Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bethesda, MD
Thinking of moving to Bethesda, MD? With a population of about 68,000, Bethesda offers an upscale suburban lifestyle, exceptional schools, and a vibrant community. The median home price is $1,050,000 and rents average $2,200, reflecting a high cost of living. Residents enjoy low crime rates, a quick 29-minute average commute, and outstanding educational attainment—over 84% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. With excellent healthcare facilities, abundant sunny days, and easy access to D.C., Bethesda is a top choice for professionals and families alike.
Demographics - Bethesda, MD
Demographics - Bethesda, MD
Bethesda is home to around 68,000 residents, offering a vibrant and diverse community with a median age of 43 and a population density of 4,900 per square mile. The city is predominantly White (73%), with a significant Asian population (16%) and nearly one in five residents speaking a language other than English at home. This blend of backgrounds creates a welcoming environment for newcomers from all walks of life.
Population:
68,056
Density:
4,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.1
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
19.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
73.0%
Black:
4.2%
Asian:
15.6%
Others:
7.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bethesda, MD?
Living in Bethesda comes with a higher price tag, as reflected by a median home value of $1,050,000 and average rents of $2,200 per month. The overall cost of living index is 56% above the national average, mainly driven by housing and transportation costs. Residents should budget accordingly for upscale amenities and a premium suburban lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$1,050,000
Gross Rent:
$2,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,760
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,120
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
156.0
Grocery:
120.3
Housing:
218.0
Utilities:
110.0
Transportation:
120.0
Health Care:
108.0
Miscellaneous:
115.0
Crime
Is Bethesda, MD a safe place to live?
Bethesda is considered a safe community, featuring low violent crime rates at 97 incidents per 100,000 residents and property crime rates well below many urban areas. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is just 1 in 1,030, making it an appealing choice for families seeking peace of mind. Overall, the city maintains a strong reputation for public safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
97
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,052
Crime Index:
1,149
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,030
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Bethesda, MD year-round?
Bethesda enjoys four distinct seasons with mild winters, warm summers, and pleasant springs and falls. The area receives about 43 inches of annual rainfall and boasts 57% sunny days, allowing for an active outdoor lifestyle year-round. Residents appreciate the comfortable climate and seasonal variety.
Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
43°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
69°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Bethesda's residents are highly educated, with over 84% holding a bachelor's degree or higher and a median household income of $178,370. The community enjoys a low poverty rate of just 2.7% and a strong sense of prosperity. Many locals use public transportation, and the average commute is just under 30 minutes.
Median Income:
$77,000
Household Income:
$178,370
Family Income:
$204,500
Per Capita Income:
$105,600
Income Male:
$120,000
Income Female:
$85,500
Poverty Rate:
2.7%
Non English Speakers:
19.5%
Rent:
$2,200
Unemployment Rate:
2.5%
Public Transport Usage:
18.4%
Commute Time:
29.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
98.5%
Bachelors or More:
84.5%
Education
How are the schools in Bethesda, MD?
Bethesda is renowned for its top-rated public and private schools, including Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School and Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart. The city is also close to prominent colleges such as American University and Montgomery College, offering excellent opportunities from K-12 through higher education. Families moving to the area benefit from outstanding educational resources.
Public Schools
Name:
Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School
Street:
4301 East-West Hwy
Phone:
240-740-0400
Students:
2,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.0
Name:
Westland Middle School
Street:
5511 Massachusetts Ave
Phone:
240-740-5850
Students:
1,150
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Private Schools
Name:
Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart
Street:
9101 Rockville Pike
Phone:
301-657-4322
Students:
700
Colleges
Name:
American University
City:
Washington
State:
DC
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
14,300
Name:
Montgomery College – Rockville Campus
City:
Rockville
State:
MD
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
14,500
Healthcare
Bethesda offers excellent healthcare access, including major hospitals like Suburban Hospital and the NIH Clinical Center. With 4.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and a health insurance coverage rate of 97.4%, most residents enjoy high-quality medical care. The area’s healthcare infrastructure supports a healthy and active lifestyle.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Suburban Hospital
Address:
8600 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone:
(301) 896-3100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Address:
9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892
Phone:
(301) 496-2563
Type:
Research & Specialty
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
4.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.4%
Health Care Index:
82.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bethesda, MD?
Bethesda’s housing market is characterized by a high median home price of $1,050,000 and steady appreciation, reflecting strong demand in this desirable suburb. About 65% of homes are owner-occupied, and rental vacancies remain low at just over 4%. The area’s stable market and low foreclosure rate make it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$1,050,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
64.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents of Bethesda are served by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, with the nearest full-service office located in Glen Burnie. The MVA provides comprehensive services for licensing, registration, and title needs. Easy online access and statewide locations make vehicle-related tasks convenient for locals.
State:
Maryland
Department:
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
Address:
6601 Ritchie Highway NE, Glen Burnie, MD 21062
Phone:
1-410-768-7000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.