Blog Post

Poolesville, MD, is a small town in a very large county. We’ve been asked why Kettler Forlines Homes chose to build The Reserve at Brightwell Crossing in this hamlet. When you zoom in on it you’ll see 6 reasons to love Poolesville!

Poolesville, MD, runs alongside the Potomac River, with about 5,100 residents. It’s situated on the western side of Montgomery County, an upscale area that’s one of the most affluent in the country. Niche gave Poolesville top grades and named it #1 on its list of “Best Suburbs to Buy a House in Maryland”.

#1. It’s the quintessential small town.

When you hear “small town”, what image comes to mind? Maybe you envision a main street with historic architecture, lined with businesses that have been there for years, maybe passed from one generation to the next. You walk in and out of these places and people know you by name. The businesses might not be known by the sign on the front but the owner who is part of the community—like Bob’s Hardware, a locally-owned business for 33 years, where Bob himself is always ready to help.

“I just stopped in at Bill’s for breakfast.”

“Did you get that at Joanie’s store?”

“Can you stop in at Anne’s and pick up the cake for the party?”

Or you refer to the shops by what they sell, because there are no two alike in the town. It’s “the coffee shop” or “the hardware store”.

The residents get together to celebrate seasons and holidays, gathering in the town square, park, or some other place that everyone knows. In Poolesville, that place is Whalen Commons, which is the location for concerts, movies, farmer’s market, the sparkling display of holiday lights, and the annual summer festival of Poolesville Day. 

In a small town, you feel safe, because you know your neighbors, and you’re confident they look out for one another. And you do the same.

All of this describes living here, and it’s the #1 reason we love Poolesville!

#2. Poolesville schools are outstanding.

The education the students receive here is one of the main reasons that families choose to live in Poolesville. Poolesville Elementary School, Monocacy Elementary School, John H. Poole Middle School, and Poolesville High School make up the highly acclaimed Poolesville school district. 

From the first day of kindergarten through high school graduation, you can be sure your children are getting the very best in a well-rounded academic experience. A low student-to-teacher ratio exists in each school. High test scores and academic progress are consistently demonstrated.

Poolesville High School, which offers the sought-after PHS Magnet Program, is stellar among the top-notch schools, not just in Maryland but around the country.

• For 7 years in a row, The Washington Post has placed Poolesville High School at #1 among both public and private high schools in the state of Maryland. 
• U.S. News & World Report also placed the school as the best in Maryland, as well as #90 among 24,000 high schools across the entire country.
• For three consecutive years, Newsweek Magazine rated Poolesville High School as the #1 public high school in Maryland. 

If you have school-aged children, Poolesville is an excellent choice for your new hometown!

#3. DC is just 30 miles away.

As you drive along the rural landscapes of Poolesville, you might feel like you’re way out in the country. Washington, DC, however, is just 30 miles away! Whether you commute to a job in the city or just like to venture in for a dose of urban life, it’s an easy trip.

One of our homeowners at The Reserve at Brightwell Crossing said, “Poolesville is the best-kept commuting secret in Montgomery County.”

Take the historic White’s Ferry across the Potomac River into Virginia and skip the Beltway, a nice route in particular when you’re heading to Dulles Airport. Follow picturesque country roads for a scenic drive to Frederick or Germantown. 

“The roads coming in and out of Poolesville are beautiful,” commented another homeowner. “They’re two-lane roads, they’re smooth, and you’re always moving. The drive is just pleasant.

So, you absolutely can enjoy the serenity of country living without feeling isolated!

#4. The area offers lots of outdoor activities

Poolesville is perfect for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors. Sugarloaf Mountain is just 1,283 feet in elevation, a great choice for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and having a pleasant picnic while you take in the view.

Seneca Creek State Park is another popular outdoor venue near Poolesville. You can paddle the Seneca Creek, a Potomac River tributary, or use the park’s diverse trail network for horseback riding, biking, hiking, or leisurely strolls through the scenic area.

And if you still need more temptation to explore the outdoors around Poolesville, check out the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal—known locally as the C&O Canal. Once the passageway that brought coal, lumber, and food to markets, the C&O runs parallel to the Potomac. Visitors come here to venture across nearly 185 miles of trails, including the popular Billy Goat Trail where, as you might expect, you can climb some rocky areas if you are so inclined. In Seneca Creek State Park, hike to Great Falls, where you can see Virginia on one side and Maryland on the other.

If you’re up for a challenge, head over to the Potomac Whitewater Racing Center, which was built in 1991 as a training venue for America’s Olympic athletes.

In addition to all of these sites, Poolesville also provides a variety of parks and playgrounds. You’ll also have more recreation and sporting choices at the aquatic center, public golf course, tennis courts, track facility, and fields for baseball, softball, soccer, and football.

#5. You’ll eat well.

When you’ve worked up an appetite, you can count on the Poolesville restaurant scene to please your palate. 

Bassett’s Fine Food & Spirits is a popular local eatery. Here, you’ll find a varied menu that includes perfectly prepared Maryland crab dishes, a bountiful brunch, a very happy Happy Hour, and much more.

You can find your favorite pizza place at Kristopher’s or sip on smoothies at The Healthy Hub. Get your fill of casual fare at Cuginis Restaurant and Bar, South-of-the-border flavors at the Mexican Grill, or Asian food at the House of Poolesville.

We’re anxiously awaiting the opening of Locals, a new Poolesville restaurant.

Homestead Farm is one of the most popular places in Poolesville. Pick your own produce in season (cherries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, apples, and pumpkins), or browse the fresh foods available at the market there. Homestead Farm is a working farm and offers hayrides and other family-friendly activities.

#6. It’s wine country!

From your Poolesville home, take a quick drive and then spend a leisurely afternoon at Rocklands Farm Winery. The vintners hand-craft their wines in small batches, using organically grown grapes from their 9.5-acre vineyard. The wines are naturally fermented with native yeasts, and no additives are used. 

Pick your place in Poolesville.

Does this all sound like an enticing lifestyle? Kettler Forlines Homes invites you to come and explore The Reserve at Brightwell Crossing. We have new homes under construction and homesites available where you can design and build your home. Take a peek at our luxury homes and then reach out to George Neill to take the first step to making Poolesville your new hometown.