The Complete List of Maryland – Virginia Bordering Towns

The border between Maryland and Virginia follows rivers, ridgelines and suburban streets, creating a mix of small towns, commuter hubs and river crossings. Whether you’re researching local history, planning a drive, or checking jurisdiction for services, a clear list makes it easier to see how communities line up on either side.

There are 21 Maryland – Virginia Bordering Towns, ranging from Accokeek to Potomac. For each town the data are organized as Country,State, County,Nearest crossing (name; distance km), and you’ll find below.

How did you decide which places count as bordering towns?

Towns were included if they lie immediately adjacent to the state line or have the municipal area touching Maryland–Virginia boundary features (road, river or surveyed line); unincorporated neighborhoods that don’t meet that edge criterion were excluded to keep the list focused and consistent.

Can this list help me plan crossings or estimate travel times?

Yes — the nearest crossing entry (with name and distance in km) gives a quick reference for which bridge, ferry or road is closest, but for drive times you should check current traffic and local restrictions since crossings can have variable delays.

Maryland – Virginia Bordering Towns

Images and Descriptions

Great Falls

Rugged Potomac gorge community on the Virginia side, just downstream of Great Falls. Popular for outdoor recreation and hiking along the river; roughly 15,000 residents in the broader CDP and easy access to the American Legion Bridge into Maryland.

McLean

Affluent Fairfax County CDP immediately north of the Beltway, its western/river neighborhoods abut the Potomac opposite Montgomery County, MD. Major commuter node near I‑495 with about 48,000 residents and quick access to the American Legion Bridge.

Fort Belvoir

Large U.S. Army installation and CDP along the south bank of the Potomac with housing and services for military families; the post boundary meets the river and is historically important, population around 7,000 (on‑post).

Mount Vernon

Historic riverside CDP anchored by George Washington’s estate. The community sits directly on the Potomac across from Maryland’s shore, linked to regional parkways and ferryless river crossings; population approximately 30,000 in the area.

Alexandria

Independent city on the Potomac with a historic Old Town waterfront facing Maryland. Alexandria’s city limits touch the river; strong ferry/bridge access, major tourist draw, and roughly 160,000 residents.

Belle Haven

Small, established riverside neighborhood and unincorporated community in Fairfax County whose boundary reaches the Potomac opposite Maryland. Noted for waterfront homes and parkland; often considered part of the greater Alexandria area.

Great Falls

Small Maryland-side community (north bank) near Great Falls Park that borders the Potomac and offers river access, trails, and scenic overlooks. Close commuter access to the Beltway; local population small but part of broader Potomac area.

Potomac

Large Montgomery County CDP whose western and southern edges reach the Potomac River and the Virginia line. Upscale suburbs, major commuter population (~47,000), and proximate to the American Legion Bridge and C&O Canal National Historical Park.

Cabin John

Montgomery County unincorporated community and CDP along the Potomac with parks, marina access, and older riverfront neighborhoods. The community boundary meets the state line via the river; small population, valued for recreation and river views.

Glen Echo

Tiny riverside town and park area abutting the Potomac, known for its historic trolley park and arts scene. Glen Echo’s municipal boundary reaches the river across from Virginia; population under 300, popular with day‑trippers from D.C.

Arlington (Hybla Valley/Belle View area)

South Arlington communities collectively touch the Potomac shoreline across from Maryland; include established waterfront neighborhoods and parkland with strong commuter routes into D.C. Population included in Arlington County, with neighborhood populations in the low thousands.

Accokeek

Prince George’s County CDP sitting on the Potomac north bank, home to Piscataway Park and historic sites. Accokeek’s southern boundary meets the state line; approximately 11,000 residents and a popular rural‑to‑suburban riverfront community.

Fort Washington

Riverside CDP in Prince George’s County anchoring Fort Washington Park and a historic fort. The community sits directly on the Potomac, offering river views and ferryless crossings; local population about 22,000 and major parklands.

Oxon Hill

Urbanizing Prince George’s County CDP immediately on the Potomac and adjacent to National Harbor. Oxon Hill’s boundary touches Virginia across the river; known for commercial development, casino, and quick access to major Beltway crossings.

National Harbor

Mixed‑use waterfront development on the Potomac within Oxon Hill CDP that directly abuts the river and the VA crossing. Major tourist and convention destination with hotels, attractions, and easy bridge access to Virginia.

Nanjemoy

Rural Charles County CDP with extensive Potomac shoreline, marshes, and wildlife areas. Nanjemoy’s jurisdiction reaches the river and the Maryland–Virginia line; population small (roughly 1,500) and prized for outdoor activities and quiet river access.

Newburg

Small Charles County community sitting right on the Potomac at the northern end of the Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge (US‑301). Newburg’s boundary abuts Virginia across the river; village population modest, important crossing point.

Indian Head

Charles County town and naval facility on the Potomac whose municipal boundary meets the river opposite Virginia. Indian Head has Navy history and waterfront facilities; town population around 3,600 and regionally important river access.

Cobb Island

Small Chesapeake and Potomac peninsula community at the mouth of the Wicomico River where municipal limits touch the Potomac. Popular for boating and fishing with a seasonal population and roughly 1,000 year‑round residents.

Coltons Point

St. Mary’s County unincorporated community on St. Clement’s Island with a waterfront boundary on the Potomac opposite Virginia. Small population, historic museum site, and direct shoreline adjacency to the MD–VA river boundary.

Colonial Beach

Classic riverside resort town on Virginia’s northern Potomac shore with municipal limits on the river and wide views of Maryland across the water. Known for boardwalk, boating, and annual events; population about 3,800.

Bordering Towns Between Other States