About Rockville, MD

Rockville, Maryland, offers a dynamic blend of urban conveniences and suburban charm. With a 2024 population of 68,142 and a slight 0.07% growth over the past year, Rockville is a bustling city with a stable community. Home to more than 175 out of 350 biotech companies in the US it’s a no brainer Rockville has something special for people to move in.

The city is represented by US Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, both from the Democratic Party.

Rockville’s 2024 median household income stands at $151,301, reflecting a healthy 5.55% growth, while the median property value is $623,800, up by 12.4%. The city has an employed population of 35,964, highlighting its robust job market. If you’re considering a move to Rockville, it’s important to weigh these statistics along with other advantages and disadvantages. In this blog we will take a comprehensive look at the pros and cons of living in Rockville, MD, to help you make an informed decision.

Pros Of Living In Rockville, MD

Location and Commute: Rockville Is Centrally Located

When it comes to finding a new place to call home, location is one of the most important aspects. If you’re considering moving anywhere in the DMV area, Rockville is one of the best places to call home. Here is why:

  • Central Location: Rockville is strategically located for easy commuting to Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, Gaithersburg, and Baltimore. This makes it an ideal choice for those working in the city but preferring suburban living.
  • Accessibility: The city offers access to various grocery stores, including Harris Teeter, Safeway, Giant, and Dawson’s Market, ensuring convenience for everyday shopping.
  • Healthcare Proximity: Close proximity to Shady Grove Hospital, Holy Cross Germantown Hospital, and Suburban Hospital ensures that residents have access to top-notch medical facilities.

But this is not all! For people who like going out Rockville has a lot to offer too! Let’s explore some of the things to do in Rockville, MD!

Things to Do In Rockville

Because Rockville is centrally located, people who live here can drive to D.C in less than 15 minutes and enjoy all of what D.C has to offer. Generally all cities in the D.M.V area are packed with things to do. Here is what you can find in Rockville specifically:

Unlike most cities that either offer things to do for outdoor lovers or shopping addicts in Rockville you can find a diversity of things to do which adds as a huge pro when it comes to living here. But how do you get there? Should you drive everywhere? No, Rockville offers a very good transportation system that can get you anywhere at no time.

Transportation In Rockville

As highlighted above, transportation is a significant advantage of living in Rockville. The city not only offers short commutes for drivers but also boasts a well-maintained and efficient public transportation system. Whether you drive or rely on public transit, getting around Rockville and to nearby areas is convenient and worry-free. Here is what public transport in Rockville offers:

  • Public Transit: With three Metro stops (Rockville Metro, Shady Grove Metro, and Twin Brook Metro), commuting to D.C. is convenient and a lot of people use it.
  • Highway Access: The Inter-County Connector (ICC) provides a quicker route to Baltimore, enhancing the city’s connectivity.

Is Rockville Walkable?

Yes, Rockville has a walk score of 56, making it the seventh most walkable city in the state.

Is Rockville, MD bike friendly?

In 2012, Rockville was recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. The city boasts an active and vibrant community of cyclists but biking is not the most common means of transportation here.

Rockville Is A Very Diverse City

If you think that sounds like a lot of diversity in one place, you’re not alone. Rockville is one of the most diverse cities in the D.M.V area and across the state. This is one of the most important aspects of people moving in here. Rockville is so diverse people can blend in quicker, continue to do what they like the most without being forced to go against the flow.

Rockville is not only diverse in things to do or culturally but also offers diverse communities as well as diverse job opportunities.

  • Diverse Community: Rockville ranks 10th out of 501 most diverse cities in America, promoting a rich cultural environment.
  • Diverse Real Estate: Unlike its neighboring cities of Bethesda and Potomac in Rockville you can find different levels of real estate. One size doesn’t fit all here
  • Employment Hub: The city is a hub for the biotech industry, with over 170 bioscience companies, providing job opportunities.

Rockville Has Very Good Schools

If you’re concerned about your little ones, worry not. Rockville has some of the best schools in all of the D.M.V area. Rockville is home to highly rated schools, including Thomas Wooten High School, Richard Montgomery High School, and Walter Johnson High School. Furthermore, Montgomery County Community College offers opportunities for higher education, ensuring educational growth.

Snow During Winter, Leaf During Fall, Trash & Recycling Should Be Out Of Your To-Do List

You heard it right. The city offers a range of services, including trash, recycling, snow, and leaf removal. However these services don’t come without a cost. Residents pay an additional Rockville tax based on assessed property value, which funds these services.

Rockville Has Good Weather All Year Round

The city experiences mild winters, which can be appealing to those who prefer moderate climates. Spring can be challenging for allergy sufferers due to pollen, so preparation is key.

Cons Of Living In Rockville

If you read this far and are still concerned about the cons of living in Rockville, hold tight as some of the pros we mentioned above don’t come for free. Although most people who live here don’t consider these as much of a con when weighed against the pros, we’re here to give you all the pros and cons for you to make an informed decision.

Traffic

While the Metro provides easy access to D.C people still decide to drive. This causes  traffic to be heavy, especially during rush hours.

Higher Cost of Living

Although housing is more affordable compared to neighboring areas, overall living expenses in Rockville are higher than the national average. Rockville scores 140 out of 100 based on the national consumer index – not a good number. Expect to pay more for goods and services here.

Rockville Is an Incorporated City

Rockville is incorporated. What does that mean for the final consumer? Well, extra taxes. The endless list of pros of living in Rockville comes at a price. Homeowners pay a 2.9% property tax which is separate from the taxes you will pay to Montgomery County.

Real Estate Is Expensive

Real estate in Rockville is known for being expensive. With a 2024 median property value of $670k, housing costs are significantly higher than the national average. While the city offers a range of attractive amenities and a prime location, potential homeowners should be prepared for the substantial financial investment required to purchase property in this desirable area.

Conclusion

Should you move to Rockville? Yes! Rockville is one of the best cities to move to in the D.M.V area. If you’re reading this chances are you’re a young professional who got a job offer in the D.M.V and you’re considering a place to live.

Keep in mind Rockville pros outweigh the cons – real estate can be on the expensive side here but most people make well above average here.

For all moving related needs in Rockville make sure to contact our rockville movers!