Life in Bethesda balances work, play, and easy access to the city. Tree-lined streets lead to shopping, dining, and the Red Line Metro for quick trips downtown. With employers like NIH, Lockheed Martin, and Marriott International nearby, short commutes and steady demand keep the local housing market moving. Buyers looking at homes for sale will find classic colonials on quiet blocks and condos near cafés and nightlife.
Our live feed from Bright MLS, the main listing service for the D.C. area, updates constantly. That means new listings, open houses, and price changes show up as they happen. Browse photos, check price history, and set alerts so you don’t miss a place that fits your budget and timing.
Bethesda, MD Homes & Real Estate For Sale
Search active MLS listings with live data from Bright MLS, refreshed minute by minute. You’ll see colonials tucked into neighborhoods like Edgemoor, townhomes around Wyngate, and condos closer to downtown. Save searches, watch for price drops, and schedule showings as soon as something new hits the market.
Listings are subject to the Fair Housing Act and Bright MLS rules.
Your Bethesda, MD Real Estate Expert(s)
Kevin Carlson pairs calm, honest guidance with an analytical approach for buyers, sellers, and investors across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. As part of District Property Group (powered by Compass), he taps a collaborative team of marketers and specialists to prepare clean listings, anticipate issues, and streamline each step.
For Bethesda’s mix of historic homes and newer condo buildings, Kevin focuses on pricing strategy, disclosure prep, and timing around Red Line access and major-employer schedules. He’s comfortable navigating multiple-offer situations, escalation terms, and appraisal risk—then translating the tradeoffs so you can move with clarity. When a match appears, he lines up private tours fast.
Bethesda, MD Real Estate Market Insights
Homes here don’t linger. With DOM at 47 days, buyers who tour mid-week often see places before the weekend rush. Watch the new listing feed closely, and keep financing ready so you can move quickly. Price drops usually happen when interest slows, so alerts help you spot those opportunities fast.
Living in Bethesda, MD
Metro access matters here: the Red Line at the Bethesda station, an extensive Metrobus network, and Ride On buses simplify daily movement – and that convenience supports demand for on-market properties around downtown. Major thoroughfares keep regional commutes straightforward, so buyers can prioritize block feel and yard over drive time.
Employers like NIH, Lockheed Martin, and Marriott International provide a steady base of purchasers and renters, which helps stabilize values. Around retail streets you’ll find condo buildings with amenities; farther out, larger colonials draw buyers seeking space. Open houses tend to cluster on weekends—use alerts to time tours efficiently.
Bethesda, MD Local Highlights & Attractions
Looking for things to do in Bethesda? From downtown streets lined with cafés to parks, trails, and live theater, the area offers plenty of ways to spend a weekend close to home.
- Bethesda Row: A walkable cluster of shops, restaurants, and a cinema. Locals meet for dinner and linger on patios after open houses; evening lights make it easy to keep browsing. For weekend things to do, it’s a simple plan.
- The Capital Crescent Trail: A paved trail linking Bethesda to Georgetown and Silver Spring. Runners, cyclists, and stroller walks keep it lively; shady stretches make summer miles feel manageable.
- Strathmore Music Center: A performing arts venue in North Bethesda with a full concert calendar. Big-room acoustics and easy parking make weeknight shows practical after work.
- Round House Theatre: A nationally recognized company staging contemporary and classic plays. Residents mix dinner on Woodmont with a curtain call—an easy date night near downtown.
- Imagination Stage: Theater productions and classes for young performers. Weekend matinees add a family option within minutes of central neighborhoods.
- Cabin John Regional Park: Playgrounds, fields, an ice rink, and a miniature train. Shade, open space, and year-round activity suit buyers prioritizing outdoor time.
- Bethesda Row Arts Festival: An annual street festival with 180+ artists across mediums. It draws steady foot traffic—good energy for nearby cafés and retail.
Bethesda, MD School Scene
Bethesda is known for its strong schools within the Montgomery County Public Schools district. Many of these programs are consistently ranked among the best in the nation.
- Elementary Schools: Bannockburn, Bradley Hills, and Westbrook each have a long track record of strong programs.
- Middle Schools: Both Westland and Thomas W. Pyle draw steady praise for academics and extracurriculars.
- High Schools: Students at Walt Whitman and Bethesda-Chevy Chase benefit from schools regularly listed among the top in Maryland.
- Higher Education: Nearby institutions include American University, Georgetown University, and George Washington University.
Crime & Safety in Bethesda, MD
Bethesda is served by the Montgomery County Police Department.
- Violent Crime: 2.6 per 1,000 residents
- Property Crime: 16.2 per 1,000 residents
Rates vary by neighborhood; the department maintains a visible community presence with outreach and safety programs.
Bethesda, MD Real Estate: Buyer FAQs
Montgomery County bases property taxes on your home’s assessed value, with an effective rate of about 0.87%. Most buyers fold that into their monthly escrow, so it’s smart to plan for it upfront. Assessments have risen in recent years, mirroring a strong market and sustained demand.
Bethesda includes pockets of older homes and borders areas with formal historic districts like Chevy Chase. If you’re considering an older property—especially around Westmoreland Hills—confirm whether any preservation guidelines apply. That check helps you plan timelines and costs before you write.
With average DOM at 47 days, most homes don’t sit long. See the good ones early and have your pre-approval ready so you can write the day you find a fit. Setting up listing alerts and touring mid-week can give you a jump on the weekend rush.
Buyers often target Edgemoor, Bannockburn, and Bradley Hills for their larger homes and spacious lots. Those who prefer a more walkable lifestyle tend to look in Downtown Bethesda and Woodmont Triangle, where condos and townhomes are common. Wyngate also ranks high thanks to its neighborhood feel and strong school options.
