House Hunting
If you’re looking for the perfect place to live in the Greater D.C. area, take a look at the differences between Bethesda and Georgetown to decide which is best for you.
Living in Bethesda, MD
Located northwest of Washington D.C., Bethesda is technically a census-designated place with a population of around 65,000 people.
Bethesda lifestyle
Bethesda is a great choice for people who prefer a true city lifestyle. With an overall Walk Score of 97 out of 100, Bethesda is considered a “Walker’s Paradise.” That means you don’t need a car for daily errands. It offers good access to public transportation and it’s also considered very bikeable with several interconnected bike routes.
Bethesda has a safety score of 50, meaning that it’s safer than 50% of U.S. cities according to NeighborhoodScout.com, while Niche.com ranks it as the #5 Best Place to Live in Maryland. It’s also home to multiple colleges and trade schools, as well as a vibrant arts scene with renowned venues such as the Strathmore, the Round House Theater, and more in Bethesda’s Arts & Entertainment District.
While Bethesda offers city amenities like access to incredible entertainment and world-class restaurants, residents report feeling small-town connectedness due to the beautiful residential neighborhoods that surround downtown. Additionally, there are many lush, green parks complete with walking trails, ballparks, playgrounds, and more.
Commuting from Bethesda
People living in Bethesda report an average commute-to-work time of 29 minutes. Barring heavy traffic, this is about the time it takes to drive from downtown Bethesda to Washington D.C.—which many Bethesda residents do daily for work.
It’s also possible to take public transit from Bethesda to D.C., which takes 30 to 35 minutes depending on your route.
Bethesda real estate
The current average value of single-family homes in Bethesda is $1,100,000. Around this price point, you can expect four to five bedrooms, three bathrooms, and around 3,000 square feet. Typically, homes are updated with a classical feel, well-kept, and spacious.
5 homes available now in Bethesda
1. 7608 Quintana Ct, Bethesda, MD 20817 - $̶1̶,̶1̶0̶0̶,̶0̶0̶0̶ $1,075,000
5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2,376 square feet
Listed by: Bryan Kerrigan, Redfin Corp
BRIGHT MLS #MDMC2064450
2. 9525 Linden Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814 - $1,185,000
5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 2,544 square feet
Listed by: Jennifer Chung, RLAH @properties
BRIGHT MLS #MDMC2067552
3. 6007 Marquette Terrace, Bethesda, MD 20817 - $1,200,000
4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 3,286 square feet
Listed by: Lynn Stewart, Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
BRIGHT MLS ##MDMC2061760
4. 10108 Baldwin Ct, Bethesda, MD 20817 - $1,095,000
4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 3,481 square feet
Listed by: Margie Halem, Compass
BRIGHT MLS #MDMC2063000
5. 8605 Carlynn Dr, Bethesda, MD 20817 - $̶1̶,̶2̶4̶9̶,̶9̶0̶0̶ $1,199,900
4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 3,040 square feet
Listed by: Charlie Carp, Keller Williams Capital Properties
BRIGHT MLS #MDMC2061832
Living in Georgetown, D.C.
Georgetown is a waterfront neighborhood in Washington D.C. with a population about ⅙ the size of Bethesda’s, coming in at around 11,600 people.
Georgetown lifestyle
Founded 40 years before Washington D.C. in 1751, Georgetown is where United States history meets vibrant, modern life. The Federal architecture and cobblestone streets create nostalgia for a different time, while the nearby Georgetown University brings cutting-edge research and a younger demographic to the area.
The neighborhood is much smaller than Bethesda and it highlights waterfront restaurants, intimate live music venues, and independent, upscale shops. Fashion boutiques and art galleries are prevalent. Some mixed-use destinations like Georgetown Park and Washington Harbour offer curated shopping, dining, and entertainment all in one place. But you’ll need to venture into surrounding neighborhoods to find large chain grocery stores like Whole Foods, big box stores like Best Buy, and department store shopping like Macy’s or Walmart.
Commuting from Georgetown
If you work in downtown Washington D.C., you’re in luck. Downtown is an eight minute drive from Georgetown or an 11 minute bike ride. You can also take the GT-US bus if you’re up for a 20 minute ride—or even walk if you have 30 minutes. Georgetown is “Very Walkable” with a Walk Score of 85, meaning that most errands can be done on foot and walking infrastructure is highly available.
Georgetown real estate
Georgetown real estate is in high demand, and homes fetch a median price of $1,595,000. At this price point, you can expect a four-bedroom, four-bathroom townhouse of around 2,800 square feet.
5 homes available now in Georgetown
1. 3322 Prospect St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007 - $2,198,000
4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 2,020 square feet
Listed by: Michael Brennan, Compass
BRIGHT MLS #DCDC2054630
2. 3524 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, D.C. 20007 - $2,175,000
5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 3,533 square feet
Listed by: Alexandra Burrell-Hodges, Cottage Street Realty LLC
BRIGHT MLS #DCDC2059070
3. 1611 Suter Ln NW, Washington, D.C. 20007 - $2,350,000
4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 3,082 square feet
Listed by: Cailin Monahan, Washington Fine Properties, LLC, Nancy Taylor Bubes, Washington Fine Properties, LLC
BRIGHT MLS #DCDC2057698
4. 1506 30th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007 - $2,195,000
5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, 2,800 square feet
Listed by: Jenn Smira, Compass, Marc Ross, Compass
BRIGHT MLS #DCDC2056510
5. 1622 34th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007 - $2,075,000
3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2,308 square feet
Listed by: Kate Bernhart, Coldwell Banker Realty
BRIGHT MLS #DCDC2051984
Is Bethesda or Georgetown the spot for you?
Have you figured out whether Bethesda or Georgetown is a better fit for your budget and your lifestyle? If so, let us know! We can’t wait to help you find your dream home in your neighborhood of choice.
If you haven’t figured it out just yet, get in touch. Our expert team has decades of experience in the Greater D.C. area, and we’ll be delighted to share that expertise to help you decide. Fill out the form below to get started.
Buying a home in the Greater D.C. area doesn't have to be complicated. At Speicher Group, we're here to make the process as easy as possible. Give us a call at 301-781-6337 to find out how.
