Originally established as a farming community, Olney, in upper northeast Montgomery County, Maryland, is successful in maintaining much of its old-time character while growing into a modern community. It offers all the amenities of small-town living within easy access to numerous urban attractions in Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
History and culture play a big part in the character of Olney, which has two museums and a respected local theater. It is also the home of a MedStar hospital. Taking a closer look, residents can find many bits of history, such as an 1817 house built for the farmer who patented the first refrigerator; an 1838 homestead used as a private girl’s boarding school, and Civil War bullets and badges hidden in the dirt behind a nearby shopping center.
With the opening of the ICC (inter-county connector), the Washington Beltway and I-95 have become more easily accessible, facilitating the commute to downtown Washington and Baltimore. Olney is home to three synagogues, and local Jewish day schools are within commuting distance. Local residents can choose from among five supermarkets (including an organic market plus a vibrant farmer’s market), single family houses and townhomes.
*Any student within commuting distance is welcome at any of the area day schools.