In 1961, the National Bureau of Standards moved to Gaithersburg. This facility now known as the National Institute of Standards and Technology is responsible for maintaining standards of measurements used in scientific research. Its facilities also house standard kilograms and meters. These buildings earned Gaithersburg the nickname "Science Capital of the United States." The city is a suburb of Washington, D.C., and its major economic activities revolve around Federal Government contracts.
Gaithersburg is located in a temperate continental climate zone, which means that its high temperatures and humidity are exacerbated by the colder months. Regardless of the season, however, the city typically has few inches of snow per year, which isn't bad. For renters in this city, it's important to consider the energy efficiency of the property. While the city is not cold, the temperatures in Gaithersburg can dip below freezing in the winter.
Gaithersburg City has a population of 66,104 people. This is a very family-friendly city. Approximately 73% of its residents are married, and 50% of households have children under the age of 18.
Residents of Gaithersburg can commute to Baltimore and Washington, D.C., either by car or trolley bus. The town has a five-member council, and its administration is headed by a career City Manager. The city also boasts the 220th Military Police Brigade of the United States Army Reserve. The Town Courier newspaper is based in Kentlands, which serves the city's west side neighborhoods. The publication also has a branch in Rockville and an urbana edition.