The town of Chevy Chase was established in the last decade of the 19th century. Over the years, it developed into one of the first “streetcar suburbs”—a quiet, comfortable retreat from Washington, D.C. The town was carefully planned and developed by the Chevy Chase Land Company to preserve its natural beauty, maintain landscaping and architectural standards, and provide the residents with a harmonious community environment.

The town is governed by a five-member elected town council, one of whom is elected mayor. Day-to-day administration is conducted by a town manager and town clerk assisted by a staff and citizen volunteers. The volunteers serve on committees—the Tree Committee, which keeps watch over the magnificent green canopy that shades the town; the Traffic Committee, which advises on measures to combat speeding, sign violations, and cut-through traffic from state highways that border the town; and ad hoc committees that tackle special issues and community events. To maintain the sense of community within the town, the council promotes activities such as the July 4th parade, October Halloween party, senior lunches, and concerts in the Town Hall.

Much of Chevy Chase’s attraction as a place to live comes from its park-like setting—tree-lined streets, rolling topography, and pleasing open spaces—and the character and variety of its dwellings. While it enjoys relative freedom from the noise and traffic of the nearby Bethesda central business district, many residents can walk to shops and restaurants and the Metro subway station in just a few minutes.

Chevy Chase is the largest of the eight neighboring municipalities that in varying ways share the Chevy Chase name. Within the town are more than 1,030 homes, Chevy Chase Elementary School, the National 4-H Center, Leland Community Recreation Center, a day care center, and three parks. The Town Hall was built in 1995 as a joint venture of Chevy Chase and Montgomery County. The two jurisdictions share the use of the building.