Indian Trail, an Indian trade route built by the Canaze Native American nation in 1716. Throughout the 18th century, what became known as "Offutts Crossroads" was a small, rural community that served planters and travelers. In the 19th century, a few small dwellings had been built along with a tavern established in 1820. By the time of the Civil War, the community contained two general stores, a blacksmith shop, and a post office which served a community of 100.

Offutts Crossroads was renamed "Potomac" in 1881 by John McDonald. An Irishman and veteran of the Civil War, McDonald settled in Potomac around that time. He petitioned for the name change since postal officials were asking for brief names and there were already several other communities in the area with the name "Crossroads".

By the turn of the 20th century, Potomac was growing. Thomas Perry, an operator of a nearby general store, built a house on the corner of Falls and River Roads in 1902. More residential structures were built on the northern section of Falls Road throughout the 1920s and 1930s. During the 1950s, Potomac was one of many communities in Montgomery County to experience suburbanization because of its proximity to Washington, D.C. Potomac quickly transformed from a rural farming community to a suburban community from the mid-to-late 20th century.

Numerous original buildings within Potomac Village have been demolished for the construction of strip malls and modern office buildings. However, in the surrounding area, many of the old farmhouses remain, though some are confined within suburban developments. The Perry Store has been restored and still stands as part of a bank, although the building was moved 21 feet in 1986 to allow for a project to widen the intersection of Falls and River Roads.

Potomac's geographical focal point is Potomac Village, a small cluster of shops and businesses at the intersection of Maryland State Highway 189 (Falls Road) and Maryland State Highway 190 (River Road) northwest of Washington, D.C. 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Potomac has a total area of 26.6 square miles (69 km²), of which 25.2 square miles (65 km²) are land and 1.4 square miles (3.6 km²), or 5.33%, is water. It includes the ZIP Code 20854 for properties and 20859 for US Post Office Boxes.

Potomac places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, with numerous facilities and programs dedicated to the well-being of its residents. The city boasts several world-class healthcare facilities, including Suburban Hospital and MedStar Health, ensuring that quality healthcare is readily accessible. Potomac Total Fitness offers a comprehensive range of fitness services, including personal training, group fitness classes, and state-of-the-art equipment. Start with a serene nature walk along the Billy Goat Trail, known for its stunning views and challenging hikes. The Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center offers historical insights and access to the scenic Great Falls, perfect for a refreshing day out. For those seeking fitness activities, Orangetheory Fitness provides high-intensity interval training classes designed to improve overall health.

The Top sites in Potomac, MD: Glenstone, Falls Road Local Park, Great Falls Park

ZIP Code: 20859. Area code(s): 301, 240. Elevation: 361 ft (110 m). Area: 26.6 square miles (69 km²). Population: 47,018 (2020)

FAQs

What is the history of Potomac, MD?

Potomac is home to the first Algonquin Indian site in Maryland documented by state historians. It is believed the village was occupied between 1200 and 1500 A.D. After pushing out the Algonquians, English colonists moved west into Montgomery County from the Chesapeake Bay in the early 1700s and began farming. 

Is Potomac, MD a good place to live?

Potomac is in Montgomery County and is one of the best places to live in Maryland. Living in Potomac offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Potomac, there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. The public schools in Potomac are highly rated.

What is the crime rate of Potomac, MD? 

Potomac has an overall crime rate of 11 per 1,000 residents, making the crime rate here near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in America. According to our analysis of FBI crime data, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Potomac is 1 in 88. How does Potomac fare compared to other communities in Maryland of all population sizes? Potomac's crime rate is lower than approximately 49% of Maryland communities. However, compared to other communities of similar population size, Potomac has a crime rate that is noticeably lower than the average. This means that for comparably sized cities all across America, Potomac is safer than most according to NeighborhoodScout's exclusive analysis of FBI crime data.

Sources

Wikipedia

Montgomery County

Moco360

Niche

Neighborhood Scout

Glenstone

Falls Road Local Park

Great Falls Park

Suburban Hospital

MedStar Health

Potomac Total Fitness

Billy Goat Trail

Glenstone Museum

Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center

Great Falls

Orangetheory Fitness

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