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Downtown Bethesda

Downtown Bethesda

$904,268 Average Value
$603 Average Price per Sq Ft
25 Homes For Sale

From auto shops to offices and restaurants

Bethesda isn’t technically a city, but the Maryland community northwest of Washington, D.C., has a vibrant downtown. Barely more than a mile long, Downtown Bethesda boasts nearly 700 spots for dining out, grabbing drinks and upscale shopping. The current feel is a far cry from the ‘80s, when businesses in the neighborhood largely consisted of auto repair shops. Then a Metro station opened, and things quickly changed, says Neil Bacchus, a real estate agent with the Bacchus Group who lived in the area in the ‘70s and ‘80s. “Developers came in and recognized Bethesda as a high-income-earning community. They started to take those body shops and make them either office space or retail and restaurants — lots of them.” These businesses came in response to a wave of new residents who tend to be educated, affluent individuals working for local employers such as the National Institutes of Health or 2 miles in Washington, D.C.

Nothing beats dining outside at Silver in Downtown Bethesda.
Nothing beats dining outside at Silver in Downtown Bethesda.
Drive through the bustling streets of Downtown Bethesda to get to the high-rises in the city.
Drive through the bustling streets of Downtown Bethesda to get to the high-rises in the city.
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Celebrity chefs and 50-year-old seafood shacks

Downtown is packed with dozens of independent restaurants catering to a high-income, cosmopolitan crowd. Many are recent additions, such as Spanish Diner, which celebrity chef José Andrés opened in 2021. Some are longtime staples, such as the 50-year-old Bethesda Crab House. “Imagine Bethesda being like SoHo or Little Italy in New York, with all these restaurants in a four-block range,” Bacchus says. The Barking Dog headlines the nightlife scene; the pub has hosted live music and poured late-night beers since 2000. Shoppers can walk from one end of Bethesda Row to the other in minutes. The 500-foot-long retail strip features 25 shops operated by brands from Nike to Lululemon. In addition to the boutiques, there are Giant Food supermarket, Trader Joe’s and Strosniders Hardware, which opened in 1953. For entertainment, folks downtown can see a play at Round House Theatre or catch a movie at Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.

Fish Taco has been a Downtown Bethesda Staple for years.
Fish Taco has been a Downtown Bethesda Staple for years.
Hawker Asian Street Food is one of Bethesda Row's newest restaurants.
Hawker Asian Street Food is one of Bethesda Row's newest restaurants.
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Condo living in Downtown Bethesda

Less than 20 years ago, only one condo building stood in Downtown Bethesda. Today there are more than 10, varying from low-rise communities to towers that climb 10 stories into the air. The high-rises often include amenities such as fitness centers, community swimming pools and concierge service. On the edges of downtown, small Cape Cods provide single-family options. Buyers often scoop up these properties, tear down the houses and build larger multimillion-dollar homes on the lots, Bacchus says. One-bedroom condo prices start around $285,000, while a three-bedroom penthouse can fetch $3 million. Single-family home prices are likely to range between $1.5 million and $2.5 million.

The Darcy is a stunningly, modern 9-story apartment within the city center of Downtown Bethesda.
The Darcy is a stunningly, modern 9-story apartment within the city center of Downtown Bethesda.
Convenient condo living is very popular amongst the residents of Downtown Bethesda.
Convenient condo living is very popular amongst the residents of Downtown Bethesda.
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Sample downtown dishes at Taste of Bethesda

The Bethesda Central Farm Market draws 100 vendors to Bethesda Elementary School property every Sunday. Shoppers can pick up produce and ingredients at the market, but they can sample full dishes during Taste of Bethesda. The annual tasting has been a tradition since 1992, but today there are far more local restaurants to sample.

Bethesda Central Farm Market is one of the most popular recurring events in the city.
Bethesda Central Farm Market is one of the most popular recurring events in the city.
Bethesda Central Farm Market is a great place to chat and laugh with your neighbors.
Bethesda Central Farm Market is a great place to chat and laugh with your neighbors.
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Chevy Chase Club hosts golfers since 1892

Pocket parks are tucked into street corners and between commercial buildings, offering shaded playgrounds and picnic tables where people can take to-go orders from nearby restaurants. There are multiple entry points to the Capital Crescent Trail, an 11-mile trail between Georgetown and Silver Spring that cyclists sometimes use to commute into the district. Locals with memberships can drop by the Jane E. Lawton Community Recreation Center to work out or join a game of volleyball. Chevy Chase Club was founded in 1892, predating Downtown Bethesda by nearly a century. The private 18-hole course is considered one of the best in the state.

Elm Street Urban Park is the perfect place for a bike ride.
Elm Street Urban Park is the perfect place for a bike ride.
Cyclists love long days along the Capital Crescent Trail.
Cyclists love long days along the Capital Crescent Trail.
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Local schools get all As from Niche

Children can attend Montgomery County Public Schools, ranked the second-best school district in Maryland by Niche. Kids can start at Bethesda Elementary School and Westland Middle School, each graded an A by Niche. Teens at A-plus-rated Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School can join an internship program that teaches them how to land an internship their senior year and gain real-life career experience. Longstanding private school options in the area include Our Lady of Lourdes School, a Catholic school, and The Bethesda Montessori School. The schools opened in 1941 and 1983 respectively.

Downtown Bethesda's Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School was first established back in 1926.
Downtown Bethesda's Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School was first established back in 1926.
Students of Bethesda Elementary School learn to show respect and kindness towards one another.
Students of Bethesda Elementary School learn to show respect and kindness towards one another.
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A Metro station in the neighborhood

Trains can take passengers from the Bethesda Metro Station to the heart of Washington, D.C., in less than 20 minutes. Motorists can drive south on Wisconsin Avenue for less than 2 miles to arrive in the district. Residents are 3 miles from Interstate 495, the beltway surrounding the immediate Washington, D.C., area. “The close proximity is a big seller,” Bacchus adds.

The Downtown Bethesda Metro Station is conveniently located in the middle of the city.
The Downtown Bethesda Metro Station is conveniently located in the middle of the city.
The Downtown Bethesda Metro is perfect for daily commuters or those looking to explore DC.
The Downtown Bethesda Metro is perfect for daily commuters or those looking to explore DC.
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Alex Soderstrom
Written By
Alex Soderstrom
Tyler Priola
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Tyler Priola
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Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Ronald Reagan Washington Ntl

22 min drive

Subway

Bethesda

Bus

Wisconsin Ave & W Virginia Ave

Bus

Woodmont Avenue And Bethesda Avenue

Bus

Hillandale Rd & Chevy Chase Dr

Bus

Wisconsin Ave & Elm St

Bus

Wisconsin Ave & Highland Ave

Bus

Hillandale Rd & Willett Pkwy

Bus

Woodmont Ave & Old Georgetown Rd

Downtown Bethesda Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$661,000
Median Sale Price
$650,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,455,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$1,700,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$673,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
83
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
7%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$603

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,299
Number of Homes for Sale
25
Median Year Built
1991
Months of Supply
3.60
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,155
Above the national average
1,925
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
3,650
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,638
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
875
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
777
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,405

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Sep 14
    3 - 5pm

    6721 Kenwood Forest Ln, Chevy Chase, MD 20815

    $925,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 1,686 Sq Ft
    • 6721 Kenwood Forest Ln
    • New 15 days ago

    Open Saturday 2-4 1168 square feet of wonderful space on 3 levels - AND an attic!!! Step into this beautifully renovated townhome in the heart of Kenwood Forest, where comfort meets convenience just minutes from downtown Bethesda. With 2 spacious bedrooms upstairs—each with its own updated ensuite bath—and a total of 3.5 modern bathrooms, this home offers the perfect layout for privacy and

    Agent Photo
    Lise Courtney Howe
    Keller Williams Capital Properties
    (227) 231-3069
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  • Sunday, Sep 14
    1 - 3pm

    4866 Chevy Chase Dr, Chevy Chase, MD 20815

    $899,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,408 Sq Ft
    • 4866 Chevy Chase Dr
    • New 15 days ago

    OPEN HOUSE SAT. 9/13 FROM 1-34PM & SUN. 9/14 FROM 11AM-1PM -- Welcome to 4866 Chevy Chase, a townhome that feels like it was plucked from a storybook and given a modern makeover. Nestled in the leafy embrace of Kenwood Forest II, this charming three-bedroom, two-level abode backs directly to Norwood Park—your own enchanted forest, where the trees whisper secrets and squirrels host acorn

    Agent Photo
    Lise Courtney Howe
    Keller Williams Capital Properties
    (227) 232-2759
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  • Sunday, Sep 14
    2 - 4pm

    4820 Chevy Chase Dr, Chevy Chase, MD 20815

    $369,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 835 Sq Ft
    • 4820 Chevy Chase Dr
    • New 1 day ago

    Enjoy 835 sq. ft. of peaceful living space in the Chevy Chase Park condo plus 2-CAR PARKING. Some features include open L-shaped living/dining area, updated kitchen, two spacious bedrooms, higher ceilings, wood floors, newer windows, and air conditioning. The building provides a laundry room and an extra storage closet. LThe community backs to Norwood Park with its playing fields and picnic

    John Pruski Jack Realty Group

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
11,286
Median Age
40
Population Density
31 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.3%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$105,588
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$137,745

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
98.9%
College Graduates
87.6%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
51.2%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
75.3%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
42''
Average Winter Low Temperature
31°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
13''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

81 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

99 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

65 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Downtown Bethesda