Tucked ten miles north of Washington, D.C., Kensington is a small Maryland town with genuine Victorian roots and a town center that belongs to its residents. Locally owned shops and restaurants line the streets, Rock Creek's wooded banks offer an escape from metro life, and the nearby Strathmore performing arts center draws impressive musicians and performers. Westfield Wheaton anchors shopping, while MARC rail service provides easy city access without a car.
The rental landscape features smaller apartment communities, garden-style buildings, and townhomes rather than high-rises, creating a grounded, residential feel. From cozy studios to spacious multi-bedroom units, there's a solid range of options. Originally platted in the 1890s by developer Brainard Warner, who modeled it after a London district, Kensington's distinctive Victorian architecture earned it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places—a heritage still visible today.
