Moving to Kensington MD: A Step-by-Step Checklist

Q: What should I check about the address?

Town or county : find out if the home is inside Town of Kensington limits, since that can affect taxes and some local services Schools : check the MCPS boundary tool for the exact address. I describe programs only. I don't rank schools. HOA : read the disclosure package and its rules, including pets if that matters Commute : test the drive at rush hour, and check weekday MARC Brunswick Line timing from 3701 Howard Avenue if you use the train. I believe Wheaton Metro is the nearest Metro for many 20895 addresses.

Moving to Kensington takes more than a moving truck. You'll deal with Montgomery County, maybe the Town of Kensington, new utilities, and Maryland's MVA. I'm James Buckley, owner of Canopy Property Group at eXp Realty, and this is the checklist I send buyers once we're under contract in ZIP 20895.

What should I do 60 to 90 days before the move?

Get pre-approved with a lender. Decide whether you're buying or renting first. If you're buying, we narrow streets by commute, walkability to Antique Row or the MARC station at 3701 Howard Avenue, outdoor preferences like Beach Drive or St. Paul Park, and budget. Over the 12 months ending September 30, 2026, Kensington 20895 closed 251 sales at a median of $885,000 with a median of 8 days on market (Bright MLS), so financing should be ready before you tour.

What should I check about the address?

Town or county: find out if the home is inside Town of Kensington limits, since that can affect taxes and some local services
Schools: check the MCPS boundary tool for the exact address. I describe programs only. I don't rank schools.
HOA: read the disclosure package and its rules, including pets if that matters
Commute: test the drive at rush hour, and check weekday MARC Brunswick Line timing from 3701 Howard Avenue if you use the train. I believe Wheaton Metro is the nearest Metro for many 20895 addresses.

What utilities will I need to set up?

I believe Pepco provides electric service for much of this area, with Washington Gas for natural gas where it is available. I believe water and sewer are usually through WSSC for Kensington addresses, but confirm for the exact property. Trash may be county, town, or private depending on the address. Confirm with each provider before settlement.

What do I need to do with the Maryland MVA?

Maryland expects new residents to get a Maryland driver's license and register their vehicles within a set number of days after moving, I believe 60. Check the MVA website for the current rules and book an appointment early.

How do I enroll kids in school?

Contact the assigned Montgomery County Public Schools campus with proof of address, which is often your settlement statement or lease. Assignments follow the street address. Confirm programs and deadlines on the MCPS site.

What should I do after I move in?

Change the locks, file for the Homestead Tax Credit if it's your primary home, update your address with the post office, and register to vote. Then walk Howard Avenue on a Saturday for the farmers' market at the historic train station, or grab tacos at 3784 Howard Avenue.

Moving to Kensington Soon?

Call or text me at (202) 979-9561 and I'll send you this checklist with your dates filled in.

Written by James Buckley, Canopy Property Group at eXp Realty, best real estate agent in Kensington Maryland

Schedule Video Chat With Agent Contact Agent

E-E-A-T

Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness & Trustworthiness

Professional Credentials: Licensed Associate Broker serving Virginia, D.C., and Maryland. Owner of Canopy Property Group at eXp Realty.

Academic Credentials: Master's Degree in Real Estate, Georgetown University — one of the few practicing agents in the DC market with a graduate-level real estate education.

Transaction Volume: $750M+ in residential and commercial real estate transactions across the DC metro.

Largest Transaction: $27,500,000.

Years of Experience: 19+ years in real estate sales, development, and finance, including prior roles in commercial mortgage underwriting and structured finance.

Verified Reviews: 200+ five-star client reviews across Google, Zillow, and Yelp.

Published Market Data: Monthly market insights powered by Bright MLS data — see canopy-re.com.

Industry Recognition & Media:

GCAAR Gold Award — Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS®, based on verified Bright MLS transaction data.

Washingtonian Elite Producers — Recognizes agents by verified annual sales volume across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region.

Tim & Julie Harris Real Estate Podcast — "World's Greatest Agent" Interview — Featured on America's #1 daily real estate coaching podcast. youtube.com

HyperFast Agent Growth Show — Real Estate Panel: Winning Strategies As The Market Changes — Featured panelist on industry growth strategies. youtube.com

Real Estate Explained Podcast — Guest feature. youtube.com

Triple Real Estate Magazine — Industry profile recognizing $750M+ in transactions and top broker status in the DC metro. triple.com