The Guide to Living in Bethesda, Maryland
A desirable Maryland suburb moments from the Nation’s Capital
BETHESDA, MARYLAND
The History of Bethesda, Maryland
A thriving community located just moments from downtown Washington, D.C., Bethesda, Maryland has a rich history dating back to the early Colonial period.
Like many of towns in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, Bethesda, Maryland was settled by European colonists, first as part of a land grant to fur trader Henry Fleet. Long home to tenant farmers and agricultural trades, Bethesda, Maryland was among the many modest communities that surrounded Washington, D.C. in the days preceding the modern era.
In the mid-20th century, Bethesda, Maryland underwent a transformation thanks to the construction of the Capital Beltway in the 1960s and the development of the Metrorail system in the 1970s. As a result, Bethesda, Maryland became more accessible to the rest of the Washington Metropolitan Area, sparking a surge in population growth and an expansion of the local economy.
Today, Bethesda, Maryland is among the most vibrant communities in the Mid-Atlantic. Home to nationally-renowned research institutions and corporations, including the National Institute of Health and Marriott International, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland is also known for its excellent schools, including Bannockburn Elementary School, Walt Whitman High School, and the Landon School.
Despite its rapid growth, Bethesda, Maryland has managed to retain a sense of community and remains a place where one can enjoy the amenities of urban living while still feeling connected to their neighbors and the surrounding area.
Bradley Village Colonial of Bethesda, Maryland. Image courtesy of Jennifer Hughes.
THE HOMES COLLECTION
The Homes of Bethesda, Maryland
Explore a curated collection of Bethesda, Maryland’s most iconic homes
BETHESDA, MARYLAND
“Just moments from the Nation’s Capital, Bethesda, Maryland is one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most desirable communities.”
Riverwood of Potomac, Maryland. Image courtesy of Peak Visuals.
THE HOMES COLLECTION
The Modern Homes of Maryland
These modern and contemporary homes are among the finest in Maryland
BETHESDA, MARYLAND
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore common questions about life in Bethesda, Maryland, including the best restaurants, neighborhoods, and more.
IS BETHESDA, MARYLAND A GOOD PLACE TO LIVE?
Bethesda, Maryland is considered a very desirable place to live due to its proximity to the Nation's Capital and its numerous amenities, including upscale shopping and dining options as well as its excellent schools and thriving arts scene.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUY A HOME IN BETHESDA, MARYLAND?
The median sale price for a single family home in Bethesda, Maryland is $1,030,000, which is over 3 times higher than the national average of $308,980. Ready to buy the home of your dreams? Browse homes for sale in Bethesda, Maryland presented by Sotheby’s International Realty.
HOW FAR IS BETHESDA, MARYLAND FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.?
Bethesda, Maryland is approximately 10 miles from downtown Washington, D.C. The most common way to get to Washington, D.C. from Bethesda, Maryland is via car or public transit via the Metro Red Line.
WHAT IS THE PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR BETHESDA, MARYLAND?
Property taxes for Bethesda, Maryland are calculated per every $100 of assessed value and are broken out into three separate segments. The county rate is $1.0402, the state rate is $0.1120, and the municipal rate is $0.00. Residents of Bethesda, Maryland may also be charged additional fees on their property tax bill including a solid waste charge and a water quality protection charge.
WHAT ARE THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN BETHESDA, MARYLAND?
Bethesda, Maryland is known for its diverse dining scene, with a wide range of restaurants offering everything from casual to fine dining options. on Woodmont Avenue in the heart of Bethesda Row, Mon Ami Gabi is a French bistro known for its steak frites and classic cocktails. And just down the road, Woodmont Grill offers American style cuisine with live jazz music.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BETHESDA, MARYLAND AND NORTH BETHESDA, MARYLAND?
Despite their similar names, Bethesda, Maryland and North Bethesda, Maryland are technically different towns. Many often consider North Bethesda, Maryland to be closely tied to Rockville Maryland given its proximity.
WHAT ARE THE BEST NEIGHBORHOODS IN BETHESDA, MARYLAND?
Bethesda, Maryland is home to many amazing neighborhoods, some of which are among the finest in the Mid-Atlantic, including: Bradley Hills, Westmoreland Hills, and Edgemoor.
HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE IN BETHESDA, MARYLAND?
According to the 2020 Census data, Bethesda, Maryland has a population of 67,853 people, including a median age of 44 and a median household income of $166,062.
WHAT IS THE SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR BETHESDA, MARYLAND?
Residents of Bethesda, Maryland attend Montgomery County Public Schools. In addition, Bethesda, Maryland is home to many of the Mid-Atlantic’s finest private schools, including the Landon School, Holton-Arms School, and Georgetown Preparatory School.
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Find a Trusted Design Professional in Bethesda, Maryland
Explore the very best Residential Architects, Custom Home Builders, Interior Designers, and Landscape Architects in Bethesda, Maryland
The Ships Point Estate of Easton, Maryland. Image courtesy of Anice Hoachlander.
BETHESDA, MARYLAND
Wiedemann Architects
Wiedemann Architects is a Residential Architecture Firm in Bethesda, Maryland
Westwood of Vienna, Virginia. Image courtesy of Erik Kvalsvik.
Rollingwood Terrace Revival of Chevy Chase, Maryland. Image courtesy of Anice Hoachlander.
BETHESDA, MARYLAND
The Block Builders Group
The Block Builders Group is a Custom Home Builder in Bethesda, Maryland
THE RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER COMPANY
Create Your Next Home in Bethesda, Maryland
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