The Guide to Living in Chevy Chase, Maryland

A desirable Maryland suburb moments from the Nation’s Capital

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CHEVY CHASE, MARYLAND

The History of Chevy Chase, Maryland

Chevy Chase, Maryland, is a suburban community located just outside Washington, D.C. Its history dates back to the early 19th century, initially beginning as a rural settlement. The name "Chevy Chase" is believed to derive from a well-known English ballad, "The Ballad of Chevy Chase," which relates to a medieval conflict over hunting rights.

In the late 1800s, the area began to develop more significantly as transportation improvements, such as the expansion of streetcar lines, made it more accessible. This led to its establishment as a residential suburb. The Chevy Chase Land Company was founded in 1890, promoting the area as a desirable location for affluent families due to its picturesque landscapes and close proximity to the capital.

The community evolved throughout the 20th century, transitioning from a largely agricultural area to an affluent suburban enclave. Chevy Chase became known for its charming residential streets, parks, and an emphasis on maintaining a high quality of life for its residents. The incorporation of various sections of Chevy Chase as municipalities occurred over the years, with the Village of Chevy Chase being established in 1918.

Today, Chevy Chase is recognized for its upscale homes, excellent schools, and vibrant shopping districts, while retaining a strong sense of community and historical charm. Its proximity to Washington, D.C., continues to make it a sought-after location for those wishing to balance suburban living with easy access to urban amenities.

Natural Sanctuary of Chevy Chase, Maryland. Image courtesy Michael Moran.

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CHEVY CHASE, MARYLAND

“Just moments from the Nation’s Capital, Chevy Chase, Maryland is one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most desirable communities.”

— Kate Ries, ASLA

Riverwood of Potomac, Maryland. Image courtesy of Peak Visuals.

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CHEVY CHASE, MARYLAND

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore common questions about life in Chevy Chase, Maryland, including the best restaurants, neighborhoods, and more.

IS CHEVY CHASE, MARYLAND A GOOD PLACE TO LIVE?

Chevy Chase, Maryland is considered a very desirable place to live due to its proximity to the Nation's Capital, it’s charming neighborhoods, and its numerous amenities, including upscale shopping and dining options as well as its excellent schools.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUY A HOME IN CHEVY CHASE, MARYLAND?

The median sale price for a single family home in Chevy Chase, Maryland is $1,100,000, which is over 3 times higher than the national average of $308,980. Ready to buy the home of your dreams? Browse homes for sale in Chevy Chase, Maryland presented by Sotheby’s International Realty.

HOW FAR IS CHEVY CHASE, MARYLAND FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.?

Chevy Chase, Maryland is approximately 7 miles from downtown Washington, D.C. The most common way to get to Washington, D.C. from Chevy Chase, Maryland is via car or public transit via the Metro Red Line.

WHAT IS THE PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR CHEVY CHASE, MARYLAND?

Property taxes for Chevy Chase, Maryland are calculated per every $100 of assessed value and are broken out into three separate segments. The county rate is $1.0402, the state rate is $0.1120, and the municipal rate is $0.00. Residents of Chevy Chase, Maryland may also be charged additional fees on their property tax bill including a solid waste charge and a water quality protection charge.

WHAT ARE THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN CHEVY CHASE, MARYLAND?

Chevy Chase, Maryland is known for its diverse dining scene, with a wide range of restaurants offering everything from casual to fine dining options including La Ferme and Joy by Seven Reasons.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHEVY CHASE, WASHINGTON, D.C. AND CHEVY CHASE, MARYLAND?

Developed during the late 1800s and early 1900s as a prototypical streetcar suburb by real estate investor Joseph Newlands and William M. Stewart, founders of The Chevy Chase Land Company, Chevy Chase is unique in that it straddles the state lines between Maryland and Washington, D.C. As a result, some parts of the original Chevy Chase plat may fall on the Maryland side, north of Connecticut Avenue, while others may fall south on the Washington, D.C. side.

WHAT ARE THE BEST NEIGHBORHOODS IN CHEVY CHASE, MARYLAND?

Chevy Chase, Maryland is unique in its prevalence of numerated “sections” which comprise a spectrum of small enclaves and neighborhoods, such as Chevy Chase Section 3 and Chevy Chase Section 5. Larger and more defined neighborhoods in Chevy Chase, Maryland include The Town of Chevy Chase and Chevy Chase Village, which is regarded as one of the nicest neighborhoods in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Martin’s Additions, Friendship Heights, and Somerset are other neighborhoods in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE IN CHEVY CHASE, MARYLAND?

According to the 2020 Census data, Chevy Chase, Maryland has a population of 10,241 people, including a median age of 46 and a median household income of $176,509.

WHAT IS THE SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR CHEVY CHASE, MARYLAND?

Residents of Chevy Chase, Maryland attend Montgomery County Public Schools. In addition, Chevy Chase, Maryland is home to many of the Mid-Atlantic’s finest private schools, including the Washington Episcopal School.

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