Bethesda may actually be one of the most interesting destinations in the Washington, DC area. It has a distinctly upscale urban feel, more fast-paced, and exciting than even DC itself. Yet, it retains many of the attractive qualities that make suburban life so appealing for its residents.
If you're moving to the DC area or looking for the perfect place to relocate, read on to learn about Bethesda and why it's one of the best kept secrets of the Washington metro area.
Source:flickr.com
Bethesda got its start as a settlement en route to the trade center of Georgetown. Named for a small church built in the early 1800s, the Bethesda Meeting House, the city was relatively insignificant in the grand scheme of things until the streetcar came to town and connected the sleepy community to Washington, DC, proper around the turn of the 20th century—and suddenly, Bethesda found itself at the center of a development boom.
The city continued to grow in population and influence during World War II, when the National Institutes of Health and the National Naval Medical Center (now called Bethesda Naval Hospital) moved to town. In 1984, the metro rail system opened a station and the rest is, as they say, history. Bethesda has redefined itself as a high-density business and residential lifestyle center with a reputation as a high-end retail destination, exemplified by projects like the trendy Bethesda Row.
Unlike many of the bedroom communities surrounding the DC area, Bethesda is decidedly urban and fast-paced. Step out from the metro station and you're surrounded by sleek glass-walled towers packed with offices and condos and every possible urban amenity such as restaurants, health clubs, boutique shops, and even movie theaters.
But walk a block or two, and the character changes dramatically from modern city center to laid-back suburbia, complete with tree-lined streets, graceful single family homes with rolling velvet lawns, and expansive parks and green spaces. Bethesda is truly an eclectic community with a lifestyle to suit just about everyone.
Source:flickr.com
No matter how you like to get around, you can do it with ease in Bethesda. Considered an exemplar of the new urban "walkability" movement, Bethesda is a haven for pedestrians. In fact, you can easily live without owning a car.
The city is also friendly for the cyclists in the family, with bike lanes and trail hubs that take you from Bethesda to Rockville and College Park, and even on to the Potomac River paths in Alexandria. And if you prefer to ride your bike to work in DC, the metro is bike-friendly, so you can take it with you on your daily commute.
When it comes to public transportation, Bethesda is well-equipped. In addition to the busy metro station in the city center, there are bus routes between Bethesda and the District, as well as other Maryland suburbs. And of course, you can always grab Uber or a cab.
One of the most appealing things about Bethesda is that you can find exactly the type of home that suits your tastes and budget. While Bethesda is one of the more affluent suburbs, with a median home price of about $850,000, you can still find chic and compact urban condos for around $200,000.
If a sweeping brick manse with a manicured lawn is more your style, you can find those, too, as well as strikingly modern new construction with all the green amenities. In fact, you can find something you love in Bethesda whether your budget is $200,000 or $2 million.
Source:commons.wikimedia.org
The restaurant scene in Bethesda is nothing short of incredible, with every type of international ethnic cuisine. There's no shortage of bars, pubs, and microbreweries, either. Try Hanaro for sushi or enjoy the tapas at Guardado's; have a drink at local favorite, the Barking Dog.
Bethesda is also home to two amazing farmer's markets, the Bethesda Central Farm Market and the Montgomery Farm Women's Cooperative Market. Between the indoor and outdoor markets, residents have year-round access to the best organic fruits and vegetables, artisanal breads, cheeses, and charcuterie, wines, herbs, and gorgeous homemade gourmet goodies. You can even watch a cooking demo or take a class to learn about sustainable produce or the joys of beekeeping, for example.
You won't want to miss the Taste of Bethesda food festival, with live music on five different stages and delicious eats from over 60 area restaurants. Taste of Bethesda draws crowds in the tens of thousands who love the freewheeling fun and sophisticated food.
And if you can't find what you're hungry for in downtown Bethesda, you're just minutes away from the world class dining in DC.
Bethesda is a vibrant, dynamic suburb, the product of a vigorous, thriving urban core paired with a refined residential district. It offers something for everyone, from active young professionals to established families with toddlers or teenagers. The city's commitment to infrastructure and public transportation, bright, safe downtown area, and easy proximity to the District make it an ideal choice for urbanites looking for something different and unique.
