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Burtonsville, MD

Burtonsville is an unincorporated suburb in Montgomery County, Maryland, near the Patuxent River, offering a mix of residential quiet and access to the D.C. metro area.

About the City

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

Burtonsville is an unincorporated area and census-designated place (CDP) located in the northeastern corner of Montgomery County, Maryland, United States . As an unincorporated community, it does not have a municipal government of its own and is governed by Montgomery County. It is a suburban community within the Washington D.C. metropolitan area . Montgomery County is known for its highly educated and affluent population, excellent public schools, and as a major employment center with numerous federal agencies, research institutes, and biotech companies .

Date of Foundation and Age

The area that became Burtonsville was originally part of colonial land grants such as "Maiden's Fancy" and "Bear Bacon" in the early 1700s . The community, originally called Burton's, takes its name from Isaac Burton, a major landowner who bought his siblings' shares of his father's land in 1825. The community grew around the intersection of Old Columbia Pike and the road to Sandy Spring. In the 1850s, Isaac Burton became the first postmaster, operating the post office out of his store, which formally established the community .

Geographic Location and Coordinates

Burtonsville is located at coordinates 39°06′27″N 76°56′03″W . It sits in the northeast corner of Montgomery County, bordering both Howard and Prince George's counties . The center of Burtonsville lies at an elevation of 433 feet (132 meters) above sea level . The area is characterized by its suburban landscape, situated in the rolling hills of the Piedmont region, and is considered part of the Washington D.C. Metro Area. It is approximately 16 miles north of downtown Washington D.C., 20 miles southwest of downtown Baltimore, and 25 miles from Annapolis .

City Type and Economic Specialization

Burtonsville is primarily a residential suburb and a community within the larger Washington D.C.-Baltimore combined statistical area. Its economy is closely tied to the nearby metropolitan centers, with many residents commuting to jobs in government, technology, and professional services . The local economy features shopping centers, restaurants, and services catering to the residential population . The presence of the Burtonsville Park & Ride also makes it a transportation node for commuters .

Population and Demography

As of the 2020 census, the population of Burtonsville was 9,498 . However, data for the 20866 ZIP code, which covers Burtonsville, shows a population of 15,199 in 2020 and an estimated 16,499 in 2023, reflecting the area's growth . Burtonsville is a diverse community. The racial makeup in 2020 was 24.7% White, 37.5% African American, 25.6% Asian, and 11.2% Hispanic or Latino of any race . The median household income is high, at around $134,000-$138,000, reflecting its status as an affluent suburb .

"Visiting Card" of the City (Briefly)

Burtonsville is a peaceful, family-oriented suburb offering a quiet escape from the bustle of Washington D.C. and Baltimore while providing easy access to both cities. It is known for its strong sense of community, celebrated annually at "Burtonsville Day," and its convenient location near major highways and the scenic Patuxent River .

Geography

Water Bodies

The Patuxent River is a significant natural feature near Burtonsville, located to the east. It provides opportunities for fishing and other outdoor recreation . According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 8.0 square miles, of which 0.2 square mile (1.88%) is water, likely comprised of small streams and ponds that feed into the Patuxent watershed .

National and Natural Parks

While there are no national parks within Burtonsville itself, Fairland Park is a major local recreational area. It features facilities for tennis, hiking, jogging, and team sports like softball and flag football. The park is also home to the Fairland Sports and Athletics Complex, which includes an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a heated leisure pool .

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Burtonsville has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cfa), characterized by warm, humid summers and very cold, snowy winters . The weather is partly cloudy year-round .

Average Temperatures by Month

Temperatures vary significantly throughout the year. The hottest month is July, with an average high of 86-88°F and an average low of 66-68°F . The coldest month is January, with an average high of 42-43°F and an average low of 25-26°F . The average annual temperature is around 46.8°F for lows and 66°F for highs .

Precipitation and Humidity

Burtonsville receives significant precipitation throughout the year, with an annual average of about 47 inches . The wettest months tend to be in late spring and early summer, with May, June, and September each averaging over 4.5 inches of rain . Humidity is typically high during the summer months .

Snowfall and Frost

The area experiences significant seasonal snowfall. The snow period lasts from mid-November to late March, with February seeing the most snow, an average of 7.6 inches . On average, there are 75-100 days with frost. The average first frost date is between October 21-31, and the last frost date is between April 21-30 . Burtonsville is in plant hardiness zone 7b .

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

The best times to visit Burtonsville for warm-weather activities are from early June to early July and from late July to late September .

Local Attractions and Landmarks

Parks and Recreation

Fairland Park and the Fairland Sports and Athletics Complex serve as the primary hub for recreation. The complex's aquatic facilities, including an Olympic-sized pool, are a significant local attraction .

Annual Events

Burtonsville Day is the community's signature annual celebration. It features a parade, festival, craft fair, live bands, entertainment, games for children, and food, embodying the town's community spirit . Another local cultural gathering is Burtonsville Cars and Coffee, an informal weekly meet-up for car enthusiasts .

Nearby Major Attractions

Due to its location, the world-class attractions of Washington D.C. are readily accessible. These include the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Smithsonian museums, all located about 25-27 km away .

Transport

Major Highways and Roads

Burtonsville is a well-connected transportation hub. The main thoroughfare is U.S. Route 29 (Columbia Pike), which runs through the heart of the community . Other key roads include Maryland Route 198 (Spencerville Road), which intersects with U.S. 29. Residents have easy access to several major highways: Interstate 95 is 4 miles east, the Intercounty Connector (MD 200) provides a direct link to I-270 and I-95, and the Capital Beltway (I-495) is 9 miles south via U.S. 29 .

Public Transportation

The community is served by over 10 stops for the Washington D.C. Metrobus system, providing public transit to the wider region . A key facility is the Burtonsville Park & Ride, a large parking lot located off U.S. Route 29 southbound that serves as a major hub for Metro and charter buses, facilitating commutes to Washington D.C. and other areas .

Nearest Airports

Burtonsville is conveniently located within an hour's drive of three major airports :

Healthcare and Medical Facilities

Quality First Urgent Care

For immediate medical needs, residents and visitors in Burtonsville can turn to Quality First Urgent Care . This facility offers a range of services with a team of 8 physicians across 7 specialties . Their areas of expertise include Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Surgery, supported by specialists in Anesthesiology, Diagnostic Radiology, and Nuclear Medicine . The practice accepts a wide variety of insurance plans, including CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare (UHC) options, and multiple Highmark BCBS plans, making it an accessible option for many . Located at 15646 Old Columbia Pike, it serves as a key healthcare access point within the community .

Note: While some online sources list several hospitals within Burtonsville itself, such as a general medical center or a children's hospital , these specific listings could not be independently verified with authoritative and current details. Therefore, they are not included here. For comprehensive hospital services, residents often utilize the major medical centers in the wider Montgomery County area and nearby Washington, D.C.

Universities and Educational Institutions

Burtonsville is strategically located within a short drive of some of the nation's most prestigious universities and colleges. The area is a hub for higher education, offering a wide array of opportunities for students and academics.

Top-Tier Research Universities Nearby

Within a 15-mile radius of Burtonsville, there are over 60 colleges and universities, enrolling more than 500,000 students . The most prominent among these is the University of Maryland College Park (UMD) , located just 9 miles away . As the flagship public university of the state, UMD is ranked #10 among public universities in America by CollegeSimply and is known for its strong programs in computer science, engineering, and business . With a highly selective acceptance rate of 45% and a student body of over 40,000, it is a major center for research and academic life .

Also nearby is Johns Hopkins University, located in Baltimore, which is ranked #10 in the nation overall by CollegeSimply and is world-renowned for its medical and research programs . Howard University, a historically black university in Washington, D.C., is also just 15 miles away and is ranked the #4 best private college in the District of Columbia .

Community Colleges and Other Institutions

For those seeking two-year degrees or more affordable options, Howard Community College is a highly accessible public institution located just 7 miles from Burtonsville, with an open admissions policy . Other nearby options include Montgomery College (12 miles) and Bowie State University (12 miles), the latter being ranked the #9 best public university in Maryland . The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) , formerly University of Maryland University College, is also nearby and is the largest college in the area by enrollment, with over 60,000 students, specializing in flexible and online education for working adults .

Specialized Institutions

The area is also home to specialized colleges. Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. (15 miles away) is the world's only university designed to be barrier-free for deaf and hard of hearing students . Capitol College in Laurel (7 miles away) focuses on engineering, computer science, and information technology .

Museums and Cultural Institutions

While Burtonsville itself is primarily a residential community, its location in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area puts it within easy reach of some of the world's greatest museums.

The Smithsonian Museums: A World-Class Collection Nearby

The most significant cultural attractions are the Smithsonian Institution museums on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., approximately 15-20 miles southwest of Burtonsville. These museums are renowned for their vast and invaluable collections.

For art lovers, the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum are must-visits. Housed together in a stunning, historic building near the Gallery Place/Chinatown metro station, they feature an array of paintings, sculptures, and thought-provoking art . One visitor described it as "one of the best and most underrated" museums in the city, highlighting its beautiful ornate ceilings, marble floors, and frequently changing exhibits . The building also features the Kogod Atrium, a modern architectural marvel with a curving, wave-like glass roof that provides a beautiful public space .

Other iconic Smithsonian museums within easy reach include:

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