Geography thumb|right|Muddy Branch flowing toward Potomac River as viewed from Quince Orchard Road|alt=a streamAs an unincorporated area, North Potomac's boundaries are not officially defined. However, the United States Census Bureau recognized a North Potomac in the 1970 census, and then as a census-designated place (North Potomac CDP) in every census since 1990. As of the 2010 census, North Potomac is located north of the Potomac River in west central Montgomery County, roughly from Washington, D.C. It is bordered to the north by Gaithersburg, which lies beyond Maryland Route 28 (Darnstown Road). Rockville, along Glen Road, is on the east border, while the Travilah CDP, mostly along Travilah Road, forms the southern border. The Darnestown CDP along Jones Lane and Turkey Foot Road forms the western boundary. Like North Bethesda, residents have held misconceptions about North Potomac's existence, incorrectly arguing that it is part of Gaithersburg and that the name is a neologism created by realtors.
Geography thumb|right|Muddy Branch flowing toward Potomac River as viewed from Quince Orchard Road|alt=a streamAs an unincorporated area, North Potomac's boundaries are not officially defined. However, the United States Census Bureau recognized a North Potomac in the 1970 census and then as a census-designated place (North Potomac CDP) in every census since 1990. As of the 2010 census, North Potomac is located north of the Potomac River in west central Montgomery County, roughly from Washington, D.C. It is bordered to the north by Gaithersburg which lies beyond Maryland Route 28 (Darnstown Road). Rockville, along Glen Road, is on the east border, while the Travilah CDP, mostly along Travilah Road, forms the southern border The Darnestown CDP along Jones Lane and Turkey Foot Road forms the western boundary Like North Bethesda, residents have held misconceptions about North Potomac's existence, incorrectly arguing that it is part of Gaithersburg and that the name is a neologism created by realtors.