Definition
Cardiff, Maryland is an unincorporated community and census‑designated place (CDP) located in Montgomery County, in the state of Maryland, United States.
Overview
Cardiff lies in the northwestern part of Montgomery County, adjacent to the communities of Potomac, Bethesda, and North Bethesda. It is part of the Washington metropolitan area. According to the United States Census Bureau, the 2020 census recorded a population of approximately 2,500 residents within the CDP’s roughly 0.5 square mile (1.3 km²) area. The community is primarily residential, featuring a mix of single‑family homes, townhouses, and small apartment complexes. Public services are provided by Montgomery County, including police protection, fire services, and public schooling through Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). Cardiff Elementary School serves local children, and secondary students attend nearby middle and high schools within the county system. The area is served by the ZIP code 20878 and falls within the 301/240 telephone area code.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Cardiff” is derived from the capital city of Wales. Early settlers of the region included individuals of Welsh descent who named the community after their hometown, a naming practice common among immigrant populations in the United States.
Characteristics
- Geography: Situated at approximately 39.06° N latitude and 77.21° W longitude, Cardiff is characterized by gently rolling terrain typical of Montgomery County’s suburban landscape.
- Transportation: The community is accessible via major roadways such as Maryland Route 355 (Wisconsin Avenue) and Maryland Route 187 (Old Georgetown Road). Public transit options include Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) bus routes serving the surrounding area.
- Economy: Cardiff’s economy is predominantly residential, with local commerce consisting of small retail establishments, professional services, and community-oriented businesses. Residents commonly commute to employment centers in Washington, D.C., and the broader Baltimore‑Washington corridor.
- Education: In addition to Cardiff Elementary, the CDP is zoned for North Bethesda Middle School and Walter Johnson High School.
- Recreation and Amenities: The community is proximate to several county parks, including the Capital Crescent Trail, providing opportunities for walking, biking, and outdoor recreation.
Related Topics
- Montgomery County, Maryland
- Potomac, Maryland (adjacent community)
- Washington metropolitan area
- List of census‑designated places in Maryland
- Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS)
All information presented reflects publicly available data from United States Census Bureau records, Montgomery County government publications, and standard geographic references.