Pike District

North Bethesda’s Pike District immerses you in an urban live-work-play atmosphere that’s booming with shopping, dining and entertainment experiences. This high-energy lifestyle is infused in the neighborhood’s many apartments and condominiums that come with their own unique attractions, such as business spaces, high-end movie theaters, concert venues, pools and more. It’s the luxury of having everything in one place that has kept Nurit Coombe, Manager Partner of The Agency, living in Pike District for 30 years. “I literally live, work and play all right here,” says Coombe, “I can walk to my office, walk to unique restaurants, walk my dog, take the family out for fun events. I absolutely love it here.”

Pike District is home to several low, mid and high-rise condominiums, with more currently being built, eventually adding thousands of additional units to the neighborhood. Prices vary depending on the condominium, but generally, you can get a one-bedroom unit for around $250,000 to $350,000. For two to three bedrooms with 1,500 square feet of living space, you can expect to spend around $400,000 to $650,000. Most of these communities come with outdoor pool facilities, so you can enjoy walking down from your condo during the warm summer months to go for a swim. And when you need to drive somewhere, you can get to your car in the parking garage. Several apartments are also available, including one at Pike & Rose, where locals flock to shop, socialize and have fun.

Pike & Rose is home to several popular brands like Gap, H&M and L.L. Bean, along with hip dining and entertainment experiences. Hit up the ramen bar at JINYA, enjoy seafood and live music at Hello Betty or cheer on your favorite teams at Sports & Social. Catch the latest films at IPIC on a reclining chair while being served artisan cuisine. Meanwhile, AMP entertains locals right above the movie theater with live jazz and global music. You can also have fun playing bowling or bocce with friends at Pinstripes. Neighbors and dogs come together at Bark Social, which has a craft beer bar, dog treats, a dog boutique and a dog washing station. “Even people without dogs come to hang out at Bark Social,” says Coombe, “It’s a great place to have a drink, socialize and enjoy a fun afternoon.” The Pike District Pop-Up Park is just down the street. Some days, it’s simply a small, grassy space. Other days, it’s full of people having yoga sessions and gathering for events like Thursday in the Park Concert Series.

Every Saturday, vendors set up at the Pike Central Farm Market right next to Bark Social, where locals come to shop for fresh produce while enjoying live music. Down Rockville Pike, the neighborhood’s main road, you can drive to dozens of big box stores for more everyday shopping needs. The road is also full of more restaurants, including a variety of local establishments, along with national and regional chains.

Students receive high-quality education starting at Luxmanor Elementary School, rated an A by Niche. They’ll go on to A-rated North Bethesda Middle School, ranked the sixth-best in the state with the second-best middle school teachers. Students then finish their degrees at Walter Johnson High School, which boasts an A-plus rating and is ranked as Maryland’s seventh-best high school. Walter Johnson ranks 10 out of 10 by GreatSchools regarding college readiness, with more than half the students participating in AP courses. The high school prides itself in its APEX-Reach Scholars Program, a rigorous four-year program for gifted learners. Students can also partake in the dual enrollment program by earning up to 60 college credits from Montgomery College.

Commuters can drive to the nation’s capital about 12 miles south, with access to Interstate 495 just two miles from the neighborhood. If you prefer to avoid the traffic, you can take a 30-minute subway ride on the D.C. Metro from the North Bethesda Station before coming back home to the vibrant lifestyle of Pike District.

Written By

Nicolas Stuart

Photography Contributed By

Chaz Mixon

Video By

Bill Jennings