General Archives - Rockville Economic Development, Inc

Rockville Ranked Second Best Place to Live in Maryland for 2026

A report by World Atlas evaluating cities across the state based on safety, economic opportunity, healthcare access, and recreational amenities has named Rockville the second-best place to live in Maryland.

A recent report by World Atlas has named Rockville the second-best place to live in Maryland for 2026. The ranking evaluates cities across the state based on safety, economic opportunity, healthcare access, and recreational amenities.

Rockville’s high placement is attributed to its “suburban charms and access to big-city amenities,” positioning it as a primary residential and professional hub within the Washington metropolitan area.

Economic and Healthcare Infrastructure

The report highlights Rockville’s role as a central driver of the Montgomery County economy. Home to the Biotech Corridor, one of the largest biotechnology hubs in the United States, the city provides significant career opportunities in the life sciences and technology sectors.

Healthcare access was another key factor in the ranking. The Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center was noted for its comprehensive acute care services, including 24-hour emergency care and specialized surgical services. Additionally, the city’s variety of senior living options, such as the Preston of Rockville, contributes to its standing as a viable location for all stages of life.

Urban Planning and Recreation

The ranking distinguishes Rockville for its balance of high-density urban centers and expansive natural preservation:

Integrated Social and Cultural Hubs: Rockville utilizes a mixed-use planning model to create centralized spaces for community engagement. Rockville Town Square serves as the primary example, integrating the VisArts center and the Rockville Memorial Library with boutique retail and diverse dining options to create a walkable urban core.
Regional Natural Preservation: The report highlights the city’s commitment to large-scale green space. Rockville is home over 1,100 acres of parkland spanning over 60 parks citywide.
Multimodal Infrastructure: The city’s design prioritizes regional connectivity through a diverse transportation network. This includes the centrally located Rockville Metro and MARC station, which provides direct transit access to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, as well as an extensive system of bike paths and pedestrian walkways that link residential neighborhoods to major employment and commercial corridors.

World Atlas’ 2026 ranking prioritized cities that offer a “live-work-play” balance, focusing on places where daily convenience meets long-term economic stability. Rockville’s continued recognition in national rankings reinforces the city’s reputation as a stable environment for both corporate expansion and residential investment.

Visit Explore Rockville to discover restaurants, businesses, events, and activities that make Rockville one of the best places to live in Maryland: https://explorerockville.org/

Read the full feature from WorldAtlas: https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/10-best-places-to-live-in-maryland-in-2026.html

Comstock Acquires Rockville Multifamily Building, The Reed

Comstock expands their Rockville footprint with acquisition of The Reed

ROCKVILLE, Md., Mar. 23, 2026 – Comstock Holding Companies, Inc. (Nasdaq: CHCI), a prominent asset manager and developer in the Washington, D.C. region, recently announced the completed acquisition of The Reed, a 417-unit Class A multifamily property located at 15955 Frederick Road in Rockville.

The acquisition was executed through a joint venture between Comstock and an institutional fund advised by Benefit Street Partners, with additional investment from Comstock affiliate Comstock Partners, LC. This strategic move significantly expands Comstock’s presence in the Rockville submarket, where the company now owns and manages more than 900 apartment units across three transit-oriented properties, including BLVD Forty Four and BLVD Ansel.

Built in 2015, The Reed is situated directly adjacent to the Shady Grove Metro Station and is within walking distance of the retail and dining options in the King Farm neighborhood. The property features a variety of floor plans ranging from one- to three-bedroom units. Residents have access to a suite of amenities, including a resort-style swimming pool, a fitness center with yoga and boxing studios, resident lounges, and private parking.

“The Reed is exactly the type of institutional-quality asset we seek as we continue to scale our Institutional Venture Platform,” said Tim Steffan, Chief Operating Officer of Comstock. “The Metro-adjacent location of The Reed fits perfectly in our transit-oriented portfolio. With our experienced property management teams in place, we see a clear opportunity to elevate the resident experience and drive value for all stakeholders.”

Management services for the property will be handled by two Comstock subsidiaries, CHCI Residential Management and ParkX Management, ensuring a high level of service for the Rockville community. Financing for the transaction, which included both equity and debt components, was arranged by NewPoint Real Estate Capital.

This investment underscores the continued appeal of Rockville as a prime location for high-quality, transit-oriented real estate assets and highlights the city’s role in the regional economy.

Link to Press Release: Comstock Acquires Rockville Multifamily Building, The Reed

Rockville Named Among Top U.S. Cities for Highest Quality of Life in 2026

U.S. News & World Report names Rockville, Maryland, one of the top 10 cities in the United States for quality of life in a new 2026 report.

The ranking, which evaluates municipalities based on a data-driven set of livability metrics, places Rockville alongside other high-performing mid-sized cities recognized for their infrastructure, economic stability, and resident services.

The study utilized a comprehensive scoring system to determine the rankings. Key factors included the performance of local public schools, housing market trends, the cost of essential goods, and the proximity of amenities such as municipal parks, healthcare facilities, and commercial centers.

Economic and Professional Landscape

The report highlights Rockville’s position within the regional economy, specifically noting its role in the biotechnology and life sciences sector. The city’s location within the I-270 corridor remains a primary driver for its high quality-of-life score, as it provides residents with access to high-density employment centers and research institutions. This economic framework has historically aided the city in maintaining a stable tax base and consistent investment in public services.

Infrastructure and Accessibility

Data from the report suggests that Rockville’s transit-oriented development is a significant contributor to its national standing. The city’s integration with regional rail and bus systems, coupled with a high walkability score in areas like Rockville Town Center, aligns with current urban planning trends that prioritize reduced commute times and multi-modal transportation options.

Rockville’s park system—comprising over 65 individual locations—and its commitment to maintaining green space were also cited as essential components of its high ranking.

Comparative National Standing

This 2026 recognition follows several years of consistent placement for Rockville in various national indices. Previous evaluations have included:

Regional Rankings: Identified as the #3 best place to live in Maryland by U.S. News & World Report (2025-2026).
Livability Indices: Ranked as the #5 mid-size community in the U.S. by the AARP Livability Index (2025).
Demographics: Cited by WalletHub as one of the top 10 most diverse cities in the country (2025).

These cumulative rankings provide a statistical snapshot of the city’s current trajectory. For businesses and individuals evaluating the region, the data reflects a combination of diverse human capital and a robust municipal infrastructure.

Visit REDI’s Rockville Resident page for more information about the city’s demographics and residential data.

View U.S. News & World Report’s full list of the Best Places to Live for Quality of Life in the U.S. in 2025-2026: https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/best-places-to-live-for-quality-of-life

Rockville-based X-Energy Files for Nasdaq IPO as Advanced Nuclear Sector Accelerates

X-Energy's path to IPO follows a series of private investment and commercial partnerships

X-Energy, Inc., headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, has filed a draft registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for an initial public offering of its Class A common stock. The company plans to list on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol “XE.” The number of shares and price range for the offering have not yet been determined.

The filing marks a milestone for one of Rockville’s most prominent clean energy companies and a significant moment for the broader advanced nuclear industry, which has gained momentum from surging electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence infrastructure and federal policy support.

Founded in 2009 by Kam Ghaffarian and led by CEO J. Clay Sell, a former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy, X-Energy designs advanced small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) and manufactures specialized nuclear fuel. The company’s flagship product, the Xe-100, is a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor that produces approximately 80 megawatts of electricity per module. Typically deployed in four-unit configurations generating 320 megawatts, the Xe-100 uses passive safety features and proprietary TRISO-X fuel, which the U.S. Department of Energy has called “the most robust nuclear fuel on Earth.”

The company employs approximately 916 people as of March 2026 and reported $109 million in revenue for the 12 months ending December 31, 2025. Its TRISO-X fuel fabrication facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee received an NRC Special Nuclear Material License in February 2026, a critical step toward commercial-scale fuel production.

X-Energy’s path to IPO follows a rapid acceleration of private investment and commercial partnerships. In 2020, the U.S. Department of Energy selected X-Energy as one of two companies for its Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP), a cost-sharing initiative that provides up to $1.2 billion in federal funding to develop, license, and build a demonstration reactor and fuel fabrication facility.

Private capital has followed the federal commitment. In October 2024, Amazon anchored a $500 million Series C-1 funding round, with the two companies collaborating to bring more than 5 gigawatts of new nuclear power online by 2039. In late 2025, X-Energy closed a $700 million Series D round led by Jane Street, with participation from ARK Invest, Point72, and existing investors including Ares Management. Combined with approximately $438 million in ARDP reimbursements received through the end of 2025, X-Energy has assembled substantial financial backing to commercialize its technology.

The IPO filing comes during a week of major commercial announcements. On March 19, X-Energy and Talen Energy Corporation signed a letter of intent to evaluate deploying Xe-100 reactors in Pennsylvania and across the PJM Interconnection market, the regional grid serving much of the eastern United States. The companies are exploring three or more four-unit plants to meet growing energy demand from manufacturing, data centers, and electrification.

X-Energy is also advancing a four-unit reactor at Dow’s Seadrift Operations site on the Texas Gulf Coast under the ARDP program, which would be the first grid-scale advanced nuclear reactor serving an industrial site in North America. Dow and X-Energy submitted a construction permit application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in March 2025.

Across all its partnerships, X-Energy is developing more than 11 gigawatts of new nuclear capacity in the United States and United Kingdom, including a 6-gigawatt commitment from UK energy company Centrica.

X-Energy has been headquartered in Rockville since its founding in 2009. The company’s growth from a small reactor design firm to a nearly 1,000-person operation preparing for a public listing has played out in the city, alongside Rockville’s broader concentration of life sciences, clean energy, and technology companies. The IPO filing adds to a series of high-profile milestones for the company over the past 18 months, including two major private funding rounds and the licensing of its fuel fabrication facility.

About X-Energy

X-Energy, Inc. is a Rockville, Maryland-based developer of advanced small modular nuclear reactors and fuel technology. The company’s Xe-100 reactor and TRISO-X fuel are designed to deliver safe, reliable, low-carbon energy for electricity generation and industrial applications. Learn more at x-energy.com.

Rockville Recognized as an “Underrated Gem for Nature Lovers” by WorldAtlas

Dedicated natural areas make Rockville one of the more outdoors-focused cities in the Washington metropolitan area.

Following its recent ranking as one of the Best Places to Live in Maryland, Rockville has also been named by WorldAtlas as an “underrated gem for nature lovers” in a new feature.

While Rockville is widely known as a premier hub for the Biotech Corridor and a thriving center for international business, this latest recognition celebrates the intentional integration of green space, conservation, and outdoor recreation that makes the city a truly balanced place to live and work.

According to WorldAtlas, Rockville stands out in the Washington metropolitan area for its commitment to preserving the natural landscape. Key assets that contribute to a high quality of life in Rockville include:

Extensive Park System: The city boast over 60 parks totaling more than 1,100 acres of parkland, including RedGate Park, Fallsgrove Stream Valley Park, Mattie J.t. Stepanek Park and Arboretum, and Rockville Town Center Park.
A “Bike Beltway” for Commuters and Explorers: The 10-mile Carl Henn Millennium Trail is noted as a vital piece of infrastructure, circling the city and connecting our various neighborhoods, shopping districts, and parks.
Nature-Centric Community Amenities: From the peaceful 120-acre forest surrounding Croydon Creek Nature Center to the urban green spaces of King Farm and Fallsgrove, Rockville proves that economic development and environmental stewardship go hand-in-hand.

WorldAtlas notes that Rockville is a destination that has “mindfully integrated nature into its inner city areas, creating a downtown that feels open, uncluttered, and inviting.” This balance is exactly what makes this community a “gem”—not just for nature lovers, but for the entrepreneurs and families who call Rockville home.

Discover other local hidden gems with Explore Rockville: https://explorerockville.org/

Read the full feature from WorldAtlas: https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/this-quiet-maryland-city-is-an-underrated-gem-for-nature-lovers-52630.html

Rockville Scores High on AARP’s Top 100 Places to Live for Older Adults

Rockville, MD ranks #5 in the United States in the mid-size community category of the 2025 AARP Livability Index

With an overall score of 66, Rockville stands out as a national leader in creating an environment where residents of all ages can thrive. This ranking is bolstered by the strength of Montgomery County as a whole, which ranked #2 nationally for very large communities.

The AARP Index evaluates cities across seven key categories: housing, neighborhood, transportation, environment, health, engagement, and opportunity. Rockville’s ranking is attributed to its investments in infrastructure, community services and its engaged residents.

Rockville’s #5 spot on AARP’s Index is bolstered by:

Talent Attraction & Retention: Modern professionals are increasingly choosing where to live based on community assets. Rockville’s high scores in transportation connectivity and walkable neighborhoods attract and retain families and a highly skilled workforce that drives the city’s economy.
The “Lifetime City” Advantage: Rockville’s investments in its infrastructure and community services provides an accessible and health-forward environment that allows residents to grow their career through every stage of life. This stability creates a consistent, reliable workforce for local employers.
Proximity to Innovation: Rockville’s livability is the foundation of its status as the center of the Biotech Corridor. With over 120 life science and biotech companies located in Rockville, the convergence of world-class research and a high-quality lifestyle make the city a desirable place to live and work.

View Rockville’s AARP Livability Index report: https://livabilityindex.aarp.org/search/Rockville,%20Maryland,%20United%20States

View the full 2025 AARP Top 100 Places to Live for Older adults: https://www.aarp.org/home-living/top-places-to-live-2025/

Rockville Economic Development, Inc. – RFP for Information Technology Services and Website Support

REDI is seeking a vendor to provide comprehensive managed IT services, cybersecurity protection, and website support for its economic development operations.

Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) is accepting Request for Proposals (RFP) for Information Technology Services and Website Support.

REDI is a 501(c)(3) economic development agency serving Rockville, Maryland. The organization operates multiple websites supporting economic development and small business initiatives, and currently maintains 15 workstations with two conference rooms equipped with audiovisual and conferencing technology.

This RFP seeks a vendor to deliver fully managed IT, cybersecurity, data protection, and end-user support services, as well as comprehensive WordPress website management including security, ADA/WCAG compliance, and ongoing maintenance. The selected vendor will also provide CIO-level strategic advisory services to guide technology planning and procurement.

Proposals are due on Monday, March 16, 2026 at 5:00pm EST. Questions must be submitted by Monday, March 2, 2026 at 5:00pm EST. For further details, contact Cynthia Rivarde at cindy@rockvilleredi.org.

Learn more about the RFP here.

RFP Questions and Answers

View questions and answers about the RFP here

View REDI’s Record Retention Policy here

View REDI’s Hardware Inventory Report here

Business Spotlight: Little Miner Taco

"The OG birria of the DMV"

What is your business’ origin story?

Owner and founder Kathy Voss has a wealth of experience in the restaurant industry but reached a point in her career where there was no more room to grow. She decided to team up with one of her restaurant coworkers to open their own place, serving something they both loved to eat every day–tacos. Little Miner Taco opened in Brentwood in 2019, expanding to Pike & Rose in 2020 before moving to their home at The Square at Rockville in 2024. Kathy and her partner saw an opportunity to bring birria de res to the east coast–a rich, flavorful Mexican beef stew that Little Miner Taco slow cooks over 24 hours to achieve the perfect taste.

How does Little Miner Taco align with or enhance the overall restaurant landscape of Rockville?

“I feel really tethered to the community, so we do everything we can do enhance their lives,” says owner and founder Kathy Voss. Little Miner Taco aims to bring good energy, employment, and an affordable food option to Rockville; plus, a portion of proceeds from kids’ meals go toward paying off school lunch debt.

What role has the community of Rockville played in the success of Little Miner Taco?

From customers to community partners and local government, Rockville has welcomed Little Miner Taco with open arms. “There’s such great resources in Rockville; I can’t recommend opening a business there enough,” says Kathy.

“Rockville is made up of a group of people who want to see their city thrive. Everyone was helpful and easy to work with, making it easy to file permits and get everything prepared to open."

What’s next for your business?

Because making birria de res is very labor intensive, Little Miner Taco is moving toward manufacturing to sell birria wholesale to other businesses and restaurants who would like to serve it but don’t have the resources to make it in-house.

What advice would you give to new businesses aiming to be longstanding fixtures in the community?

It’s important to find partners and mentors you can ask for advice (and to be open to receiving help). When it comes to running a business, “you don’t know what you don’t know.”

About Little Miner Taco

Little Miner Taco is a taqueria specializing in birria de res with three locations in Maryland and DC.

Visit Little Miner Taco Rockville at 39 Maryland AVE, Suite A, Rockville, MD 20850

Learn more about Little Miner Taco at https://www.littleminertaco.com/

Follow Little Miner Taco on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

TEDCO Announces Investment in Rockville-Based Wearable Tech Company

TEDCO Announces Nearly $500,000 in Cybersecurity and Information Technology Investment in Stacato LLC

COLUMBIA, Md., (January 26, 2026) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, recently announced a nearly $500,000 investment in Stacato LLC. The funding was awarded through TEDCO’s Cybersecurity Investment Fund (CIF), which is part of its Seed Funds dedicated to supporting cybersecurity and information technology companies.

Located in Rockville, Stacato LLC is a defense technology company focused on developing secure, wireless communications for warfighters. The company’s work aims to integrate immersive augmented reality and tactical communications with electronic resilience to enhance current military capabilities.

“TEDCO looks forward to seeing our investment support this Maryland-based defense technology company’s growth,” said Katherine Hill Ritchie, senior director of Venture Funds at TEDCO. “We hope our support furthers research and development efforts on such innovative technology that can be utilized by our troops.”

The Cybersecurity Investment Fund is designed to provide capital to companies that are often overlooked by traditional financing sources. This investment aligns with Maryland’s broader effort to leverage its concentration of federal facilities and world-class talent to foster a collaborative innovation ecosystem.

“With more than 60 federal facilities across the state, founders have ample opportunity to collaborate with, support and leverage the world-class equipment and talent to further innovative growth,” said TEDCO CEO, Troy LeMaile-Stovall. “Companies looking to expand and innovate need to look no further than Maryland’s collaborative innovation ecosystem.”

This latest investment highlights the continued growth of Rockville’s technology sector and the availability of state resources to support early-stage companies as they scale.

Link to Press Release: https://www.tedcomd.com/news-events/press-releases/2026/tedco-invests-stacato

Rockville Economic Development, Inc. – RFP for Biotech Corridor Website Feature Expansion

REDI seeks to expand the Biotech Corridor website functionality with four interactive, user-driven features that will better serve companies, entrepreneurs, investors and other stakeholders.

Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) is accepting Request for Proposals (RFP) for feature enhancements to the Biotech Corridor website – biotechcorridor.com.

The Biotech Corridor is a placemaking and economic development initiative launched by Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) to highlight Rockville’s position as Maryland’s premier biotech and life sciences hub. With one of the highest concentrations of biotech companies in the state, Rockville serves as a strategic location for industry growth, innovation, and collaboration.

The Biotech Corridor website functions as a digital hub for the region’s biotech ecosystem. To enhance its utility and engagement, REDI seeks to expand the site’s functionality with four interactive, user-driven features that will better serve companies, entrepreneurs, investors and other stakeholders.

Proposals are due on Monday, December 29, 2025. For further details, contact Amanda Bosland at amanda@rockvilleredi.org.

Learn more about the RFP here. Revised on December 18, 2025: Revised RFP

RFP Questions and Answers

View questions and answers about the Biotech Corridor Website Feature Expansion here. Updated on December 23, 2025: Updated Questions and Answers

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Category: General

Rockville Ranked Second Best Place to Live in Maryland for 2026

A report by World Atlas evaluating cities across the state based on safety, economic opportunity, healthcare access, and recreational amenities has named Rockville the second-best place to live in Maryland.

Economic and Healthcare Infrastructure

Urban Planning and Recreation

Comstock Acquires Rockville Multifamily Building, The Reed

Comstock expands their Rockville footprint with acquisition of The Reed

Rockville Named Among Top U.S. Cities for Highest Quality of Life in 2026

U.S. News & World Report names Rockville, Maryland, one of the top 10 cities in the United States for quality of life in a new 2026 report.

Economic and Professional Landscape

Infrastructure and Accessibility

Comparative National Standing

Rockville-based X-Energy Files for Nasdaq IPO as Advanced Nuclear Sector Accelerates

X-Energy's path to IPO follows a series of private investment and commercial partnerships

About X-Energy

Rockville Recognized as an “Underrated Gem for Nature Lovers” by WorldAtlas

Dedicated natural areas make Rockville one of the more outdoors-focused cities in the Washington metropolitan area.

Rockville Scores High on AARP’s Top 100 Places to Live for Older Adults

Rockville, MD ranks #5 in the United States in the mid-size community category of the 2025 AARP Livability Index

Rockville Economic Development, Inc. – RFP for Information Technology Services and Website Support

REDI is seeking a vendor to provide comprehensive managed IT services, cybersecurity protection, and website support for its economic development operations.

RFP Questions and Answers

Business Spotlight: Little Miner Taco

"The OG birria of the DMV"

What is your business’ origin story?

How does Little Miner Taco align with or enhance the overall restaurant landscape of Rockville?

What role has the community of Rockville played in the success of Little Miner Taco?

“Rockville is made up of a group of people who want to see their city thrive. Everyone was helpful and easy to work with, making it easy to file permits and get everything prepared to open."

What’s next for your business?

What advice would you give to new businesses aiming to be longstanding fixtures in the community?

About Little Miner Taco

TEDCO Announces Investment in Rockville-Based Wearable Tech Company

TEDCO Announces Nearly $500,000 in Cybersecurity and Information Technology Investment in Stacato LLC

Rockville Economic Development, Inc. – RFP for Biotech Corridor Website Feature Expansion

REDI seeks to expand the Biotech Corridor website functionality with four interactive, user-driven features that will better serve companies, entrepreneurs, investors and other stakeholders.

RFP Questions and Answers