City Guide
Bethesda, MD
Overview
Bethesda, MD, is famous for medical innovation and its proximity to Washington, D.C. Bethesda has 64,000 residents, so if you plan on moving to Bethesda, you can expect a welcoming and small-town feel. An interesting fact about this city is that its first building was a tollbooth. Another interesting tidbit is that the city was named after the Bethesda Meeting House, also known as the Temple Hill Baptist Church.
What’s it like to live in Bethesda, MD ?
If you're looking to buy a home for sale in Bethesda, MD you'll find that the median sale price is
$1,237,500
and homes stay on the market for 17 days. You'll find that the median sale prices of
a single family home and a condo/co-op in Bethesda are $1,450,000
and $525,000
, respectively. Bethesda area townhouses have a median sale price of $1,029,776
, making them less expensive
than single family homes. If you’re not ready to buy a home, consider one of the many apartments for rent in Bethesda, MDExplore our Bethesda housing market page for insights about how home values have changed over
the years and how Bethesda home prices compare to other markets. Explore our Bethesda rental market trends page for insights about how rental prices have changed and how Bethesda rental prices compare to other rental markets. If you're curious about the most valuable home features in Bethesda, or looking for a new home improvement project,
discover what home features and design trends may help increase your home's value.
Popular neighborhoods in and around Bethesda
| Neighborhood | Median Sale Price | Compete Score | Walk Score | Real Estate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Washington | $840,000 | 54 / 100 | -- | For SaleFor Rent |
| Langley | $9,499,000 | -- | -- | For SaleFor Rent |
| Spring Valley | $2,691,500 | 69 / 100 | 59 / 100 | For SaleFor Rent |
| Chevy Chase-DC | $1,500,000 | 91 / 100 | 56 / 100 | For SaleFor Rent |
| Friendship Heights | $1,125,000 | 73 / 100 | -- | For SaleFor Rent |
Popular homes for sale in Bethesda
See all homes for sale
Rental listings in Bethesda
See how much rent you can affordSee all rental listings
What is the cost of living in Bethesda?
The cost of living in Bethesda is 30% higher than the national average. Housing is typically the largest expense for most American households. In Bethesda, the average monthly rent is $2,710, while the median home price is $1,250,000. Overall, housing in Bethesda is 183% higher than the national average. Groceries, like produce, dry goods, and other essential household items, cost 10% higher in Bethesda. Though healthcare costs 11% higher in Bethesda compared to the national average, costs vary greatly by location, person, personal health, and health insurance. In Bethesda, an optometry check-up costs around $178.43, while a dentist appointment is $125.00 on average. Learn more about the cost of living in Bethesda. Discover how utilities, transportation, and lifestyle, compares against the national average.
Compared to the national average
30%
Cost of living
183%
Home prices
Cost of living calculator
Compare cities across the U.S.
Bethesda Migration & Relocation Trends
In Feb '25 - Apr '25, 20% of Bethesda homebuyers searched to move out of Bethesda, while 80% looked to stay within the metropolitan area.
- Across the nation, 3% of homebuyers searched to move into Bethesda from outside metros.
- Los Angeles homebuyers searched to move into Bethesda more than any other metro followed by New York and Hartford.
Where are people moving to Bethesda from?
- 80% of Bethesda homebuyers searched to stay within the Bethesda metropolitan area.
- Salisbury was the most popular destination among Bethesda homebuyers followed by Virginia Beach and Miami.
Where are people from Bethesda moving to?
Number of People Moving to Bethesda
least
most
People are moving to Bethesda from
| Inbound | Net inflow | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Metros | Feb '25 - Apr '25 | ||
| 1 | 2,437 | ||
| 2 | 2,084 | ||
| 3 | 430 | ||
| 4 | 264 | ||
| 5 | 51 | ||
| 6 | 17 | ||
| 7 | 10 | ||
| 8 | 6 | ||
| 9 | 5 | ||
| 10 | 4 | ||
People are leaving Bethesda for
| Outbound | Net outflow | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Metros | Feb '25 - Apr '25 | ||
| 1 | 5,370 | ||
| 2 | 2,132 | ||
| 3 | 1,977 | ||
| 4 | 1,924 | ||
| 5 | 1,545 | ||
| 6 | 1,529 | ||
| 7 | 1,200 | ||
| 8 | 1,140 | ||
| 9 | 1,129 | ||
| 10 | 957 | ||
Methodology
This data does not reflect actual moves. The latest migration analysis is based on a sample of about two
million Redfin.com users who searched for homes across more than 100 metro areas. To be included in this dataset, a Redfin.com user
must have viewed at least 10 homes in a three month period. This dataset excludes all rentals data.
What is there to do in Bethesda, MD ?
Bethesda, MD, is home to many fun activities like watching the sunset at one of its many parks, to enjoying a bite to eat at fan-favorite restaurants. Bethesda has many popular museums including KID Museum MakerSpace at Davis Library, Ratner Museum, and George's Chophouse, all of which are frequented by tourists and locals alike. Performing arts venues like Imagination Stage and Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club are top spots amongst locals. Carderock Recreational Area, Norwood Park, and Maplewood Park are just a handful of the amazing parks and green spaces you'll find throughout the city. Bangkok Garden Restaurant, Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, and Chef Tony's Restaurant are some of the numerous restaurants to check out while in Bethesda.
Explore some of the best things to do in Bethesda
What's the best way to get around Bethesda, MD ?
The best way to get around Bethesda is by car, but there are many methods for getting around the city. If you’re exploring the city by foot, Bethesda has a walk score of 45, meaning this area is car dependent. Another way to get around the city is by public transportation. Bethesda has a transit score of 43, with a few nearby public transportation options. Most bus stations and rail stations are located in 20814 and 20817. You can also get around Bethesda by bike. With a bike score of 57, there is some amount of infrastructure for biking.
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
Some Transit
Transit Score®
Bikeable
Bike Score®
Bethesda Transportation
Bus Station
Buses can be found throughout the city and are easily accessible to commute in the city.
Rail Station
Bethesda has 3 heavy rail stations; Bethesda Metro Station, Medical Center Metro Station, Cabin John Train Station. This allows you to use heavy rail to commute in and out of the city from the surrounding area and even travel to other cities.
Tram Station
Our data indicates this city does not have this transportation type.
Metro Station
Our data indicates this city does not have this transportation type.
Car & Bike Rentals
Renting a car is another good way to get around the city. There are 10 car rental locations.
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