Choosing the right size home in Maryland and Northern Virginia depends on how you live, what you value, and the type of daily routine you want. This guide gives you a clear way to compare options across the DC suburbs so you can choose the home size that fits your needs today and supports your long term plans.
Context
The DC metro suburbs offer a wide range of home sizes. A compact townhome in Arlington feels very different from a larger single family home in Potomac. A condo in Bethesda has different tradeoffs than a home in McLean. The right choice depends on lifestyle, budget, commute, and maintenance comfort level. This post gives you a simple framework for deciding what size home works best for your next chapter.
How to Choose the Right Size Home
Start with your daily routine
Look at how you live each day. If you work from home, you may want a dedicated office. If you host family often, you may need a guest room. If you travel regularly, you may prefer a smaller home that is easier to lock and leave. The right size supports how you use your time.
Think in terms of layout, not square feet
A well planned smaller home can function better than a larger home with wasted space. Focus on flow, storage, lighting, and the number of rooms you actually use. Walk through homes to test how they feel, not only how they read on paper.
Check total monthly costs
Costs include more than the mortgage. Property taxes, utilities, and maintenance rise with home size. Condos add association fees. A slightly smaller home may free up cash each month while still meeting your needs. A larger home may make sense if you need space for work or family.
Consider future plans
Think five to ten years ahead. If you expect kids to leave the home, a large house may become harder to maintain. If you plan to age in place, a smaller layout or main level living can be easier. Choose a size that works now and later.
Study neighborhood differences
Maryland and Northern Virginia each offer unique options. Some areas have more single family homes. Others lean toward condos and townhomes. Look at supply, amenities, and commute routes. The right home size is tied to the right neighborhood.
Maryland vs Northern Virginia: What to Expect
Maryland
Bethesda. Known for walkability and strong schools. You will see condos near Metro, townhomes with modest yard space, and larger homes in surrounding neighborhoods.
Chevy Chase. Offers classic single family homes with mature trees and quiet streets. Condos are available near the border with DC for homeowners who want less maintenance.
Potomac. Homes here skew larger with bigger lots. Good choice if you want space for multigenerational living or home offices.
Northern Virginia
Arlington. Excellent if you want a smaller home with walkability and transit access. Many condos and townhomes fit low maintenance goals.
McLean. Known for larger single family homes, privacy, and strong school options. Good for homebuyers who want space without leaving the DC core.
Alexandria. Mix of historic townhomes, newer condos, and small single family homes. A good choice for homeowners who want moderate space without long upkeep.
Why Work with Matt Cheney
Matt Cheney brings more than 20 years of experience across the DC metro area. He has guided hundreds of buyers and sellers through major decisions that involve right sizing. Matt knows how to compare Maryland and Northern Virginia neighborhoods in a clear, practical way so you can choose the home size that supports your daily life, your long term plans, and your financial goals.
Home Size Decision Checklist
- Write down how many rooms you use each week and what you use them for.
- List chores you want to reduce, including outdoor care and repairs.
- Estimate total monthly housing costs for the size you want.
- Test commute routes and transit options for each target neighborhood.
- Visit a condo, a townhome, and a single family home to compare flow.
- Think about accessibility needs for the next five to ten years.
- Review local comps with an advisor to understand what you can buy and what you can expect when you sell.
Practical Tips
- Walk the neighborhood at different times of day. It helps you judge noise and traffic.
- Check storage solutions before touring. Bring a list of items you need space for.
- Look for simple landscaping if you want less outdoor care.
- Ask about long term maintenance needs when comparing larger homes.
- Study association rules if you consider condos or townhomes.
FAQs
Is it better to right size before or after retirement?
Answer: Many homeowners right size before retirement because it reduces monthly costs and maintenance. The right timing depends on your finances and lifestyle goals.
Do homes cost more in Maryland or Northern Virginia?
Answer: It varies by neighborhood. Some parts of Bethesda and McLean have similar price ranges. Arlington and Alexandria offer a range of price points depending on property type and location.
Will a townhome feel too small if I am used to a larger single family home?
Answer: Not always. Many modern townhomes offer efficient layouts and better use of space. Visit examples to see how they feel in person.
Final Word
Choosing the right size home in Maryland and Northern Virginia is a balance of space, lifestyle, and long term comfort. Start with your daily routine, focus on layout, and compare neighborhoods with clear goals in mind. With the right guidance you can find a home that fits the way you live today and supports the life you want next.
About Matt Cheney
Matt Cheney is a top-producing real estate advisor with Compass in Washington, DC, guiding buyers and sellers across DC, Maryland, and Virginia through high-stakes moves, from luxury sales to estate settlements, downsizing, and divorce-related transactions. With over $771 million in career sales volume and 22 years of experience, including more than two decades working on complex and sensitive real estate situations, Matt is known for calm, strategic guidance and brings hundreds of successful sales to clients seeking clarity and support during life transitions.
Read the related post on low maintenance living at Right Sizing for a Low Maintenance Lifestyle in Washington DC. For a practical decision guide see How to Know When It Is Time to Right Size Your Home.