Chevy Chase, Maryland
Montgomery County

If what you seek is privacy and exclusivity, look no further than Chevy Chase. Conveniently located literally next door to Washington, DC, it's an enclave that is quiet and safe, with a ratio of 5.6 police officers per 1,000 residents. As there are less than 2,000 residents, that should give you some idea as to how responsive the police force is to any resident's phone call. You'll never see a trash can or trash anywhere on the sidewalks of Chevy Chase. As in many places in Europe, the trash is collected along the back side of the buildings.

The homes range in styles from Queen Anne Victorians to Dutch Colonial Revivals to Renaissance, Tudor, Spanish Colonial, and Art Moderne. There is a self-guided Architectural Tour of the 19 designated historic homes, which is well worth reading and doing. You won't find a home for sale priced below $1.5M, and that would be a fixer-upper needing extensive modernization. The schools are top-notch and the main draw for most families, although many opt to send their children away to private boarding schools.

Beware

• Speed cameras are installed along Connecticut Avenue. They're a primary source of revenue for the town, so be sure to slow down if you don't want a fine.

About 15 minutes to DuPont Circle by car.