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Montgomery County, MD
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Montgomery County, Maryland, is the most populous county in the state and is adjacent to Washington D.C. In 2021, Montgomery County has a population of 1,055,110 and is one of the highest rated places to live in the U.S. because of its excellent public schools and low crime rate. Some of the more recognized communities include North Potomac, North Bethesda, South Kensington, Potomac, and Bethesda.
Many people living in Montgomery County come from all over the world, creating a diverse melting pot of residents. It's also considered to be one of the most expensive places to live in the country.
Montgomery County is unique and well-known because it's home to many U.S. government offices, learning centers, and scientific research.
History of Montgomery County
Montgomery County has a rich history and has played an integral role in the development of the United States. The county settled the frontier in the 1700s and has a long history of supporting independence. Many of the first wood homes in the county had one or two bedrooms before more immigrants started building stone and brick houses throughout the area. Most of the first settlers in Montgomery County were from Ireland, Wales, and England.
It was designated as Prince George's County in 1695 and was divided in 1748. It is one of the first counties to be established in the U.S. and was named after Richard Montgomery, an officer in the British army who immigrated to the U.S. in 1772.
Today, there are many different organizations that operate to help preserve the history and resources of the county.
Montgomery County Geography
Montgomery County is 507 square miles with 16 square miles of water. It's situated in the Piedmont plateau with elevations that are close to sea level close to the Potomac River. The boundaries of the location start at the east side of Rock Creek on the Potomac. The boundaries lead directly to Parr's Spring.
There's even a small sliver of land in the northern part of Montgomery County that is extremely narrow, under 1000 feet wide. A house that is built on Lakeview Drive is even divided into three counties, located within Montgomery, Frederick, and Howard counties.
Montgomery County Demographics
Affordable housing has been available in all residential developments in Montgomery County since the 1970s in an effort to create socioeconomically mixed schools and neighborhoods. It's one of the first places in the U.S. to implement the Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit zoning plan. It also has the highest Jewish population in the state with 45 percent of all Maryland Jews living in Maryland County.
Four of the most diverse cities in the U.S. are located in Montgomery County, which include Gaithersburg, Germantown, Silver Spring, and Rockville.
The racial makeup of the county is 65 percent white, 15.1 percent black or African American, 11.3 percent Asian, and 0.3 percent American Indian.
Montgomery County Economy
In 2021 Montgomery County is growing and is in the process of building many new shopping areas and homes as more transplants relocate to the area. The location is affluent with plenty of thriving businesses present, allowing residents to more of a selection with which to work, shop, play and dine.
A lot of employment opportunities are available in Montgomery County. The unemployment rate is 3.3 percent, which is lower than the national average. But the cost of living is also 39.4 percent higher than the U.S. average. It also had a 9.7 percent growth in its population between 2010 and 2020.
Montgomery County is known as a business and research center and is the third largest biotechnology cluster in the country. Some large firms that are based here include Host Hotels & Resorts, Travel Channel, Robert Louis Johnson Companies, GEICO, the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Institutes of Health. Other federal agencies located in Montgomery County include the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Some other major employers include the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Montgomery County Public Schools, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Commerce, Adventist Healthcare, the Seventh Day Adventist Church World Headquarters, Marriott International, Lockheed Martin, Montgomery College, and Holy Cross Hospital of Silver Spring.
Montgomery County Attractions
The proximity of Montgomery County to Washington D.C. makes it easy to take a day trip to the U.S. Capitol. It takes less than an hour to reach Washington by car.
Every August, the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair is a popular event where many residents come together to experience carnival rides, eat, and enjoy live entertainment.
Rock Creek Regional Park is one of the best places to spend time for children and adults because of the lush environment and beautiful views. Paved hiker and bike trails are available, which run to Washington D.C. The location is quiet and serene without many crowds present during the warmer seasons. Lake Needwood is also a popular site in such a densely populated suburban area. Many people come to fish, hike, and enjoy picnics.
The Music Center at Strathmore is a hot spot for those who want to enjoy live entertainment and is a venue that books world-renowned artists. The building showcases spectacular architecture and is popular for its impressive acoustics.
Glenstone Museum offers an educational experience that has a combination of architecture and post-World War II artworks. It allows visitors to learn more about art from the 20th and 21st centuries with works on display in indoor and outdoor settings.
There are also an abundance of walking trails and sidewalks throughout the county. Montgomery County is considered to be a family-friendly location with a long list of public schools, parks, and recreation centers.
Additional Montgomery County Information
