Darnestown, MD

124 Apartments for Rent

Sometimes popularity really does pay off! Darnestown was once called Mount Pleasant, but was eventually renamed after William Darnes, a popular inhabitant who inherited the land through a marriage.

Darnestown is an unincorporated place with just 6,802 residents. It's got a small-town feel, but if you're ever in the mood for that big city bustle, you can just head east to Rockville or northeast to Gaithersburg. The area's heyday was during the Civil War, when armies camped out there. So it makes sense that there are some historic buildings still left from that time, including Montanverde, an estate where Abraham Lincoln once spent the night. If it's waterfront views you're craving, you'll be glad to know that the Potomac River is just south of this area, while Chesapeake Bay is less than two hours east. Yep, Darnestown certainly has a prime location, which you'll get to enjoy once you pick your preferred rental housing and move in.

Moving to Darnestown

If you plan to search for rental homes in Darnestown, you'll want to start soon, like today, because the vacancy rate is practically zero. Darn! But it's okay; you've got some good housing options to choose from, including condos, two bedroom apartments, 3 bedroom houses for rent and more.

The Price You'll Pay for Housing

The price to buy a home in Darnestown is about double the state average and more than triple the national average. Before your wallet starts crying, take some comfort in the fact that rental prices here are actually lower than the average in the rest of Maryland. So, basically, stick to rental housing for now if you want the best value. Whether you want luxury apartments or all bills paid housing, you'll likely find something within your budget when you move here.

Types of Housing

It will be much easier to find a place here if you're looking for a house, since almost all the housing is made up of detached homes. More than half have three or four bedrooms, and about one-third have five or more. So if you need your space, this is the perfect area for you! Maybe your dog can finally get his own room now.

Another housing stat to keep in mind is that two-thirds of the homes here were built between 1970 and 1999. There are a handful of homes that popped up after the year 2000, though, with an equal amount having been built before 1939. So whether you want an antique that hearkens back to the year your grandparents were born or a more modern home, you can find it in Darnestown. Once you locate it, just be sure to bring some proof of income and a check for the deposit and you should be golden.

Neighborhoods in Darnestown

Darnestown is basically a neighborhood on its own, albeit a large one with 17.7 square miles. That means the residents here should find it easy to spread out, which is perfect for claustrophobics trying to find a home that has plenty of breathing space! Thanks to the Potamac River, about 1 square mile of Darnestown is made up of water, so you just might get those river views you have always hoped for. Regardless of the views you want, you should get an idea of which general direction of this place you want to live in.

North Darnestown: The area north of Darnestown Road and south of Great Seneca Creek is pretty laid back, with mostly houses, a few schools, and Cliff Bland Recreation Area located here.

South Darnestown: This part of Darnestown is a bit more happenin', since it's home to Blockhouse Point Conservation Park and Muddy Branch Park. Plus, it's just north of the Potomac River and the Virginia state line, so some exciting interstate travel could be in your future if you move here.

West Darnestown: This is another fairly sleepy part of town, with mostly homes here. If you want to wake up a bit, you can head to Darnestown Swim & Racquet Club, or take a walk along the Seneca Creek that wraps around the area.

East Darnestown: You want walkable? This is about as close as you'll get in Darnestown, since it's right near the town's border with Gaithersburg. This means places like Pizza Hut, South Street Steaks, Michael's, Whole Foods and Kmart are right nearby.

Apartments in Darnestown

Beacon Place at the Kentlands: This is the closest complex to Darnestown; it's just outside the town's limits in Gaithersburg and offers 1 and 2 bedroom units. Pets are welcome, so tell your dog or cat the good news, though there are breed restrictions. There's even a dog wash station, in addition to a place to wash your car. No word on a cat washing station, though.

The Courts of Devon: This complex is also in Gaithersburg, just minutes from Darnestown. It features 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units, topped off by tree-lined roads and white picket fences, so it's pretty much picture perfect!

Living in Darnestown

As you might have gathered by now, Darnestown doesn't have a lot of things to do, unless you're up for playing at one of the local parks, and maybe you are! If so, Blockhouse Point Park has plenty of trails and easy access to the Potomac River, while Muddy Branch Park has mostly lush grass...and probably some trees with muddy branches. If it's a really nice day out and you want to stay outside, you can veer to the west a bit and head to Bretton Woods Golf Course.

If you want great shopping and entertainment, you'll have to head to Gaithersburg (good thing it's only 15 minutes away!). That's where you will find Lake Forest Mall and Rio Entertainment Center, with stores like Sears, Target, Kohl's, Macy's and more.

If you'd prefer to get to know the history of this area, you can drive 10 minutes to visit the Button Farm Living History Center in Germantown. Other places that feature historical artifacts include Rockville's Beall-Dawson Historical Park and the Clara Barton National Historic Site in Glen Echo. Also, of course, Washington, DC is just a 45-minute drive away if you want to experience the ultimate in museums and historical sites! All you have to do is hop on the Washington National Pike a few minutes from Darnestown and prepare to be amazed.