Bethesda

Today it’s grown into a vibrant community in its own right with several corporate headquarters...
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For much of the 19th Century, Bethesda was nothing more than a country crossroads named after a local church, but it grew steadily after the installation of a streetcar between the more prosperous towns of Georgetown and Rockville. After World War II, the National Naval Hospital and the National Institutes of Health were built in the area, and Bethesda flooded with federal workers, military personnel and contractors. Today it’s grown into a vibrant community in its own right with several corporate headquarters and a high-density downtown.

Bethesda Metro Station plaza with office buildings, leafy trees, pedestrians, and a fountain.

What to Expect:

Idyllic residential living with downtown options.

Bethesda’s wide side streets and large houses feel far away from the stress of Washington, while its downtown core has options for those who want a higher energy lifestyle.

Stone-fronted house with a white-railed porch and landscaped lawn beside a passing cyclist.

The whole town has a very efficient public transportation system with Metro and bus service, but traffic is still an issue along Wisconsin Avenue and Old Georgetown Road. From parking to shopping to an abundance of medical care and professional services, Bethesda combines the conveniences of the suburbs with the urbanity of a small city.

Bethesda Metro station entrance with pedestrians on the escalator and adjacent stairs.

The Lifestyle:

Adventurous with a focus on well-being.

Residents take advantage of the numerous arts options like galleries and theater, and love eating out at a bevy of restaurants.

Bethesda Bagels storefront on a sunny commercial street, with pedestrians and neighboring shops.

Bethesda is also a very health-conscious community, and there are many businesses that cater to fitness and a healthy lifestyle. There is ample green space such as the Capital Crescent trail linking to Georgetown and Silver Spring as a popular route for runners and bikers.

Five people pose inside a juice bar; one holds a tray of grass.   A tennis player practices on a fenced outdoor court shaded by trees.

People seated inside a café behind large black-framed windows in a white brick storefront.

What Not To Expect:

A pulsing nightlife or the diverse dining options of the city.

Despite some international flair, Bethesda doesn’t have the diversity that DC offers for places to eat.

Pedestrian shopping street with boutique storefronts, outdoor seating, and people walking.

It also doesn’t have the nightlife, with few bars open late during the week or weekend. Still, there is always evening activity at the restaurants and pubs along Woodmont and Bethesda Avenues.

Cinema facade with a tall projecting sign and leafy trees.   Bethesda Avenue sign beside a blue steam locomotive mural.

The Market:

Condominiums near downtown.

Bethesda is full of older homes have been refurbished or replaced with larger, modern housing. More modern, luxury condominiums have joined some of the older stock of apartments built downtown.

Red-brick corner building with Riverbed signage and a Jaleo restaurant at street level.

Two-story blue-gray house with a covered porch, framed by leafy trees and pink flowers.   House with a brick gabled entry, white front door, American flag, and leafy landscaping.

You'll Fall In Love With:

Not needing to drive into the city to enjoy city life.

If you love eating out, you’ll be at home here with a variety of outposts of DC restaurants as well as new places unique to Bethesda to try.

Outdoor dining plaza with café seating, red umbrellas, and shops beneath modern buildings.

You can be downtown boutique shopping one minute, and then back home enjoying the comforts of home the next. In Bethesda you move at your own pace, and enjoy the best that life has to offer.

Graffiti portraits cover a brick storefront behind red Capital Bikeshare bicycles.



Overview for Bethesda, MD

88,389 people live in Bethesda, where the median age is 43.1 and the average individual income is $117,377. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

88,389

Total Population

43.1 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$117,377

Average individual Income

Around Bethesda, MD

There's plenty to do around Bethesda, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

13
Car-Dependent
Walking Score
36
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score
33
Some Transit
Transit Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Mil Delicious Food Truck, Restaurant Development Service, and Janice’s Expresso 1.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining 0.29 miles 0 reviews 0/5 stars
Dining 1.04 miles 0 reviews 0/5 stars
Dining 1.25 miles 3 reviews 4.3/5 stars
Dining 1.76 miles 0 reviews 0/5 stars
Dining · $ 1.99 miles 1 review 2/5 stars
Active 1.69 miles 0 reviews 0/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Bethesda, MD

Bethesda has 34,964 households, with an average household size of 2.58. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Bethesda do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 88,389 people call Bethesda home. The population density is 4,904 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

88,389

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

43.1 years

Median Age

48 / 52%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
34,964

Total Households

2.58

Average Household Size

$117,377

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in Bethesda, MD

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Bethesda. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating
Bethesda

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