If finding a top-rated high school is your priority, you've likely stumbled upon Poolesville High School, consistently ranked number one in the state. But what's life really like in Poolesville? I'll lay out the honest pros and cons to help you decide if this town is the right fit for you. If you prefer to watch vs read check out the video below.
Introduction
Hey there, I'm Eddie Brady with Showcase Real Estate, focusing on what it's like to live in Maryland. I've put together this guide to shed light on Poolesville, a town often overshadowed by its renowned high school. Let's dive in.
Cons of Living in Poolesville Maryland
Let's tackle the negatives first.
The high cost of living tops the list, especially concerning housing expenses. Contrary
to popular belief, Poolesville isn't as affordable as some claim, with median home prices at the time of this writing at $732,000, significantly higher than Maryland's median.
Poolesville real estate is in high demand and there is very limited supply. Outside of downtown, many properties are a part of the Agricultural Reserve program, making it difficult (on purpose) to develop them.
The next con is there isn’t much shopping or dining in town. There is no grocery store here. You read that right. For a town that’s ranked as the 7th best place in Maryland to buy a house, it doesn’t have a place to grab groceries.
The closest grocery store is a Harris Teeter in nearby Darnestown, so it’s not a bad drive at all. And if you like that store then it’s great, but if you want options then you’ll need to head into Germantown to have a bigger selection.
There are also only a few local restaurants that you can go to in town other than McDonald's and Subway.
The last con of living in Poolesville is the commute to work. White’s Ferry used to take commuters across the Potomac River from Poolesville Maryland to Leesburg Virginia, cutting off a significant amount of time in their commute to work.
But in December 2020, it stopped operations during a dispute with the owner of the landing on the Virginia side of the river. A new owner took over and tried to reopen negotiations with the Virginia landowner and had no luck, so now they are talking to Montgomery County about potentially selling the ferry to the county and using eminent domain to take control of the land on the VA side.
It’s a big mess and the biggest takeaway here is that Poolesville used to be a great place to commute into Northern VA, and the closing of the ferry changed that.
Pros of Living in Poolesville Maryland
The highlight? Undoubtedly, it's the high school. If you're eyeing Poolesville for its top-
notch education system, the school's culture deeply intertwines with the town's identity. Living near downtown aligns you with this vibrant community spirit. Beyond academics, the small-town vibe stands out. Tight-knit and charming, Poolesville fosters a community where everyone knows everyone.
Poolesville Maryland has a true small-town feel. And while you could paint this as a negative because everyone knows everyone’s business, I think it’s a positive because there are very few places in Maryland like this anymore. So many towns and cities are completely disconnected with strangers passing by other strangers. Poolesville is the opposite of that and people who live here like that small town feel.
The town's outdoor offerings shine, particularly along the Potomac River. Boating, fishing, and kayaking enthusiasts revel in this haven.
The Potomac River is the 4th largest river on the East Coast. It flows directly through Washington DC so this is the river you’re looking at behind the Jefferson Memorial and Lincoln Memorial.
And if you’re going out for a day on the river you have to cross overtop of another cool
feature here which is the C&O canal towpath which was the path that mules and horses would use to drag barges down the historic Chesapeake and Ohio canal from the early 1800s to the early 1900s when they finally switched everything over to the railroads.
But the path is still there today and it’s a very well-maintained, gravel path stretching 184.5 miles from Cumberland Maryland down to Washington DC. Many locals in Maryland, Virginia, and DC will bike the entire Towpath in 2 to 3 days and camp at spots along the way. So if you’re into adventure, there is so much to do in this area.
You can also just go out for a nice walk or run on the path and get some easy miles in.
Conclusion
Considering Poolesville? It's a town deeply connected to its school and community, offering outdoor adventures but facing challenges in accessibility and amenities. If you're eyeing this town for its educational prowess and a tight-knit community, it might just be the right fit for you.
Your Input Matters
If you've experienced life in Poolesville, share your insights in the comments. Let's help others decide! And if you're contemplating a move to Poolesville or nearby areas, feel free to reach out. I'm here to guide you through your Maryland move.
That wraps up the rundown on Poolesville. Like what you read? Stay tuned for more insights into Maryland living.
Eddie Brady, REALTOR
Cell: 301-395-0815
Email: eddie@showcaserei.com
Office: 301-648-6000
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