Thinking of moving to Gaithersburg?
Ideally located 20 miles northwest of Washington D.C., Gaithersburg is a wonderful community for people who seek a slower pace of life but want to maintain easy access to the hustle and bustle of the nation’s capital.
The upsides and downsides of living in Gaithersburg
If Gaithersburg is on your map, let’s take a look at what it’s like to live here, the good, the bad, and everything in between.
The upside of living in Gaithersburg
1. Gaithersburg neighborhoods
The small town of Gaithersburg features both neighborhoods that offer lively nightlife and also ones with small-town family values.
The east end of town is more historical and is home to the historic central business district, Old Towne Plaza. You can also access City Hall, Bohrer Park, Lakeforest Mall, and the Montgomery County Fairgrounds.
The city’s western side has wealthier neighborhoods such as the Kentland community, the Lakelands community, and the famous shopping district Rio. Here, you’ll also be near Watkins Mill Town Center.
The distance between Gaithersburg and Washington, D.C. is approximately 21 miles, which will take about 34 minutes.
On the other hand, Baltimore is 45 miles northeast, which will take about 50 minutes to travel by car.
2. Job opportunities in Gaithersburg
Gaithersburg has plenty of career opportunities.
According to Payscale, the average base salary in Gaithersburg is $78,000, and the average hourly rate sits at $31.00.
Some popular employers include AstraZeneca, Leidos, and the National Institute of Stands and Technology. The top positions in Gaithersburg consist of sales associates, physicians, and associate directors.
Other job opportunities include Lockheed Martin Information Systems, The Global Services Business Area, the Sodexo headquarters, and the United States Army Reserve Legal Command.
Therefore, we can safely say there are numerous options when looking for an excellent job in Gaithersburg.
3. Attractions in Gaithersburg
When moving to a new city, especially if you have a family and small children, fun things to do are an essential part of your decision-making.
Here are some of our favorite things to do in Gaithersburg!
Seneca Creek State Park
Spanning 6,300 acres, the Seneca Creek State Park has over 50 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails that take you through lovely outdoor scenery.
This is also a perfect place to go exercise and relax while being surrounded in peaceful nature.
Montgomery County Agricultural Fair
The Montgomery Fair is something you can’t miss! It features beautiful parades, shopping areas, and Fourth of July fireworks. The fair has carnival rides, animals, food, agriculture shows and exhibitions, and plenty more entertainment.
Additional attractions and parks in Gaithersburg:
- Bohrer Park
- RIO Washingtonian Center Playground
- Dog Exercise Area at Green Park
- Constitution Gardens Park
- International Latitude Observatory
- Gaithersburg Community Museum
Historic Attractions
Gaithersburg has several historical sites worth visiting as a city with more than 200 years of history under its belt. The Kentlands Mansion is a 19th-century mansion that once belonged to the family of a prominent businessman. Today, it is available for tours and special events like weddings.
Gaithersburg Restaurants
Over the past several years, many excellent restaurants have populated Gaithersburg.
In addition to Japanese, Chinese and Italian eateries, you will find Peruvian, Mexican, and Mediterranean restaurants to enjoy. And of course, we can’t forget some of the best seafood!
Here are top-rated restaurants in Gaithersburg:
- Coastal Flats
Coastal Floats provide a relaxed atmosphere for steaks and seafood. They’re known to put their spin on homemade dishes.
The lobster roll for lunch, a full pound of Maine crustacean meat, is also worth the market price.
And for dinner, the ‘Surf-n-Turf’ dish of filet mignon and crab cakes with mashed potatoes and roasted mushrooms is another can’t miss dish!
- Dogfish Head Alehouse
Is a tremendously trendy spot for craft beer with American-style pub grub.
The wood-fired burgers and pizzas here are to die for! And not to mention the signature beers on tap.
This is an excellent spot for adult birthday dinners and anyone that is a fan of craft beer. Recommended items on the menu are the Bomb Sandwich and Dave’s Border Burger!
4. Gaithersburg Climate & Weather
Gaithersburg experiences cold and snowy winters with lows of 25 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas the summers are green and warm with highs of 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
This weather provides an excellent opportunity to get outside and enjoy the nearby parks!
You will need an umbrella during the 42 inches of annual rain in Gaithersburg and a pair of sunglasses during the 202 days of sunshine.
THe downside of living in Gaithersburg
1. Congested Traffic
One of the most significant downsides of living in Gaithersburg is the traffic.
In a city with many commuters, this is bound to happen. Just keep in mind, if you plan on moving to Gaithersburg, be ready to run into traffic at all hours of the day.
2. Cost of Living
Gaithersburg has better value than surrounding cities, but living here is pretty expensive.
If you compare the city to its neighbors, Rockville or Potomac, it’s much more affordable.
Job opportunities are still outstanding in Gaithersburg, which contributes to keeping up a decent lifestyle.
All in all…
Gaithersburg is a great place to call home.
Homes are conveniently located near restaurants, parks, movie theaters, and highways. In addition to great job opportunities, fun things to do, and enjoyable weather, it’s clean, green, and safe.
