If you’re moving to Maryland to start a job at AstraZeneca in Gaithersburg, a practical place to begin your home search is Gaithersburg itself—particularly the 20878 area, including Kentlands and Lakelands.
AstraZeneca’s Gaithersburg campus is on MedImmune Way in 20878. The company identifies the location as one of its six strategic research and development centers, with more than 1.3 million square feet across the campus. (AstraZeneca)
That makes commute planning especially relevant when deciding where to live. But commute shouldn’t be the only factor. Housing type, budget, access to daily necessities, transportation preferences, and how much space you want can substantially change which location makes sense.
Here’s how to approach the decision.
Start With the AstraZeneca Gaithersburg Campus
Before searching all over Montgomery County, establish your workplace as the center of your search.
AstraZeneca lists its Gaithersburg location on MedImmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878. (AstraZeneca Careers)
Gaithersburg has access to several major transportation corridors. I-270 connects toward I-495 to the south, while Route 355 runs through the area. Shady Grove Metro Station serves Gaithersburg and northern Montgomery County via the Red Line, and MARC provides weekday commuter rail service from multiple stations in the Gaithersburg area. (Gaithersburg)
If your priority is minimizing your drive to work, start by looking at homes near the AstraZeneca campus and expand your search radius only when necessary.
Kentlands: A Place to Consider Near AstraZeneca
Kentlands should be on the comparison list for someone relocating to work in Gaithersburg.
Located in 20878, Kentlands combines residential properties with nearby commercial areas, parks and trails. Rather than being purely residential, the area gives residents access to everyday destinations within the broader neighborhood environment.
Housing can vary, so buyers may encounter different property types depending on what is available when they search.
What Can You Find Around Kentlands?
Kentlands Lakes is one example of the area’s public outdoor amenities. The City of Gaithersburg lists the park at 501 Firehouse Lane and identifies two ponds and approximately 1.5 miles of hiking trails. (Gaithersburg)
Transportation is another consideration. City planning documents identify Ride On bus service around the Kentlands area, including connections toward locations such as Shady Grove and Rockville Metrorail stations. (Gaithersburg)
For an AstraZeneca employee, the practical question is whether available Kentlands properties match your budget and preferred housing style while providing the commute you want.
Lakelands: Another 20878 Option to Compare
Right next to the Kentlands conversation is Lakelands.
Lakelands is also located in Gaithersburg’s 20878 area and should be evaluated separately because available homes, exact location, property characteristics, and HOA considerations can differ.
One recognizable local amenity is Lakelands Park at 1368 Main Street. The City lists athletic fields, a pavilion, picnic areas, a playground, skate spots and a synthetic turf field among its facilities. (Gaithersburg)
If you find homes in both Kentlands and Lakelands, compare the actual properties rather than trying to declare one neighborhood universally “better.”
Look at:
- Purchase price or monthly housing cost
- Property type
- Interior and exterior space
- HOA fees and documents
- Parking
- Distance from the AstraZeneca campus
- Access to the destinations you use regularly
- Current inventory
Those factors provide a much more useful comparison than a generic neighborhood ranking.
Should You Live Somewhere Else in Gaithersburg?
Absolutely.
Kentlands and Lakelands are useful starting points, but they’re not the only options.
Someone relocating for AstraZeneca may find a property elsewhere in Gaithersburg that better fits their price range, desired square footage, housing type, or commute.
There are also continuing residential and mixed-use developments in different portions of Gaithersburg. For example, the City currently lists residential development proposals around Washingtonian Center and Kentlands. (Gaithersburg)
Current availability matters enormously. A neighborhood that looks perfect on paper isn’t useful if the homes currently available don’t match your requirements.
What If You Want to Use Public Transportation?
This deserves consideration before you choose a home.
Gaithersburg is served by Montgomery County Ride On buses, and the Red Line’s Shady Grove Metro Station serves Gaithersburg and northern Montgomery County. MARC commuter rail also serves the area on weekdays, including stops at Gaithersburg and Metropolitan Grove. (Gaithersburg)
However, don’t assume that simply living near Metro will automatically make your AstraZeneca commute easier.
Check the entire trip from a potential home to your actual work location, including any transfers or first- and last-mile transportation.
Should You Rent or Buy When Relocating for AstraZeneca?
This depends less on AstraZeneca and more on your plans.
Renting may give you additional flexibility while you become familiar with Gaithersburg and Montgomery County.
Buying may deserve consideration if you’re planning to remain in the area longer and homeownership fits your finances and goals.
Before buying, consider more than the mortgage payment. Depending on the property, your costs could include property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA or condo fees, maintenance, utilities and closing costs.
Jeremy Rosenthal can help buyers compare those costs against available Gaithersburg properties rather than evaluating homes based only on list price.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Home Near AstraZeneca
How long will my actual commute be?
Test potential routes during the hours you expect to travel. Traffic conditions can significantly change a commute.
What type of property do I want?
Decide whether you’re primarily interested in a condo, townhome or detached home before narrowing your locations.
Do I need to live in 20878?
No. It is a logical starting point because AstraZeneca’s Gaithersburg campus is there, but your search can expand based on budget, inventory and transportation preferences.
Should I look at Kentlands or Lakelands first?
Look at both if they fit your criteria. Compare actual available properties, HOA information, costs, location and commute rather than choosing solely by neighborhood name.
Work With Jeremy Rosenthal
Relocating for a new job creates a different home search than simply moving across town. Jeremy Rosenthal, REALTOR®, serves buyers and sellers throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC and can help you evaluate Gaithersburg and Montgomery County housing options based on your budget, property preferences, commute considerations, and current inventory. If you’re moving to Gaithersburg for a position at AstraZeneca, Jeremy can help you build a focused home search instead of trying to figure out the area from a map alone.
#GaithersburgMD, #GaithersburgRealEstate, #AstraZenecaGaithersburg, #MovingToGaithersburg, #KentlandsMD, #LakelandsMD, #MontgomeryCountyMD, #MarylandRealEstate, #RelocationRealEstate, #JeremyRosenthal