It can sometimes feel like life is moving a mile a minute, creating a craving for rural living near Washington, D.C. With the constant hustle and bustle of crowds, tourists, and busy politicians rushing about the district, sometimes you need a break. While most residents of the area love the busy city life, now and then it’s beneficial to slow down. Luckily there are many places within a few hours of D.C. where you can do that. The next time you need a respite, visit the best 16, slow-paced, small towns near Washington, D.C., where life is still simple.

1. Hampstead, MD
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Hampstead, which was established in 1888, has a little over 6,400 residents. One of the best small towns outside Washington, D.C., is located 30 miles northwest of Baltimore. This quaint small town is filled with Colonial homes, Civil War markers, and friendly residents.
2. Monkton, MD
Flickr/Joe Flood
Monkton is a gorgeous town not far from Baltimore made up of sprawling countryside and old historic homes and horse farms. With a population of about 4,800 people, this quiet area is the perfect place for a peaceful getaway.
3. Chestertown, MD
Flickr/-Deb-
Chestertown dates back to the 17th century and has a rich maritime history. Explore the replica of an 18th-century ship the Schooner Sultana or take part in one of their many fun events. Every year the town throws the Chestertown Tea Party Festival, which reenacts the tea throwing of 1774. A little more than 5,000 people populate one of the best small towns near Washington, D.C.
4. Millwood, VA
Flickr/Taber Andrew Bain
Millwood is about 70 miles from Washington, D.C., but it feels like a world away. One of the best rural areas near Washington D.C. is home to many of the region's most historic buildings and sites that date back to the late 1700s. About 3,000 residents enjoy this rural living near Washington, D.C.
5. Port Tobacco, MD
Flickr/Maryland GovPics
The tiny town of Port Tobacco has a population of four people. The history of Port Tobacco dates back to its Native American inhabitants and it has a fascinating history. Many of the homes date back to the 1700s, as it was once a bustling seaport. While much quieter now, it’s not far from La Plata so it’s close enough to plenty of bars, restaurants, and hotels.
6. Floyd, VA
Flickr/JR P
There’s one stoplight in Floyd, Virginia, and about 500 residents. But on Friday nights at the Floyd County Store, the locals come together for an old-fashioned Friday Night Jamboree where the bluegrass music plays loudly and you can’t help but tap your feet!
7. Waterford, VA
Flickr/MaryAnn Schwartz
Just 47 miles north of D.C., the entire village of Waterford is a National Historic District Landmark. It was founded in 1733 and today, with its approximately 250 residents, it is still a testament to its farming roots.
8. Staunton, VA
Flickr/joelrivlin
Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Staunton features gorgeous Victorian architecture and plenty of culture. President Woodrow Wilson was born in Staunton and it's now the home of the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, as well as the American Shakespeare Center. This home to about 24,600 people is one of the best small towns in Washington, D.C.

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9. Harpers Ferry, WV
Flickr/Tim Menzies
Surrounded by the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, Harpers Ferry is a 19th-century village perfect for touring, hiking, and biking. The Appalachian Trail cuts right through Harpers Ferry and visitors will love the unique shops and restaurants in the area, as do the approximately 300 locals.
10. Kilmarnock, VA
Flickr/Ken Lund
Kilmarnock is a charming town a little over 100 miles outside of Washington, D.C., with about 1,400 residents. It’s a hot spot for those who are hunting for antiques but it also offers plenty of shopping and dining options while staying true to its small-town roots.
11. Doylestown, PA
Flickr/Gail Frederick
Doylestown is an artsy Pennsylvania town where visitors and its approximately 8,200 locals can enjoy an array of museums, shops, boutique cafes, and eateries. The Victorian architecture and gorgeous surroundings make it an amazing weekend getaway, just three hours away from D.C.
12. Occoquan, VA
Flickr/Matt Capriglione
Occoquan has a wonderful, warm, and friendly atmosphere. The downtown is walkable and full of charming shops and a gorgeous waterfront. With around 1,000 residents, it’s a great place to achieve the small town, hometown feel while still within commuting distance to D.C.
13. Warrenton, VA
Flickr/John McTarnaghan
The streets of Warrenton are lined with beautiful, historic homes and it’s a city that is full of historic tradition. The downtown area is walkable and you can visit many historic buildings, as well as boutique shops. About 9,900 people live in one of the best rural areas near Washington, D.C.
14. Easton, MD
Facebook/Discover Easton
Ranked as the "8th Best Small Town in America," Easton is a quaint town in a picturesque setting with about 16,500 residents. Stroll through tree-lined streets, stop in at local shops, and enjoy a delicious meal at one of their renowned restaurants.
15. Leonardtown, MD
Flickr/Elvert Barnes
Leonardtown has been described as a cross between Mayberry and Annapolis. Offering 300 years of history, you can begin your visit in the charming town square, which is one of the few original town squares in the state. From there you can explore the welcoming town, its 3,700 residents, and its many restaurants, galleries and shops!
16. Ellicott City, MD
Rip/Flickr
The train station in Ellicott City is the original that was part of the first 13 miles of railroad in the country. Today, Elliot City is home to picturesque homes, unique shops, restaurants, many historic buildings and sites, and about 73,000 residents.

Have you been to some of these small towns offering rural living near Washington, D.C.? You might also add this charming town just outside of Washington, D.C., to your list. And while you’re at it, check out some of the best small-town festivals near Washington, D.C.

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More to Explore

16 Slow-Paced Small Towns Near Washington DC Where Life Is Still Simple

Carolyn Harmon | September 21, 2022

Where is another one of the best slow-paced, small towns near Washington, D.C.?

In Crisfield, Maryland, you'll find about 2,700 residents with a strong historic lineage dating back to 1666, who take pride in their town. It sits on the the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay, making it famous for its seafood, especially the Maryland blue crab. Some of Crisfield's enjoyable events include J. Millard Tawes Oyster and Bull Roast, the National Hard Crab Derby, and the J. Millard Tawes Crab and Clam Bake. Enjoy the James Island State Park, island cruises, restaurants, shopping, and historic sites. 

Where is one of the best small foodie towns near Washington, D.C.?

Front Royal, Virginia, serves as the entrance to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive, creating lots of traffic through the charming town. And with so many travelers come empty bellies, and Front Royal delivers with some amazing local restaurants. Khukuri Nepali Cuisine has a unique blend of flavors with various northern Chinese and Indian home-prepared herbs and spices. One interesting appetizer to try is Samosa Chat, which is a fried, savory pastry with potatoes, green peas, yogurt, chickpeas, and chutney. Another great option is the eclectic Blue Wing Frog, where everything is made with love and care. Try the shrimp special - earning you one pound of grilled shrimp with lots of the house-made chipotle remoulade.

Where is one of the most unique towns near Washington, D.C.?

Due to the influence of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in 1831, Sykesville, Maryland, has been home to a thriving downtown for nearly 200 years! This charming town is rich in history as a National Trust for Historic Preservation District, offering historic landmarks, a robust farmers market, and a kiddie railroad park. It is also a Maryland and National Main Street, meaning the town offers plenty of lively events, such as concerts at Cooper Park, a chili cook-off, and an arts and crafts festival. Also, the natural attractions including the Patapsco River give hours of outdoor fun.  

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