With North Potomac and North Bethesda constantly finding their way into the conversation, even when they’re not the main topic, we’re taking a closer look at some well-known spots around the area to answer a simple question: “Is it in Rockville?” While many places are commonly referred to as Rockville, that doesn’t always mean they fall within official city limits. For this, official city boundaries are the only criteria.
Park Potomac: The popular development off Montrose Rd. and Seven Locks Rd. that began construction in 2006. It’s home to Harris Teeter, Gringos & Mariachis, and more. Many longtime residents consider it Rockville. Is it Rockville? No. It is not and has never been within city limits.
Seven Locks Plaza: Located just behind Park Potomac off Seven Locks Rd., this longtime shopping center is home to Quincy’s Potomac, O’Donnell’s Market, Brooklyn’s Deli, and more. Is it Rockville? Yes. It sits right on the edge of city limits.
Fallsgrove Village Center: Built in 2002 off Shady Grove Rd., it features Mamma Lucia, Montgomery County’s only Krispy Kreme, Safeway, and more. Is it Rockville? Yes. It’s on the western edge of city limits, heading toward North Potomac.
King Farm: Developed in the late 90s, this community includes hundreds of homes, Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park, and the King Farm Village Center, which features Montgomery County’s only Baja Fresh, Botanero, Fontina Grille (for a few more months), and more. Is it Rockville? Yes. King Farm sits within the northern portion of the City of Rockville.
Rock Grove Shopping Center: Located at Shady Grove Rd. and 355, this recently renamed shopping center was once home to a well-known Jerry’s Subs & Pizza. Today, it includes Qdoba, Rise, Minerva, Dunkin’, and more. Is it Rockville? No. It sits just outside Rockville’s northern boundary.
Shady Grove Metro Station: Opened on December 15, 1984, as the northwestern terminus of the Red Line, this station marked the end of a 7-mile extension from Grosvenor–Strathmore. Is it Rockville? No. It is currently located just outside the city’s northern limits.
Rockville High School: The current Rockville High School on Baltimore Rd. opened in fall 1968 as Montgomery County’s 16th public high school. The original Rockville High School name was used at what is now Richard Montgomery High School from 1892 to 1935. Is it Rockville? Yes. It sits on the eastern edge of city limits.
Rock Creek Village Center: Built in phases throughout the 1970s, this shopping center is home to the original Villa Maya, Full On, Safeway, and more. Is it Rockville? No. It sits just outside the eastern edge of city limits.
Woodmont Country Club: Founded in 1913 as the Washington Suburban Club in Washington, DC, it later moved to Bethesda from 1922 to 1949 before relocating to its current site off Rockville Pike at the former Rosemont Farm. Is it Rockville? Yes. The property extends into the southern edge of city limits.
Federal Plaza: Located at 1776 East Jefferson Street with access from both East Jefferson and 355, this shopping center includes Trader Joe’s, TJ Maxx, Micro Center, Silver Diner, and more. It was once home to Ruby Tuesday’s and Bennigan’s, both popular in the 90s and early 2000s. Is it Rockville? No. It is the first major shopping center just outside the southern boundary of city limits.
Pike Center: Located directly across 355 from Federal Plaza, this center was long home to TGI Friday’s, another staple of the 90s and early 2000s before closing last year. Today, it includes Golfdom and other tenants. Is it Rockville? No. It also sits just outside the southern edge of city limits.
RedGate Park: This 131-acre nature preserve was originally established as RedGate Golf Course in 1974 before transitioning into a rewilded community space. Is it Rockville? Yes. It sits fully within city limits along the eastern edge.
The Universities at Shady Grove: The site originally served as a “Shady Grove Library/Media Center” and satellite classroom space for part-time students servicing UMUC programs. Located on Gudelsky Dr. between Darnestown Rd. and Shady Grove Rd. Is it Rockville? No. Although it has a Rockville address, it is located outside the western edge of city limits.
Pike & Rose: This 24-acre mixed-use development replaced the Mid-Pike Plaza, a 1960s-era strip mall, and takes its name from Rockville Pike and Montrose Rd. The first phase opened in 2014. It is now home to the first Kusshi Sushi location, Julii, Melina, Bouboulina, and more. Is it Rockville? No. Pike & Rose sits just over a half mile south of the end of Rockville city limits.
Twinbrook Shopping Center: Opened in 1958 on the north side of Veirs Mill Rd., the center’s grand opening was attended by future Vice President Hubert Humphrey, according to Wikipedia. It has long been home to Twinbrook Deli and now includes Yummy Bowl, Hello Vietnam, Tomatillo Mexican Grille, and more. Is it Rockville? Yes. It is located within the southeastern edge of city limits.
Shady Grove Adventist Medical Center: Formerly Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, the facility opened in December 1979 and refers to itself as “the first hospital in upper Montgomery County.” While its location may feel more central, the designation reflects the rapid population growth in the area it was built to serve, which more than tripled between 1950 and 1970. Is it Rockville? No. It sits just outside the western edge of city limits, directly across from Fallsgrove Village Center, which is within city limits.
The primary difference between being inside the City of Rockville and outside it comes down to governance. Residents within city limits pay an additional city taxes in exchange for municipal services provided by the city. One easy way to tell where you are is by the street signs… blue signs typically indicate you are within Rockville city limits, while green signs mean you are in unincorporated Montgomery County.
