Brentwood, MD

Located right on the border of Northeast Washington, D.C., Brentwood is a small, quiet Maryland community with deep historic roots and an easygoing neighborhood feel. The town grew as an early railroad suburb in the late 19th century, and today its leafy residential blocks are filled with charming bungalows, older Victorians, and cozy front porches. As part of the Gateway Arts District, Brentwood sits right next to Mount Rainier and Hyattsville, giving residents easy access to a colorful creative scene with local galleries, studios, and community markets.

ATTRFamartin / CC BY-SA 4.0

Getting around is straightforward thanks to the town's prime location along Route 1, which puts downtown D.C., the University of Maryland, and nearby Metro stations just minutes away. The community offers a relaxed pace of life, with walkable side streets, neighborhood parks, and small local businesses dotting the corridor. For anyone looking for an approachable, artist-friendly enclave close to the city, Brentwood makes settling into the area feel effortless.