U.S. News & World Report has released its 2026 Best Places to Live rankings, highlighting 15 Maryland communities recognized for factors including affordability, quality of life, job market strength, and overall desirability (list below).
U.S. News & World Report has released its 2026 Best Places to Live rankings, highlighting 15 Maryland communities recognized for factors including affordability, quality of life, job market strength, and overall desirability (list below).
Montgomery County police have arrested a suspect in connection with the fatal shooting that occurred earlier this month outside the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in North Bethesda.

This October, Craftmark Homes opened the decorated model of their new townhome community, Watkins Mill Station, just north of RIO in Gaithersburg, MD. If you’ve been watching this corner of Montgomery County for what comes next, now’s the time to visit this exciting new townhome opportunity. For a limited time, Craftmark is offering up to $40,000 in Closing Costs/Rate Buy-Down to celebrate their Grand Opening.
Craftmark has brought their local area expertise to Watkins Mill Station, where they’re offering two townhome plans from the Upper $800s: The Seneca II, their award-winning, elevator-ready plan with 3-5 bedrooms and up to 3,039 square feet; and The Blueridge, a new design that’s available with a covered deck, private rear yard and up to 2,795 square feet. Both showcase designer-selected finishes, oversized kitchen islands, open layouts, and a two-car garage.

Residents of Watkins Mill Station will enjoy a community pool and bathhouse with an outdoor pavilion (currently slated to open spring/summer 2027), a tot lot, and a community pocket park with an art installation. In the meantime, Seneca Creek State Park and the Muddy Branch Greenway Trail are close by for walks, runs and time on the water.
Uniquely, and especially important for area professionals, Watkins Mill Station features an on-site MARC station, so residents commuting into D.C. can relax or get a head start on their morning rather than driving. The Brunswick Line serves the station on weekdays with commuter trains to and from Union Station, and Rockville is one stop away for riders who need to transfer to the Red Line Metro or Amtrak.
Drivers will enjoy immediate access to I-270 and the Biotech Corridor, and Downtown Crown, Kentlands, RIO, and Olde Towne Gaithersburg are just a short trip for dinner and errands.

If you’re looking to settle into a new home and host the holidays in style, Craftmark has Move-In Ready homes available in their model row. Or, do you prefer to select your own finishes? Now’s the time to act to make personal selections for spring move-ins!
Craftmark’s model home is open daily 11 AM – 5 PM, and buyers should call or email Bethany (details below!) to schedule a personal appointment to learn more about available homes and how to personalize a floor plan. Don’t forget to ask about limited-time incentives like up to $40,000 in Closing Costs/Rate Buy-Down assistance!
Craftmark Homes at Watkins Mill Station
MHBR #451
MCPD released its daily crime summaries for May 25 and May 26, detailing reported incidents across Montgomery County, including vehicle thefts, assaults, burglaries, and firearm-related arrests.
The Gaithersburg Police Department announced that patrol officers arrested a 36-year-old driver during a recent traffic stop after allegedly discovering a loaded Smith & Wesson .38 Special revolver and suspected crack cocaine inside the vehicle. (more…)
GAITHERSBURG, MD.: Fit Club, a boutique personal training studio specializing in 15 minute adaptive resistance strength training, has officially opened its second location in the Kentlands at 60 Market Street, Suite 213, Gaithersburg. The new studio brings Fit Club’s personalized, coach-led training to residents of Kentlands, Lakelands and the surrounding Gaithersburg community.
Fit Club offers one-on-one ultra effective and efficient strength training sessions built around each client’s goals, schedule and fitness level. Every session is led by a certified trainer in a private, focused setting that suits beginners and experienced athletes alike. Fit Club’s state-of-the-art adaptive resistance technology adjusts in real time to your ability, so each movement is controlled, efficient, and tailored to you. This is strength training built for real life. No crowded gym floor. No long hours at the gym. No guesswork. Just personalized coaching in a comfortable private studio.
Olney, MD Art Gallery and Studio to present a Pop-Culture themed group Art Exhibit and Artists’ Alley event.
Highly Animated is a 2-month long celebration of the vibrant world of fan art. From classic JRPG nostalgia, to the latest anime obsessions, to amazing original characters, this exhibition will highlight the passion, creativity and talent within fan communities.
Pittsburgh-based Millie’s Ice Cream is preparing to open its first Maryland location in Gaithersburg’s Downtown Crown.
Plans have officially been submitted to convert the former SunTrust/Truist bank building at Germantown Square Shopping Center into a new Starbucks with a drive-thru.
Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police, Fourth District Investigative Section are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Joyce Walker, a missing 73-year-old from Silver Spring. (more…)
DMV Empanadas at 560 N. Frederick Ave. in the Gaithersburg Square shopping center has announced plans to open a new location soon at 10 N. Calvert Street in Baltimore. (more…)
Rosegate Boutique has announced its grand opening celebration will take place May 29 and 30 from 12 pm to 6 pm. The new boutique is located at 22 Grand Corner Avenue in Gaithersburg at the former site of Bluemercury at Rio Lakefront. (more…)
Romero’s Italian Restaurant has begun its soft opening at 2666 University Boulevard West in Wheaton, taking over the longtime home of Cristina Ristorante Italiano. We stopped by to get a first look and tried several menu items (video below).
Goodwill of Greater Washington’s new Germantown location officially opened its doors to the community this morning, Tuesday, May 26.