(photo courtesy of ActiveRain)

Olney of The Old Line State

Olney is a quiet quintessential city in Montgomery County, Maryland. Located only 20 miles north of Washington D.C., you would never know it based on Olney's calm and relaxed demeanor. This Census-designated place was formerly rural farmland that never strayed that far from its roots. Olney has more of a small-town atmosphere than most of the communities with similar proximity to Washington D.C in Montgomery County. Straddling Georgia Ave (US-29) which bisects D.C., and Olney Laytonsville Rd (MD-108,) Olney is known for its vast areas of woodlands, gently rolling hills, large lots, and friendly neighbors. Given the copious amounts of forested areas, the great outdoors is easily accessible from most places here. Cyclists, runners, and hikers take advantage of Olney's serene nature in places like Olney Manor Park, Southeast Olney Park, Longwood Park, Cherrywood Park, Bowie Mill Park, and the OBGC Park at Freeman Fields.

(photo courtesy of Rounds Vanduzer)

Olney's dominant shopping hub is located in the Town Center. Host to many of Olney's annual festivals and events such as the National Cathedral Flower Mart Festival and the Maryland Summer Fest, the Town Center is typically where residents find themselves, for one reason or another, most weekends. Here, you will discover Olney Village Center, where such favorites like Harris Teeter, Home Goods, T.J. Maxx, and Gold's Gym can be found. Peppered throughout this area are several banks, gas stations, pharmacies, and services like dry cleaners.

Just across the street, dining options like The Green Turtle, Mamma Lucia, Ricciutis Kitchen, Chipotle, and more await.

Just down the road, one of Olney's more famous establishments, The Olney Alehouse, can be found. Since 1924, the property, which is now the Olney Ale House, began as a country store serving ice cream, and baked goods have continued to evolve, serving the members of this beautiful community for a century!

(photo courtesy of the Olney Theater Center)

600-feet away, a Maryland institution and Olney's cultural nucleolus, the Olney Theater Center, can be found. The Olney Theater offers a diverse array of professional productions year-round that enrich, nurture, and challenge a broad range of artists, audiences and students. One of only two state theaters of Maryland, Olney Theatre Center, is a non-profit organization and is situated on 14 verdant acres in the heart of the community.

Should you seek entertainment beyond what's offered within the city limits, Washington D.C., Bethesda, and Northern Virginia are a short drive away.

In-line with Montgomery County’s reputation for great education options, all of the public schools in Olney have received an 8 out of 10 from Greatschools.org. Olney Elementary School, Belmont Elementary School, Brooke Grove Elementary School, William H. Farquhar Middle School, and Rosa M. Parks Middle School can all be found here. All of the public high schools serving Olney are located outside of the city proper.