Bethesda, MD

Bethesda, MD

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. Don’t let the somewhat low walk score of the entirety of Bethesda mislead you. Bethesda’s downtown area is one of the most walkable areas in the entire DMV.

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.

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.

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

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

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. 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.