The DMV region is home to several up-and-coming neighborhoods and areas in 2025, with each one offering unique opportunities for residents, businesses, and investors. Spots such as Tysons and West Falls Church in Virginia have experienced a time of rapid growth and new developments, which has led to an influx of businesses and residents. In Washington, D.C., neighborhoods like Anacostia and Adams Morgan are undergoing a period of revitalization, and Silver Spring and Glen Burnie in Maryland are becoming increasingly desirable destinations for those seeking to balance the conveniences of urban living with suburban tranquility.
Up-and-Coming Areas in Maryland
Maryland’s up-and-coming destinations include Silver Spring, Glen Burnie, and Columbia — all of which feature a mix of affordable housing, ongoing development, and promising amenities that make them desirable for families, young professionals, and retirees alike.
Silver Spring
Maryland’s Silver Spring continues to undergo significant revitalization efforts, with several key development features that make it more desirable for residents. Located several miles from D.C., Silver Spring is a great spot for those commuting into the city each day. The Silver Spring Metro station alleviates the need for a personal vehicle when driving into the city and allows professionals to enjoy a more suburban living environment. As Silver Spring continues to develop, there is a focus on mixed-use projects that blend residential, commercial, and retail spaces. New luxury apartments and condos are being constructed alongside shopping centers, office buildings, and entertainment venues — all of which contribute to the area’s appeal and walkability.
Silver Spring has been known as a thriving arts and culture scene, which draws in the younger, creative crowd that appreciates being close to live music, festivals, art walks, and more throughout the year. There is also a diverse selection of dining options, which cater to a range of tastes and cultural influences. The area is attractive to young professionals, families, and individuals who want to live close to the city without the big city price tag. The quieter suburban lifestyle has its perks, as well! Silver Springs also benefits from green spaces, sustainability initiatives, and a dynamic community that feels inclusive and welcoming.
Glen Burnie
Glen Burnie benefits from its proximity to both Baltimore and Washington, D.C., which is an attractive consideration for people who need access to both cities but who don’t want to live in the heart of either one. Compared to other parts of the region, Glen Burnie offers more affordable housing options — which makes it appealing to first-time homebuyers or renters seeking budget-friendly living options without sacrificing access to big city amenities. The affordability is particularly favorable for growing families looking for extra space.
Over the years, Glen Burnie has seen investment in retail development. This includes new stores, restaurants, and shopping centers, all of which help to add value to Glen Burnie as a commercial and entertainment destination. Efforts have been made to attract new business and improve the walkability of the area, which has updated the feel of the community and has made an appeal to young professionals and families looking to put down roots. Local dining options are also gradually expanding. While not seeing the same rapid growth as other areas, such as Silver Spring and Columbia, Glen Burnie is still a solid choice for people seeking affordable living near the major cities.
Columbia
Columbia is widely considered to be one of Maryland’s up-and-coming areas, having seen significant growth and development in recent years. The master-planned community was originally designed to blend residential, commercial, and recreational spaces and this forward-thinking infrastructure has resulted in a balanced and well-organized space that continues to attract new residents and businesses. Columbia serves as a prime location for commuters to both Baltimore and Washington, D.C., allowing them to work in the big city and come home to the tranquility of suburban living. Compared to the rising prices in D.C. and nearby cities, Columbia is known for its affordable housing options and range of housing types that include single-family homes, townhouses, apartments, and more.
Columbia also boasts an excellent quality of life, which includes highly-rated Howard County schools, green spaces, and recreational opportunities that enhance appeal for families. There are also shopping and entertainment options in the immediate vicinity, including the Merriweather Post Pavilion and the Columbia Mall. To add to the vibrant social atmosphere, the community hosts cultural events, festivals, and farmers’ markets throughout the year.
Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods in Washington, D.C.
Washington’s up-and-coming areas, such as Anacostia and Adams Morgan, are undergoing significant revitalization. From new developments, improved infrastructure, and thriving cultural scenes — these areas are increasingly desirable for those looking to break into the market.
Adams Morgan
Adams Morgan has been undergoing some significant changes in recent years, thus landing it on the list of up-and-coming neighborhoods in Washington D.C. going into 2025. The community features a mix of long-time residents and newcomers, resulting in a diverse mixture that features a multitude of cultural influences, including Latin American, Caribbean, and African-American. The area is known for its vibrant arts scene, live music venues, and cultural festivals throughout the year, such as the Adams Morgan Day Festival. These amenities help to grow its appeal amongst young professionals and creatives. Adams Morgan has seen an increase in redevelopment projects, such as the construction of new apartment buildings, commercial spaces, and incoming restaurants.
The strategic location between Dupont Circle, Columbia Heights, and U Street offers residents easy access between trendy and well-established neighborhoods. The centralized location also means that residents can get to other parts of the city quickly via bus or Metro, including downtown and Capitol Hill. The neighborhood itself is highly walkable, with a variety of nearby amenities such as shops, cafes, and parks. As the city continues to invest in urban development and infrastructure, Adams Morgan is expected to become more desirable as it reaps the benefits.
Anacostia
Anacostia is widely considered to be one of D.C.’s up-and-coming neighborhoods in 2025. The area has seen revitalization progress, which is expected to continue as new developments and investments are made. A few of the reasons that Anacostia has become increasingly desirable to buyers include the focus on affordable housing, mixed-use developments, and improvements to the existing infrastructure. The Anacostia Waterfront Initiative is a key part of this process, as it aims to make the neighborhood more pedestrian-friendly and connect residents to new parks, recreational spaces, and improved waterfront access. Anacostia is also strategically located just a few miles southeast of downtown D.C., which provides residents with easy access to employment hubs and cultural institutions.
Compared to other parts of the city, Anacostia still offers potential buyers and renters more affordable housing options. The real estate market has been gaining momentum as new condos, townhomes, and renovated row houses are emerging in the area. Public transport is easy to manage in the area and the neighborhood is served by the Green Line Metro, with several bus routes connecting the neighborhood to other parts of the city and surrounding towns.
Up-and-Coming Areas in Northern Virginia
Northern Virginia’s up-and-coming areas to keep an eye on in 2025 include Annandale, Tysons, and West Falls Church. These spots have been seeing rapid growth and continue to offer homeowners many years of potential. The neighborhoods offer easy access to D.C. and feature unique amenities and features that make them appealing to a diverse group of residents.
Annandale
Annandale is experiencing a robust housing market, which is an indicator of its appeal and potential for growth throughout 2025 and beyond. The market across Northern Virginia is expected to be strong this year, with moderate price increases and higher levels of market activity. Annandale is expected to remain a desirable location with a mix of suburban charm and proximity to Washington, DC. The area is well-connected via major highways and there are a multitude of public transit options, including bus lines and the Dunn Loring-Merrifield Metro Station. Annandale feels relaxed when compared to the bustle of downtown D.C., with its quiet neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, and family-friendly amenities. Compared to other parts of Northern Virginia, Annandale boasts more affordable housing options that include single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments.
The Fairfax County Public School district is one of the top-rated in the region, making Annandale popular with families that are seeking quality educational opportunities. The area is also home to several parks and recreational activities. The area also boasts a range of international cuisines, from Korean, Vietnamese, Latin American, and beyond. The tight-knit community plans local events throughout the year, making this a great spot for families and professionals alike who want to take advantage of the calm suburban feel without giving up access to big city amenities.
West Falls Church
The strategic location of West Falls Church in Northern Virginia makes it an appealing option for prospective homebuyers. Situated along major transportation corridors like Interstate 66 and the Capital Beltway, residents have easy access to Washington and other parts of Northern Virginia. The area has been undergoing significant development, with projects set to add new residential and commercial spaces that will eventually transform West Falls Church into a more vibrant and walkable community. Also close to Tysons, which is one of the area’s main business districts — residents have easy access to job opportunities, and the region is expected to benefit from future investments as well.
Though real estate prices in West Falls Church are on the rise, which is a reflection of the area’s increasing desirability, there are still affordable options to be had. The area has a mix of housing options, from newer apartment buildings to condos and single-family houses. For families or young couples thinking of putting down roots, West Falls Church is served by the highly rated Fairfax County Public Schools district. There are numerous parks and community amenities as well, which contribute to the family-friendly appeal.
Tysons
Tysons is a prominent up-and-coming spot in Northern Virginia and has been undergoing a revitalization over the past several years. Widely considered a major player in the region’s growth, Tysons benefits from its prime location and its own Silver Line Metro stations that make commuting to D.C. convenient. The area is expected to become a true urban hub within the next few years, with key developments including luxury apartments, office buildings, new restaurants, shopping centers, and entertainment options. Already a major employment center, Tysons is home to several major companies and headquarters in tech, consulting, and retail. The presence of these global companies such as Capital One, Hilton Worldwide, and Booz Allen Hamilton, is helpful for attracting professionals to the area.
Due to the influx of young professionals looking for urban living and families seeking affordable options, Tysons is seeing an increase in luxury and mid-range housing developments. Real estate prices have been on the rise, which is an indicator of strong demand and investment potential in both the residential and commercial markets. Tysons has long been known for its shopping malls, including the Tysons Corner Center and Tysons Galleria, and the area is also expanding to new dining and entertainment options as well to continue attracting new residents and diversify the appeal.
Why Choose an Up-and-Coming Area in the DMV?
Potential homebuyers oftentimes flock toward up-and-coming neighborhoods due to their combination of affordability, proximity to urban centers, and their potential for long-term growth. These neighborhoods often have a lower barrier to entry than more established ones, making them attractive to first-time homebuyers and renters. As development continues, residents can benefit from improved infrastructure and new retail, dining, and entertainment options.
If you’re interested in exploring what’s available across the DMV’s up-and-coming areas in 2025, we’re here to help. Our friendly and professional team of agents at RE/MAX Realty Group is excited to meet you!