2024 Neighborhood Guide: Kensington

Art studios, antique shops and a farmers market are just a few of the town's highlights

With historic Victorian homes, tree-lined streets and shady parks, Kensington doesn’t feel all that removed from its late-19th-century roots, when it was created as a haven from the summer heat in Washington, D.C. The Town of Kensington, which dates back to 1894, is home to antiques shops, art studios, galleries, restaurants, a farmers market and a unique children’s library. Greater Kensington stretches out toward Wheaton, Chevy Chase and Bethesda. 

Quick Facts
  • Population
    • 2,241
  • Education
    • High school graduate or higher: 97.8%
    • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 80%
  • Income
    • Median household income: $143,021
  • Housing
    • Median value of owner-occupied housing units: $882,900
  • Commute
    • Mean travel time to work: 32.6 minutes
      Source: U.S. Census Bureau

“Living in Kensington is a joy for our family due to its vibrant community life and abundance of activities. I grew up in Kensington, and my parents and aunt are in the area, so the location is very convenient. Some of our favorite things are Knowles Station [Wine & Co.], Frankly…Pizza!, and gelato at [La] Gelatteria. The local parks, especially with their playgrounds and trails, are perfect for our 2-year-old, who enjoys watching the trains go by. The Noyes children’s library is another favorite spot, offering children’s story hour. Additionally, the proximity to I-495 makes commuting convenient for work and allows us to explore nearby attractions easily. We are also excited for the new developments being built and the new retail and restaurants to join our neighborhood.”

—Joshua Boyd, director of commercial sales for a cybersecurity company

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Niche 2024

This story appears in Bethesda Magazine’s 2024-2025 Insider’s Guide.

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