Northwood

While many Mid-Atlantic suburbs have seen an expansion of dense new construction in past decades, Northwood retains its well-established residential feel and strong community ties. The majority of residents in Northwood commute to the larger DC or Baltimore metro areas for work, but they take advantage of the comparably lower home prices and cozier residential feel available in Northwood.

“It’s a good central spot. The location is convenient to lots of places that people commute to, and it’s still affordable,” says Tamara Kucik, a team leader with RLAH @properties. In fact, it’s not uncommon for households in Northwood to have one member commuting to DC or Northern Virginia and another to Baltimore. Single-family homes sell for a median price of $590,000. Kucik emphasizes that in this neighborhood, “you get a decent amount for your money.”

Most homes in Northwood were built in the mid-20th Century. Solid brick ranch houses or Cape Cods and Tudors line wide streets that end in cul-de-sacs. Mature trees and yards lush with blooming bushes and flowers fill front yards and border spacious driveways. Traffic is slow enough on the residential streets that it’s not uncommon to see kids playing or riding bikes and families walking their dog. Unlike the spread of homes in other areas, Northwood houses are close to each other. Close enough that “you can see your kid walking to their friend’s house,” says Kucik. “And there’s a very good chance the kids you’re kids are going to school with are also in your neighborhood.”

The quality of schools is a major draw for those who look to move here. Pine Crest Elementary offers an enriched curriculum in the arts, with such featured activities as a chamber music ensemble and ukelele lessons. Francis Scott Key Middle School is an International Baccalaureate World School that has the honor of offering the Middle Years Programme, (explain). Northwood High School offers its students the opportunity to choose a study pathway based on subject matter and the chance to participate in many themed clubs, such as the step team, mock trial team, and an esports club. All schools are within Montgomery County Public Schools.

Woodmoor Shopping Center is a staple in the neighborhood when you have to run errands or want a sweet treat. Several professional offices on site offer legal, medical or monetary services. Those looking for a fresh bite need to check out Santucci’s Deli, a locally owned Italian specialty deli that specializes in sliced meats, cheeses, homemade sauce, pasta by the pound and takeout pizza and sandwiches. Have a major sweet tooth? Be sure to line up outside Woodmoor Pastry Shop on Sunday mornings before the after-church crowd gets there. And just across Colesville Road, The Four Corner’s Pub, a neighborhood staple since 1967, serves up craft beer and American fare, all sourced from local vendors.

A day of leisurely recreation awaits at North Four Corners Park, a green space in the area with 13.9 acres of trails, woodlands, athletic fields, picnic areas and playgrounds. For hikers, bikers and horseback riders, the Northwest Branch Trail offers hard and natural surface trails. At the north end of the neighborhood, the Rachel Carson Greenway Trail features spots for bouldering and rollerblading, in addition to its challenging hikes.

Fun doesn’t stop at the park, though. The robust sense of community spirit in Northwood shows itself in its many active neighborhood groups and events. It’s not unusual to see a group of moms jogging together, or for parents to tap into the babysitting coop or to stroll the streets on a porch or garden tour.

You can work in the city conveniently, but live and play at a more tranquil pace in this DC suburb. While so many places in the DC-Baltimore region seem to be changing rapidly, Northwood continues to keep its strong residential feel and tight-knit community spirit.

Written By

Colleen Seidel

Photography Contributed By

Tyler Priola

Video By

Alexander Wong