Bethesda, MD

Bethesda has dramatically changed over the last several decades and is now one of the most upscale and affluent neighborhoods in all of the DC area.  This neighborhood has the best of both worlds including a quiet residential part and a downtown urban area.  Numerous job opportunities and great schools have helped to increase the popularity of Bethesda.  Just minutes outside of Northwest DC and access to the Metro make Bethesda an unbeatable location. 

History of Bethesda, MD

Bethesda was originally known as a rural outpost that had long been overlooked in early settlements.  That all changed during the latter part of the 19^th century when the Chevy Chase Land Company began to purchase large quantities of land with the idea of creating a getaway area for Washington’s elite.  Shortly thereafter, a streetcar system was built which connected Bethesda to downtown DC.  This helped to grow Bethesda, but what really made Bethesda take off was the building of the NIH and National Naval Medical Center after World War II.  In 1984, the Bethesda Metro station was built after plans for a high density urban downtown in the Metro vicinity was approved by the county.  This transportation element and downtown area has helped grow Bethesda into what it is today, a thriving community just minutes outside of DC, with commercial and residential sections within it.   

Bethesda’s Vibe

Downtown Bethesda near the metro station is a bustling and urban area with skyscrapers and many retail, dining, and residential buildings within the main area.  Similar to neighborhoods in Arlington like Ballston or Clarendon, just a few blocks outside of the dense, city area are quiet residential streets.  Bethesda is a very active community in terms of recreation as well as walking around shopping, dining, or exploring.  It is nationally known for its affluence and also great school system.  Bethesda is also home to many local celebrities including pro athletes, successful businessmen, news anchors, and more.

Shopping in Bethesda, MD

There is plentiful shopping in Bethesda along Bethesda Row in downtown.  Many of the stores are high end, chic establishments like electronics retailer Bang and Olufsen, kitchenware store Le Creuset, an Apple Store, and a Cork and Fork.  Bethesda Row has some of the highest end retailers in the DC area and some very unique stores. 

Recreation and parks in Bethesda, MD

Bethesda has great recreational opportunities for all ages.  Glen Echo Park, the Capital Crescent Trail, and Cabin John Park offer great outdoor and indoor activities.  At Glen Echo Park, there are always all types of events and classes going on such as ballroom dancing, art, photography, and more.  The Capital Crescent Trail is a great place for bikers, joggers, or rollerbladers and connects to Georgetown.  At Cabin John Park, there are hiking trails, picnic areas, tennis courts, and even an indoor ice rink.

Bethesda MD Real Estate

Bethesda has every type of property you could imagine, although prices here are traditionally higher than other DC suburbs.  As far as single family homes go there are brand new luxurious houses as well as an assortment of colonials and other types of properties built during the post WWII suburban boom.  New home construction is very common in Bethesda, most of which is targeted to the high income, luxury home buyer.  There has been a push in Bethesda for builders to conform to EPA energy standards and “go green” which has been met with a lot of success.  Condos and apartments are plentiful in downtown Bethesda and the metro access makes these homes a commuter’s dream. 

Transportation options in Bethesda, MD

Bethesda has great access to transportation including driving, biking, walking, bus, and metro.  Since Bethesda is just minutes outside of DC many people take the metro into work or to see the city.  There are also bus routes throughout Bethesda that take you directly into the city or other suburbs of Maryland.  If you prefer biking, then there are several bike paths that connect to Rock Creek Park and the C&O Canal.  Driving in the downtown part of Bethesda can get a little busy however there are over 15 public parking lots. 

Bethesda’s boundaries

Bethesda is located just North West of DC.  It is bounded by the Capital Beltway to the north, Goldsboro Road to the South, River Road to the West, and Wisconsin Ave as the eastern border. 

Entertainment and Restaurants in Bethesda, MD

Downtown Bethesda has an array of local restaurants and shops including the areas known as Bethesda Row and Woodmont Triangle.  There are many great upscale dining options like Redwood for an American cuisine, Divino for Argentinean, Jaleo for Spanish Tapas, or Tako Grill for Japanese.  Some of the great local coffee shops and cafes include the award winning Quartermaine Coffee Roasters, Georgetown Cupcake, Zen Tara Tea, and Kudo Beans Café.  There are also a myriad of local grocers such as Whole Foods, Safeway, Balducci’s, Trader Joes, and a Giant.  One of the biggest draws to the area is the annual Taste of Bethesda which features over 60 local restaurants and routinely brings in over 40,000 people. 

Nightlife in Bethesda, MD

Bethesda is home to many nightlife options including theatres, bars, and dining.  Some of the theatres include the Round House Theatre or the Bethesda Theatre.  There are also several local bars like Union Jacks, Tommy Joe’s, Caddie’s on Cordell, and the Barking Dog.  If you are looking to catch a movie, the theatre at Bethesda Row shows foreign and independent films as well as box office regulars.  Since DC is just minutes away you can take a short metro ride and end up in the heart of DC’s nightlife. 

Conclusion

Bethesda has the best of urban and suburban lifestyles.  There is a downtown area with dining and shopping as well as a quieter residential area with beautiful, grand homes.  The transportation options include metro, walking, biking, driving, and since you are just minutes outside of DC everything is within close distance.  Bethesda offers numerous options when it comes to housing and attracts people of all ages and ethnicities.  Overall it is a great neighborhood and has whatever it is you are looking for.