Gaithersburg, Maryland is located just to the northwest of Washington, DC and has a population of about 60,000. It is a beautiful area, and the climate is fairly moderate, with temperatures averaging 80 degrees in the summer and 35 in the winter. Gaithersburg is a very proud city. It is a very active member of a national organization called ‘Character Counts!' where its citizens and local government strive to show that, "no matter how diverse opinions, cultures and personalities are, there are clear values that define people at their best. The city promotes respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, trustworthiness and citizenship and endeavors to repair mistakes where these values have faltered." If you are considering moving to Gaithersburg, you will no doubt be impressed by the high values of this growing community.
Economy:
Gaithersburg has a much higher median income than the rest of the state. It dies have a high cost of living. The unemployment rate is lower than the average for the state, and is much lower than the national average. Gaithersburg has not incurred a bond debt since 1963. Gaithersburg has a good base of employers. The largest are the National Institute of Standards and Technology, IBM, MedImmune and Sodexo USA.
History:
The town began as a tiny settlement named Log Town in 1765. In 1802, Benjamin Gaither built a house here, near a very famous landmark, the Forest Oak tree (in 1997, this tree, then aboput 300 years old, was knocked down in a storm). When the town was incorporated in 1878, it officially became Gaithersburg in honor of him. When the railroad came in 1873, it provided the town a chance for growth, both with people coming to the city for the summer from Washington, DC and for the ability to ship crops grown around the area to new markets. The Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory was built here in 1899. It was part of an international science study to measure the earth's wobble on its axis.
Tourism:
The Concert Pavilion hosts spring and summer concerts. There is a Celebrate Gaithersburg in Old Towne Festival in September. Also, in September is the Shaker Forest Festival. There are several beautiful golf courses there. The Gaithersburg Historical Museum maintains artifacts and history of the city. The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair is held in Gaithersburg every August. The Montgomery Playhouse has been hosting plays in Gaithersburg since 1989. A large water park provides a cool-off in the summer. Seneca Creek State Park is great for camping or for day trips into nature. Winter Lights is a beautiful light show that is put on for the holidays. Plus you have easy access to all the attractions, history and fun that Washington DC has to offer.