The town of Bethesda is located just northwest of Washington, DC, providing residents with the perfect balance of urban and suburban life. Downtown Bethesda offers a vibrant urban environment with tall office buildings, apartments, restaurants, shops, and two movie theaters. Bethesda is home to several large companies, including Marriott, Lockheed Martin, and American Capital, and government agencies such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Bethesda’s walkability to Metro, shopping, and dining make it a highly desirable town for house-hunters.
Bethesda History
Bethesda draws its name from the Bethesda Meeting House, an 1820 church built when the development was only a small settlement along a trade route to Georgetown. The streetcar system was built in the early 1900s, connecting the area to DC and igniting massive growth in suburban development. During World War II, the National Institute of Health and the Naval Medical Center relocated to the area and led to a commercial boom. Development continued in high intensity throughout the 20th century.
Real Estate in Bethesda
Within walking distance to the Bethesda Metro stop are tree-lined, suburban streets featuring single-family homes and townhouses. Most homes in Bethesda are ramblers and Colonial in style, but there are some large estates, new construction, and contemporary homes as well. Real estate in Bethesda is also home to many condo buildings, including several very upscale buildings and apartment complexes. Popular Bethesda neighborhoods include Battery Park, Bradley Hill, Bannockburn, Carderock Springs, Crestview, Drumaldry, Fort Sumner, Glenbrook Village. Mohican Hills, Wildwood Manor, and Wyngate.
Bethesda Community
Fashion lovers can shop at a wide variety of small boutiques and larger chain stores. Be sure to visit the Bethesda Central Farm Market on Sunday mornings and the Farm Women’s Market, a unique shopping experience with food, drink (including local vineyards and breweries), music, artisans, crafts, and boutique businesses from around the region. In nice weather, locals bike, jog or walk along the Capital Crescent Trail, which runs right through downtown Bethesda.
Bethesda Favorites
Head to Mia’s Pizza for delicious fresh pizza and cupcakes, or check out Hanaro if you’re in the mood for sushi. Try Mussel Bar & Grill, a happening spot for mussels, frites, and Belgian beer, or Villian & Saint, Chef Robert Wiedmaier’s gastropub and live music venue. Visit Tyber Bierhaus for its assortment of Belgian, German, Czech, beers and European fare served at community tables.
Discover more Bethesda favorites in:
- The Best Bethesda Brunch Options
- Why Are People Moving Out of DC and into the Suburbs of Maryland?
- Planning Your Golf Outings in the DMV
Want to know more about real estate in Bethesda or the community even better? Schedule one of our customized neighborhood orientation tours today!
