Rockville is the county seat as well as the political, cultural, and economic center of Montgomery County. In addition it is one of the largest and most affluent cities in Maryland. It offers historic neighborhoods, scenic parklands, lively entertainment, exclusive shopping, and fine dining. It provides urban living in a high-tech environment yet with a friendly, small town atmosphere. With its proximity to the nation’s Capitol, Rockville is an attractive location for a wide range of businesses. In Rockville you can find it all --- great community life, culture and business.
Location
Rockville is located between Bethesda and Gaithersburg bordered by Silver Spring and Potomac.
It is located just 12 miles northwest of Washington DC, 35 miles southwest of Baltimore, and 151 miles from Philadelphia. It is located 5 miles from Silver Spring, 4 miles from Bethesda, 5 miles from Potomac and 7 miles from Olney.
Four major highways, the Capital Beltway (I-495 & I-95), I-270, and U.S. Route 29 link the city to the rest of the region.
Airports
Rockville is served by three major airports: Baltimore-Washington International, Washington-Dulles International and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Baltimore-Washington International Airport is located in Baltimore, Maryland, 40 miles from Rockville.
Washington-Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Virginia, is 30 miles from Rockville.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, located in Arlington, Virginia, is located just 20 miles from Rockville.
Other public-use airports near Rockville are: Montgomery County Airpark, located in Gaithersburg, MD, approximately 6 miles from Rockville, Davis Airport, in Laytonsville, about 11 miles from Rockville and College Park Airport, located about 18 miles away in College Park, MD.
Terrain
The land area of Rockville is 13.4 square miles. It is situated in the rolling hills of west-central Maryland. The average altitude of the area is approximately 451 feet above sea level. Located at the city’s eastern edge is the upper end of Rock Creek Park that meanders along the creek from Washington DC.
Population
The population of Rockville is 57,100. It is the third largest city in Maryland. The median household income in Rockville is $73,275.
It has a very well educated population. For those over 25 years old, 89% have graduated high school, 53% have a Bachelor's degree and 29% have a Graduate or professional degree. Unemployment is a low 3.2%.
Jobs
Rockville is the high-tech, biotech, retail, business, and government center of Montgomery County. It is recognized internationally as one of the biotech capitals of the world. Many multinational companies establish themselves in Rockville because of its proximity to the capital.
Industries providing employment in Rockville are: Professional, scientific, management, administrative (21%), Educational, health and social services (19%), and Public administration (11%).
The average travel time to work is 30.4 minutes.
Colleges/Universities
Rockville is home to the following universities and colleges: Montgomery College, a public institution with an enrollment of over 40,000, The Computer Institute, Maryland Academy of Dramatic Arts and Theatre, Maryland School of Real Estate, Berlitz Language Centers and Omega School of Applied Arts and Science.
Universities located in the nearby Washington DC area are: American University, with an enrollment of 8,859, University of the District of Columbia with an enrollment of 3,223, George Washington University with an enrollment of 16,045, Catholic University, with an enrollment of 4,472 and Georgetown University with an enrollment of 11,674.
Located approximately 14 miles from Rockville, in College Park, MD, is the University of Maryland-College Park with an undergrad enrollment of approximately 34,150 and a graduate enrollment of 9,700.
Housing
Rockville offers a wide range of housing styles, sizes, prices, and neighbourhoods. It has mid-rise condominiums, high rises, Victorian homes, contemporary models and the more traditional homes. Remodeled homes are available, as well as new luxury homes. The price of a home in Rockville ranges from $185,000 to $1,699,000. Condos range from $185,000 to $1,150,000.
Historic Buildings
The City of Rockville has a long and rich history and is home to many historical sites.
The historic Beall-Dawson House is a federal style town-home featuring period rooms and exhibits.
The Stonestreet Museum of 19th Century Medicine was built in 1852. It is a unique one-room Gothic Revival doctor's office displaying medical artifacts and implements.
The Waters House at Pleasant Fields, is in nearby Germantown. It is the oldest house in the area, dating to about 1790.
Parks/Sports/Recreation/Golf
Rockville has 58 public parks, and over 800 acres of parkland. The city has a Municipal Swim Center with four large indoor and outdoor pools, a senior center, a municipal golf course, a variety of recreation centers, a nature center, a skate park, and a civic center complex.
The Rockville Civic Center Complex includes a historic mansion and a 500-seat theater. There are also gyms, an indoor children's amusement park, and racquetball/squash courts. The recreational centers offer numerous programs in dance, sports, arts, exercise, cooking, and crafts.
Rockville has two private golf courses and country clubs. There is the Redgate Golf Course, an 18 hole course, rated one of the top 10 in the Washington metropolitan area, and Needlewood, which has an 18-hole, par 70 course, a 9 hole, par 29 course, a driving range, lessons and a pro shop.
Montgomery County is home to over 30 excellent golf courses.
Special Attractions/Events
Rockville sponsors a number of special events each year, such as Hometown Holidays, a three-day festival over Memorial Day Weekend; Independence Day fireworks; an Antique and Classic Car Show; and the Rockville Rotary Twilight Runfest.
Rockville residents can enjoy weekly farmer's markets, where locally grown fruits and vegetables, fresh cut flowers, and natural foods are available.
Interesting Facts
Rockville was named after nearby Rock Creek.
During revolutionary times Rockville was known as Hungerford's Tavern, where one of the first calls to freedom from British rule was heard in 1774.
Earlier names for Rockville were Williamsburg (the Williams family owned some 200 acres, including the tavern site) and Montgomery Courthouse.
The land where earliest Rockville was situated was part of a tract in the early 1700s called Exchange and New Exchange Enlarged.
The post-World War II baby boom increased the population of Rockville to more than 40,000 by 1970.
Rockville was the location for the filming of the 1999 movie, "The Blair Witch Project".
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