Moving to the DMV: Maryland vs. DC vs. Northern Virginia
The DMV is three jurisdictions with different schools, taxes and customs. Compare them side by side before you choose where to look.
Born in DC and raised in Potomac, Jared Russell began his real estate career in Potomac in 2004 and now serves Maryland, DC and Northern Virginia. Meet Jared.
Sources reviewed November 15, 2026. Maryland details reflect Montgomery County. Rates change; confirm with each official source before relying on a figure.
Who runs the schools
Maryland
Montgomery County Public Schools serves Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville and the rest of the county.
Washington, DC
DC Public Schools plus public charters; My School DC handles the lottery and boundary lookup.
Northern Virginia
Separate systems: Fairfax County, Arlington and Alexandria City each run their own schools.
School system, tax structure and commute change more across a county or state line than between neighborhoods. Pick one or two jurisdictions before touring homes.
Test the commute at real hours
Drive or ride your actual route at the times you would travel. Beltway, bridge and Metro times vary widely by hour.
Check the address, not the neighborhood name
Mailing addresses such as McLean or Bethesda do not settle school assignment or tax jurisdiction. Look up each specific address.
Line up timing
If you are selling elsewhere, plan financing, rent-back or temporary housing so the two closings do not force a rushed decision.
Buying remotely
Live video tours
A live video walk-through lets you ask questions in real time and see the street, neighbors and condition, not just listing photos.
Independent inspection
Hire your own inspector and review the report on a call. Ask for photos or video of anything flagged.
Remote signing
Ask the settlement company early whether remote online notarization or mail-away signing is available.
Wire fraud protection
Confirm wiring instructions by phone using a number you found independently, never one from an email.
Negotiating in the DMV
Know the local customs
Who pays which transfer tax is customary but negotiable, and customs differ between Maryland, DC and Virginia.
Price from recent comparable sales
Base offers and list prices on recent nearby sales of similar homes, not on online estimates.
Use contingencies deliberately
Inspection, financing and appraisal contingencies protect you; waiving any of them is a risk to weigh with your agent and lender.
Ask for a written net sheet or cost estimate
Sellers should see expected proceeds and buyers expected closing costs in writing before signing.
Common questions
Is it cheaper to buy in Maryland, DC or Virginia?
It depends on the home, price and location. Transfer taxes, property tax rates and who customarily pays each differ by jurisdiction, so compare a written cost estimate for each specific home.
Can I buy a home in the DMV without visiting?
Many buyers handle much of the process remotely with video tours, independent inspections and remote or mail-away signing, but requirements depend on the lender and settlement company.
Does a McLean or Bethesda address tell me the school?
No. School assignment follows the specific address, so check it with the school system that serves that address.
