Montgomery County is one of the largest and most affluent counties in Maryland, bordering Washington, D.C. Prominent towns/cities include Rockville (county seat), Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, and Potomac. Historically agricultural, the county transformed over the 20th century into a major suburban and urban hub, with strong employment, infrastructure, transit, and amenities. Housing types are wide ranging: luxury estates, single-family homes, townhouses, condos, and new urban mixed-use developments. The average home value is around $612,498 in 2025. The median listing price is about $639,900 in recent listings. Building a custom home here (land + construction) will command high costs—well $600,000+ for many lots and more for premium neighbourhoods. The county is very much suburban/urban rather than rural; proximity to Washington D.C. (some parts ~10–20 minutes depending on transit) makes it highly desirable.