Nestled in central Montgomery County, Rockville, MD is regarded as one of America’s leading small cities for work, play and life. Inflated hype? Not likely. The city is frequently rated as a top place to live, offering the warmth of a "hometown" feel with year-round community events and great connectivity to parks, schools, employment hubs and the nation's capital. So it’s no surprise that new homes in Rockville are in high demand as first-time homebuyers, professional couples, young families and empty nesters alike look to “Get Into It” as the city’s slogan suggests. Here are our top five reasons why Rockville is a great place to live.

People who are exploring a new place to live often focus on tangible, measurable considerations: The size of their desired home and the cost of their rent or mortgage; the school choices for their children; or the availability of particular amenities like Metro access. That makes sense, of course, since these factors are often non-negotiable items that affect our bottom line. A far less tangible factor that’s just as important for wellbeing and happiness is the community we become part of: The people we see every day or even a few times a month, the shops and restaurants we regularly frequent, and the essential workers who keep our neighborhoods safe and running smoothly.

This weekend kicks off a series of waterfront events at Robinson Landing in Old Town Alexandria. Fun for the entire family, the events will be held on the promenade and pier, and include activities ranging from live music, fitness classes, a family festival and an archeology event in partnership with the City of Alexandria’s Office of Historic Alexandria. Check out the lineup of events below and click here for more details.

On Sunday, we were delighted to host a grand opening event for the brand new community playground at Michigan Park. Community members gathered to meet both long-time residents and new neighbors while children enjoyed the new playground equipment. Local dignitaries, including DC Deputy Mayor John Falcicchio and ANC representatives Colleen Costello and Emily Lucio, officially opened the new playground with a warm welcome and ribbon cutting.

Did you know Rockville, MD was voted one of the nation's top places to live? It's easy to see why with its variety of outdoor activities, professional job opportunities, hundreds of retail and dining options, and beautiful parks. To learn more about the city and everything it has to offer, check out our Rockville neighborhood guide, highlighting locals' favorite things to do and what they love about the city.

The greater DC metro area has a vast array of incredible walking/biking trails. From the scenic Mount Vernon Trail winding along the Potomac River to the leafy Capital Crescent Trail connecting Georgetown to Bethesda, there are many popular trails that provide endless recreation for cyclists and pedestrians and vital paths for commuters who bike to work.